• Oil production from Alameda-2 well continues, with over 15,000 barrels in storage
• Amistad-2 production well construction complete, drilling to commence soon
• Preparations for Amistad-3 production well underway

Melbana Energy Limited (ASX: MAY) provides an operational update on its Block 9 PSC onshore Cuba, for which it is the operator and holds a 30% interest. The key highlights include:- Oil production from the Alameda-2 well has been continuously ongoing since mid-April, with more than 15,000 barrels of oil now in storage. The first shipment of this oil is anticipated by the end of June.- Construction of the pad and access roads for the Amistad-2 production well is complete, and all necessary permits have been received. Drilling of Amistad-2, designed to maximise production from the Unit 1B formation, is expected to take less than three weeks.- Preparations for the contingent Amistad-3 production well are also advanced, with the well pad construction underway and drilling permits in the final stages of approval.- A 445 km2 LiDAR survey has been completed to provide accurate surface topography data for seismic acquisition planning and future field development. A 3D seismic survey is also proposed to better understand the subsurface structures in the Block 9 area.- The company has held a series of technical meetings and field trips with its joint venture partners in Cuba to review results and consider drilling plans, with the next joint venture meeting planned for late June.The company states that the current work programs are valuable catalysts to support ongoing, positive negotiations to secure a financing facility for the extensive field development plan, with a final investment decision expected before the end of the year.

The company is focused on continuing oil production from the Alameda-2 well, commencing drilling of the Amistad-2 production well, and preparing for the Amistad-3 well. It is also progressing plans for 3D seismic surveys and engaging with joint venture partners and regulators to support the field development plan, with a final investment decision expected before the end of the year.