Project Profile
Value: Undisclosed
Location: 350 km offshore from Mumbai, Mumbai basin, India
Reserves: Unknown
Water Depth: 2,900- 3,200 metres
Area: 7,963 sq km
BG and BHP Billiton have signed a contract with the government to explore a deepwater block in the Mumbai basin, which was won by their consortium in the ninth auction round, September 2012. BG India holds 50% interest in the block and is the operator, while BHP Billiton holds the remaining 50% as well. The block MB-DWN- 2010/1 is located about 350 km offshore from Mumbai at 2,900- 3,200 metres of water depth covering an area of 7,963 sq km. The government had invited bids for 34 blocks in the ninth round of New Exploration Licensing Policy (Nelp-IX) on October 15, 2010. It received bids for 33 blocks on March 28, 2011. The cabinet approved award of 16 blocks on March 23, 2012 and rejected bids for 11 blocks. The cabinet could not immediately decide fate of other blocks where certain matters were subjudice.
Operators:
BG India: Operator with 50% interest
BHP Billiton: 50% interest