Ophir Announces Successful Tanzania Gas Field Appraisal

Ophir Energy has announced the successful results of its appraisal program on the Mzia field, Block 1, Tanzania, and the commencement of its Block 1 flow testing programme. Ophir holds 40% of Blocks 1, 3 and 4; the BG Group operates with 60%.

The Mzia-2 appraisal well encountered 62m of net gas pay in Cretaceous reservoirs and established pressure communication between the Mzia-2 and Mzia-1 gas columns. This result confirms a vertical gas column of at least 200m for the Mzia field.

The Joint Venture is now commencing flow testing in Block 1. This will be the first drill stem test in the Tanzania deep-water offshore area. The Deep Sea Metro drillship (DSM) is now on location at the Jodari field to test Oligocene-aged reservoirs, with the testing programme expected to be completed by the end of February.

In addition, the Joint Venture is undertaking a 2,500 sq km 3D seismic survey in the inboard area of Block 1 to investigate additional resource potential and mature further drilling targets. The acquisition of the inboard 3D survey is expected to be completed in late March.