Saharawi Republic

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Nov. 14 -- Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (Western Sahara) extended the date of its second licensing round to Mar. 31, 2009.

The republic is offering three onshore and six Atlantic blocks in the underexplored Aaiun and Tindouf basins that total 48 million acres in as much as 3,600 m of water. One Tindouf block appears to have potential for Silurian shale gas.

The round is extended due to the global financial crisis and recent plunge in oil prices.

Eight companies that acquired nine licenses in the first bid round in early 2006 are evaluating prospects.