SIMIYU: THE implementation of gas and oil exploration project using 2D seismic data technology in the Eyasi Wembere Basin has reached 20 per cent.
The experts in the field currently work to acquire 914 new data points that will determine the next phase of the operation.
Once the data captured in the form of sound waves from rocks using the Stryde Node receiver system is processed and interpreted, it will pave the way for deciding whether or not to establish an exploratory gas and oil well.
Last week at Bukundi Village, Meatu District, Simiyu Region, a Daily News reporter witnessed a fleet of sophisticated vehicles producing vibrations, with the reflected sound waves from the rocks collected pending analysis and interpretation.
Speaking on the progress, Eyasi Wembere Exploration Project Manager and Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) Geophysicist, Mr Sindi Maduhu, told Daily News that last year, a study covering the entire basin—involving five regions— was conducted to determine the type and depth of the rocks and assess the potential for oil or natural gas.
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The Eyasi Wembere Basin scatters in five regions: Singida, Arusha, Tabora, Shinyanga and Simiyu. Since the data collected was promising, Mr Maduhu explained that the contractorsAfrica Geophysical Services (AGS) and TPDC -decided to narrow the area of focus, allowing experts to collect more detailed information crucial for determining the next steps.
“So, we agreed to continue with the study, and the government, through TPDC, released the necessary funds. This project is fully funded by the government and managed by TPDC,” Mr Maduhu said.
According to the project manager, in this fiscal year, the government, through the corporation, has allocated 43bn/- for data collection, with the current phase expected to last over 18 months. “Currently, data is being collected on Mainland areas, and the next phase will involve parts of Lake Eyasi,” he added.
On his part, Faustine Kayombo, TPDC’s Senior Geophysicist, said that the project, which initially started in the 2015/16 fiscal year, is now at a crucial stage since experts have reduced the area of concentration to pinpoint locations where exploratory oil and gas wells will be drilled.
Mr Kayombo noted that the team now has a clearer understanding of the entire basin, which spans 10,630 square kilometres, thanks to 2D seismic technology, adding that the ongoing task is to gather more detailed data on potential oil and gas reserves.
TPDC’s Geologist, Dr Shaibu Nuru, explained that the Eyasi Wembere Basin, located in the Rift Valley, was strategically selected for exploration after the discovery of oil reserves in regions with similar geological features in neighbouring Kenya and Uganda. Exploration companies discovered oil in Lake Albert, Uganda, and the northwestern Turkana region of Kenya— both in the Rift Valley— prompting Tanzania to pursue exploration in the Eyasi Wembere area, according to Dr Nuru.
AGS’s Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Advisor, Mr Ahmed Al Mahruqi, stated that the contractor is currently using 2D technology for data collection, with the option to switch to 3D technology depending on the client’s requirements.
While the TPDC and contractor explore underground resources, the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA) monitors the ongoing process to ensure the effective execution of the country’s local content policy.
Among other requirements, the policy mandates that license holders, contractors, and subcontractors prioritize goods produced or available in Tanzania, as well as services provided by Tanzanian citizens or local companies.