Sasol makes gas discovery off Mozambique

Uchenna Izundu
International Editor

LONDON, Nov. 24 -- Sasol Petroleum Sofala has made a natural gas discovery with its Njika-1 exploration well drilled off Mozambique.

Appraisal work and tests are being carried out to determine the commerciality of the well, Sasol said. Njika-1 reached a TD of 1,615 m and was drilled in 460 m of water.

This is the first well in the drilling program on the license for deepwater Block 16/19. A second well in the same license area will be drilled once Njika-1 is completed.

Sasol Petroleum Sofala is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sasol Petroleum International.

Lean Strauss, Sasol Group General Manager, said: "A development in the deep offshore areas of Mozambique will require large investments, and gas finds have to be substantial in order to be economically viable."

Sasol, as the operator, holds a 50% participating share in the license. Petronas holds 35%, while the government of Mozambique represented by its national oil company, Empresa Nacional De Hidrocarbonetos De Mozambique EP, holds the remaining 15% interest.

Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].