ERHC, in its operational update on assets in Sub-Saharan Africa, announced that preliminary analysis of the Tarach-1 drilling results reveals encouraging information for further exploration.

According to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Peter Ntephe (photo), the well came across oil shows and highly-elevated gas readings at the Tarach-1 well situated in Block 11A. The well encountered two different hydrocarbon charged intervals, the first extending more than 100 meters. This new development contradicts claims by the commissioner for petroleum, Martin Heya, at the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum in September that the well as dry.

“We are yet to get the technical details from CEPSA although we already have word that Tarach-1 was a dry well,” Heya said in September.

The Tarach-1 exploratory well began drilling activities in April and has been plugged after drilling was completed as post-well analysis continues. Block 11A is operated by CEPSA with 55% alongside State-run National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK) and ERHC with 10% and 35% respectively.

On Chad’s Block BDS 2008, ERHC says it continues to discuss with potential farm-in partners and the next stage of exploration is a seismic survey on the company’s two focus areas. ERHC, which holds a 100% interest on the block, is eyeing the possibility of a right-to-earn partnership in return for seismic services, Oil Voice reports.

Based on the result of an aero-magnetic and gravity survey the total petroleum initially in place for one of ERHC's two focus areas has been estimated at 278 million barrels.

Meanwhile on the Sao Tomé and Príncipe Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), ERHC has finalized talks on the terms of a Production Sharing Contract with the National Petroleum Agency of São Tomé and Principe.

The American explorer, which holds a 100% interest in EEZ Block 4, is also currently in talks with potential farm-in partners.

Anita Fatunji