Aminex PLC plans to move ahead on its Ruvuma block onshore southern Tanzania near the Mozambican border. The company reported a loss of $3.78 million for 2015 but noted, “2016 will be the year when Aminex begins to reap rewards from a decade of exploration and development in Tanzania.”
In 2012, the Ntorya-1 well flowed at a maximum rate of 20.1 MMscfd of gas and 139 b/d of 48° gravity condensate (OGJ Online, June 28, 2012). At the time, the company cited a strong commercial potential for the discovery but has been slow to develop the region.
Aminex completed a new seismic program in the vicinity of its Ntorya-1 discovery in 2015, the design of which is being used to identify the channel fairway associated with the Teritary and Cretaceous reservoirs test in the Ntorya-1.
The company is obligated to drill a minimum of four exploration wells by yearend. Ntorya-2 will spud this summer to appraise Ntorya-1, with Ntorya-3 following to test the main channel system.
Earlier this month Aminex subsidiary Ndovu Resources Ltd. started gas production from its Kiliwani North field on Songo Songo Island, 15 km off mainland Tanzania (OGJ Online, Apr. 7, 2016). Once commercial rates have been established, the field is expected to produce at a rate of 25-30 MMcfd. The company will sell gas directly at the wellhead for a price of $3.07/Mcf.
The regional gas pipeline, under construction through 2015, was developed by Tanzania Petroleum Development Corp. Aminex noted the pipeline increases commercial potential for further discoveries in its Ruvuma basin acreage.
Aminex is Ruvuma block operator with 75% interest, and Solo Oil PLC has 25%.
