• Successful workover of Unit 1B delivers 66% increase in production rate
• Drilling of first production well (Amistad-2) expected to commence next month
• New proprietary Melbana Reservoir Drilling Fluid (RDF) developed to minimize formation damage

Melbana Energy Limited (ASX: MAY) has provided an operational update regarding Block 9 PSC onshore Cuba, for which it is the operator and holds a 30% interest. The key highlights include:- Successful workover of the Unit 1B in the Alameda-2 appraisal well, which has delivered a significant 66% increase in the production rate from 293 BOPD to 488 BOPD. The workover involved using a service rig to pull the completion, add new perforation intervals, undertake an acid wash and squeeze, and re-run the completion. This has allowed the well to be put on full-time production to continue building inventory for the first shipment.- Preparations are on schedule for the drilling of the Amistad-2 production well, which is expected to commence late next month. The well design incorporates all lessons learned to date to maximize the well's flow potential, with the trajectory selected to intersect the Unit 1B pay interval about 200 metres up-dip of the Alameda-2 well.- Following the observation of formation damage during extended production testing of Alameda-2 and Alameda-3, Melbana has developed a proprietary Melbana Reservoir Drilling Fluid (RDF) - a water-based drilling fluid designed to minimize the risk of formation damage while maintaining the ability to safely and effectively drill the well. This RDF has been validated through extensive fluid and rock compatibility testing.The company's Executive Chairman and Chief Operating Officer have both commented positively on the successful workover and the preparations for the Amistad-2 production well, expressing confidence in the team's ability to maximize production from the Block 9 asset.

Melbana is energized to deliver the Amistad-2 production well using the new, non-damaging Melbana Reservoir Drilling Fluid (RDF) that has been developed. The company is also considering making the remedial acid stimulation a standard part of the completion plan for future wells and is investigating the procurement of a dedicated coiled-tubing unit to support this.