Mozambique again extends block bidding round to June 2015

The government of Mozambique has for another time extended the block bidding round to June 30th 2015 from the earlier set date of April 30th according to the government.

The bidding for fifteen new offshore and onshore areas that kicked off in October 2014 will see new blocks available in the gas rich northern Rovuma basin that has attracted the likes of Anadarko and Italy’s Eni both of which are already building liquefied natural gas export facilities to the tune of billions of dollars having discovered over 180Tcf.

Other areas on offer include six offshore blocks in the central Zambezi Delta, and two more off Angoche in the northern province of Nampula.

Onshore bidders had up for grabs zones in the central-south Pande-Temane zone and one at Palmeira in the south.

What will be a concern to many is that despite the several delays that the government has not offered reasons for the extensions.

With its vast gas reserves Mozambique could easily become the third largest LNG producer Qatar and Australia with the first exports expected in late 2018 or early 2019.

The Fifth License Round comprising some 76,800 sq kms of acreage was initially scheduled to close on 20th of January 2015.

Following these contract negotiations will proceed with the signing of contracts expected thereafter.