The CSM partners said this flow rate would continue rising as the fluid level, which on Friday was 93 metres above the bottom seam, was further reduced.

Last week, AJ Lucas as operator successfully drilled and cemented the first four wells at the Stratford pilot.

Operations on the final well in the program, Stratford-9, remain suspended until the new year, as a result of the ongoing wet weather, which has impacted site access.

These wells were all subject to multistage fracture stimulation across several zones, to maximise production from different coals and depths, Molopo said.

“Each of the wells has a number of coals that have not been completed, but which could be completed at a later time to add additional production,” it said.

“In the first part of the new year, these wells will be cleaned out, and once pumps are installed, the wells will be put onto production test.”

Results from an independent reserves certification report for the project are expected in the new year.

Molopo holds a 30% stake in the permit, while AJ Lucas subsidiary Lucas Energy is operator and has the remaining 70%.