Invictus Energy Limited has awarded a key drilling and well services contract to SLB, formerly Schlumberger, for its upcoming high-impact Musuma-1 exploration well in the Cabora Bassa Basin in Zimbabwe. The award keeps the project on schedule for drilling to commence in November 2026. The contract covers the provision of specialized drilling services, technology, and operational resources required for the Musuma-1 campaign, and planning for equipment preparation, logistics, and mobilisation is now underway.
Invictus Managing Director Scott Macmillan described the agreement as a critical milestone in operational readiness. He said securing SLB completes another important component of the Musuma-1 campaign and significantly advances preparations ahead of drilling. According to Macmillan, SLB brings world-class technical expertise, equipment and operational capability, as well as valuable continuity from the successful Mukuyu-2 drilling campaign.
Field preparation is accelerating across multiple workstreams. Construction of the Musuma-1 wellpad, access roads, and associated civil infrastructure is currently underway. These works follow customary cultural ceremonies conducted last week with local traditional leaders, underscoring the Company’s commitment to community engagement. At the same time, Exalo S.A. has commenced its planned maintenance, inspection and readiness program for Rig 202 to ensure the rig is fully prepared ahead of mobilisation. Once maintenance is complete, Rig 202 will be moved to the wellsite for commissioning and acceptance prior to drilling. SLB well services equipment is also entering its preparation and mobilisation phase.
In the lead-up to November, Invictus will continue with the completion of the Musuma-1 wellpad and supporting civil works, the finalisation of Rig 202’s maintenance and readiness program, and the preparation and mobilisation of SLB’s well services equipment. This will be followed by the mobilisation of drilling materials, tubulars and wellhead equipment, the mobilisation of Rig 202 to site, and final rig-up, commissioning and pre-spud activities.
Musuma-1 will test a material independent exploration target within the Eastern Margin play of the Cabora Bassa Basin. The well is a key part of Invictus’ ongoing exploration program across its 360,000-hectare portfolio in Special Grant 4571 and EPOs 1848/49, which also hosts the Mukuyu Gas Field and multiple Basin Margin prospects.
The appointment of SLB is an important addition to the company’s operational preparations. The international oilfield services provider’s involvement also gives the campaign access to technical capabilities and equipment that supported Invictus during its earlier Mukuyu-2 drilling program, providing a degree of operational continuity as the company moves towards Musuma-1.
The coming weeks will focus on completing the wellpad and supporting infrastructure, finalising the rig maintenance program and preparing the specialist equipment required for the campaign. Drilling materials, tubulars and wellhead equipment will subsequently be transported to the site, followed by the mobilisation and installation of Rig 202. Final commissioning, rig-up and other pre-drilling activities are expected to precede the planned November spud.
With civil works, rig preparations and specialist service mobilisation advancing simultaneously, Invictus is now moving closer to the operational phase of the Musuma-1 campaign. The company’s immediate objective is to complete the remaining site and equipment preparations in time to maintain the November drilling schedule.
