Petroleum Africa
Find us on: 
Friday, May 17, 2013
NuEnergy Gas launched its airborne geophysical survey in Malawi. The survey is being conducted over exclusive prospecting license EPL 0360/2012 in the Chikhwawa District in southern Malawi.
EPL 0360/2012 covers 346 sq km and the company is trying to establish the EPL’s potential for shale gas and CBM. This is the first unconventional gas exploration to take place in Malawi.
The airborne geophysical survey will be conducted by New Resolution Geophysics using highly specialized equipment to measure the natural magnetic field, indicating the depth and structure of the sediments in the Mwanza river basin.
The survey is expected to take 12 days, flying 6,000, one-kilometer lines spaced 250 meters apart. All survey data will be verified on a daily basis by independent geophysicists from JMJ Petroleum to ensure quality control. Once basin characteristics have been determined and evaluated, NuEnergy will identify high potential drilling locations for shale gas and potentially CBM.
NuEnergy said that given the significance of the development, a ribbon cutting event was held in Malawi on May 13. This event was attended by a number of dignitaries from the government including the country’s VP, Khumbo Kachali and Minister for Mines John Banda.
Nu Energy’s chairman Graeme Robertson commented on the commencement of the program: “We are delighted to commence the airborne geophysical survey in Malawi over the potentially significant Karoo shale formation contained within our license area. This program is a significant development for both Malawi and NuEnergy and it has been exciting for us to mark the occasion with a ribbon cutting event, attended by distinguished guests such as the Right Honorable Vice President and the Honorable Minster for Mines.
“Malawi is an under-explored emerging country rapidly gaining acceptance through its Government reforms and with major World Bank and IMF support. The country possesses significant unsupplied demand from its transport and power sectors and we remain very optimistic about the development potential of EPL 0360/2012.”
NuEnergy’s CEO Christopher Newport added: “The airborne geophysical survey is the first step in the commencement of unconventional gas exploration in Malawi and is expected to confirm the potential of this resource as well as identify high potential targets for exploratory drilling. NuEnergy is delighted to be working closely with the Government of Malawi with a view to achieving the goals of becoming the first unconventional gas producer in the country and delivering lower cost, cleaner and more reliable energy alternatives to the transport, industrial and commercial sectors.”
" alt="First LNG Realized at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim Project">
" alt="United Energy Acquires Western Desert Producer APEX">
" alt="Baker Hughes Announces Major Gas Technology Orders for Venture Global LNG">
" alt="ReconAfrica: Naingopo Results Demonstrate a Working Petroleum System">
" alt="Tullow Highlights 2025 Operational Plans in Ghana">
" alt="TotalEnergies to Supply 1.5 TWh to STMicroelectronics in France Over 15 years">
" alt="Rockhopper Reaches Final Settlement with United on Egypt’s Abu Sennan Concession">
" alt="Oil & Gas Crucial for African Growth: AEC Calls for Industry Support to Defend African Market">
