Hardman yesterday said its operating affiliate Hardman Petroleum Africa had achieved the latest flows through a one-inch choke after a shut-in period for pressure build-up.

Last Friday, Hardman said initial testing of the bottom zone had produced flow rates of about 1500 bopd of 33.8 degree API oil through a 36/64-inch choke.

The light oil was waxy, with a low gas-to-oil ratio. Pressure build-up tests indicated good permeability.

Hardman yesterday said the current operation was preparing for testing the two shallower oil-bearing horizons in the well, the first of which would start later this week, before moving to the Mputa location.

“The first flow test of Waraga-1 has exceeded our expectations of well productivity, demonstrating that the reservoir is highly permeable and, despite the waxy nature of the crude oil, that it is highly mobile in a production configuration,” Hardman managing director Simon Potter said.

The basal sand zone tested was oil-bearing in all three of the wells drilled so far and, although it appeared not to be connected between the locations, was really extensive.

“So, this should add up to a significant resource,” Potter added.

He had previously said the oil flows were a first – not only for Uganda but also for East Africa south of the Sudan – and that Hardman’s exploration program in Uganda was at an early stage, with appraisal work of licence, including the highly prospective area under Lake Albert, planned in the next 18 months.

Equities in Block 2 are Hardman, the operator with a 50% stake and Tullow Oil (50%).