Gov’t says 90% of South Sudan’s oil is unexploited, launches first oil-licensing round

JUBA – South Sudan’s ministry of petroleum has said that the world’s youngest country’s has 90% of its oil deposits unexploited, launching its first Oil Licensing Round since the country gained independence in 2011.

Petroleum licensing (also known as exploration license) is the act of giving licenses to a company or a joint venture allowing them to search for commercially feasible deposits for the extraction of petroleum.

Below is the full statement by the ministry of petroleum on the launching of first oil licensing round.

Ministry of Petroleum launches first oil licensing round

The Ministry of Petroleum (MoP) of the Republic of South Sudan, is honored to announce the launch of the country’s first Oil Licensing Round. The MoP has identified new exploration blocks with potential hydrocarbons and has compiled crucial data to provide to interested investors, operators and counterparties. According to the new analysis commissioned by the Ministry, approximately 90% of South Sudan’s oil and gas reserves remain unexplored, providing unprecedented opportunities to international investors.

The Oil Licensing Round aims to attract interest from a diverse group of foreign investors to a region that is already home to oil and gas majors from China and Malaysia. The country is hoping to welcome back experienced partners and operators following significant progress in returning to peace and stability. With the new data, analysis, and government mechanisms, the Ministry seeks to attract high-quality investors and partners.

This bidding round is for a number of selected blocks, which will be facilitated and evaluated based on set criteria by the MoP.

The available blocks are shown on the map and range between 4,000 and 25,000km2, with most comprising between 15,000 and 20,000 km2.

Oil & Gas Exploration in South Sudan

Currently there are three consortiums operating producing blocks in South Sudan, with another four oil exploration companies having acquired production sharing contracts.

1. Producing Blocks:

• Block 3 and 7 – DAR Petroleum Operating Company: China National Petroleum Corporation, Petronas, Nile Petroleum Corporation (8% equity)
• Block 1, 2 & 4 – Greater Pioneer Operating Company: China National Petroleum Corporation, Petronas, Nile Petroleum Corporation (5% equity)
• Block 5A – Sudd Petroleum Operating Company: Petronas, Nile Petroleum Corporation (8% equity)

2. Awarded Exploration Blocks:

• Block B3 – Oranto Petroleum, Nile Petroleum Corporation (10% equity)
• Block 5B – Ascom, Nile Petroleum Corporation (10% equity)
• Block B2- Strategic Fuel Fund, Nile Petroleum Corporation (10% equity)

3. Free Blocks:

• Blocks: A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6
• Blocks: B1, B4
• Blocks: C1, C2
• Blocks: D1, D2
• Blocks: E1, E2

4. First Licensing Round:

• Blocks A2, A5, B1, B4, D2

Potential investors are now able to request all relevant information from the Ministry of Petroleum until August 23rd 2021, by expressing their interest and providing contact details online at www.southsudanlicensinground.com

They can also contact directly:
For information about data access and purchase:
Pawel Ulatowski
Director, ZDS
southsudan@zebradata.com

For information about geoscience:
Dr. Omar B. Abu-elbashar
MD, Petro-Tec
petrotec@hotmail.com
petrotec@petrotec-int.com

Once the expression of interest process is concluded, the Ministry of Petroleum will host a virtual series of data presentations, followed by an international roadshow.

After years of instability and conflict, lasting peace is finally gaining a foothold in the country following the establishment of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU) in February 2020, and the follow-up agreement over governance of the country’s states. South Sudan is now firmly back on a positive developmental path and is expected to continue as one of Africa’s fastest-growing countries in the foreseeable future.

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