Ongoing exploration in Tanzania’s Eyasi-Wembere Basin has revealed strong indications of potential petroleum reserves, according to the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Dr. James Mataragio.
During an inspection visit to the project site in Karatu District, Arusha Region, Dr. Mataragio disclosed that research which began in 2015 has involved the systematic collection and analysis of geological data pointing to the presence of oil-bearing rock formations. After detailed analysis, officials are now confident that there are rock layers within this basin capable of storing oil.
The preliminary data collection phase, which involved aerial surveys and shallow drilling, cost approximately 8 billion shillings. The first phase of seismic data acquisition, covering 260 kilometers, cost around 10 billion shillings. The second phase of the survey, which covers 914 kilometers, is estimated to cost 43 billion shillings, with 430 kilometers equivalent to 47 percent already completed.
Dr. Mataragio emphasized that if exploration confirms commercial quantities of oil, it will reduce Tanzania’s dependency on imported petroleum products and help conserve foreign exchange currently used to purchase fuel abroad. Nearly 90 percent of the personnel engaged in the exploration activities have been Tanzanians, underscoring the government’s commitment to local participation in the energy sector.
The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation and contractor AGS Company have been directed to complete the work before April next year and continue operations even during the rainy season.
Source: thebizlens.co.tz