In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Total has commenced a seismic survey on Block III, Albertine Graben exploration license, which is situated on the country’s border with Uganda.

The company secured the licence for the block in 2012 but not able to begin an exploration program due to insecurity in the area. Initial exploration on adjacent blocks had indicated that the area could hold significant reserves.

Aside the insecurity, one-third of the block is located in the DRC’s Virunga National Park, raising protest from activists concerning any exploration taking place inside the park.

In October 2015, the Ministry of Hydrocarbons of the Democratic Republic of Congo, extended the exploration period of the block from January 27, 2016 to January 26, 2018, which will allow more time to complete the acquisition and processing of 2D seismic data.

Total is the operator of the block with 66.7% alongside Semliki SARL and the DRC Government with 18.3% and 15% respectively.

The country currently produces 25,000 bopd but hopes that with the additional exploration offshore and near Lake Albert will increase in the future.

 Anita Fatunji