Corcel plc, London, will acquire seismic data within the KON-16 Block in Kwanza basin, onshore Angola, the company said in a release Nov. 6.
After the approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) by regulators, Corcel, through subsidiary Atlas Petroleum Exploration Worldwide Ltd., let a contract with BGP Geophysical Ltd. LDA and BGP Inc., China National Petroleum Corp. for services related to an upcoming 2D seismic acquisition program within the block.
BGP will acquire a 326-line km of 2D seismic data over the block which will increase seismic coverage by 227% over the existing 143-km 2D data. Seismic processing is scheduled to occur during first-quarter 2026 with initial results expected to follow in second- to third-quarter 2026.
Because the scope of the environmental license covers both seismic acquisition and drilling, the company now has all the environmental permits required to complete both seismic acquisition and exploration drilling activities within the block, the company said.
The 2D seismic data will allow Corcel to plan an exploration well. Current 2D line spacing averages about14 km in the areas of interest, and while this is sufficient to identify prospectivity, the closer 2D line spacing from the upcoming seismic program will aid in identifying drilling locations.
"Receiving approval to conduct both seismic acquisition and exploration drilling activities within the KON-16 block is a major milestone for Corcel, setting us on the path to drilling a high-impact exploration well," said Richard Lane, Corcel chief operating officer. Lane continued, noting the seismic acquisition contract marks Corcel's "first significant operational activity as operator of the KON-16 block."
Corcel is operator of KON-16 with 71.5% net interest.
