In a significant boost for energy exploration, TGS, a leading provider of seismic and geological survey services, has announced a major expansion of its offshore seismic data collection in Mauritania. The company has added over 101,500 kilometers of broadband three-dimensional seismic data to its existing archive, which already includes more than 19,000 kilometers of processed data using PSDM technology. This expansion is expected to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the subsurface resources in the region.
The initial analyses of the new data are revealing promising signs of advanced Cenozoic systems and movements related to late Tertiary erosion. These findings could lead to new insights into the hydrocarbon potential of Mauritania, a country that has been increasingly recognized for its untapped resources.
Mohamed Ould Khald, the Mauritanian Minister of Petroleum and Minerals, expressed optimism regarding the new data, stating, "With the expansion of our offshore library with new three-dimensional seismic data, Mauritania is opening the door to a new era of energy exploration. Our rich and unexplored basin, along with a stable investment climate, makes Mauritania one of the most attractive frontiers in oil and gas." This sentiment underscores the government's commitment to enhancing the energy sector and attracting foreign investment.
David Hajovsky, the Executive Vice President of TGS for Multi-Client Operations, highlighted the critical role of the new data in shaping future exploration efforts. He emphasized that by reevaluating historical exploration results—both successes and failures—exploration teams can better mitigate risks in upcoming projects and make well-informed investment decisions.
Meanwhile, in Egypt, Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly has announced that the government is actively launching new incentive areas for oil and gas exploration. These areas are being divided into blocks, enabling companies to sign contracts with the state to conduct research on the potential volumes of gas or oil available.
During a press conference following a weekly government meeting, Madbouly reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing exploration efforts. He stated, "The state continues to launch new areas of concession, allowing companies to sign contracts for conducting research on gas or oil volumes in these regions." This initiative is part of Egypt's broader strategy to increase local production of gas and oil while ensuring energy self-sufficiency.
The Prime Minister noted that companies engaged in exploration are currently conducting preliminary studies to assess the potential presence of oil or gas reserves in the targeted areas. He assured that these companies are not competing against Egypt; rather, their activities are part of a collaborative approach to boost exploration across various regions.
Madbouly cited the successful discovery of the Zohr gas field as a prime example of the potential that exists within Egypt's exploration efforts. He recalled how an initial study in the area suggested a lack of resources, yet the Italian company Eni later discovered one of the largest gas fields in Egypt. "This story reflects the importance of ongoing research and detailed studies in accurately determining the region's potential," he remarked.
As the Egyptian government pushes for increased exploration and excavation operations, the outlook for further discoveries appears promising. Madbouly emphasized that these steps are essential to enhancing Egypt's energy sector and meeting the local market's needs, as well as improving the country's competitiveness on a global scale.
Both Mauritania and Egypt are strategically positioning themselves as emerging players in the energy sector, driven by a commitment to exploration and resource management. With TGS's new seismic data and Egypt's renewed exploration initiatives, both countries are poised to unlock significant potential in their respective hydrocarbon industries.
As these developments unfold, stakeholders in the oil and gas sectors are keenly watching to see how these initiatives will translate into tangible results, potentially leading to substantial economic growth and increased energy security in both nations.
