Tanzania: TPDC Launches Second Phase Of Eyasi–Wembere Oil Exploration

The Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) has officially launched the second phase of the Eyasi–Wembere oil and gas exploration project at Endeshi Village in Karatu District, Arusha Region.

This phase involves the acquisition of two-dimensional (2D) seismic data around Lake Eyasi, with a total of 914 kilometres of seismic lines expected to be surveyed.

Unlike the first phase, which relied on a fleet of advanced vehicles that generated vibrations with reflected signals collected for analysis, the second phase will employ explosives in the lake as the seismic source.

During a recent field visit organised by the Petroleum Upstream Regulatory Authority (PURA), the Eyasi–Wembere Oil and Gas Exploration Project Manager, Mr Sindi Maduhu, told local media that the sound waves produced would be captured using 2D seismic technology for further analysis.

PURA is closely involved in the project to ensure all activities comply with the National Energy Policy of 2015, the Petroleum Act of 2015 and its accompanying regulations, while also ensuring that local communities are fully engaged.

Mr Maduhu, who is also TPDC’s geophysicist, said the project contractor, Africa Geophysical Services (AGS), is preparing 15-metre-deep holes in which explosives will be placed ahead of controlled detonations in Lake Eyasi to generate seismic vibrations.

So far, he said, 490 kilometres of seismic lines have been covered, with TPDC targeting a total of 779 kilometres by April next year out of the planned 914 kilometres.

The remaining 139 kilometres will be covered the following year.

“As you can see, we are currently digging holes in Lake Eyasi where explosives will be placed and later detonated to produce the required seismic signals, which will then be analysed to guide the next stages of exploration,” he said.

The geophysicist added that seismic data collected during both the first and second phases will be processed and critically analysed to determine the exact location of the exploration well.

As part of preparations to acquire geological information, Mr Vincent Evance, AGS Project Manager, said the contractor was assembling boats to facilitate movement within the lake during the installation of explosives.

He noted that AGS has recruited a large number of local residents to participate in various project activities.

Karatu, where Lake Eyasi is located, is among the areas covered by the project. Other areas include Ngorongoro (Arusha), Meatu (Simiyu), Kishapu (Shinyanga), Igunga (Tabora), and Iramba and Mkalama (Singida).