BG Group says that its second Tanzanian exploration well, Chewa-1, has also discovered gas. The well, located in Block 4 approximately 80 kilometres offshore southern Tanzania in a water depth of around 1 300 metres, is some eight kilometres north-west of BG Group's Pweza-1 gas discovery announced in October.

Chewa-1, operated by Ophir Energy plc (40%), is the second of a three-well initial work programme planned for Blocks 1, 3 and 4 offshore southern Tanzania. The initial work programme also includes the acquisition of 4 000 square kilometres of 3D seismic data. BG Group (60%) has the option to assume operatorship of all three Blocks upon completion of the initial work programme.

BG Group Chief Executive Frank Chapman said, "This is an encouraging start to our campaign in Tanzania. We have a large acreage position to explore and an extensive exploration programme will be needed to assess the full potential of this new play."

Tags: BG Group