Waraga-1, which was recently drilled to a total depth of 2010m, has recovered light oil samples of about 40 degree API gravity from a 32m gross interval.

While no oil-water contact was observed, pressure data from the oil interval and deeper water bearing sands suggests a minimum 45m oil column for this reservoir interval.

Wireline logs and drilling shows have also indicated a deeper, separate zone of interest, which contains thinner sands from about 1780m to 1930m. Recovered oil samples at 1893m have been pressure tested, with results expected in the next few days, Hardman said.

Chief executive and managing director Simon Potter described this development, in addition to the earlier Mputa-1 discovery, as a “great success” for the company.

“That the oil appears to be of good quality is encouraging and hence we are casing both wells [Mputa and Waraga] ahead of a testing program,” Potter said.

“Indeed, given this most recent success at Waraga, we are actively planning the future appraisal and commercialisation program to fully evaluate the potential of the region.”

Waraga-1 is 19km north-east of the recently drilled Mputa-1 oil discovery well and 41km south-west of the 1938 Butiaba Waki-1 well.

On January 20, Hardman reported that the Mputa-1 well was being suspended, even though its commerciality was still in question.

This will allow re-entry at a later date to potentially test and flow individual zones, obtain better fluid property information, and/or use the well in any future appraisal or development operations.