Natural Gas

Mauritania : A Rising Star in the Global Gas Industry

Natural Gas Potential in Mauritania

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Mauritania is on the cusp of becoming a significant player in the global gas industry and a leading producer in Africa. With gas reserves estimated at 1400 billion cubic meters, the country is poised to enter into production phases that will see output increase to 2.5 million tonnes per year by 2025, double in the second phase and reach 10 million tonnes per year in the third phase. The 33,000 sq km gas field holds a production potential of 30 to 50 years, according to BP, and the government has stated that priority will be given to fully exploiting the country's gas potential from today until 2030. Additionally, Mauritania is expected to become the third largest gas exporter on the African continent, following Nigeria and Algeria.

Mauritania's partners in offshore natural gas extraction

Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA)

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Greater Tortue Ahmeyim is an offshore liquefied natural gas (LNG) project based on upstream gas production in 2km-deep waters on the maritime border of Mauritania and Senegal. It is the deepest offshore project in Africa till date. It is being jointly developed by BP, Kosmos Energy, Societe des Petroles du Senegal (Petrosen), and Societe Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMHPM) with BP as the operator. The project plans to produce up to 10 million tonnes of LNG per year in phases. A recent discovery at the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim-1 well in July 2019, indicates the potential to expand the capacity of the LNG project beyond 10 million tonnes per year in the future.

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Mauritania's "Hmeimim" field is considered one of the most prominent joint fields in the world, with estimated reserves of more than 450 billion cubic meters of gas. The field is expected to produce 2.5 million tons of liquefied gas annually and is being developed by BP and Kosmos Energy. The project is expected to bring the companies $150 million in annual revenues, and $19 billion for Mauritania over the next 30 years. The "Banda" and "Birallah" fields, located 60km from Nouakchott, also boast potential of 1.2 trillion cubic feet and 8 trillion cubic feet of gas respectively.

BirAllah field

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Mauritania has signed a gas exploration and production sharing agreement with British Petroleum (BP) and US-based Kosmos Energy for a field located in Mauritanian Atlantic waters. The field, named "BirAllah", contains reserves of almost 2.26 billion cubic metres of gas. The field, considered one of the largest in west africa, could produce up to 10 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas per year at a total cost of $4.6 billion. The Mauritanian state's share of revenues will be 29%. Production from the field is expected to start in November or December 2023, at the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas plant in the Gulf of Guinea, located offshore on the Mauritania-Senegal border. Engineering studies for the project are expected to be completed within 30 months, after which a final investment decision will be made in the first half of 2025

The investment opportunities

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Mauritania's gas industry holds vast potential for growth and investment opportunities, with large reserves and a projected increase in production capacity. The country is positioning itself as a major player in the global gas market and offers opportunities for investment in exploration, production, and infrastructure development. Vast reserves of natural gas estimated at 1400 billion cubic meters. Potential for long-term production with a lifespan of 30-50 years. Increasing production capacity, with plans to double output in the second phase and reach 10 million tonnes per year in the third phase.Investment opportunities in exploration and production of gas reserves.

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Opportunities for infrastructure development and supply chain management. Partnership opportunities with the government and local companies to drive economic growth. The ability to provide sufficient gas resources for liquefaction options and becoming a gas producer. Potential for revenue generation for both companies and the state. The potential to create jobs for locals and improve living conditions. Opportunities for the development of the country's industrial fabric.