Spectrum Geo is set to acquire broadband 2D multi-client seismic survey over the Joint Management Area (JMA), managed by Joint Commission, located on the Mascarene Plateau between Mauritius and the Seychelles.
This new dataset, covering 20,000 km, lies within exploration blocks already delineated by the proactive Joint Commission under their Hybrid Open Door Licensing System.
This is the first agreement of its kind following the ratification of landmark treaties between the two countries in 2012 which concerned management of the continental shelf of the Mascarene Plateau region, and extended their joint jurisdiction by 396,000 km2, the company explained.
Despite its location in the middle of the Indian Ocean, approximately 20% of the JMA area is in shallow water of less than 1000 meters.
Spectrum has modeled gravity response over the JMA to be compatible with a fragment of the Madagascar-West Indian Jurassic and Early Cretaceous Crust.
Neil Hodgson , executive vice-president Geoscience at Spectrum, said, “Our basin modelling puts the potential Seychelles style pre-volcanic source rocks into the oil window; this is corroborated by the presence of high quality oil slicks above the prospective area captured on satellite data. A live working hydrocarbon system lying unexplored below the basalts across this whole area is clearly demonstrated. Modern seismic acquisition and broadband processing techniques will allow us to reveal the oil potential of this fascinating basin.”
Pre-funding opportunities for this seismic program are available now, the company added.