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AAPG Bulletin

Abstract


Volume: 41 (1957)

Issue: 7. (July)

First Page: 1540

Last Page: 1590

Title: Petroleum Developments in Africa in 1956

Author(s): Hollis D. Hedberg (2)

Abstract:

Exploration drilling in Africa increased markedly in 1956 with successful results recorded in several places. During the year two potentially commercial oil discoveries were made in French Equatorial Africa, one in Angola, two in Nigeria, and three in Algerian Sahara. A total of 1,499,566 ft. of drilling was carried out (twice the amount of the preceding year) and 58 rigs were in operation at the end of the year. Ninety-three exploration wells were completed, of which 28% were successful; 61 development wells were completed with a success of 79%.

Geological-geophysical exploratory work was particularly concentrated in the desert areas of northern Africa, in Algerian Sahara, Libya, and western Egypt. Party-months of various types of exploration for the whole of Africa were as follows: surface geology 461, seismograph 445, gravity 213, air magnetometer 14, ground magnetometer 38, telluric 14, structure drill 94. Active petroleum exploration was carried out in Algeria, Angola, Belgian Congo, French Cameroun, Egypt, French Equatorial Africa, French West Africa, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Morocco, Mozambique Nigeria, Somalia, British Somaliland, Tanganyika, Tunisia, and Zanzibar.

Petroleum production in Africa declined to 12,975,530 bbls. in 1956 as compared with 13,944,527 bbls. in 1955. All three previously listed producing countries (Algeria, Egypt, and Morocco) showed individual declines, that of Egypt resulting from the Suez disturbance. Angola entered the ranks of producing countries for the first time this year.

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