26 March 2012, Sweetcrude, MAPUTO – Italian oil giant, Eni, announced, Monday, another new giant find on its Area 4 block off Mozambique, which has expanded the size of gas discovery so far in the concession.
Eni said its Mamba North East 1 drilled probe in the eastern part of the block has increased resources at the find by at least 10 trillion cubic feet after hitting a total of 240 metres of gas pay in multiple high-quality Oligocene and Eocene sands. Of this, 8 Tcf is located exclusively in Area 4.
“This new discovery further improves the potential of the Mamba complex in Area 4 off Mozambique now estimated at at least 40 Tcf of gas in place,” Eni said in a statement.
The latest well was drilled to a total depth of 4560 metres and in a water depth of 1848 metres at a location 50 kilometres off the Capo Delgado coast, about 15 kilometres north-east of the initial Mamba South discovery and south-west of the subsequent Mamba North find.
It proved reservoir continuity and pressure communication with the earlier Mamba South 1 and Mamba North 1 wells, according to the company.
The new find looks set to strengthen the case for a land-based liquefied natural gas development, as well as further fuel prospectivity in the hot East Africa play after recent discoveries in neighbouring Tanzania.
Eni plans to drill at least another four wells in nearby structures this year to assess the upside potential of the Mamba complex.
The company is reported to be seeking farm-in partners for Area 4 to help it bear the hefty costs of development, with BP, Shell and Total said to be among interested players.
The Italian firm holds a 70% interest as operator of Area 4, with partners Galp Energia (10%), Kogas (10%) and state-owned ENH (10%).
