Oil & Gas

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 2D seismic data around Lake Eyasi, with 914 kilometres of seismic lines expected to be surveyed. Unlike the first phase, which relied on advanced vehicles to generate vibrations, the second phase will employ explosives in the lake as the seismic source to produce sound waves captured by two-dimensional seismic technology.

PURA is closely involved in the project to ensure all activities comply with the National Energy Policy of 2015 and the Petroleum Act of 2015, while also ensuring local communities are fully engaged. According to project manager Mr Sindi Maduhu, AGS is preparing 15-metre-deep holes in which explosives will be placed for controlled detonations, and so far, 490 kilometres of seismic lines have been covered, with a target of 779 kilometres by April next year.

The collected seismic data will be processed and analysed to determine the exact location of the exploration well, while AGS is assembling boats to facilitate movement within Lake Eyasi during installation of explosives. The project has recruited a large number of local residents for participation, covering multiple districts including Karatu, Ngorongoro, Meatu, Kishapu, Igunga, Iramba, and Mkalama. Officials report that the second seismic phase spans 914 kilometres at an estimated cost of 43bn/-, with 47 per cent already completed.

The Eyasi–Wembere Basin covers 10,634.9 square kilometres across five regions and is geologically similar to petroleum-rich areas like Uganda’s Albertine Graben and Kenya’s Lokichar Basin. Research since 2015 has confirmed the presence of oil and gas, with analysis identifying oil-bearing rock formations, indicating the commercial viability of the basin. This project marks a significant step in Tanzania’s exploration of frontier oil and gas regions, potentially boosting local employment and national energy prospects.