The Ministry of Petroleum (MoP) of the Republic of South Sudan has launched the country’s first oil licensing round. The MoP has identified new exploration blocks with potential hydrocarbons and has compiled data to provide to interested investors, operators, and counterparties, the agency said in a release June 23.
Some 90% of South Sudan’s oil and gas reserves remain unexplored, according to analysis commissioned by the Ministry.
The available blocks are 4,000-25,000 sq km, most of which are 15,000-20,000 sq km.
Three consortiums currently operate producing blocks in South Sudan. Another four oil exploration companies have acquired production sharing contracts.
Producing blocks:
- Block 3 and 7 – DAR Petroleum Operating Co.: China National Petroleum Corp., Petronas, Nile Petroleum Corp. (8% equity)
- Block 1, 2, 4 – Greater Pioneer Operating Co.: China National Petroleum Corp., Petronas, Nile Petroleum Corp. (5% equity)
- Block 5A – Sudd Petroleum Operating Co.: Petronas, Nile Petroleum Corp. (8% equity)
Awarded exploration blocks:
- Block B3 – Oranto Petroleum, Nile Petroleum Corp. (10% equity)
- Block 5B - Ascom, Nile Petroleum Corp. (10% equity)
- Block B2- Strategic Fuel Fund, Nile Petroleum Corp. (10% equity)
Free blocks:
- Blocks A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6
- Blocks B1, B4
- Blocks C1, C2
- Blocks D1, D2
- Blocks E1, E2
First licensing round:
- Blocks A2, A5, B1, B4, D2
Potential investors can request relevant information from the Ministry of Petroleum until Aug. 23.