Talisman 'bags Sierra Leone block'

Block award: Talisman chief executive John Manzoni

REUTERS/SCANPIX

Steve Marshall ,

News Wires

 19 June 2012 10:53 GMT

Talisman Energy has secured a majority stake in an exploration block off Sierra Leone after the government ratified the deal, according to a report.

The Canadian player will take over the rights to Block SL-4B-10 after the previous owner, Prontinal, failed to proceed with exploration, Raymond Kargbo, acting director of the country’s Petroleum Resources Unit (PRU), told Reuters.

A spokeswoman for Talisman, led by chief executive John Manzoni, said the company would gain an 80% operating stake, with Prontinal retaining a 20% interest.

Talisman is also seeking a farm-in partner ahead of drilling before the end of the year or early 2013 on Block SL-4A-10, where it acquired operatorship last year.

A licensing round in Sierra Leone earlier this year attracted 59 bids…

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