Case Study
Sampling and microbiological and geochemical soil analysis services for hydrocarbon exploration in Angola's interior basins
Client
ANPG
Services
-
Industry
Mineral Resources, Oil, and Gas
Context
The project is set in a context marked by Angola's heavy reliance on oil, which accounts for 90% of the country's exports. With mature and declining oil fields, it is crucial to identify and develop new deposits to attract foreign investment and ensure the sustainability of production.
The main goal of the project is the identification of areas with oil potential in Angola's interior basins, aimed at discovering and exploiting new fields to sustain the energy sector's production levels.
Challenge
Key challenges include:
Lack of infrastructure
The main challenge for the National Oil, Gas, and Biofuels Agency (ANPG) was the lack of infrastructure to conduct specialized microbiological and geochemical soil analyses, which are critical tools for identifying areas with greater oil potential. Additionally, ANPG lacked advanced GIS capabilities necessary for field campaign planning, detailed map creation, report generation, and rigorous project monitoring.
2019-2025 Concessions Bidding Strategy
This deficiency was critical within the framework of the 2019-2025 Concessions Bidding Strategy, which aims to identify potential deposits across more than 500,000 km² of interior basins to sustain national production.
Solution
The implemented solution combined SATEC's GIS and project management capabilities with the field expertise of Miapia Surveys, an Angolan company and SATEC partner, and the German laboratory MicroPro, specializing in microbiological and geochemical analyses.
Using GIS applications that considered geological criteria, laboratory technical specifications, and accessibility conditions.
This methodology was selected for its cost-benefit ratio, significantly reducing the exploration area through microbiological and geochemical techniques without excessive costs. SATEC excelled in offering comprehensive management of the planning, sampling, analysis, and results process, effectively coordinating with other contractors and employing the MPOG microbiological technique patented by MicroPro. Despite the challenges encountered during development, seamless collaboration enabled the project's near completion.
Results
The implementation of the solution has generated significant benefits for the client, enabling them to identify potentially productive areas in Angola's interior basins and strengthen their ability to attract investments.
Exploration optimization
Access to detailed reports and precise data allows for the identification of high-potential areas, optimizing exploration campaigns and reducing associated costs.
Data-driven decision-making
The availability of accurate maps and spatial datasets provides the industry with a solid foundation for strategic decision-making, enhancing planning and resource management.
Investor attractiveness
High-quality geoscientific information facilitates the presentation of promising areas to potential investors, attracting foreign capital for exploitation.
Improved operational efficiency
The integration of GIS tools and advanced analysis techniques contributes to comprehensive management and traceability of the exploration process, increasing the operational efficiency of exploration campaigns.
Strengthening the energy sector
The implementation of innovative technologies and processes positions Angola as a regional benchmark, promoting its leadership in exploring new reserves.