Aminex, an oil and gas exploration and development company focused on Tanzania, has announced significant progress in the development of the Ntorya gas field, located in the Ruvuma Basin.
According to a news report by RNS, ARA Petroleum Tanzania (APT), a subsidiary of Aminex and operator of the Ntorya gas field, has revised the Field Development Plan (FDP) for the project based on recent 3D seismic survey results.
The updated FDP, which outlines a phased development strategy, has been submitted to the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) for approval.
Following production from the Ntorya-1 well (NT-1), Ntorya-2 well (NT-2), and the planned Chikumbi-1 well (CH-1), the updated FDP anticipates an increase in the field’s production rate from 60 mmscf/d to 140 mmscf/d and eventually to 280 mmscf/d within a five-year period.
The new plan also envisages the drilling of 13 additional wells over the next decade, contingent upon the development of necessary export routes and the securing of offtake markets for the increased production.
APT anticipates that its capital expenditure (CAPEX) requirements for the project will be met through its existing carry arrangement and future revenues from Ntorya.
The company is actively procuring and installing infrastructure, including processing facilities, flow lines, hook-up systems, manifolds, and fiscal meters, to ensure the integrated development of the project.
The NT-2 well is scheduled to be ready for gas production in alignment with the pipeline’s completion.
Recently, the company achieved operational milestones, including land acquisition and compensation for the CH-1 well pad and access road, expansion of the previous Ntorya-3 site for operational support, establishment of upstream processing facilities, and securing rights of way for NT-1 and NT-2 flowlines.
Additionally, all necessary equipment for drilling CH-1 and the NT-1 workover has been received, with the CH-1 wellhead ready for shipment.
In October 2024, the TPDC initiated a tender process to select an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for a gas pipeline connecting the Ntorya gas field to the Madimba gas processing plant.
The EPC contract award is expected soon and will pave the way for monetizing Ntorya’s gas resources.
Charles Santos, Executive Chairman of Aminex, commented on the new seismic results:
“I am pleased to say that significant progress has been made on all fronts of the Ntorya gas development in recent months, following the award of the 25-year Development Licence last year.
“The Tanzanian government continues to express its full commitment to the project, and we hope to receive confirmation of the award of the pipeline contract shortly.”
The Ntorya gas field is expected to play a crucial role in meeting Tanzania’s growing energy demand. In January 2025, the country hosted Mission 300, playing a pivotal role in driving Africa’s energy development.
Before the summit, Tanzania had already made notable progress in electricity distribution and committed to connecting an additional 2.5 million people to the grid between 2025 and 2030, when it aims to achieve its goal of 100% electricity access.
However, that ambition could suffer some setbacks following US’ recent suspension of funding for the Power Africa Initiative, where Tanzania is a key stakeholder, alongside Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia.
