Melbana Energy Limited reported that it has begun preparing for the resumption of drilling operations at its Alameda-1 well in its Block 9 area, onshore Cuba. As last reported 1, Melbana elected to shut in the Alameda-1 well at about 1,892 metres. This was due to encountering a high pressure zone some 350 metres shallower than predicted which, when taken with delays to the scheduled supply of mud materials (an important component of the management of these increased pressures), made the shut-in the appropriate and conservative course of action. Sufficient supplies of mud and other materials have now been secured, the first shipment of which will arrive in Cuba this 29 November. Melbana's operations team has used this time to conduct necessary maintenance on the rig and to recondition the in situ mud materials. In addition to the improvements to the rig capabilities that Melbana has already implemented to better manage these drilling conditions, additional managed pressured drilling capabilities will now be added to the rig to reduce response times to any future significant increases in pore pressure.