Aberdeen-based CNR International has signed a deal to operate another block off the Ivory Coast.
The oil and natural gas firm will operate the CI-12 block after taking a 60% working interest, the second one in the region the company has secured.
The block, to the west of the Baobab and Espoir fields already operated by CNR, contains two undeveloped discoveries and previously unpenetrated channels.
“Securing CI-12 is part of CNR International’s strategy to build a portfolio of high impact exploration acreage in areas where we understand the geology, can identify opportunities and have local supporting infrastructure,” said CNR International vice president of exploration Dave Bell.
“We have lots of work to do, securing the new data and assessing the full potential of the block over the next 2-3 years.”
The company said it would look at a combination of exploration types across the site, to balance geological risk and establish value of the wells.
It recently agreed to a five production and three injector well programme for the Espoir field, which is expected to deliver an incremental 6,500 barrels per day net, while Baobab is on target to deliver around 10,600 bopd.