DualEx Energy International has announced that it is withdrawing from the Bouhajla Permit in Tunisia as the Department of Energy has refused to grant any additional extensions to the primary term of the permit.

Last year, the Consultative Committee of Hydrocarbons (CCH) formally approved the Company's request for an extra one year extension to the first exploration period of the onshore Bouhajla Exploration Permit to August 7, 2016. The primary term of the Bouhajla Permit is expected to expire on August 7 2016.

The Canadian-based company, has an obligation to perform a 130 km² 3D seismic survey at Bouhajla but as a result of inadequate time to carry out the necessary work program to move the Bouhajla Permit into the next term, the Company has decided to surrender the Permit.

DualEX is the operator of the permit with 100%. The company has been in search of a joint venture partner to take part in the next stage of exploration on the asset but the downturn in the international oil and gas exploration sector, has made the company’s struggles unsuccessful, Energy-pedia reports.

The Bouhajla Permit covers 105,000 acres in the Pelagian basin just west of Sidi el Kilani oil field, which has produced 48 million bbl of light oil from Cretaceous Abiod. Consulting engineers have estimated a combined total of over 1 billion bbls of oil in place on three prospects on the Bouhajla permit.

Anita Fatunji