LAUTEIN, 15 December (TATOLI) — Timor GAP, the state-owned oil and gas company, in partnership with China’s BJP, has completed a seismic data survey in the Pualaka Block, covering areas in the municipalities of Manatuto, Manufahi and Viqueque.
The President of the National Petroleum Authority (ANP), Gualdino da Silva, said the field investigation phase has been concluded and the project has entered the data analysis stage, which is expected to take about eight months before any drilling activity begins.
“The Pualaka Block is currently undergoing seismic data evaluation. After the conclusion of this analysis, a report will be presented to the ANP. According to the contractual plan, drilling of a well is scheduled for next year,” he said on Friday, on the sidelines of the launch of a non-seismic study in Lautein.
Da Silva said all regulatory approvals were granted and relevant documents were submitted to Timor GAP in November, allowing the company to advance to the resource confirmation phase. This stage focuses on estimating potential volumes of petroleum resources and preparing for possible drilling activities.
“Drilling in the Pualaka Block remains, for now, an option to determine the existence of oil or gas. After this phase, a decision will be made regarding the continuation of drilling in Pualaka or elsewhere,” he said.
The seismic project was officially launched in January this year by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in Natarbora, Manatuto municipality. The study covers parts of the southern coast, including Covalima, Manatuto and Viqueque.
The survey was carried out by Timor GAP through its subsidiary, Timor GAP Pualaka Block, under a contract with BJP, one of the world’s largest providers of seismic services. Known as “Café,” the 2D Seismic Acquisition project forms part of the Production Sharing Contract (PSC-TL-OT-21-17), awarded to Timor GAP Pualaka Block Unipessoal as sole operator and signed in December 2021.
The completed seismic survey will be used to estimate hydrocarbon potential by integrating seismic, geological and geophysical data, helping to identify possible accumulations and determine locations for future exploratory wells.
Journalist: Anito Soares
Editor: Florêncio Miranda Ximenes
Translation: Camilio de Sousa
