The Atum exploration well has hit 92 metres (300 feet) of natural gas pay in two Oligocene fan systems.

 Anadarko states that preliminary data from the new find  indicates it is connected to the recent Golfinho discovery approximately 10 miles (16.5 kilometres) north-west in Offshore Area 1.

 “We estimate this new complex, which is located entirely within the Offshore Area 1 block, holds 10 to 30-plus trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of incremental recoverable natural gas resources,” declared Anadarko international exploration chief Bob Daniels. “We plan to immediately commence a four-well appraisal program of this complex, which has the potential to underpin a large LNG development.”

 Anadarko's president and chief executive Al Walker says Atum pushes up the total estimated reserves in the region. He says: “With this latest discovery at Atum and a successful upcoming appraisal program [me], we believe the total estimated recoverable natural gas resource in Mozambique's Offshore Area 1 is between 30 and 60 Tcf, and the current upside for total gas in place for the discovered reservoirs on the block is approaching 100 Tcf.”

 Currently the partners in Offshore Area 1 – which is operated by Anadarko with 36.5% - are working on certifying reserves prior to a targeted final investment decision on development in 2013, and first LNG sales from the area are aimed for by 2018.

 Atum was drilled to a total depth of approximately 3,860 meters (12,665 feet), in a water depth of approximately 1,000 metres (3,285 ft). After completing at Atum, partner plans to start appraisal work followed by a drill stem tests on the Golfinho and Atum complex.

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source: offshore.no