Shell Exploration & Production Mauritania will begin exploration as operator with 90% interest of two blocks offshore Mauritania following government approval of production-sharing contracts signed with that country’s government, marking the company’s entry into the West African Atlantic Margin.
Blocks C-10 and C-19, which cover a total of nearly 23,675 sq km, lie in 20-2,000 m of water offshore Mauritania. The new Block C-10 consists of three previous blocks: C-10, C-28, and C-29.
Shell will set up an office in Nouakchott and begin exploration, starting with reprocessing and analysis of existing seismic data and acquisition of new data.
Societe Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures et de Patrimoine Minier holds 10% interest in the work program.
Additionally, Shell and the government of Mauritania have agreed to jointly evaluate further opportunities, including a back in right with Chariot Oil & Gas Investments (Mauritania) Ltd. for a working interest of 10-20% in the C-19 block at a future date, subject to government approval.
