Melbana Energy Limited (ASX: MAY) (Melbana or Company), a 30% interest holder in and
Operator of Block 9 PSC onshore Cuba, is pleased to provide this operational update for
Alameda-3.
The Company confirms that flow testing has now commenced for the Alameda reservoir, over
a perforated interval of 3272-3450mMD.
The commencement of flow testing at Alameda follows a recent flow test on the Marti reservoir,
which was penetrated in the Alameda-3 well over the interval 3642-3880mMD (see ASX
Announcement 17 June 2024).
With the commencement of its next testing program, Melbana’s objective is to determine oil
quality and flow rates for the Alameda reservoir and gain a broader understanding of the
geological formations at depth.
The Alameda reservoir will be tested as a single zone with perforations covering the lower
section which is interpreted to contain the highest porosity and productivity interval as indicated
by wireline logs. The testing zone is above to the Marti reservoir, separated by seal rocks.
Flow testing is planned to take up to 5 days; further updates will be provided as the testing
proceeds.
A contributing factor to the lower-than-expected performance of the Marti reservoir could be
attributable to emulsions formed between oil and drilling mud in the lower portion of the test
string.
Those concerns have been incorporated into the design of the Alameda reservoir flow testing
program to monitor for anomalies, gain further insights into flow rates optimisation and improve
results.
Flow testing for the Marti reservoir continued to show the presence of oil at significant depths
in the structure, with samples sent to the lab for ongoing analysis and determination of a
forward plan.
Preliminary lab analysis indicates that the Marti oil sample was 18.9°API with 2.3% sulphur,
confirming the thesis of lighter oil at depth in the structure.