"BP and Eni have struck a deal to take an operating stake in a highly prospective exploration licence in Namibia's Orange basin close to Galp Energia's huge Mopane discovery and next door to acreage where Shell has made five discoveries. This move means that ExxonMobil is now the only supermajor absent from this exploration party that is happening in the prolific southern African hydrocarbon play.
Azule Energy, the 50:50 joint venture between BP and Eni which brings together their Angolan assets, has struck an agreement with privately owned Rhino Resources to enter Petroleum Exploration Licence 85 which covers Block 2914A. Once completed, the deal will see Azule take a 42.5% interest in the asset where the first of two high-impact exploration wells is set to spud this November. The transaction marks Azule’s first international deal. Azule chief executive Ardriano Mongini said: “Our entry into Namibia represents a significant milestone for Azule. This venture aligns with (our) visions of becoming a regional leader in energy exploration.”
Travis Smithard, Rhino’s chief executive added that the deal — the terms of which were not revealed — “sets the foundations for a new strategic partnership” between the two companies. He said the partnership aims to “accelerate exploration on the block, with the goal of developing the hydrocarbon potential in the shortest time frame possible”. Rhino currently holds an 85% stake in PEL 85 which will halve on completion of the farm-out deal. State-owned Namcor will retain a 10% interest, with local company Korres Investments on 5%.
The African Energy Chamber (AEC) — an energy advocacy group based in Johannesburg — said the deal gives Azule the option of becoming operator of PEL 85. NJ Ayuk, AEC’s executive chairman, said: ”This farm-in further confirms Namibia as one of the world’s most prospective, under-explored hot spots, with billions of barrels of oil yet to be found. “We still believe that there will be many more similar farm-in deals by companies holding exploration assets in this emerging country,” he added."
PCL Price at posting:
2.3¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
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