(Ecofin Agency) - Aminex Plc has announced that it has received formal approval from the Tanzanian Minister of Energy and Minerals to extend the work period of the Nyuni Area PSA for a period of four years. The current work period will now be extended until at least 27th October 2019.

Nyuni covers more than 400,000 acres and is potential host to multi-trillion cubic feet of gas.

According to the company, it has now formally taken the Carol-2 rig after inspection by an independent surveyor and work on the Ntorya-2 well will begin in the next few days, Energy-pedia reports.

Approximately 1.5km from Ntorya-1, the Ntorya-2 well will target 153BCF feet of gas. Aminex, which owns 75% of the Ruvuma acreage, sees the Ntorya-2 as a low-risk appraisal project. The original well completed in 2012, flow tested at 20 Mmcf/d of gas with 139 barrels of gas condensate.

The Ntorya discovery is situated 20 km from the 36” Mtwara to Dar es Salaam gas pipeline which transports gas from various fields, including the Kiliwani North Field where Solo holds a 7.125% interest, to gas markets, north of Tanzania.

Aminex plans to complete Ntorya-2 and 3 quickly, so as to bring one of two into production soon.

Anita Fatunji