Nigeria, Angola, Sudan, besides other nations that continue to brag of good oil deposits, are in the lead in Africa in the context of Organization of Petroleum Nations (OPEC) analogical prescription of how the African continent is being mentioned with Asian Gulf nations. The Asian Gulf happens to be the world’s largest deposit of oil with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq and others topping the list. How, geologists are of the strongest conviction that Africa could undermine such record in the next 20 to 30 years. Certainly, Liberia is posing itself to be in the number considering latest discoveries made by one of the few companies doing offshore explorations. The New Republic reports Though the controversy surrounding the handling of Liberia’s newly born oil sector still stiffly foggy, companies licensed by the National Company of Liberia (NOCAL) are not leaving any stone unturned in getting to the bottom of knowing the quality and quantity of oil the country has.
Few weeks after the reported discovery of oil in of the blocks being operated, another discovery has been made this time at BEE Eater-1 Well offshore.
NOCAL in statement released Wednesday said the African Petroleum Corporation Limited (“African Petroleum” or the “Company”) made the new discovery at the Bee Eater– 1 Well in Multiple Zones in Block LB – 09.
The statement quoted officials as indicating that the Bee Eater – 1 Well was drilled 9.5 km west of the original Narina – 1 oil discovery and was targeting the same formations.
It quoted the Company as confirming that it has encountered 48 metres of oil bearing Turonian sandstone, in the same sequence as the discovery in Narina –1.
That could be left with geological experts to explain and put that into context, but the statement said that is far below than expected.
“However, reservoir permeabilities over the hydrocarbon bearing section of the well are lower than anticipated and further investigation is underway,” the statement under the signature of Pierre Raillard of African Petroleum Corporation Limited and Israel Ikensanya of NOCAL said.
In addition to that, the Company also is quoting as confirming that Bee Eater – 1 encountered 14 metres of Albian oil bearing sandstone in the Darter prospect, indicating the potential of the Albian play.
“Whilst these results are encouraging and confirming Company hypothesis, more studies and more exploration drilling will be needed before reserves numbers are confirmed and development planned,” the statement noted.
NOCAL said the Company has also indicated that it is currently sourcing an alternative rig to the Eirik Raude, to continue its exploration activities in Liberia.
