Georgina Energy (GEX) has outlined a proposed 8–10-week timeline for mobilising the Ensign 970 drilling rig to its Hussar project in Western Australia, subject to the reopening of roads currently closed to heavy vehicles.
The helium, hydrogen and natural gas exploration and development company is working with Ensign Energy Services on a mobilisation plan following delays caused by adverse weather and road closures. All civil engineering and site preparation works required for drilling have been completed, with contractors and their equipment now demobilised.
The proposed mobilisation programme involves 4–5 weeks of rig reactivation work at its current Waylering location, alongside the concurrent mobilisation of the drilling camp from Port Augusta in South Australia. Transporting the rig to Hussar is expected to take a further three weeks, followed by 1–2 weeks for rig assembly and preparation ahead of drilling.
The overall 8–10-week timeline would commence following formal notification from Georgina's operating partner, Westmarket Oil & Gas (WMOG), to Ensign to begin mobilisation activities.
However, the extended period of rig inactivity and revised transport arrangements are expected to result in additional costs, which will be allocated between Ensign and WMOG. These include rig reactivation expenses, additional transport equipment requirements, longer transport routes and higher fuel prices.
Meanwhile, Georgina's engineering consultants, Aztech and Ingenua, are assessing alternative access routes to Hussar. One option under review involves travelling via Leonora along the Great Central Road, David Carnegie Highway and Eagle Highway.
Georgina's Chief Executive Officer Anthony Hamilton said: “The Company is working with Ensign to facilitate mobilisation as quickly as possible and we anticipate that road closures due to unseasonal weather conditions will be overcome with careful planning and drilling Hussar for its Helium and Hydrogen potential into a full field development remains our priority target. We look forward to making further announcements in due course”.
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The proposed mobilisation schedule provides greater clarity on the steps required to advance drilling at Hussar, with all site preparation works already completed. However, securing suitable road access remains the key factor determining when the drilling programme can commence.