BP’s planned 10 million tonnes per annum liquefied natural gas project offshore Mauritania has taken a major step forward after a fresh production sharing contract for the asset was signed.

The BirAllah and Orca gas discoveries are located in Block C8, the original PSC for which expired in the second quarter of this year.

Kosmos Energy — a major stakeholder in the asset — said the partners have now agreed the terms and conditions of the new contract and are awaiting government approval.