Simba Energy has announced that it plans to begin seismic program on its Block 2A in Kenya in early 2016 and it is presently coordinating with Essel Group its new partner.

The seismic will include the acquisition and interpretation of up to 500 line km of 2D seismic data. The seismic data is aimed at identifying possible locations at Block 2A, where the company can drill initial exploration wells.

Essel Group, however, had agreed to a minimum exploration program for the block which includes an extra 2D seismic, a probable 3D seismic and drilling on not less than two prospects within the next 12 to 18 months with an estimated cost of $60 million.

In August, Simba Energy had expected to begin seismic acquisition in Block 2A by Q4 of 2015.

“We expect to finalize arrangements to commence additional seismic work on Block 2A in the next 30 to 60 days”, Robert Dinning, Simba Energy’s President and CEO stated.

Block 2A which covers an area of 7,801.72 km², lies on top of the southern tip of the Mandera Basin while the southwest part of the block stretches into the Anza Basin, Oil News Kenya reports.