The exploration and research of hydrocarbons in Mozambique dates back to the 1900s and as a result of these activities natural gas deposits were discovered in Pande, Buzi and Temane, in 1961, 1962 and 1967 respectively. The first commercial discovery had its beginning in 2004, at Campo de Pande and Temane (P&T), in the Mozambique Sedimentary Basin. Natural gas reserves in the Mozambique Basin are estimated at about 6 trillion cubic feet (Tscf).
In 2010, findings of natural gas were made in the Rovuma sedimentary basin that raised Mozambique to a global reserve scale. It is estimated about 172 trillion cubic feet (Tscf), distributed in several fields, with the fields Coral, Dolphin Tuna and Mamba/Prosperity being highlighted, having initiated in October 2022 the production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the South Coral Camp, in the Area – 4.
Explore Mozambique's geological and geophysical data related to hydrocarbon research and production. Discover the distribution of wells and the extent of seismic campaigns conducted throughout the country. This is a fascinating dip in geological knowledge that drives the energy industry in our nation.
Total of 265 wells have been executed to date in Mozambique. The information regarding the wells, includes polling testimonials, rail samples, electrical and fluid diographies. The wells are categorized as follows:
Well Map
In the context of systematic hydrocarbon research in Mozambique's sedimentary basins, several projects for the acquisition of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) seismic data have been carried out to date in proprietary and multi-client acquisition campaigns, in order to enable the exploration and research of hydrocarbons.
The application of geophysical methods is fundamental for the interpretation and analysis of the subsurface in order to make the recognition of geological and structural features. As a result of the application of this technique, a volume of seismic data that is part of the INP database were acquired in the national territory. These data comprise two types:
See Map: Seismic Map
It comprises all areas subject to concession contracts for the research and production or recognition of hydrocarbons.
Following the 2nd open competition for the granting of areas for the research and production of hydrocarbons, the companies Anadarko Mozambique Area 1 and the National Hydrocarbon Company were awarded Area 1 in offshore environment of the Rovuma Basin. The area is located in the northern part of Cabo Delgado Province, in shallow to very deep waters. The Hydrocarbon Research and Production Areas Grant Agreement (CCPP) was signed on 20 December 2006 and is effective as of 1 February 2007.
Median estimate of 43 tcf (cubic foot trillions) of gas.
4 Transzonal Reservoirs:
Median estimate of 3.4 (cubic foot trillions) Tcf of natural gas.
Median estimate of 8.4 Tcf (cubulated foot trillions) of natural gas
The Paleocene Reservoirs.
Tigris Shark Discovery Area (1254 km2), has 3 reservoirs of the Cretaceous (K1,K2 and K3), the K2 being the best in Orca and Shark-Tigre and has a median estimate of 0.323 Tcf (cubic foot trillions) of natural gas.
The complete technical evaluation of the potential of the Cretaceous in Area 1, between the Areas of Discovery Tubarão Tigre and Orca, determined that it contains small, discontinuous and low quality reservoirs, and this would probably present significant challenges in the supply of trade amounts of gas. Of the three reservoirs of Cretaceous (K1,K2 and K3) evaluated, the best is K2 in Orca and Shark-Tiger that has an average resource of 0.323 Tcf (cubic foot trillions) of natural gas.
This discovery was made in Area 1 by Anadarko in 2013 through borehole Orca-1, whose reservoir is the age of the Middle Paleocene, was subsequently evaluated by the holes Manta-1, Orca-2, Orca-3 and Orca-4.
The discovery is located about 10 km from the coast line, 250 km from the city of Pemba. This reservoir is of Middle Paleocene age and is not shared. The average estimate of resources is about 8.4 Tcf (cubulated foot trillions) of natural gas in situ, according to estimates submitted by Total.
The reservoir in the Orca discovery lies at depths ranging from 4000 to 5000m below the mid sea level, and the water column from about 600m to 1200m. The extension is about 30 km.
This discovery was made by Anadarko in January 2011 through the Jaw-1 hole and evaluated by the Shark-2 hole (negative) in 2013. The discovery is located about 25 km from the coast line, 50 Km of the Northeast of the district of Mocímboa da Praia and 200 Km of the Northeast of Pemba City.
The reservoir is completely in Area 1. The average estimate of resources is about 3.4 tcf (cubic foot trillions) of gas in situ.
The reservoir is at a depth of 3500 to 4000 metres below the average sea level. The water column ranges from 800 to 1200 meters. The extent of the Shark discovery is about 20 km east-oriented.
