Algeria
Sonatrach kicked off a licensing round that covers 6 blocks in 5 basins.
Blocks 406b and 237a are in the Berkine basin; Block 245 (south) is in the Illizi basin; Block 332 is in the Ahnet basin; Block 348 is in the Timimoun basin; and Block 126 is in the Constantine basin.
The round is to close on Feb. 14, 2001.
India
The government plans to offer 25-30 blocks in its upcoming exploration licensing round, including some coalbed methane prospects.
The round, the second under India's New Exploration Licensing Policy, will be launched in December (OGJ Online, Nov. 1, 2000).
Petroleum Minister Ram Naik told the consultative committee of Parliament for his ministry that the round would include both onshore and offshore areas, including deepwater blocks off the east and west coasts.
Namibia
The Ministry of Mines & Energy issued V/O Zarubezhgeologia of Russia a 2-year reconnaissance license on 6 blocks in the Walvis basin.
The Russian firm was to spend almost $3 million surveying blocks 2011, 2012, 2013, 2111, 2112, and 2113.
The ministry and the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources also signed a letter of intent aimed at providing a general framework for ongoing and future cooperative minerals and energy activities.
