At Mputa-1, only a small amount of oil was recovered from an initial speculative test on the fractured granite basement play where hydrocarbons were encountered during drilling, the Perth-based company said, adding that this was most likely due to a restricted and tight fracture system.

The next two principal tests will aim to confirm fluid characteristics and flow potential of oil-bearing sand intervals similar to those successfully tested at Waraga-1 in the last quarter.

Testing of the first of two sand intervals are expected to start towards the end of this week, said Hardman, which has equal partnership rights to Block 2 with Tullow Oil.

Meanwhile in West Africa, Hardman also expects to spud its Flamant-1 exploration well in offshore Mauritania Block 8 at the end of the week using the Atwood Hunter drill rig.

PSC Area A operator Woodside Petroleum released the rig on the weekend, after it plugged and abandoning the nearby Colin-1 wildcat.

The Block 8 joint venture comprises operator Dana Petroleum, with a 41.5% stake, Wintershall (25%), Hardman (18%), Gaz de France (13.5%) and Roc Oil (2%).