Luanda - National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG), ExxonMobil Angola and Block 15 partners announced Monday a new oil discovery in the Bavuca Sul-1 exploration well, located 365 kilometers northwest of Luanda.
The well, which is part of the Block 15 redevelopment project, was drilled through a water depth of 1,100 meters (3,608 feet) by the Valaris DS-9 drillship.
It was found 30 meters (98 feet) deep, containing hydrocarbons.
A press note reached ANGOP states that ExxonMobil, as operator of the Block, is implementing new technologies and a multi-annual drilling programme that foresees to produce around 40,000 barrels of oil per day.
The process will contribute to offset the natural declines in production.
In a previous action, 17 discoveries were made in Block 15, including Hungo, Kissanje, Marimba and Dikanza in 1998, Chocalho and Xikomba in 1999.
Discoveries were also made in Mondo, Saxie Batuque in 2000, Mbulumbumba, Vicango and Mavacola in 2001, Reco-Reco in 2002 and Clochas, Kakocha, Tchihumba and Bavuca in 2003.
“Angola continue to have oil potential. ANPG and its partners will continue to do their best to ensure production and profit in the sector for the country's development”, ANPG CEO Paulino Jerónimo said at the time of discovery.
In turn, ExxonMobil chairman Liam Mallon said that the firm is improving this resource and creating value for the Angolan people and the Government as well as partners and shareholders.
In Angola, since 2016, ExxonMobil has already reduced greenhouse gas emissions by up to 74%.
Esso Exploration Angola (Block 15) Limited, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil, is the operator of Block 15, with a 36% stake.
BP Exploration (Angola) Limited holds 24%, ENI Angola Exploration B.V. 18%, Equinor Angola Block 15 A.S, 12% and Sonangol P&P 10%.
