Zion Oil & Gas resumes MJ-01 well testing and recompletion, onshore Israel

Zion Oil & Gas announced a significant operational milestone as work resumes on the recompletion of the Megiddo-Jezreel 1 (MJ-01) well in Israel. This marks a crucial phase in Zion’s ongoing efforts to unlock Israel’s onshore energy potential.

Zion’s rig crew arrived in Israel on February 15, 2025, and has commenced critical maintenance and preparatory work. The rig, which was safely “warm stacked” in September, is undergoing necessary maintenance procedures, including fluid changes, lubrication and greasing, and mechanical, electrical, and safety audits to ensure peak functionality.

Following maintenance, the team will begin drilling out the temporary plug at approximately 1,100 meters. This phase is expected to take 2-3 weeks, paving the way for the subsequent well recompletion and testing operations. Once the plug is removed, Zion will proceed with setting a permanent plug at the deeper part of the well to isolate the targeted zones of interest for testing.

Zion Oil & Gas has successfully navigated complex logistical challenges to ensure the timely delivery of essential equipment. Resources are currently enroute from across the globe, including India, Romania, Germany, the Netherlands, the UAE, the United States, and Tanzania.

“As we move forward with this phase of operations, we are witnessing God’s provision in extraordinary ways,” said Monty Kness, VP of Operations. “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.”

“Our focus remains on safety, precision, and execution,” added Zion CEO Rob Dunn. “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.”

With all necessary equipment expected to be on-site by mid-March, barring unforeseen circumstances Zion anticipates its well completion and testing operations should be nearing completion in Q2 2025. The team remains confident in its planned operations and will continue to provide updates as milestones are achieved.