The Brisbane company yesterday said that the twist-off operation (also known as a mechanical back-off) of the drill string close to the drill bit had not succeeded.

“We are currently preparing for a back-off in the open hole with the aid of an explosive charge,” said managing director Bertus de Graaf.

Earlier this month the drill stem became stuck in the Habanero-2 hot rocks well at a depth of 4193m, less than 10m off the bottom, with Geodynamics later obtaining expert advice on the available options, as well as mobilising specialist equipment to the wellsite.