Aminex has announced the commencement of drilling on the Ntorya-2 appraisal well in the Ruvuma Basin in Tanzania, Ecofin Agency informed. Initial results from the well are expected by early 2017.

The well is being drilled to an estimated total depth of 2,860 meters and is targeting the same channel complex as Ntorya-1, but further updip of the reservoir, reported For Traders. The well location is a 1,500-meter step-out from the Ntorya-1 discovery, which flow-tested gas at 20mcf/Day, with 139 barrels of associated condensate, from a 3.5-meter sand interval.

Aminex’s CEO, Jay Bhattacherjee, said: “Aminex is one of the few oil and gas companies actively drilling in East Africa and this a very exciting time for the Company.”

Aminex owns a 75% operating interest in the well while Solo Oil holds a 25% non-operating interest.

Solo Oil’s Chairman, Neil Ritson, commented: “We are delighted to have confirmation of the start of drilling at the Ntorya-2 appraisal well in the Ruvuma Basin. This low risk step-out from the discovery well is anticipated to provide significant encouragement for the development of the field and the results are eagerly awaited.”