Aminex Ups Estimate for Tanzania's Ntorya Reserves

UK-listed East Africa gas producer Aminex said April 24 that it considers gas initially in place in the Ntorya appraisal area, southern Tanzania, is 466bn ft³ – three times more than a previous estimate of 153bn ft³ audited by LR Senergy in May 2015.

Aminex did not say the latest figure had been independently audited. Notwithstanding, its share price increased by one-sixth on April 24.

The higher figure is based on two successful gas wells drilled there, including the drilling and testing of the Ntorya-2 appraisal well in early 2017 which encountered a net pay zone of 31 metres and tested gas at an average flow rate of 17mn ft³/d.

Aminex is now evaluating where to drill a third well there and applying for a 25-year development licence and said it is working directly with the Tanzanian government to fast-track gas production. 

Ruvuma PSA onshore southern Tanzania (Map credit: Aminex)

Ntorya is in the Ruvuma onshore production sharing agreement area, of which Aminex is operator with 75% partnered by UK-based Solo Oil 25%.

A Danish firm said 2015 it was evaluating a possible 1.3mn mt/yr fertiliser plant at nearby Lindi, requiring a natural gas feedstock, but little definitive has been said about the project since.

Mark Smedley