Key said on Friday the rig was being mobilised to Songo Songo Island via a new causeway now that it had finished plugging and abandoning the failed Kiliwani-1 well.

A drilling pad has already been prepared and relocation and preparation for drilling are expected to take about 12 days.

Kiliwani North-1 will test a both the Songo Songo Gas Field reservoir system and a shallower Tertiary structure.

“A positive result at Kiliwani North-1 will open up a new oil play that has potential impact throughout the Nyuni Block and the surrounding area,” Key said.

Operator of the two-well program is Ndovu Resources, with a 39% stake, while Key holds a 20% stake and Bounty has 6%.