Block Nyuni area operator Aminex has said it plans a new
3D seismic programme to be prepared based on the licence area post
relinquishment. According to the operator the company expects to re-tender
based on the new programme in order to select a 3D seismic contractor capable
of acquiring high quality 3D seismic over the key Pande West lead.
The 3D seismic over Pande West analogous to some of the
recent major deep-water discoveries in the vicinity is hoped to identify other
potential prospects in the deep water with a view to bringing them to
drill-ready status.
Aminex is quick to however state it is unlikely to be in
a position to drill an expensive deep water well in the Nyuni Area without
introducing a larger company as a farm-in partner. There is however a
possibility of drilling wells on the continental shelf that are more economical.
“As part of continuing work over its near-shore interests
under the Kiliwani North Development Licence and the Nyuni Area PSA, Aminex is
conducting a review of existing data to identify drillable prospects which
could be tied back to the National Gas Gathering System on Songo Songo Island”.
The Company is now seeking clarification from the TPDC on
the start date for the current licence extension period a four-year extension
period which it says should start in December 2016. The First Extension Period
on the block was granted in December 2016 backdated to October 2015.
Under the terms of the Nyuni Area PSA, after the grant of
a development plan the TPDC may elect to contribute 20% of costs, excluding
exploration costs, in order to obtain a participating interest of 20% in
production and revenues.
The 840km2 Nyuni Area PSA is located in the offshore
regions surrounding the Kiliwani North Development Licence. The block lies
updip from the large Chewa and Pweza deep water discoveries. There are two main
clastic plays across this area, the Neocomian sandstone analogous to the Songo
Songo and Kiliwani North field, and the deeper water fan plays deposited
throughout the Cretaceous and Tertiary. The water depth in the licence ranges
from 10-700m.
Aminex operates with a 93.3333% working interest through
its wholly owned subsidiary Ndovu Resources Limited.
Source: oilnewskenya