Canamens has signed a suite of agreements — including an Association Contract, a Petroleum Agreement and a Reconnaissance Contract, along with associated permits and a license — to explore for oil in Morocco.
These agreements were signed in Rabat on December 15, 2008 between Canamens and Morocco’s Office National Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM).
The first agreement is a Reconnaissance Contract in respect of the “Essaouira Shallow Offshore” area, located in shallow water (<500 metres). Canamens will reprocess and acquire new 2D seismic and following evaluation prospectivity, decide whether to convert the license to an exploration permit, or elect not to proceed.
The second and third agreements are an Association Contract and Petroleum Agreement which govern four Exploration Permits for a similar location but in deeper water (generally over 500 metres), the “Essaouira Deep Offshore” area. Under these agreements Canamens will reprocess and acquire new 2D seismic and, following evaluation, have the option to extend into a second period with an accompanying 3D seismic and drilling commitment, or drop without further obligation.
Under these agreements, which cover an area of over 11,000 square kilometres, Canamens will be the operator with a 75% equity stake in both the Reconnaissance Licence and the Exploration Permits, with the remaining equity held by ONHYM. Canamens will bear 100% of the costs up until the development stage. The agreements represent Canamens’ first investment in Morocco.
