Zambezi Delta seismic study launched
Work to collect 3D seismic data in the Zambezi Delta, in central Mozambique, will start in mid-October, under an agreement between the National Petroleum Institute (INP) and the French Compagnie Generale de Geophysique (CGG).
The two sides formally launched the seismic study at a ceremony in Maputo on Thursday. It will cover an area of 40,000 square kilometres, and CGG has already mobilised a ship which is expected to start registering the seismic data in the next few days.
The data will allow greater knowledge of the hydrocarbon potential of the Zambezi Delta, providing oil and gas companies with the information they need to pursue their activities.
This work arises from the second public tender for the acquisition of geophysical and geological data, launched by the INP in 2016. It will provide the INP with a better geological view of the region which will be used in future licensing of oil and gas operators. It will also guarantee the transfer of technical knowledge to the INP and other Mozambican institutions.
The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Leticia Klemens, told the ceremony that the acquisition of seismic data reflects the government’s commitment to promote geological knowledge of the country, in order to allow better management and use of mineral resources and to attract investment to the sector.
“We believe that the inclusion of the national business class in the value chain of the exploration of mineral resources is fundamental or the development of our economy”, she added.
She mentioned that Mozambique has known reserves estimated at 200 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in the Rovuma Basin, off the coast of the northern province of Cabo Delgado. These discoveries are attracting foreign investment to explore in other parts of the country. The hydrocarbon potential of the Zambezi Delta is so far largely unknown.
“In order to define the general lines of development of the extractive industries, a mineral resources policy and strategy have been established, which include the objectives of improving knowledge of the petroleum potential of Mozambique’s sedimentary basins and promoting the participation of the national private sector”, said Klemens.