Kosmos Acquires Exploration Licenses

KOSMOS ENERGY has announced the signing of three production sharing contracts (PSCs) with the Government of Mauritania for Blocks C8, C12 and C13 offshore Mauritania.

The contracts will take effect upon formal ratification by the Government of Mauritania.

The blocks, which are contiguous, range in water depth between 1,600 and 3,000 meters (approximately 5,250 to 9,800 feet), and have a combined acreage extent of approximately 27,200 square kilometers (6.7 million gross acres).

Kosmos will be operator of the three blocks with a 90 percent interest.

The national oil company, Societe Mauritanienne des Hydrocabures (SMH), will hold a carried interest of 10 percent. In the initial exploration phase under each of the contracts, Kosmos plans to acquire 2D and 3D seismic data. The company targets first drilling as early as 2014.

The execution of the PSCs represents Kosmos’ initial entry into Mauritania and significantly expands the company’s exploration footprint.

Brian F. Maxted, Chief Executive Officer, commented, “With our exploration program focused on unlocking new petroleum systems by drilling multiple basin-opening wells on an annual basis, the offshore Mauritania opportunity fits very well strategically with Kosmos’ existing portfolio. We have now captured approximately 24 million gross acres of high-impact exploration potential, with additional new venture initiatives ongoing to selectively further our opportunity set.

He noted that the new blocks captured resided in the proven offshore Mauritania salt basin and included the outboard fairway of the under-explored upper cretaceous strati-graphic play concept, Kosmos’ core exploration theme.

“We look forward to initiating a seismic program over the blocks towards the end of this year or early next year.”

Kosmos Energy is a leading independent oil and gas exploration and production company focused on frontier and emerging areas in Africa and South America.