CAMAC negotiates Gambia blocks

Jan. 24, 2012
CAMAC Energy has provisionally been awarded two offshore exploration blocks by the Gambian Ministry of Petroleum.

Offshore staff

HOUSTON – CAMAC Energy has provisionally been awarded two offshore exploration blocks by the Gambian Ministry of Petroleum.

The A2 and A5 concessions are in water depths ranging from of 600-1,000 m (1,968-3,281 ft), and cover a total area of 2,666 sq km (1,029 sq mi). CAMAC will operate both blocks with an 85% interest, with Gambia National Petroleum Co. carried for the remaining 15% through first oil.

CAMAC has submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment report and expects to sign the final petroleum exploration licenses within 90 days.

The blocks are along the West African transform margin which has generated deepwater discoveries off Sierra Leone and Ghana.

In addition, the Jammah-1 well drilled by Chevron in 1979 on what is now the A2 block had gas shows, confirming the presence of hydrocarbons in the area.

Recent 3D seismic acquired by African Petroleum over Gambian blocks A1 and A4, to the west of CAMAC’s concessions, has revealed numerous prospects and leads.

One of these, Alhamdulilah, reportedly has potential resources of around 500 MMbbl.

01/24/2012