SOCO International PLC plans to fly aerogravity and aeromagnetic surveys over part of Block V in eastern Congo (former Zaire) in June 2012.
The helicopter surveys will be flown over the Lake Edward portion of the 7,105-sq km block in the southern Albert graben near the borders with Uganda and Rwanda.
The government approved an environmental and social impact study relating to the initial exploration phases. As many as 1 million people live in subsistence conditions in Virunga National Park, a portion of which is contiguous with Block V.
SOCO E&P DRC is operator of Block V with 38.25% interest. Ophir Energy PLC has 46.75%, and Congo’s state Cohydro has 15%.
