Nov 24, 20224 min
Helium One has signed a MoU with Exalo Drilling to supply a drilling rig for Rukwa. This change of drilling contractor follows legal complications that the company believes would have impacted by the timing and availability of the earlier contracted Predator Rig. The new rig will be transported together with the Baker Hughes integrated service package. Use of Exalo for Phase II drilling programme is not expected to increase costs relative to the Predator rig and is due to commence in Q1 2023. Helium One has also received renewal certificates for all licences subject to renewal in September and October 2022.
Press Release:
David Minchin, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
"Helium One have been conducting background due diligence on the Exalo Rig for some time and, as it became apparent that legal issues would delay the mobilisation of the Predator Rig, the Company was able to advance discussions with Exalo and execute an MoU that will enable the Company to secure the Rig for the Rukwa drilling campaign.
"Under the terms of the MoU, the Rig will be mobilised directly from the current operating location to the Company's licence in Rukwa. The Rig will be transported alongside the Baker Hughes integrated service package, which is being used at the same location, thereby avoiding a delay to the start of our drilling campaign.
"As the Rig is currently undertaking drilling operations a lengthy assessment process is not required, allowing the Company to execute final contracts without additional delay. The Rig has a larger 1200HP powertrain which will minimise the risk of downhole and operational issues and ensure that the Company has the best possible chance of identifying an economic helium discovery at Rukwa."
"We look forward to finalising contract negotiations and welcoming Exalo on board as an experienced drilling contractor for our Phase II drilling campaign, targeted to commence in Q1 2023."
Ian Stalker, Non-Executive Chairman, commented:
"Helium One management team have demonstrated a prudent approach to operational planning. It is a testament to the team and their approach that they had contingency measures in place to secure an alternative solution that allows for mobilisation directly from current operations, allowing drilling to proceed on schedule.
"Exploration at Rukwa has demonstrated all the geological qualities of an outstanding primary helium prospect. A successful Phase II drilling campaign at Tai, where numerous mud shows from previous drilling have identified subsurface helium on multiple horizons, will be the key to unlocking an entire helium province that can be a game-changer in new supply for this high-tech, high-value, commodity.
"With the Exalo Rig and Baker Hughes package secured, we look forward to a successful drilling campaign in 2023."
Exalo
Exalo Drilling (ORLEN Group) is a one of Europe's leading onshore drilling contractors with a fleet of 35 drilling rigs allowing for well drilling up to 8000m of depth. Exalo Drilling is a global brand with branches in Pakistan, Tanzania, Kazakhstan, Czech Republic, Chad, and a subsidiary in Ukraine. The company has over 70 years' experience operating in countries throughout Europe, Africa, and Asia and are known internationally for the delivery of high-quality drilling and oilfield services.
The Rig will be released from southern Africa on completion of current operations. Thereafter, and dependent on local ground conditions, the Rig will mobilise directly to operations in Rukwa. The Rig can be broken down into 28 tonne loads for ease of transportation, allowing for year-round transportation in a range of weather and road conditions.
The Rig was Helium One's first choice during research following the 2021 drill campaign but had already been contracted for operations elsewhere. As the Rig is already engaged in drilling activities that exceed the total depth anticipated at Rukwa there is no requirement for an independent rig audit.
The Baker Hughes integrated service package will be transported from the same location and at the same time as the Exalo 202 Rig, meaning that drilling operations will be able to begin as soon as the Rig is in place and accepted as ready to commence.
Drilling will target the Tai prospect where Phase II 2D Seismic provided improved resolution over a robust structural closure at Karoo level, and also identified a newly defined closure in the Lake Beds which was not previously tested. With 2021 drilling providing detailed information on reservoir and seal, and the identification of subsurface helium on multiple horizons which proves a working helium system, the Company is confident that Tai prospect gives the best opportunity to make an economic discovery that unlocks the potential of the Rukwa helium province.
Predator
Following completion of the ADC rig audit on the Epiroc Predator 220 in Kenya the rig owner was able to commence export proceeding to mobilise the Rig out of Kenya. However once export approval through the Kenyan Revenue Authority had commenced, and was proceeding as expected, an unrelated third-party instigated a claim against the owner of the Predator 220 Rig.
As the unforeseen legal dispute has capacity to delay the start of operations at the Rukwa project, the Company has decided to pursue the Exalo rig option. Subsequently an MoU has been signed with Exalo and the Company is engaging in contract negotiations.
Although considerable management time has been spent on evaluating the Predator Rig, the Company are pleased that our parallel workflow investigating the Exalo 202 Rig has allowed us to move from one rig to the other without delaying the programme and without an increase in costs relative to using the Predator rig.
Licence Renewals
Helium One is also pleased to announce that it has received renewal certificates for all licences subject to renewal in September and October 2022. Renewals cover more than 2,500km2 of licences in the Rukwa, Eyasi and Balangida project areas. We are grateful to the Tanzanian Mining Commission for their continued support and diligence in rapidly approving the renewal of these licences.