Project Profile

Developed Area: 2,220 sq. km

Oil Potential: 1,788 MMBO

Available 2D Seismic: 1,905 km

Available 3D Seismic: 2,101.2 sq. km

Block 48 is located in the ultra deep water offshore Lower Congo Basin, South of Congo River, some 400 km northwest of Luanda and 200 km West of Soyo onshore facilities. The water depth in the block is around 2,500 meters. The block is positioned on the outer slope of the basin proximal to the boundary of continental and oceanic crust. The block predominantly encompasses a Tertiary basin. Salt diapirism with mini basins and presence of meandering channels and lobes in Miocene dominate the block. Postsalt source potential in Upper Cretaceous Iabe Formation is recognized throughout the block. Salt-cored Miocene symmetric fold belt sequences up to 3 km thick provide hydrocarbon traps. Compressional regime tectonics are prominent relative to the blocks further north. This is attributed to the reduced space availability on the stretched margin. It leads to the development of more distinct mini-basin development and a pronounced salt escarpment and sub-thrust truncation. Migration conduits for oil generated migration from mature Postsalt source rocks would be along the weak planes of the salt diapir walls and subtle faults.

A risk service agreement for the deepwater Block 48 exploration license, which Total will operate. Total and Sonangol are 50/50 partners in exploring Block 48 in Angola’s ultra-deep offshore. The first, two-year phase of the program includes drilling a well on 28 May 2018.

Total: Operator with 50% interest

Sonangol: with 50% interest