Chariot Limited, the Africa focused transitional energy group, has announced the results from the drilling of the RZK-1 well on the Gaufrette prospect, the first of a two well drilling campaign, in the Loukos Onshore licence onshore Morocco (Chariot, Operator 75%, ONHYM, 25%).

The RZK-1 well was safely and efficiently drilled, on time and on budget, to a final measured depth of 961m through the Gaufrette Main target which was found on prognosis and this followed by  comprehensive evaluation of the well data, including wireline logs, cuttings and gas data, preliminary interpretation confirms thick intervals of good quality reservoir exceeding pre-drill expectations, with multiple gas shows of various intensity. However, these reservoirs are largely interpreted to be water-bearing and therefore are sub-economic.

Further post-drill analysis will be conducted, alongside interpretation of the newly reprocessed 3D seismic data, to understand the results of the well and implications for future exploration in the Gaufrette area, including potential deeper objectives. The well will now be plugged and abandoned and the rig will then move to the second location of the campaign to drill the OBA-1 well at the Dartois prospect in the coming days, which is targeting a different independent prospect. An update will follow confirming commencement of these operations. 

"Whilst the results of the Gaufrette well did not deliver a material gas accumulation, the presence of strong gas shows and excellent reservoir development is encouraging for future exploration in this area. We are looking forward to now drilling the Dartois well targeting a different reservoir system and trapping style to the Gaufrette prospect, with success potentially unlocking combined Best Estimate recoverable prospective resources of 20 Bcf on trend," Duncan Wallace, Technical Director of Chariot commented