2. Central Tano Block
Contract Parties
AMNI International (Operator), GNPC.
Effective Date/Initial Exploration Period
Effective Date: March 21, 2014
Initial Exploration Period (3 years+2 years extension): March 21, 2014 – March 20, 2020
Minimum Exploration Program (Initial Phase)
- License 3D seismic data over Contract Area (about 277.9sqkm);
-
Drill two (2) Exploration Wells
Minimum Expenditure
$150,000,000
Observations as of 2022
Delays in drilling Kusia-1X due to partner acquisition challenges; rescheduled for Q2 2023 pending rig availability; preparations ongoing by Amni.
The contractor did not fulfil the minimum work obligation even after extension to accommodate the ITLOS injunction. The Ministry has not provided update as to why the contractor still holds the block.
The Contractor got approval from the PC to use the Ensco DS7 drillship to drill the Kusia-1 exploration well in April-May 2020. Drilling deferred due to the CODVID-19 pandemic. Drilling of Kusia-1 well rescheduled to Q4 2020/Q1 2021.
AMNI planned its drilling program for Q2 of 2020 but rescheduled to Q4 of 2020 and beyond. The Minister of Energy granted AMNI a restitution time of eight (8) months compensate for the time lost due to the pandemic.
In 2021, the contractor resumed plans towards its obligatory drilling well, Kusia-1X in Q2 2022, with well planning and drilling related procurements.
After completing the interpretation of the 1,600 km² Tano Deep 3D data set, together with some 450 km² of 3D PSDM reprocessed seismic data, the contractors have failed to drill its obligatory exploration well, Kusia-1X after a consistent postponement of the drilling campaign. This comes on the back of several failed attempts to secure a farm-in partner to take up to 40% equity in the Block by funding at least one of the two obligation wells, with a negotiated contribution to past costs.
From the 2022 Annual Report of PIAC, Amni, after initially planning to drill its obligatory exploration well in Q4 2022, has rescheduled to Q2 2023. The IOC submitted its 2022 Annual Work Program and Budget, which indicated that the drilling of Kusia-1X will be subject to the availability of a suitable drilling rig. Amni is currently procuring goods and services for well planning and drilling.