• Mobilisation commenced for Amistad-11 well
• Drilling to begin before end of November and complete before year end
• Amistad-11 to twin Alameda-21, up-dip and using latest well design and formation management techniques

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 company has commenced mobilisation for the drilling of the Amistad-11 well, which is planned to twin the successful Alameda-2 production well. Alameda-2 originally produced at more than 1,200 barrels of oil per day, but its production rate dropped to less than 300 BOPD after the well was shut in to drill Alameda-3. A workover program was only partially successful in restoring production. Melbana has now decided to drill a new well, Amistad-11, which will be an up-dip twin of Alameda-2, incorporating the latest well design and formation management techniques developed using previous learnings. Subject to the timing of receipt of final permits and approvals, Amistad-11 is expected to spud before the end of November 2025 and take a few weeks to drill to total depth. Completion and testing operations will follow before the well is put on production.

Melbana is moving quickly to drill the Amistad-11 well, which it believes has a high chance of success based on the positive results from the Alameda-2 well. The new well will incorporate the latest techniques to manage the formation and complete the well, giving the company high confidence that it can be brought online at an improved rate before the end of the year.