Anadarko Mozambique gas find marks new complex

June 11, 2012
A partnership led by Anadarko Petroleum Corp. said it made a discovery offshore Mozambique that establishes a second major natural gas complex in Offshore Area 1 in the Rovuma basin.

A partnership led by Anadarko Petroleum Corp. said it made a discovery offshore Mozambique that establishes a second major natural gas complex in Offshore Area 1 in the Rovuma basin.

The Atum discovery well cut more than 300 net ft of natural gas pay in two high-quality Oligocene fan systems. Preliminary data indicate it is connected to the partnership’s recent Golfinho discovery 10 miles northwest (OGJ Online, May 15, 2012).

Anadarko estimated that the new complex, which lies wholly in Offshore Area 1, contains 10 to 30+ tcf of recoverable gas. The partnership will immediately begin a four-well appraisal program in the new complex, which has the potential to underpin a large LNG development.

The Atum exploratory well was drilled to a total depth of 12,665 feet in 3,285 ft of water (see map, OGJ, Apr. 2, 2012, p. 72). Once Atum operations are complete, the partnership plans will start appraisal and later will conduct a drillstem test program in the Golfinho and Atum complex.

Al Walker, Anadarko president and chief executive officer, said, “With this latest discovery at Atum and a successful upcoming appraisal program, we believe the total estimated recoverable natural gas resource in Mozambique’s Offshore Area 1 is between 30 and 60 tcf, and the current upside for total gas in place for the discovered reservoirs on the block is approaching 100 tcf. We still have additional exploration opportunities that could expand the resource potential further.

“A recoverable resource base of this scale supports our initial two-train development plans, as well as significant future expansions. Our current activity is focused on achieving reserve certification and a final investment decision in 2013, as the partnership works toward expected first sales of LNG in 2018.”

Anadarko is operator of Offshore Area 1 with a 36.5% working interest. Mitsui E&P Mozambique Area 1 Ltd. has 20%, BPRL Ventures Mozambique BV 10%, Videocon Mozambique Rovuma 1 Ltd. 10%, and Cove Energy Mozambique Rovuma Offshore Ltd. 8.5%. Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos ep’s 15% interest is carried through the exploration phase.