Sasol Mozambique PT5-C, Limitada (SMPT5-C) made a natural gas discovery, in sandstone rocks of Lower Grudja Formation age, after executing the Bonito-1 exploration well, in Area PT5-C, located in the southern part of the Inhassoro district, Inhambane Province, Mozambique Basin, whose boundaries cover an area of around 3142 km2, between the Pande and Temane fields.
The well was drilled between March 25 and April 5, 2023 and reached a depth of 1934 m MD, in Lower Cretaceous sediments (G-12 Horizon), and the discovery was confirmed through drilling mud log readings, chromatographic data, electrical diagraphs and modular dynamic tests (MDT).
The Bonito-1 well is the second to be drilled in the PT5-C area, since the first was negative, and falls within the scope of the contractual obligations established in the first exploration sub-period of the Concession Contract for Exploration and Production for the PT5-C Onshore Area, signed in October 2018, under the 5th Hydrocarbon Exploration and Production Concession Tender. SMPT5-C will continue to evaluate the deposit and its commercial viability.
The concessionaires for Area PT5-C are Sasol Mozambique PT5-C LTD, which holds a 70% participating interest, and Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos, E.P (ENH), with 30%.
The reserve is located in the “khometela” region, on the border between the districts of Inhassoro and Mabote. However, studies are still needed to determine the quantity and commercial value.
Mateus Mosse, Director of Corporate Relations at the company, said that if the results of the studies show that it is capable of exploitation, SASOL will extend the period of production and supply of natural resources.
“It will take around three years for studies to be carried out to determine whether the gas discovered is marketable or not. If it is marketable, SASOL will submit a development plan to be approved by the government. If the discovery in the PT-5C field guarantees production, there will probably be more years of production,” he said, quoted by Rádio Moçambique.
On the other hand, he predicted that by 2034 the company will stop exploiting Mozambican gas for South Africa, due to the end of the license granted for this purpose in 2024.
SASOL currently produces 197 Gigajoules of natural gas a year. The largest amount is exported to South Africa.
“What SASOL has to do is ensure that by 2034 it is producing that amount. So it has to drill some holes. According to the studies carried out, if there is a decline, additional boreholes must be drilled to maintain this production,” he explained, noting the need to ensure that commitments are met.
