UK-based independent Aminex aims to file a development plan for its Ntorya onshore gas and condensate field in Tanzania in September, writes Iain Esau.

The company said the submission to state-owned Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) will take place once a gas development study is finished.

This study work is being carried out by IO Oil & Gas Consulting, a joint venture between GE and McDermott International.

Located in the Ruvuma production sharing agreement, Ntorya holds about 70 billion cubic feet of contingent resources.

According to Aminex’s own estimates, the discovery holds 466 Bcf of gas-in place with a further 357 Bcf held in a structure called the Ntorya channel.

In a recent presentation, the operator identified three development solutions.

Gas from Ntorya could be exported via a new 19-kilometre pipeline to a tie-in point on the 36-inch line running between Mtwara and Dar es Salaam.

Alternatively, gas could be piped along a new 32-kilometre pipeline to TPDC’s Madimba gas processing plant.

Another solution would be to feed gas to power stations via compressed natural gas technology.

Aminex said in early July that the study is designed to “identify gas monetisation options... including potential early development facilities to supply gas to the local market and enable near-term revenue generation.”

Aminex has a 75% stake in the Ruvuma PSA and is partnered by Solo Oil on 25%.

Elsewhere in Tanzania, Aminex said it is “ re-evaluating existing data over its licence interests around Songo Songo Island to identify further drilling targets which could ultimately produce additional gas into the Songo Songo Island processing plant. ”

These facilities host production from Aminex’s Kiliwani North field where output averages 15 million cubic feet per day.

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Aminex puts development plan for Ntorya on agenda