Journal of Petroleum Geology, Vol.12, No.2, pp. 205-230, 1989

©Copyright 2000 Scientific Press, Ltd.

MOZAMBIQUE: A NEW GEOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK FOR HYDROCARBONS EXPLORATION

P. W. Coster*, S. R. Lawrence* and G. Fortes**

* Exploration Consultants Limited, Highlands Farm, Greys Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 4PS, UK

** Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos de Mozambique, Avenido Fernao de Magalhaes 34, PO Box 2904, Maputo, Mozambique.

Abstract

Modern exploration for hydrocarbons began in Mozambique in 1981. The newly-acquired data augment those gathered in the territory prior to political independence in 1975, and provide a basis for an updated appraisal of the country's hydrocarbon potential. This is concentrated in the marginal Mozambique and Rovuma Basins, whose development was initiated during the break-up of Gondwana. A "fit" for Madagascar against coastal Tanzania and Somalia is accepted as representing the region's early plate-tectonic configuration.