BP secures Mozambique exploration deal

Oct. 7, 1996
BP's Mozambique study area [16928 bytes] BP Exploration Operating Co. Ltd. has signed an agreement with the government of Mozambique for exploration of an 80,000 sq km tract in the delta area of the Zambeze river. During 6 months of initial surveys covered by the deal, BP plans to study existing geological, geophysical, and geochemical data to see if it can prove the existence of seabed oil seeps. Seismic surveys in the delta's shallow waters during the 1980s proved inconclusive, but
BP Exploration Operating Co. Ltd. has signed an agreement with the government of Mozambique for exploration of an 80,000 sq km tract in the delta area of the Zambeze river.

During 6 months of initial surveys covered by the deal, BP plans to study existing geological, geophysical, and geochemical data to see if it can prove the existence of seabed oil seeps.

Seismic surveys in the delta's shallow waters during the 1980s proved inconclusive, but BP's tract extends to water depths as great as 2,000 m.

During the initial period BP and Mozambique's government will negotiate a production-sharing contract covering half of the exploration deal area.

If early indications are encouraging, BP will acquire seismic data the subsequent 2 years. If this proves positive, 3D seismic surveys and drilling will follow.

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