Appraisal at Lokichar to boost resources

Contingent oil resources at Kenya’s South Lokichar Basin could be boosted by 600 million barrels with successful appraisal drilling, according to Canadian oil and gas company Africa Oil.

The Ekales-2 appraisal well revealed between 60 and 100 metres of net oil pay. “This was the first test of this exploration target and is very positive for the future upside potential of the South Lokichar Basin above the significant oil resources already discovered,” Africa Oil was reported as saying.

The company is seeking to initiate a multi-field development at the basin together with partner Tullow Oil. Another appraisal well, Ngamia-7, found up to 130 metres of net oil pay, expanding the proven extent of the Ngamia field. Subsequently, the Ngamia-8 probe hit 200 metres of net oil pay.

The partners’ development plan, expected by the end of 2015, will span spanning blocks 10BB and 13T. Both Africa Oil and Tullow Oil have a 50-percent stake in the project. Previous positive appraisals include the Amosing-1 and Amosing-2 wells, which delivered higher-than-expected flow rates on testing, and the Amosing-4 appraisal, which hit 27 metres of net oil pay.