Zion Oil & Gas, Inc. (OTCQX: ZNOG) announces the spudding of the Megiddo-Jezreel #2 (MJ02) well in Israel.

With unique operating conditions in the Covid 19 environment, our crews have performed an amazing task,” expressed Zion Oil & Gas CEO, Robert Dunn. “We are thankful for the commitment and dedication of our shareholders and contractors. As we move forward with our MJ02 drilling operations, we continue to pray for a safe and productive work environment for our staff/contractors on location.”

ZION SPUDS WELL

Beginning at 08:24 CST (16:24 in Israel), Zion Oil and Gas officially spudded the Megiddo-Jezreel #2 well in Israel, which is an important 2021 milestone toward reaching our goals.

Zion spudding of the MJ02 well in Israel on January 6, 2021

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

“Mobilizing a rig into a new country during a pandemic and rigging up is the most challenging part of the drilling operation,” Zion’s VP of Operations, Monty Kness, stated. “I couldn’t be prouder of the resilience of the crew, who worked tirelessly through the holidays and navigated through constant uncertainty to spud the well. The morale of the crew remains high, and everyone at Zion continues to be thankful for the patience and dedication of our shareholders.” 

The crew previously completed the deep monitoring well on MJ-01 as mandated by the Israeli Water Ministry. During this period, the crew also underwent various inspections from the Israeli ministries. All necessary permits to operate have been granted. 

After completing the deep monitoring well, the crew had to disassemble and move the rig to the new location for the MJ-02 well. The crew worked diligently to rig up a second time and spud the well at 16:24 Israeli time on January 6, 2021.

Despite all the uncertainty and ever-changing regulations and shutdowns, the crew has all equipment and personnel in the country to complete the first two sections of the well. The remaining equipment is scheduled to arrive in port January 8, with the additional cementing, logging tools, and mud chemicals arriving as needed in advance of the final sections.

KeyFacts Energy: Zion Oil & Gas Israel country profile