Vortex Energy Corp. provides an update on drilling of the second approved core well at its Robinsons River Salt Project, located near Stephenville, Newfoundland & Labrador. The Company commenced drilling on the second core well on January 16, 2024, which was drilled in the western gravity anomaly at the Robinsons River Salt Project.

The well reached a depth of 275 metres without significant issues, with the overlying strata up to this depth comprised of unconsolidated sediments, siltstone, and mudstone. However, the Company was required to halt drilling because of a hydraulic pump failure which necessitated repairs. During the time drilling was halted, the open hole's condition worsened as the soft sediments interacted with water in the hole.

The drilling rods were twisted off while reaming and rehabilitating the unstable formation. Recovery efforts of the rods were unsuccessful. The hole was ultimately abandoned because of the obstruction caused by the broken rods, which rendered further drilling unfeasible.

The hole will be sealed with cement. Vortex is assessing the feasibility of drilling a new hole at the same location.