Moçambique assina novos contratos

Declared the bid winner in March 2006, Anadarko has now signed the Exploration and Production Concession Contract for the 10,683 sq km Offshore Area 1 with the Ministry of Mineral Resources. Offered as part of the country's second licensing round, the license is described by Bob Daniels, Anadarko senior vice president of exploration and production as "a ground-floor opportunity to explore the highly prospective Rovuma Basin, where only two wells have ever been drilled." The company holds the view that the basin is similar in nature to the proven world-class petroleum systems of the Niger Delta, Mahakam Delta and the Gulf of Mexico. The award carries a work obligation of an unspecified amount of both 2D and 3D seismic acquisition and the drilling of seven wells during the initial exploration period of five years. It is understood that seismic and well planning is in progress. At about the same time, Eni signed an EPCC for the 17,201 sq km Offshore Area 4 with the Ministry of Mineral Resources and ENH. Eni will operate the block with a 90% interest, ENH holding the balance as a carried partner. This tract, in which water depths range down to 2,000m, is the most northerly deepwater block in Mozambique and is contiguous with the maritime boundary with Tanzania. The award carries a work obligation of 2D and 3D seismic during the four-year initial exploration period. The second period of two years calls for the drilling of two wells while the third period of two years also carries a two-well obligation. (IHS Energy - 08/01/2007)