Eni finds Rovuma gas giant off northern Mozambique

An Eni group has drilled a giant gas discovery at the first well in Area 4 off northern Mozambique that the company said is the largest operated find in its history.

Eni said the Mamba South-1 discovery well encountered 212 m of continuous gas pay in high-quality Oligocene sands and that the well “can lead to at least 15 tcf of gas in place in the Mamba South area where the potential of the Tertiary play that exists in Area 4 will be further assessed under the present drilling.”

Eni didn’t give the discovery well’s present depth but said drilling will continue to 5,000 m in 1,585 m of water 40 km off Cabo Delgado. After drilling and testing, the rig will move to drill the second commitment well, Mamba North-1.

“The outstanding volume of natural gas discovered will lead to a large scale gas development with a combination of both export to regional and international markets through LNG and supply to the domestic market. This will support the industrial and economic growth of the country,” Eni said.

Eni is operator of Offshore Area 4 with a 70% participating interest. Holding 10% each are Galp Energia, Korea Gas Corp., and Mozambique’s state ENH. The state firm is carried through the exploration phase.