Monumental Energy Corp. has started workover operations at the Copper Moki-1 and Copper Moki-2 wells in the Taranaki Basin in New Zealand, the company said May 20.

Monumental said it is performing downhole cleanouts, replacing tubing and rods and perforating the Mt. Messenger formation to restore production from the Mt. Messenger sands and fix flow restrictions identified from previous operations.

Prior to this workover program, the wells’ tubing has never been replaced nor has the sand been cleaned out. The program is an opportunity for Monumental to perforate an unproduced zone, the company said.

Copper Moki-1 is drilled to a depth of 2,220 m with 7 inches of casing set at 2,214 m. Wax and sand buildup and 600 m of parted sucker rods will be removed and new tubing, a tubing anchor and a complete pump string will be installed to optimize production efficiency.

Copper Moki-2 is a 2,084-m well. It will undergo a full tubing replacement and comprehensive well cleanout. A new pump and rod system will also be installed for the newly perforated zone.

"These workovers represent a meaningful step toward monetizing the Taranaki Basin assets,” Max Sali, vice president of corporate development and director, said in the press release. “With infrastructure in place, we are well-positioned to restore production and potentially generate early cash flow to support Monumental’s broader strategic objectives. We are also pleased to have a newly upgraded rig on site, which is now fully operational and will enable the expedited execution of future projects.”

Monumental has previously said it expects the workover wells to be back in production by May 30. Initial production results are anticipated shortly after.

Total spending for the workover program so far remains in budget at US$331,786 (NZD$560,000).