ExxonMobil Corp. is currently in talks with Eni SpA regarding the acquisition of a minority stake in natural-gas discoveries off Mozambique.

According to sources, Exxon’s Chief Executive Officer, Rex Tillerson (photo) discussed the plan with the President of Mozambique, Filipe Nyusi, last week in Maputo.

ExxonMobil’s involvement would possibly fast-track the development of the liquefied natural gas projects.

The U.S oil major is also in negotiations with Anadarko Petroleum Corp. to acquire a stake in Area 1 in offshore Rovuma Basin.

These talks highlights ExxonMobil’s focus on gas assets after it agreed to acquire InterOil Corp. last week for $3.6 billion to add to its gas discoveries in Papua New Guinea.

Eni’s CEO, Claudio Descalzi, had announced in May that the company is in negotiations on selling a stake in its Mozambique find and hoped to reach a final investment decision on an LNG project this year.

In 2013, China National Petroleum Corp. (CNOOC) bought 20% of Eni’s Area 4 for $4.2 billion.

Exxon became active in Mozambique after it won three exploration licences in October for offshore blocks to the south of the Anadarko and Eni discoveries.

The company has joined forces with Qatar Petroleum to explore assets in the country.

Exxon also has a working interest in Statoil’s Block 2 in Tanzania, north of the Rovuma Basin, Bloomberg reports.

Anita Fatunji