Angola (Cabinda)

Activity status

• In 2005 to 2007 ROC acquired a total of 722km 2D seismic data and 618km2 3D seismic data (573km2 coverage), in three separate surveys. A high resolution aeromagnetic survey was acquired in March 2006, covering the entire Cabinda South Block.
• A seven-well exploration drilling programme was completed from June 2007 to September 2008.
• The first well, Massambala-1, discovered a shallow, heavy oil accumulation.  The discovery was appraised with two wells in September-October 2008.  The first appraisal well confirmed a 9.5m gross heavy oil column and oil-water contact as expected.  The second appraisal well encountered the primary target deep to prediction and below the oil-water contact as determined from the first two wells.
• The fifth well, Coco-1, produced 26oAPI oil and associated gas to surface during open hole drill stem testing of two separate intervals in the pre-salt sequence.   The well was suspended as an oil discovery and was re-entered and tested in late 2009/early 2010.  Results indicate that none of the five zones tested exhibited natural hydrocarbon flow.  The well was suspended for review of results.
• The Castanha-1 exploration well was drilled from 4Q 2009 to 1Q 2010.  The well encountered a gross hydrocarbon column of approximtely 15m in the pre-salt Chela Formation which was production tested.  The test recovered 33o API oil to surface and flowed oil at a maximum rate of 2,275 BOPD through a 5/8" choke.  The potential of the discovery is being evaluated.
• Three appraisal wells were drilled on the Castanha discovery in 4Q 2010, all encountering hydrocarbons in the Chela Formation.  The three appraisal wells were suspended and production testing operations were completed in 1Q 2011.
• In May 2011, ROC sold its remaining 10% interest in the Cabinda Onshore South Block. The sale is subject to relevant government approvals.