Ethiopian Review

Different oil companies engaged in oil and gas exploration in different parts of Ethiopia are planning to conduct seismic survey and drill exploration wells.

A nine-month performance report of the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) for the current fiscal year indicated that the Malaysian oil and gas company, Petronas, was preparing to drill two exploration wells in Genale block in the Ogaden basin. The report said the samples collected from the two exploration wells drilled in Gambella were analyzed and the results were evaluated by the ministry’s professionals.

Pexco, White Nile, Lundin, South West Energy, and Afar Explorations are due to start seismic in their respective concession areas. Pexco, a company based in Malaysia, has already conducted airborne magnetic and gravity survey in the Ogaden basin and is to launch a seismic survey. The results of the magnetic and gravity survey were evaluated by the ministry. The British oil company, White Nile, has been undertaking various geophysical studies in the Omo Valley. On its part, South West Ethiopia is preparing to launch a seismic survey.

Lundin East Africa AB has conducted airborne geophysics survey in blocks 2 and 6 in the Ogaden basin. The data collected from the two blocks was evaluated by experts of the MME. Lundin has identified areas where it will conduct the seismic survey. South West Energy, a company licensed in Hong Kong, will resume its seismic survey in the Ogaden basin which it suspended because of security reasons two years ago. South West plans to undertake a seismic survey stretching 13,200 km in block 9.

Afar Explorations, the American company engaged in oil exploration work in the Afar Regional state, has also identified the areas where it will conduct seismic survey. Afar Explorations plans to conduct the survey on an area 150 km long

By Kaleyesus Bekele | (Reporter)