Total encountered gas and condensate at its Diaman-1B well offshore Gabon, partner Cobalt International Energy announced.
The well, located in the Diaba block, was drilled to 5585m total depth, finding 50-55m of net hydrocarbons in the pre-salt formations.
Cobalt said the well has confirmed the existence of a working petroleum system. Total confirmed that it plans to carry out a full analysis of the hydrocarbon encountered in the sandstone reservoirs.
The Diaman-1B well, located in 1729m of water, is more than 100km off the West African country's coastline. Cobalt said the well is the first test of Gabon's deepwater pre-salt layer.
"This discovery is a culmination of a five-year exploration program in which we and our partners have been successful in identifying and testing the initial phase of Gabon's pre-salt potential," said James W. Farnsworth, Cobalt's Chief Exploration Officer. "Combined with Cobalt's deepwater pre-salt position in offshore Angola, this offshore Gabon pre-salt discovery further deepens our understanding of the West Africa pre-salt margin."
The well will be temporarily abandoned pending further technical and commercial analysis.
Total Gabon operates the Diaba block with 42.5% interest. Its partners include Cobalt (21.25%) and Marathon Upstream Gabon (21.25%) with Gabon's government holding the remaining 15%.
