Wireline logs and pressure measurements confirmed the presence of an oil reservoir in the well, thus extending the working oil system in Mputa and Waraga over a greater area.

Hardman chief executive Simon Potter said the results could potentially add a further 30 million barrels of recoverable oil reserves to the Mputa/Waraga area, which further enhances the potential resource base in the Albertine Basin.

“The fourth discovery in four wells drilled by Hardman in Exploration Area 2 proves that the working oil system extends over a significantly greater area, adding to the resource base established so far this year, and providing encouragement for future exploration of the basin,” Potter said.

Studies are underway into different development options for the existing discoveries, which in conjunction with additional seismic being acquired and future appraisal drilling, will determine the region’s ultimate commerciality.

As Nzizi-1 was drilled in a slimhole configuration, no fluid samples or testing operations have been planned for the well. Consequently, the well will now be plugged and abandoned.

Earlier this week, the joint venture encountered “good” oil shows during drilling over a 180m gross interval, directly above basement, in a similar section to that encountered by the Mputa-1 well, 6km northeast.