Range Resources and Africa Oil have kicked off a seismic survey in the Dharoor Valley of Puntland, Somalia.

The shoot will acquire 2,600km of 2D vibroseis data on the Dharoor Block before the partners drill two wells in each of two Puntland blocks.

In the Nogal Basin, Africa Oil has acquired all of the more than 4,000km of good quality 2D data which was recorded in the late 1980s.

The blocks hold “two highly prospective hydrocarbon basins and cover an area of 81,000sq km”, said Range, adding: “The two sedimentary basins were contiguous with the prolific Marib and Masila Basins in Yemen during the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Over 9 Bn boe has been discovered in Yemen but exploration has been limited to date in Somalia.

“Only three wells have been drilled in basinal settings in these concessions before operations ceased in the early 1990s. Those wells confirmed thick sedimentary sequences, encountered oil in Cretaceous sandstones and proved the presence of active petroleum systems in both basins.”
Africa Oil holds an 80% stake in the Nogal and Dharoor blocks, while Range has 20% stakes.