Aminex Finds Gas at Tanzania Ntorya-2

London and Dublin listed explorer Aminex said its Ntorya-2 appraisal well onshore southern Tanzania at 2,596 metres encountered a 51-metre thick gas-bearing reservoir interval. Preliminary analysis indicates a potential net pay of between 25 and 30 metres.

CEO Jay Bhattacherjee said: "We are delighted with the progress of the Ntorya-2 appraisal well, which is ahead of our expectations.” The company will now deepen the well to some 2,780 metres, from its existing 2,750 metres depth. It also noted “traces of oil in the gross reservoir interval.”

Aminex CEO Jay Bhattacherjee (Photo credit: Aminex)

The well was spudded on Mtwara licence (Aminex as operator 75%, UK Solo Oil 25%) on December 21, 2016 in the onshore Ruvuma basin, following the earlier Ntorya-1 discovery which had a net pay of 3.5 metres and flow-tested at 20mn ft3/d with 139 b/d of associated condensate.  The Ntorya field is 40km from the Madimba gas process plant, on Tanzania’s existing gas pipeline grid.

Depending on the results of the well test, the company intends to apply for a 25-year development licence over the Ntorya Appraisal Area.  

Aminex and Solo Oil's share prices were both about 12% higher on the day. 

Aminex as operator, with Solo and other partners, have been producing gas further north in Tanzania from the Kiliwani North field since April 2016.

Mark Smedley