Kinetiko Energy Delivers 370 Mscfd Gas Flow Success at Brakfontein as It Accelerates South Africa’s Micro LNG Pilot Development
Monday, August 18, 2025
at
9:31 am
Kinetiko Energy Ltd’s optimized drilling at its Brakfontein site delivered robust gas flow, achieving a peak of 370 Mscfd. This milestone underpins their strategy to cluster production wells for a pilot micro LNG plant, with further flow testing expected as the rig advances to the next site.
Kinetiko Energy Ltd announced on 18 August 2025 that its production test well 271-KA03PT10 at Brakfontein has been successfully completed using optimised drilling procedures. The company, focused on developing advanced shallow conventional gas projects in South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province, has reported that the choke test on the new production test well achieved a peak gas flow rate of 370 thousand standard cubic feet per day. Geophysical logging confirmed a 144‑meter net pay within a total depth of 417 meters, and the well is now undergoing extended flow rate testing to establish a stabilised production rate. The technical adjustments, which included a reduction in water volume, omission of high‑viscosity foam, and controlled down‑hole pressure adjustments, were implemented following recommendations by experts from Oilfield Technologies Australia.
The successful completion of well 271‑KA03PT10 sets the stage for the development of an initial cluster of producing wells near historic production test sites. This cluster is strategically intended to supply gas to a planned micro LNG pilot plant—a critical move as the country shifts toward modern energy solutions. The rig used for this test is already being mobilised to a nearby location to commence drilling of the next production test well, signaling a continued and active production program designed to rapidly build capacity towards achieving maiden LNG sales.
Technical details accompanying the announcement specify that the well, drilled vertically within the Lower Karoo formation, was evaluated during a 90‑minute choke test using a 24/64-inch choke at a maximum differential pressure of 94 psi. The data being collected, including reservoir pressure and depletion curves, are expected to further inform future drilling strategies and improve overall production efficiency.
The news presents a bullish sentiment for investors. The successful optimised drilling methodology not only confirms the technical viability of the Brakfontein site but also reinforces the company’s strategy to create a sustainable supply of gas for its pilot micro LNG plant. Positive initial gas flows and prompt mobilisation to the next test well suggest that the company is well positioned to capitalise on its 6 trillion cubic feet of contingent resources and deliver on its plans for commercial gas production in a growing energy market.
Conversely, from a bearish perspective, while early-stage production results are promising, the long-term stabilised flow rate remains to be confirmed. The continuation of extended flow testing implies that further data is required to fully assess production consistency and economic viability. Additionally, as with any exploration venture, unforeseen technical or regulatory challenges could impact timelines or production outcomes, emphasising inherent risks typical of the sector.
Overall, the technical advances and immediate production successes highlighted in this announcement underscore Kinetiko Energy Ltd’s potential role in supplying critical energy resources during South Africa’s transitioning energy landscape, while also signalling both significant opportunities and attendant risks for investors.