Mamba North

Location and Geology

• The Mamba Northeast gas field is situated in the Rovuma Basin, specifically within Block Area 4, offshore Mozambique.
• The field is located in ultra-deepwater, with a water depth of approximately 6,540 feet.

Discovery and Development

• The Mamba Northeast field was discovered in 2012, as part of the broader Mamba Complex discoveries made between 2011 and 2012.
• The project is currently in the approval stage, with the final investment decision (FID) expected to be approved in 2025. Commercial production is anticipated to start in 2028.

Ownership and Partners

• The Mamba Northeast field is owned by a consortium of companies, including:
  • China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC)
  • Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos EP (ENH)
  • Eni
  • Exxon Mobil
  • Galp Energia SGPS
  • Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS).

Project Details

• The Mamba Complex, which includes Mamba South, Mamba North, Mamba Northeast, and the Coral 1 natural gas fields, is estimated to contain approximately 75 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of recoverable gas reserves.
• The development of the Mamba offshore gas project is estimated to cost around $50 billion.

Production and Operations

• Production from the Mamba Northeast field is forecast to begin in 2028 and is expected to peak in 2040. Based on economic assumptions, production will continue until the field reaches its economic limit in 2078.
• The gas from the Mamba Complex will be processed at the Rovuma LNG facility, which is being led by ExxonMobil.

Contractors and Technology

• Key contractors involved in the Mamba Northeast project include:
  • The ERM Group
  • Impacto
  • Projectos e Estudos Ambientais.
• The project utilizes advanced technology, including the potential use of floating liquefaction units similar to the Coral Sul FLNG, which is part of the Coral South project in the same area.

Economic and Social Impact

• The project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to Mozambique, including job creation, socio-economic development, and revenue generation for the country.
• The project also includes initiatives for local community development, environmental protection, and social projects, such as education and healthcare support, and the restoration of mangroves.

Challenges

• The region has faced security concerns, particularly in the Cabo Delgado province, which has impacted the timeline and operations of various projects in the area. However, efforts are being made to ensure security and human rights assurances before restarting full-scale operations.