Afren, the energy firm focused on Africa and the Middle East, reported that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Afren East African Exploration (EAX), has begun a major 3D seismic programme in the Seychelles, the first 3D survey to be conducted in the country.
Under the programme, two surveys will be carried out on the group's licence areas, which are located in shallow to deep water in the Northern half of the Seychelles Plateau.
The first of the surveys will cover 600km in the southern region of the licence, while the second will be in the northern section and will cover an area of 2,750 km.
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It is estimated that together they gross unrisked prospective resoures for the two areas total 2,800m barrels of oil equivalent.
EAX operates the blocks with a 75% interest and is partnered with Avana Petroleum which holds a 25% interest.
Galib Virani, Director of Afren EAX, said: "The commencement of this 3D seismic programme on Area A is not only a first for the Seychelles but is also a major step toward proving the commercial viability of the country's considerable oil and gas resource potential.
"We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership with the government and people of Seychelles as we work to expand the data that has been collected to date. The 3D programme is an important component to reducing the risk and maximising the chances of exploration drilling success and forms an exciting part of Afren EAX's broader high impact exploration programme across the East Africa region."
The share price dipped 0.76% to 130.40p in early trading.
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