Invictus Energy Ltd has moved into the field execution phase for its next high-impact exploration well, with multiple contracts awarded and mobilisation activities underway ahead of the planned drilling of the Musuma-1 exploration well in the Cabora Bassa Basin, Zimbabwe.
Announced 7 July 2026, the Company confirmed that contracts for wellpad construction and associated civil works have been awarded. The scope covers critical infrastructure required to support drilling operations, including upgrades to access roads for rig transport and ongoing operations, and the establishment of water supply infrastructure. Site works are being scheduled to ensure the Musuma-1 wellpad is ready to receive Rig 202 in line with the Company’s procurement and drilling schedule.
Progress on long-lead equipment is also advancing. Invictus has completed the evaluation of suppliers for key items required for the well and is preparing to award contracts for the remaining equipment, including wellheads and tubulars. With these awards imminent, all major long-lead procurement for Musuma-1 will be in place.
On the rig front, Exalo Drilling S.A., the contractor for Rig 202, is mobilising a team to Zimbabwe this week to commence in-country setup and critical maintenance activities. The work is being undertaken in coordination with Invictus’ in-country team ahead of the planned rig move to the Musuma-1 wellpad and the formal rig acceptance process.
Tender evaluation for well services is well advanced, with award of the remaining packages targeted in the coming weeks. This will complete the suite of contracts required to support the drilling campaign. In parallel, Invictus has finalised a logistics and mobilisation plan to coordinate the movement of equipment, materials and personnel from neighbouring countries into the field. Selection of logistics providers is being finalised, with contract award expected following the award of drilling and well services contracts.
Commenting on the progress, Managing Director Scott Macmillan said the contract awards represent an important step toward drilling readiness. “Awarding wellpad construction, civils, road upgrade, water supply, long-lead equipment and logistics contracts allows us to move into the field execution phase and ensure the necessary infrastructure, equipment and mobilisation planning are in place ahead of drilling,” he said. “Securing the remaining long-lead items is a key procurement milestone and supports our drilling readiness for the planned H2 2026 campaign.”
Macmillan also noted that the evaluation of well services provision is progressing and that Exalo’s mobilisation this week puts Rig 202 on track for its planned move to site. Traditional and cultural ceremonies will be held at the Musuma-1 wellsite ahead of wellpad construction.
Musuma-1 will be the first high-impact exploration well drilled by Invictus outside the Mukuyu gas-condensate discovery area. It targets a new play type in the eastern portion of the Company’s 360,000-hectare acreage within Special Grants 4571 and Exclusive Prospecting Orders 1848/49.
The well is targeting an estimated gross mean unrisked prospective resource of 1.2 Tcf of gas and 73 million barrels of condensate. It was identified from the CB23 seismic survey and represents one of the most significant undrilled conventional exploration opportunities in the Cabora Bassa Basin. Success at Musuma-1 would be crucial to understanding the resource potential in the eastern part of Invictus’ dominant licence position and could unlock a substantial new resource base.
Invictus remains on track to spud Musuma-1 in H2 2026. The Company, headquartered in Perth with offices in Harare, continues to advance the Cabora Bassa Project following its significant gas discovery at the Mukuyu field — one of the last untested large frontier rift basins in onshore Africa.
