Tethys Oil, a Swedish energy company focused on exploration and production of oil, said that it has entered into an Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA) with the Government of Oman for Block 58 onshore Oman.

The block is located in the southern part of the Sultanate adjacent to Tethys Oil’s operated exploration licence Block 49. Tethys Oil will through its wholly owned subsidiary Tethys Oil Qatbeet be the operator of the block and hold a 100% license interest.

The EPSA was signed by Dr Mohammed bin Hamad Al Rumhi, Minister of Oil and Gas on behalf of the Government of Oman and Hussain bin Ahmed Al Lawati, Executive Director of External and Corporate Affairs for Tethys Oil.

Block 58 is located in the Dhofar Governorate in the southern part of Oman and covers an area of 4,557 sq km. Block 58 straddles the western flank of the South Oman Salt Basin and the Western Deformation Front.

A total of 7,600 km of 2D seismic and 1,100 sq km  of 3D seismic data acquired by previous operators has been made available to Tethys Oil as well as raw logs and well reports from two wells drilled within the block boundaries. Both wells encountered hydrocarbon shows. Multiple play concepts are believed to exist within the block boundaries, including plays familiar to Tethys, with several leads identified.

The EPSA for Block 58 covers an initial exploration period of three years with an optional extension period of another three years. In case of a commercial oil or gas discovery, the EPSA will be transformed in to a 15 year production license which can be extended for another five years.

In case of a commercial discovery, an Oman Government Company has a right to acquire up to a 30% interest in Block 58 against refunding of past expenditure. The initial work commitments during the first period include a 3D seismic campaign and drilling of two exploration wells.

“We are very happy to have been given the opportunity to explore for hydrocarbons on Block 58. The signing of this EPSA represents another step in Tethys Oil’s strategy in Sultanate of Oman. I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere thanks to the Government of the Sultanate of Oman for this exciting opportunity,” said Tethys Managing Director Magnus Nordin. – TradeArabia News Service