Tullow issues drilling update

Exploration firm Tullow oil today reported successful drilling in Tanzania but said it would plug and abandon an exploration well there.

The Likonde-1 well in the the Lindi Block in the Rumuva Basin at onshore Tanzania encountered thick sands with signs of hydrocarbons, the company said. The well was drilled to a total depth of 3,647 metres, intersecting two sandstone intervals of over 250 metres combined thickness with evidence of residual oil and gas.

The company said it stopped drilling in the deepest objectives due to high gas influx. The well is the first of a two-well programme in the region. Tullow operates the Lindi and Mtwara blocks in partnership with Aminex.

"Likonde-1 is an encouraging well with follow-up exploration potential. The valuable technical insights gained are now being incorporated into our regional geological model to further evaluate this promising basin in Southern Tanzania," said Tullow's exploration director Angus McCoss.