By the OGJ Online Staff
HOUSTON, May 29 -- Oman has awarded two more exploration blocks to Novus Petroleum Ltd., Sydney.
Novus will operate with 100% Blocks 15 and 47, which are 100 km southwest of Muscat. They cover 10,000 sq km and are near the Khatma and Hafar gas-condensate discoveries.
Initial work commitments will include geological mapping and 2D seismic reprocessing and acquisition. Those studies will determine if Novus will drill a well.
As with Novus's other blocks, Novus said the target is the Northern Arabian Peninsula gas-condensate play.
Blocks 15 and 47 straddle the frontal part of the central Oman foldbelt and its transition into the foredeep. The petroleum system in the area is associated with the Middle Cretaceous Natih. Novus said the Shuiba reservoir below Natih has potential.
