The company said it was still waiting for equipment to be shipped from Singapore before it commenced the lengthy process of transporting all drilling-associated equipment to the site via helicopter.

"There are approximately 100 loads and the helicopter can transport seven to 10 loads a day. The company estimates two weeks until the entire rig is on site."

Cheetah said Simmons Drilling had been appointed as drilling contractor and would be using a newly-leased Challenger model drill rig. Haliburton Overseas has also been engaged to assist in supplying major equipment including perforating, logging, production-testing equipment as well as a number of staff.

"Re-completion of the well will involve re-entering the 7-inch casing, drilling out the existing cement plugs and running an ultrasonic imaging logging tool to evaluate the integrity of the casing and the condition of the cement bonding," the company said.

Last month, Cheetah announced it had raised $US5 million ($A6.8 million) to help fund exploration work within its PNG landholding, including financing the Kuru-2 re-entry drilling program.