Transitional energy company Chariot has initiated drilling operations for the RZK-1 well, marking its first exploration well of 2024. Situated within Morocco’s onshore Loukos license, the Gaufrette prospect serves as the focal point for this drilling campaign. The primary objective of the drilling endeavor is to tap into an estimated 10 billion cubic feet (bcf) of natural gas resources. However, Chariot’s strategy includes plans to deepen the well in order to access potentially larger reserves.
Exploration firm Rhino Resources has awarded a contract to energy services company Halliburton for its deep-water multi-well construction project offshore Namibia, announced during the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2024. Halliburton will provide solutions for the construction of exploration and appraisal wells in Block 2914A starting from Q4 – 2024. Additionally, Rhino Resources will utilize Halliburton’s well and prospect testing services as part of the contract. According to Travis Smithard, CEO of Rhino Resources, the
Canadian oil and gas company ReconAfrica will start drilling its first exploration well, Naingopo, in the Damara Fold Belt region of northeast Namibia in June 2024. Utilizing the Jarvie-1 rig, the project will target an estimated 163 million barrels of unrisked prospective oil resources or 843 billion cubic feet of unrisked prospective natural gas resources. The drilling will span approximately 90 days, reaching depths of around 12,500 feet or 3,800 meters, the company’s exploration update indicates. Brian Reinsborough, President
Gold exploration in Angola has seen significant progress, occupying 4.9 percent of the national territory and generating over $10 million in revenue from 2021 to 2023, according to data from the Department of Standardization and Good Practices of the Regulation and Markets Directorate of the National Mineral Resources Agency. Jornal de Economia & Finances reported that 38 mining titles have been issued for gold prospecting in provinces including Huambo, Huíla, and Cabinda, with 11 mining
Aim-listed gold producer Shanta Gold has announced promising findings in its latest exploration update for the West Kenya project, covering the fourth quarter of last year and the first quarter of this year. CEO Eric Zurrin highlighted the progress, stating, “At Ramula, the reported assays provide valuable insights for converting inferred resources to indicated category resources. Meanwhile, encouraging results from our early-mid-stage targets at both Miruka and Anomaly 22 affirm the presence of economic range
Ivory Coast’s Oil Minister recently announced a significant milestone in the country’s offshore exploration efforts—a production-sharing agreement with ExxonMobil for two ultra-deepwater blocks in the Gulf of Guinea. The agreement encompasses Ivory Coast’s CI-602 and CI-603 blocks, spanning 3,874 and 5,543 square kilometers, respectively, and featuring depths ranging from 3,000 to 4,000 meters. Oil and Energy Minister Adama Toungara highlighted that each block has a maximum exploration period of nine years, with a potential contract
In a significant announcement, José Manuel Augusto Ganga Júnior, President of the Board of Directors of the National Diamond Company (ENDIAMA), unveiled plans for a groundbreaking feasibility study aimed at tapping into Angola’s untapped oceanic resources, including diamonds and other valuable minerals. The revelation came during a high-profile event in Luanda, underscoring Angola’s commitment to diversifying its mining sector and harnessing its rich natural resources. Addressing reporters at the “Albina Assis” auditorium of the Ministry
The government of Mozambique has awarded the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) five oil and gas research and development concession contracts. The contracts were awarded as part of the country’s sixth licencing round, initiated by the Mineral Resources and Energy Ministry. Filimão Suaze, the government spokesman, emphasised that this decision aligns with Mozambique’s mineral resources policy and aims to attract more investments into the oil sector. The Council of Ministers approved the concession contracts
Zambia has launched a national geological mapping program to better understand its mineral resource deposits and untapped potential. Spearheaded by the government, the survey aims to promote mineral exploration in the country by quantifying resources and supporting strategic investments, with a view to capitalizing on the growing global demand for critical minerals. Speaking at a mining conference in Cape Town on Monday, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema stated that “by 2040, an additional nine million tons
Debswana Diamond Company, the mining joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Botswana and De Beers Group, last week announced that its Board has approved the commencement of the Jwaneng Underground Project’s crucial phase, which is the Exploration Access Development. The Jwaneng Underground Project is implemented in four phases; being, Early Works (which started in 2022); Exploration Access Development, Phase 1 Mining and Phase 2 Mining. The Board’s approval for the second phase
