American exploration company Zion Oil & Gas has announced the resumption of work on the Megiddo-Jezreel (MJ-01) well recompletion project in Israel.

The rig crew arrived earlier this month and has begun essential maintenance and preparatory tasks.

Zion said the rig was maintained in a 'warm stacked' condition since September and is now undergoing maintenance.

The procedures include fluid changes, lubrication, greasing, and comprehensive mechanical, electrical, and safety audits to ensure the equipment is in optimal condition.

Following the maintenance period, the team will start drilling out the temporary plug situated at roughly 1,100m.

This operation is anticipated to last two to three weeks and will set the stage for the well recompletion and testing phases.

Zion plans to install a permanent plug in the deeper sections of the well to isolate the zones intended for testing.

The company said it has overcome logistical challenges to guarantee the prompt arrival of vital equipment from various countries such as India, Romania, Germany, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, the US, and Tanzania.

Zion Oil & Gas operations VP Monty Kness said: “The ability to coordinate a project of this scale, with equipment and expertise sourced from multiple continents, is a testament to both our team's determination and the global support behind our mission.”

The MJ-01 well was initially drilled in 2018.

In December 2023, Zion received formal approval from the Israeli Ministry of Energy for its detailed plan to reenter, conduct production tests, and recomplete the well.

Zion Oil & Gas CEO Rob Dunn added: “Our focus remains on safety, precision, and execution. With boots on the ground and critical equipment in motion, we are committed to seeing this project through knowing God has directed our steps forward.”

The necessary equipment is expected to be on-site by mid-March 2025, allowing Zion to anticipate well completion and testing operations nearing completion in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025.