The hot rocks hopeful says the rig is due to arrive in Brisbane in late June and be delivered to the Habanero-3 wellsite in South Australia’s Cooper Basin around 10 days later.

As a result, the company expects to spud Habanero-3 well in the second half of July.

The $32 million unit will be the most powerful onshore rig in Australia, capable of drilling to depths of around 6000m.

Geodynamics managing director Adrian Williams told PetroleumNews.net previously that the Lightning Rig’s advanced control system would enable precision drilling and an efficient and safe operation.

“This rig will set a new benchmark for drilling in Australia,” he said.

“A unique modular design allows the rig to be moved from one well to another within three days instead of the usual weeks, using around 30 trucks instead of the normal 70.”

Once drilling at Habanero is complete, Geodynamics would consider hiring the rig out to other hot rocks players or to conventional petroleum explorers.

“This is going to be the only rig in Australia that can drill to those depths,” Williams said.