Petroleum Developments in Central and Southern Africa in 1969

Abstract

This review includes data from 43 countries, i.e., all of Africa except Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, UAR, and Sudan. Total annual production for Central and Southern Africa increased 175% to 250,888,214 bbl, an average rate of 687,000 b/d. Production in Nigeria increased 280% to 540,000 b/d after restoration of pre-Civil War capacity and normal expansion in areas outside the war zone. Production in Angola increased 225% to 48,000 b/d after a full year of production from Cabinda. Gabon's production rose 7% to 98,600 b/d. Exploratory drilling declined, with 106 wildcats drilled, compared with 120 in 1968. The success was 15.1%. Seven discoveries were made in Nigeria, 5 in Angola, 2 in Gabon, and 1 each in Congo (Brazzaville) and South Africa. Unsuccessful exploratory wells were drilled in Cameroun, Dahomey, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Portuguese Guinea, Senegal, Somali Republic, Spanish Sahara, and Togo. In Nigeria, Angola, Gabon, and Congo (Brazzaville), 187 development wells were drilled with 85% success. Total footage increased slightly to 2,335,415. At the end of 1969, 30 rigs were operating, down from 32 in 1968. Party-months of surface exploration were: surface geology, 94; seismograph, 278.6; gravimeter, 15.3; magnetometer, 3.5; photogeology, 14.0; geochemical, 6.0; and structure drill, 20.0. In 1970 production is again expected to rise significantly. Exploration drilling probably will decrease somewhat whereas development drilling and surface exploration should remain about the same.