Aminex, on Wednesday announced first gas production from its Kiliwani North gas field in Tanzania.

According to the company, first gas production from the Kiliwani North-1 well commenced on April 4 and is estimated to increase to an expected rate of about 4 to 5,000 boe/d gross in the next 90 to 100 days. The well is connected to the regional pipeline infrastructure and is to supply gas to the new Songo Songo processing plant.

It added that first production rates are to be managed to make allowance for the testing and commissioning of the gas processing plant and pipeline, while also taking account of critical pressure and flow rate measurements so as to control the best flow rate to increase the life of the reservoir.

Aminex plans to work alongside Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) to perform a well test all through the production increase to determine the best flow rate as it will turn out to be the Commercial Production Rate.

“This is a significant moment for Aminex, its shareholders and Tanzania, and is the culmination of a tremendous amount of hard work by all involved. First gas at Kiliwani North marks the transition of the Company from developer to producer in Africa and sets us on the path for growth as we begin to generate cash. The Company looks forward to its exciting appraisal and development programme in the Ruvuma Basin which will potentially add further revenues in due course,” Jay Bhattacherjee (photo), Aminex CEO told Energy-pedia.

The Kiliwani North Development Licence is operated by Aminex’s subsidiary with a 55.575% working interest but set to reduce to 51.75% due to the disposal of a part to Solo Oil.

Anita Fatunji