Overview
The Marovoay Block lies in the coastal area of north-west Madagascar covering an area in excess of 12,000km2
An agreement with Wilton Petroleum Limited (Wilton) was entered into on 13 July 2010 to acquire an 80% interest and Operatorship of a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) over an area designated as the Marovoay Block 2102 onshore Madagascar.
The Marovoay Block lies in the coastal area of north-west Madagascar covering an area in excess of 12,000km2. The PSC was awarded to Wilton following a competitive licensing round in 2006.
Wilton has undertaken an initial prospectivity assessment of the block that included reprocessing of legacy seismic data, extensive field studies and sample analysis. A revised geological model has been developed which has potentially significant implications for the prospectivity of the basin. Ophir proposes to test these geological concepts by acquiring c 3,600km2 of high resolution gravity gradiometry and aeromagnetic data, through a contract with UK potential field specialists ARKeX Ltd.
Under the terms of the farm in agreement, Ophir will fund 100% of the cost of acquiring these new data and will reimburse certain back-costs. In the event that Ophir elects to drill, Wilton will be carried through the drilling of the first two exploration wells subject to a financial cap on the extent of the carry
Exploration
The sedimentary sequence comprises an eastern Permo-Triassic failed rift Karroo infill and a western Jurassic-Cretaceous passive margin section, as shown in the cross-section below. The wide variety of structural styles, the influence of halokinesis, the presence of organic rich shales and hydrocarbons in wells and at outcrop, together with potential reservoirs at the Permo-Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous levels make Block 2102 an attractive block for exploration. However, it is likely that further work could reduce the uncertainty with respect to the likely environment of deposition and quality of the postulated reservoir. A 3,600km2 high resolution gradiometry survey is aimed at reducing some of the identified risk and enhancing the excellent work completed to date.
Licence Details
| Licence Name | Morovoay 2102 |
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| Basin | Majunga Basin |
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| Gross Area | 12,290km2 |
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| Depths | Onshore |
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| Licencee: |
Interest: |
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| Ophir (Operator) | 80% |
| Wilton Petroleum (JV Party) | 20% |
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