Yamoussoukro – Eni has made a major discovery of gas and condensates in the Ivory Coast by successfully drilling Murene South-1X, the first exploration well in Block CI-501. Named Calao South, the discovery confirms the potential of the Calao Channel Complex, which also includes the Calao discovery and is the country’s second largest after Baleine, with estimated volumes of up to 140 billion cubic meters of gas and 450 million barrels of condensate (about 1.4 billion barrels of oil equivalent). The discovery was made in high-quality Cenomanian sandstones. Block CI-501 is operated by Eni (90%) in partnership with Petroci Holding (10%). Murene South-1X is located approximately 8 km southwest of the Murene-1X discovery well in the adjacent CI-205 block. Drilled by the Saipem Santorini rig to a total depth of about 5,000 meters in 2,200 meters of water, the well underwent an extensive data acquisition campaign. Murene South-1X confirmed the main hydrocarbon-bearing interval with a gross thickness of approximately 50 meters, featuring excellent petrophysical properties. The well will undergo a full conventional production test to assess the production capacity of the Calao field. Currently, the Baleine field produces over 62,000 barrels of oil and more than 2 million cubic meters of gas per day from Phases 1 and 2. With the launch of Phase 3, production is expected to increase to 150,000 barrels of oil and around 6 million cubic meters of gas per day, reinforcing Baleine’s role as a key resource for meeting the Ivory Coast’s domestic energy needs. (9Colonne)