Petroleum Africa
Find us on: 
Friday, March 1, 2024
Aminex reports that the interpretation of the recently acquired 338 sq km 3D seismic dataset over the Ruvuma PSA has improved the in-place volumetrics for the Ntorya gas discovery and revealed a significantly higher resource potential in the wider license area than previously identified on the existing sparse 2D database.
The interpretation of the 3D seismic has been completed by the Ruvuma PSA operator, ARA Petroleum Tanzania (APT). Seismic inversion geomodelling, undertaken in collaboration with Ikon Geoscience, has defined a high confidence area with a revised in-place volumetric estimate for the Ntorya gas discovery. A most-likely (approximating to P50) estimate of 3.45 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of Gas Initially In Place (GIIP) is now believed to be potentially connected to the reservoir sandstones encountered in the Ntorya-1 (NT-1) and Ntorya-2 (NT-2) discovery wells. This revised Ntorya volume represents a substantial increase to the published P50 GIIP of 1.64 Tcf estimated by RPS Energy (RPS) in their February 2018 Competent Person’s Report (CPR).
RPS has been engaged to undertake a revision of their 2018 CPR to support the initial Field Development Plan. The study is likely to focus on a much narrower area of the reservoir, surrounding the two existing wells and CH-1 location that will be targeted for initial production, with the aim of defining preliminary 1P and 2P reserve estimates. These reserve estimates are expected to increase substantially as phased development and project maturation progresses in light of the results of the newly reported APT interpretation studies.
The 3D dataset has also revealed, for the first time, considerable undrilled exploration potential within the broader license area. Multiple undrilled structural and stratigraphic plays spanning a range of geological intervals are estimated by APT to contain a total Pmean unrisked GIIP potential of 8.43 Tcf (excluding Ntorya). These new plays and prospectivity currently identified to date contain a risked Pmean GIIP exploration potential of ca 2.2 Tcf. Ongoing work, including advanced seismic imaging and reinterpretation of existing wells, is being undertaken to reduce geological uncertainty and mature the new exploration portfolio. The new volumetric studies result in a total updated unrisked GIIP volume for the Mtwara License of 16.38 Tcf.
Charles Santos, Executive Chairman of Aminex commented: “Completion of the 3D seismic data interpretation is another important milestone for the Ntorya gas field development, and I am delighted that the results are so positive. The quality of the new 3D seismic dataset was excellent giving the JV partners the ability to map in detail the Ntorya gas discovery, refine volumetric estimates and provide the basis to locate future appraisal and development drilling targets.
“We are particularly excited by the significant potential gas volumes now identified in other untested structures within the license area. To place these volumes in context, the Ntorya accumulation is potentially the largest onshore gas discovery in East Africa and, with the sizeable new exploration targets, should be much less expensive to exploit than offshore resources. Further announcements can be expected detailing a future program of drilling and an associated schedule to commercialize these exciting new opportunities and add further value for all stakeholders.”
For the full release with additional data and planned future activity on the license, see the Aminex release here.
" alt="TAG Oil Completes Fraccing Program at Egypt’s T100 Well in Western Desert">
" alt="Sintana to Expand Asset Base in Namibia with Acquisition">
" alt="Luanda Gives Afentra Nod for Azule Acquisition">
" alt="TotalEnergies Increases Stake in ROC’s Giant Moho Field and Sells Mature Assets">
" alt="Africa’s $824 Billion Debt Burden and Opaque Resource-Backed Loans Hinder its Potential">
" alt="African Refiners Ponder Threats to Energy Security for Africa as Transition Takes Center Stage">
" alt="Invictus Inks Gas Sales MOU to Deliver Power to Eureka Gold Mine">
" alt="Globeleq Acquires the 25 MWp Winnergy Solar PV Plant in Egypt">
