Morocco: Chariot Oil & Gas acquires exploration blocks offshore Morocco

Morocco: Chariot Oil & Gas acquires exploration blocks offshore Morocco


Maghreb's Morocco licences being offered for farmout
Chariot Oil & Gas has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Chariot Oil & Gas Investments (Morocco), has entered into an agreement with Maghreb Petroleum Exploration (MPE) whereby MPE will transfer its 75% ownership and operational interests in two of its offshore licences, Loukos and Casablanca/Safi, to Chariot. In exchange, Chariot will take on the work commitments and obligations of the initial exploration phase for each licence. This transfer remains subject to the approval of the Moroccan authorities before it becomes effective.

On approval, Chariot will hold a 75% equity interest in the Loukos and Casablanca/Safi exploration permits with the Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM') holding the other 25%.

The Loukos licence is 1,925km2 in size and extends from the coast to some 50km offshore with water depths between 5m and 110m. The Casablanca/Safi licence is 3,500km2 in size and is similarly situated to Loukos in terms of its extent offshore with water depths between 5m and 165m. Following approval, Chariot will be required to reprocess 835km of 2D seismic data within the Loukos licence and 1,200km of 2D seismic data within the Casablanca/Safi licence, a total of 2,035km within a six month exploration period. Once complete, Chariot will have the option to move forward into further exploration phases which would involve the acquisition of 3D seismic data and the subsequent undertaking of exploration drilling activities.

The Loukos and Casablanca/Safi licence areas are excellent further additions to Chariot's existing offshore West Africa portfolio. Morocco has proven oil reserves and working petroleum systems ranging from the Jurassic to the Tertiary with the potential for the extension of the prolific Paleozoic systems of Algeria into the area. Chariot will be targeting the potential of the Paleozoic and younger systems in these permits. The country also offers competitive fiscal terms, a supportive regulatory framework and an excellent state oil company in ONHYM which contributes to the overall attractiveness of the opportunity. It is Chariot's intention to apply modern exploration techniques to the results of previous exploration work carried out in these licence areas with the aim of identifying substantial potential.

Paul Welch, CEO of Chariot, commented:

'In line with our strategy, Chariot has continued to seek out underexplored highly prospective opportunities with the intention of maturing them into drillable oil prospects. The Loukos and Casablanca areas have been of interest to Chariot for some time and we are pleased to have these additional assets, which we consider to hold significant potential, as part of our broader West African portfolio. We look forward to evaluating and developing this valuable acreage alongside our new partner ONHYM.'

Background

MPE holds two offshore exploration licences (subdivided into 4 blocks) and two onshore exploration licences (subdivided into 10 blocks) in Morocco. Together with two additional onshore reconnaissance licences it brings the company’s total concession area to 27485.4 km2. MPE’s onshore and offshore acreage covers most aspects of the Moroccan petroleum geology. Prospects range from giant closures in Cambrian objectives, Triassic fault-dip closures of TAGI-like sands in half graben settings (TE-5 and SBK-1 gas discovery wells), to Jurassic, Cretaceous and Tertiary reservoirs (LBS-1 well - gas shows over-pressure) trapped in structures related to Alpine thrust movements. The Company has been seeking partners for its Morocco licences since December 2011 and has a farmout brochure posted on its web site. Click here for Farmout Brochure

Note: MPE has farmed out part of its working interest in the Sidi Moktar blocks to Longreach Oil & Gas, which is the operator with 50% of interest.

Petroleum and gas tenure types and forms

Petroleum and gas tenure types and forms
Petroleum tenures

How to explore for, produce, transport or process petroleum in Queensland.

The petroleum exploration and production authorities include:
authority to prospect (ATP) (authority required for petroleum exploration), including a potential commercial area
petroleum lease (PL) (authority required for petroleum production).
Other petroleum authorities

data acquisition authority (DAA) (authority required to allow for a geophysical survey to extend beyond the boundaries of an authority to prospect or petroleum lease)
petroleum survey licence (PSL) (authority required to enter lands to survey the proposed route of pipeline or the suitability of land for a petroleum facility licence)
petroleum pipeline licence (PPL) and part 5 permission (a pipeline licence is the authority required to construct and operate a pipeline; Part 5 permission relates to the acquisition of pipeline land)
petroleum facility licence (PFL) and part 5 permission (a petroleum facility licence is the authority required to construct and operate a petroleum facility; a part 5 permission relates to the acquisition of petroleum facility land)
water monitoring authority (WMA) (authority to assess 'make good obligations' related to water use).
Further information

A broad guide (PDF, 84 kB) - intended to clarify aspects of petroleum survey licences and pipeline licences.
Coal Seam Gas and Liquified Natural Gas website
Petroleum lease - Petroleum Act 1923

1923 Act petroleum lease
In certain circumstances, a petroleum lease may be applied for or granted pursuant to the Petroleum Act 1923. Note that a 1923 Act petroleum lease may only be applied for or granted to the holder of an authority to prospect administered pursuant to the Petroleum Act 1923. All new applications for an authority to prospect may only be granted under Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004.
Reporting requirements

The type of tenure granted determines whether the holder is required to submit reports at specified intervals to the Department on activities and expenditure carried out on the areas under tenure. Detailed information may be obtained from the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Regulation 2004, which can be viewed on the can be viewed on the Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel web site.

Forms

Electronic forms

Notice of intention to drill a well or bore (PA-19A) and notice of completion, alteration or abandonment of a well or bore (PA-20A) and entry notice forms must be submitted electronically through the mines online system.

Hardcopy forms

These forms are subject to change. To ensure validity, always access required forms here.

Election form

Form Number Form Title Word Format PDF Format
Mines-05 Election notice Word version (162 kB) PDF version (41 kB)
Authority to Prospect (ATP)

Form Number Form Title Word Format PDF Format
ATP-01A application to tender for authority to prospect Word version (179 kB) PDF version (56 kB)
ATP-02A application for renewal of authority to prospect Word version (360 kB) PDF version (106 kB)
ATP-04A application to divide granted authority to prospect Word version (720 kB) PDF version (121 kB)
ATP-07A application for The Minister to declare potential commercial area Word version (259 kB) PDF version (85 kB)
Petroleum lease (PL)

Form Number Form Title Word Format PDF Format
PL-01A application for ATP-related petroleum lease Word version (382 kB) PDF version (87 kB)
PL-01AA application for petroleum lease by or jointly with coal mining tenement holder Word version (426 kB) PDF version (147 kB)
PL-02A application to tender for petroleum lease Refer to
GEN-04
PL-03A application for renewal of petroleum lease - Section 162 Word version (312 kB) PDF version (125 kB)
PL-03AA application for renewal of petroleum lease - Section 45 (2A) Word version (300 kB) PDF version (67 kB)
PL-05A application to amend relinquishment condition of petroleum lease Word version (140 kB) PDF version (53 kB)
PL-06A application to divide granted conventional petroleum Word version (607 kB) PDF version (125 kB)
PL-07A application to divide granted Coal Seam Gas petroleum lease Word version (1011 kB) PDF version (232 kB)
Petroleum Pipeline Licence (PPL)

Form Number Form Title Word Format PDF Format
PPL-01A application for pipeline licence Word version (519 kB) PDF version (121 kB)
PPL-01AA application for pipeline licence (adjacent area) Word version (195 kB) PDF version (117 kB)
PPL-02A application for renewal of pipeline licence Word version (192 kB) PDF version (85 kB)
PPL-03A application for permission to enter land for the purpose of exercising rights under a pipeline licence or petroleum facility licence (a "Part 5 permission") Word version (122 kB) PDF version (97 kB)
Petroleum Facility Licence (PFL)

Form Number Form Title Word Format PDF Format
PFL-01A application for petroleum facility licence Word version (490 kB) PDF version (84 kB)
PFL-02A application for renewal of petroleum facility licence Word version (191 kB) PDF version (50 kB)
Petroleum Survey Licence (PSL)

Form Number Form Title Word Format PDF Format
PSL-01A application for survey licence Word version (185 kB) PDF version (104 kB)
Data Acquisition Authority (DAA)

Form Number Form Title Word Format PDF Format
DAA-01A application for a data acquisition authority Word version (403 kB) PDF version (74 kB)
Water Related Activity (WRA)

Form Number Form Title Word Format PDF Format
WRA-01A application for a water monitoring authority Word version (264 kB) PDF version (76 kB)
WRA-02A notification of transfer of water supply bore or water observation bore to landowner Word version (190 kB) PDF version (83 kB)
WRA-03A notification of transfer of petroleum well to holder of geothermal exploration permit or mining tenement Word version (181 kB) PDF version (48 kB)
WRA-04A notification of transfer of water observation bore to holder of petroleum tenure or water monitoring authority holder Word version (178 kB) PDF version (48 kB)
WRA-05A notification of conversion of petroleum well to water supply bore Word version (157 kB) PDF version (43 kB)
WRA-06A application to amend a water monitoring authority Word version (253 kB) PDF version (83 kB)
WRA-07A request for a trigger threshold Word version (192 kB) PDF version (82 kB)
Miscellaneous (PA and PGA)

Form Number Form Title Word Format PDF Format
PA-01A application for surrender of petroleum authorities (whole or part) Refer to
GEN-10
PA-05A application for approval to transfer a petroleum authority or tenure Word version (249 kB) PDF version (97 kB)
PA-05AA application for approval to mortgage a petroleum authority or tenure, or to release, transfer or surrender a mortgage Word version (214 kB) PDF version (87 kB)
PA-05AB application for approval to sublease, or transfer a sublease, for a petroleum lease Word version (108 kB) PDF version (41 kB)
PA-10A application to amend licence Word version (499 kB) PDF version (79 kB)
PA-11A administrative notifications Refer to GEN-11
PA-16A review application Word version (109 kB) PDF version (35 kB)
PA-18A lodging a prescribed agreement Word version (212 kB) PDF version (94 kB)
PA-23AA entry notice information statement Refer to "Electronic forms" above
PGA-389 application for exemption from additional smp content requirements Word version (121 kB) PDF version (73 kB)
PA-38 application to record change of name Word version (149 kB) PDF version (35 kB)
PA-39 application to change production commencement day Word version (122 kB) PDF version (40 kB)
Regulations (PA21A-PA22A)

Form Number Form Title Word Format PDF Format
PA-19A notice of intention to drill a petroleum well or A water bore Refer to "Electronic forms" above
PA-20A notice of the completion, alteration or abandonment of a petroleum well or water bore Refer to "Electronic forms" above
PA-21A notice of intention to carry out seismic survey or scientific or technical survey Word version (359 kB) PDF version (47 kB)
PA-22A notice of completion of seismic survey or scientific or technical survey Word version (131 kB) PDF version (95 kB)
If you experience difficulty Word versioning any of these forms, or would like a copy sent via mail, please contact:

Service Training and Regulatory Support
Level 16
61 Mary St
Brisbane QLD 4000
Telephone: +61 7 323 71640
Email: Service Training and Regulatory Support

How to apply

Applications can be made and documents lodged at the Sales centre located in Brisbane CBD.

For further information and services refer to How or where an application can be submitted or contact the Petroleum, Gas and Geothermal Unit.

Information Guides to assist stakeholders when completing the required forms are attached at the end of the form.

Applications for an authority to prospect or petroleum lease may be made at the address listed in the notice, published by the Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, inviting applications for an authority to prospect or petroleum lease (a 'call for tenders').

About the legislation

About the legislation

The Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 and the Petroleum Act 1923 provide the framework for accessing land to explore and develop petroleum and coal seam gas resources in Queensland.

The Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 commenced on 31 December 2004 and is the result of extensive consultation with petroleum explorers, landholder representatives and community groups. Among other things, this Act replaces the Gas (Residual Provisions) Act 1965 and amends the Petroleum Act 1923, Mineral Resources Act 1989, Water Act 2000 and other legislation. The legislation addresses the grant and management of petroleum authorities, coal seam gas, underground storage, and safety and landholder issues, including compensation.

Subordinate legislation has also been developed. The Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Regulation 2004 and the Petroleum Regulation 2004 are the subordinate legislation for the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 and the amended Petroleum Act 1923.

Privacy

In accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009, the Department collects the information on these forms under the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 or the Petroleum Act 1923 (the Acts) to meet its obligations under these Acts, and to facilitate and regulate the carrying out of responsible petroleum activities and the development of a safe, efficient and viable petroleum and fuel gas industry in Queensland.

The Department maintains the Petroleum Register under section 564 of the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 and section 80A of the Petroleum Act 1923. This Register contains information collected from a variety of sources, including application forms submitted under the Act.

Under section 566 of the Petroleum and Gas (Production and Safety) Act 2004 and section 80C of the Petroleum Act 1923, the public can inspect the Petroleum Register, and anyone may take extracts from the Register and acquire, upon payment of the prescribed fee, a copy of all or part of a notice, document or information held in the register. Information contained in the Register includes (but is not limited to):

the authority type and number
the full name of the holder of the authority
the annual rent or annual licence fee for the authority
any permitted dealings relating to the authority that are approved by the Minister
the terms of any coordination arrangement entered into by the holder and approved by the Minister.
Public Enquiry Reports are available online through the Mines online system at no charge. Standard Regulatory fees apply when purchased over the counter.

Information collected on these forms, whether or not it is contained in the Petroleum Register, may be disclosed to other Queensland Government Agencies, where such disclosure is necessary for the effective management of the petroleum resources and industry in Queensland.

Where information provided is commercial in confidence, it will be treated as confidential and not included in the Petroleum Register or be disclosed outside the agency unless the Department is legally required to do so.

More information on Information Privacy can be found on the department's website.

Onarep Presentation - History of Exploration in Morocco

Morocco is in many ways a country apart. It nestles on the northwestern tip of Africa, separated from the rest of the continent by the towering Atlas Mountains and by the Sahara itself. Its climate, geography, and history are all more closely related to the Mediterranean than to the rest of Africa, and for this reason visitors are often struck by the odd sensation of having not quite reached Africa in Morocco. In the north, its fine beaches, lush highland valleys, and evocative old cities reinforce this impression. Yet, as one moves south and east, into and over the starkly beautiful ranges of the Atlases, Morocco's Mediterranean character melts away like a mirage. The Sahara stretches out to the horizon, and forbidding kasbahs stare.

 Location, Geography, and Climate

 Morocco is situated on the extreme northwestern corner of Africa and is bordered by Mauritania and Algeria, both to the south and east. 

 Morocco's varied geography includes no less than four separate mountain ranges, in addition to lush river valleys, beautiful sandy coasts, and wide expanses of desert. The three most prominent mountain ranges, which run parallel to each other from the southwest to the northeast, are the Middle Atlas, the High Atlas, and the Anti-Atlas. The ascent of the country's highest peak, Jebel Toukbal (13,665 ft./4,165 m.), is a spectacular and not particularly difficult High Atlastrek. The Moroccan coastline, which fronts onto both the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, offers plenty of great beaches as well as a number of fascinating old coastal cities. In the southeast, Morocco's mountain ranges yield inexorably to the desolate expanse of the Sahara. The rivers that flow down this side of the High Atlas support long, narrow, and lush river valleys that resemble linear oases.

 
 The climate in Morocco is reliably dry, although small amounts of rain do fall between November and March. Temperature varies considerably by season and locale. While the southern and southeastern desert regions can reach extremely high temperatures during the hot summer months, the higher altitudes of the mountains are cool in summer evenings and freezing in winter. Most travellers find the early summer months to be the most comfortable time to visit, as rain is not a threat and temperatures are warm during the day and pleasantly cool at night.

---

History & Culture

 

 Morocco's history began with the Berbers, the aboriginal people who have inhabited the country since the end of the 2nd millennium BC Rome extended its rule over the area after defeating Carthage in 146 BC, and testimony to its presence still exists in the fine Roman ruins at Volubilis. As Rome fell into decline Morocco was invaded first by the Vandals and then, in the 7th century, by the Arabs. Although external Arab rule lasted little more than a century, the arrival of Islam proved to be a permanent addition to Moroccan culture. In the ensuing centuries a series of ruling dynasties came to power, including the Idrissids, the Almoravids, and the Almohads, but none seemed capable of long maintaining the critical support of the Berber leaders.

 By the 15th century Spain and Portugal began to intrude into Morocco, after having expelled the Moors from their own lands. Although Morocco successfully repulsed these invasions, the tide of European imperialism eventually proved too great. By the middle of the 19th century Morocco's strategic importance had become evident to all of the European powers, and they engaged in a protracted struggle for possession of the country. Finally, in 1911, France was formally acknowledged as protector of the greater part of the country, with Spain receiving a number of isolated locales. French rule came to an end in 1953, although its cultural influence on Morocco remains strongly in evidence. Today the country is ruled by King Mohammed VI. He appears to be leading Morocco toward both long-term stability and a greater degree of economic prosperity. 

Welcome To Longreach

Welcome To Longreach

Longreach Oil & Gas Ltd. (TSX-V: LOI) is a fast growing oil and gas exploration company, with significant licence interest in onshore and offshore Morocco.
5 licences covering 7 offshore blocks and 21 onshore blocks
Large acreage position: 52,706 km² or 13 million acres
70 leads and prospects with significant hydrocarbon potential
Portfolio of Near Term Development & High Reward Exploration
Unique fiscal terms in a stable political environment
No stranded assets - Morocco is 2nd largest energy importer in Africa
Country Focus - Exclusively Morocco

EXPLORATION HISTORY in morocco

EXPLORATION HISTORY

Petroleum Exploration in Morocco started early in the last century and covers five major periods:

The period between 1900 and 1928 saw petroleum exploration in the Rharb Basin at the vicinity oil seeps. This led to the discovery of the Ain Hamra oil pool in 1923.The period from 1928 to 1958 saw the creation of BRPM (Bureau de Recherches et d’Exploitations Minières) in 1928, and the SCP (Société Chérifienne de Pétrole) in 1929 that carried out most of petroleum exploration activities.
Seismic reflection techniques were first introduced, in the Rharb and Prerif basins in 1935. It is not until 1955 that this tool was used to explore the Essaouira, Souss and Guercif basins. Oil and gas discoveries were made in the Prerif Ridges and in the Sidi Fili Trend. Cumulative production during this period reached 8 million barrels of oil.

From 1958 to 1981, the Hydrocarbon Law was passed and attracted international investments. Exploration by BRPM and its partners was extended to cover most of the basins of Morocco. Wells drilled during this period revealed commercial oil and gas accumulations in the Essaouira and Rharb Basins. By the end of 1981, cumulative production was 9 million barrels of oil and 35 BCF of gas.From 1981 to 2003, ONAREP (Office National de Recherches et d’Exploitations Pétrolières) was created by the moroccan government, with a mandate to explore for hydrocarbons in Morocco both by itself and jointly with foreign petroleum companies. Since the creation of ONAREP, 85 wells have been drilled, 50 of which were jointly with international companies. This activity led to the discovery of the gas/condensate field at Meskala (Essaouira) and of several biogenic gas accumulations in the Rharb Basin.

The Hydrocarbon Law was amended in 1992 and in 2000 providing Oil and Gas investors with some of the most attractive fiscal terms available internationally.

 In 2003, ONHYM was created as a merger of ONAREP and BRPM, beginning a new era with a dynamic strategy and improved synergy to adequately assess both the Hydrocarbon and Mining Potential of Morocco.



Fron January 2000 to December 2011, 20 610.25 Km² of 3D seismic and 70 100.45 Km of 2D seismic data have been acquired offshore.  Also, 7 040.02 Km of 2D seismic and 1 328.87 Km² of 3D seismic data have been acquired onshore.

Close analysis of success, and failure, of various exploration programs undertaken in Morocco demonstrate the attractiveness of the hydrocarbon opportunities of the country and suggest new hydrocarbon exploration concepts as well as new prospects awaiting for drilling.

Morocco is underexplored in terms of petroleum exploration and is considered as frontier zones.
The analysis of the data base of the existing wells underlines three important facts:
The number of hydrocarbon exploratory wells is extremely low in most  basins;Many wells did not reach their objectives due to technical problems, or were spudded  off structure;The number of exploration concepts tested so far is very limited.
Several viable petroleum systems, with good hydrocarbon potential, exist in Moroccan sedimentary basins.

Recent studies, integrating regional synthesis studies with substantial volumes of seismic data, particularly in the offshore, have generated new exploration concepts. These studies have also defined many structures that wait to be drilled.

MINE DRILLING

The mining drilling teams of ONHYM are specialized in the following services: Cored Surveys of different diameters and depths ranging from 46 mm to 146 mm and a depth that can reach 1,500 m.  Destructive surveys by percussion (bottom hole hammer) with a diameter of 4 to 6 thumbs to depths of 300 m (according to the field) in normal circulation, and 4 to 6 thumbs in reverse circulation. Non-destructive Surveys by pulling a three-cone bit with a diameter of 3 to 8 thumbs to a depth of 400 m (according to the field) Drilling activity has a clear and incident-free recovery record over the last few years Available equipment

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

ONHYM's strategy is to reduce the impact on the environment of petroleum exploration and exploitation activities, to avoid pollution, preserve natural ecosystems and protect the environment.  This strategy is proactive in principle, utilizes best environmental practices and, where necessary, restores all areas that have suffered harmful effects.

Many environment protection measures have been established to minimize the impact of exploration and exploitation works and to reduce all negative impact on the environment.

Environment impact Assessments

In order to ensure the balance between economic and ecological objectives, an environment impact study is carried out before every drilling or production operation. In each case, any factors that may affect the sensitivity and vulnerability of the environment are outlined. Some suggestions are presented to reduce the negative impact on the surroundings.

Water deposits

For water produced from any reservoir, we model the water present in the formation and produced with hydrocarbons during the extraction phase. The separation of this water requires the use of demulsification additives, which are generally not biodegradable products.

The main concern with produced water is its hydrocarbon and heavy metals content.  If there are large volumes of produced water, it is usually impossible to treat it except by reinjection into waterproofed reservoirs designed to that end.

Prevention measures 

ONHYM utilizes methods and preventive measures to ensure an appropriate ecosystemical approach concerning the management of oil exploitation:

Gas pipelines  are the subject of preventive controls relating to leakage and resistance. Cathodic protection of all pipelines to prevent corrosion  Residue and useless waste (mud, sediments, …) are either destroyed, neutralized or disposed of in remote dumps created to that end. Well cellars, basins and bogs receive a waterproof cladding Abandoned production sites are sealed and placed under permanent supervision. Unused hydrocarbons are flared safely When the hydrocarbons contain harmful elements such as sulfurous anhydride in large volumes, precautions are taken to avoid the pollution of the environment. Training, information and specialization of staff dedicated to the safe production of hydrocarbons. The installation at each production site of a fire extinguisher system.

Production center at the Meskala reservoir Flaring tower

Production wells with enclosure

METHODS OF MINERAL EXPLORATION IN THE ONHYM

METHODS OF MINERAL EXPLORATION IN THE ONHYM
Geology Geophysics Remote Sensing Geochemistry              
 Petroleum Exploration in Morocco started early in the last century and covers five major periods:

The period between 1900 and 1928 saw petroleum exploration in the Rharb Basin at the vicinity oil seeps. This led to the discovery of the Ain Hamra oil pool in 1923.The period from 1928 to 1958 saw the creation of BRPM (Bureau de Recherches et d’Exploitations Minières) in 1928, and the SCP (Société Chérifienne de Pétrole) in 1929 that carried out most of petroleum exploration activities.
Seismic reflection techniques were first introduced, in the Rharb and Prerif basins in 1935. It is not until 1955 that this tool was used to explore the Essaouira, Souss and Guercif basins. Oil and gas discoveries were made in the Prerif Ridges and in the Sidi Fili Trend. Cumulative production during this period reached 8 million barrels of oil.

From 1958 to 1981, the Hydrocarbon Law was passed and attracted international investments. Exploration by BRPM and its partners was extended to cover most of the basins of Morocco. Wells drilled during this period revealed commercial oil and gas accumulations in the Essaouira and Rharb Basins. By the end of 1981, cumulative production was 9 million barrels of oil and 35 BCF of gas.From 1981 to 2003, ONAREP (Office National de Recherches et d’Exploitations Pétrolières) was created by the moroccan government, with a mandate to explore for hydrocarbons in Morocco both by itself and jointly with foreign petroleum companies. Since the creation of ONAREP, 85 wells have been drilled, 50 of which were jointly with international companies. This activity led to the discovery of the gas/condensate field at Meskala (Essaouira) and of several biogenic gas accumulations in the Rharb Basin.

The Hydrocarbon Law was amended in 1992 and in 2000 providing Oil and Gas investors with some of the most attractive fiscal terms available internationally.

 In 2003, ONHYM was created as a merger of ONAREP and BRPM, beginning a new era with a dynamic strategy and improved synergy to adequately assess both the Hydrocarbon and Mining Potential of Morocco.



Fron January 2000 to December 2011, 20 610.25 Km² of 3D seismic and 70 100.45 Km of 2D seismic data have been acquired offshore.  Also, 7 040.02 Km of 2D seismic and 1 328.87 Km² of 3D seismic data have been acquired onshore.

Close analysis of success, and failure, of various exploration programs undertaken in Morocco demonstrate the attractiveness of the hydrocarbon opportunities of the country and suggest new hydrocarbon exploration concepts as well as new prospects awaiting for drilling.

Morocco is underexplored in terms of petroleum exploration and is considered as frontier zones.
The analysis of the data base of the existing wells underlines three important facts:
The number of hydrocarbon exploratory wells is extremely low in most  basins;Many wells did not reach their objectives due to technical problems, or were spudded  off structure;The number of exploration concepts tested so far is very limited.
Several viable petroleum systems, with good hydrocarbon potential, exist in Moroccan sedimentary basins.

Recent studies, integrating regional synthesis studies with substantial volumes of seismic data, particularly in the offshore, have generated new exploration concepts. These studies have also defined many structures that wait to be drilled.



Geological mapping is an essential tool for mining exploration work. It is carried out at different scales according to progress in exploration and generates geological maps that show the lithology of the outcrops and the structures with mineralization and mining potential.


The geological study during the survey and the mining works help to specify the source and the geometry of the mineral deposit

PROMOTION OF MOROCCAN SEDIMENTARY BASINS TO INTERNATIONAL OIL COMPANIES

PROMOTION OF MOROCCAN SEDIMENTARY BASINS TO INTERNATIONAL OIL COMPANIES

Since 2000, ONHYM has worked out and fulfilled a new strategy for promoting the Moroccan Sedimentary Basins. This new plan of action is characterized by new dynamics built on the mobilization of all the technical and financial resources of the Office in order to attract a wide range of oil partners to explore our basins. This new go-ahead relies on six core activities:


Participation, at suitable time, to international exhibitions and conferences.Door to door promotional campaigns to oil companies.Technical and data room presentations within the precincts of ONHYM.Technical presentations and booth exhibitions at international conferences.Preparation, improvement and updating of promotional equipment.Exploitation of all the data available on the basins to innovate and develop new play concepts.