WorldWide Drilling Resource

39 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® DECEMBER 2013 Geothermal Drilling Program Commences in Zambia Adapted from Information by Kalahari GeoEnergy Zambian-based Kalahari GeoEnergy, a geothermal exploration company, announced it has begun drilling the sec- ond well in its exploration drilling pro- gramnear Lochinvar in theMonze District, Southern Province, Zambia. The Lochinvar target is located in the Kafue Trough, a sedimentary basin with what the company has identified as a number of potential geothermal targets. The company has been exploring the area since 2011, including conducting hydrochemistry with ground magnetic, resistivity (magnetotelluric), and Bouguer gravity geophysics surveys. The data has been used to create a conceptual model. Based on the results of the survey and the conceptual model, the company commenced with a shallow, slim well drilling program, to: . Validate geophysics interpretation and refine the conceptual model. . Measure temperature gradient. . Obtain geological data. . Collect subsurface hydrochem- istry samples. Peter Vivian-Neal, company CEO said, “The initial results conform to the conceptual model and are encouraging; a full analysis and interpretation will be undertaken following completion of the drill program.” Zambia is home to several geolog- ical structures associated with the East African Rift System. Past exploration proj- ects identified a number of potential targets. In the 1980s, a Zambian-Italian joint venture actually built a geothermal pilot plant on the Lake Tanganyika Rift structure. Currently, the country receives more than 99% of its installed electricity capac- ity from hydro power plants; however, they are suffering a critical power deficit. The country’s recent increase in min- ing activities is just one of the driving forces in the search for a new power source. In fact, the country does not have enough electricity capacity to meet the demands of its increased agricultural, industrial, or mining sectors, let alone the domestic growth and rural electrification programs. Overall, domestic access to power in the country is less than 20%. If geothermal energy proves to be a viable way to solve Zambia’s power deficit, it will increase the country’s overall capac- ity, reduce supply constraints, and help improve the economy. %( %+ % " % ) %& &#%' $ ! " #% !#% " #%! ' #" #% ) & ' (& #" " ! " %#(" * ' % #! Thank you to our valued advertisers, associations, and subscribers for making 2013 a great year! We look forward to serving you in 2014. ~The WWDR Team