Kosmos Energy makes play-opening gas find

Dallas-based independent Kosmos Energy has made what it described as a significant, play-opening gas discovery at the wildcat Tortue-1 well in block C-8, offshore Mauritania, western North Africa.

The company is planning an appraisal programme and further exploration wells at prospects in close proximity to the find at the Tortue West prospect. Kosmos Energy struck a 107-metre hydrocarbons column at the well, which was drilled to a total depth of 4,630 metres by the drillship Atwood Achiever.

A single gas pool was met in the primary Lower Cenomanian objective, with a total of 88 metres net pay found in a 160-metre hydrocarbons bearing interval. The company, which has a 90-percent interest in the prospect, also intersected the secondary Upper Cenomanian target, with a gross 150-metre column revealing 19 metres of net pay.

State-owned Societe Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures et de Patrimoine Minier holds a 10-percent share in the asset. Super-major Chevron has a 30-percent interest in blocks C-8, 12 and 13, and has an option to take a 30-percent stake in Tortue West.