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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
 Posted - 10 Nov 2010 : 05:13:54
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Tuesday, November 09, 2010
The government of The Gambia and the Oranto Petroleum Limited Monday afternoon signed at State House in Banjul the Onshore Petroleum Exploration and Production Licence Block Lower River, an event that marked the culmination of two years of intense negotiations between the two parties.
The Gambian leader, His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh, who doubles as the minister of Petroleum signed on behalf of the government of The Gambia, whilst Prince Dr Arthur Eze, the group chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Oranto Petroleum Limited signed on behalf of his company. Speaking at the occasion shortly before appending his signature on the agreement, President Jammeh thanked the Oranto boss and his group for their interest in the oil exploration in the country, saying he is grateful for the trust bestowed on him. He disclosed that the negotiation took them almost three years, but was quick to stress that what is important at the end of the day is coming up with an agreement that ensures both sides become winners.
He said: "I want to thank you for trusting me, and I want to assure you that we will never let you down. We are a very independent country; our decisions are final and they are not influenced at any material time by external forces." The Gambian leader, who described petroleum business as a high-risk venture, stressed the importance of working together as a team, while further underscoring that they always want a relationship that will be mutually beneficial to all the parties. "This is a venture where we should work together as a team because that is like working as a family. As far as I am concerned, we have passed the most difficult test – that is negotiating and coming to a common agreement," he stated.
He went further to describe the partnership as one that will be beneficial to Gambians, Oranto and the people of the world. "So wherever we have differences, let us sit on the same table, discuss it and solve it in a family atmosphere. I want to assure you that The Gambia government will give you all the support and we will adhere to the letter and spirit of the agreement," he stated. The Gambian leader remarked that his government is a very transparent one, thus underscoring that everything with regards to the agreement must be transparent. "So I want us to make sure that this is something that will benefit generations of Gambians and Africans; and I want to make sure that this is the best," he concluded.
Speaking earlier, the Deputy Minister of Petroleum, Teneng Ba-Jaiteh recalled that in May 2008, Oranto sent its technical expert to carry out a preliminary data review and to discuss petroleum exploration opportunities in The Gambia. "Following the successful data study, Oranto submitted a proposal for a petroleum license for the Western part of The Gambia [onshore] in July 2008 which is now known as Block Lower River. The proposal was reviewed in August 2008 by the Petroleum Commission, and The Gambia National Petroleum Company and its board of directors. The fiscal terms and work programme were negotiated extensively and following Your Excellency's [the president] approval, an agreement in principle was signed in September 2008 between Oranto and the government of The Gambia," she stated.
Deputy minister Jaiteh equally noted that though their negotiations took a long time, this was necessary in order for them to carefully and critically examine every element of the license with a view to ensure that it conforms to international standards and results in a win-win situation for both parties. She informed the gathering that Oranto together with its sister company [Atlas Petroleum International] have expanded their exploration profile extensively in the sub-region, indicating that they have so far acquired several petroleum exploration blocks in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Liberia and Senegal.
Deputy Minister Teneng Ba-Jaiteh also stated that a lot of achievements have been registered in petroleum exploration activities in the offshore areas of The Gambia following the signing of the two deep-water offshore Blocks – A1 and A4. "Currently, the Licensees, African Petroleum in partnership with Buried Hill, are carrying out more than 2500 square kilometers of 3D seismic data acquisition in these blocks. This survey, costing over US$12 million, is being financed by the Licensees as part of the License Agreement," she disclosed. She further disclosed that a number of international oil companies, have also shown interest in the remaining four offshore Blocks [A2, A3, A5, and A6], while indicating that negotiations are far advanced for two of the Blocks -A2 and A5.
She concluded by thanking Oranto chairman for his continued interest in petroleum exploration in The Gambia, particularly the onshore area, while looking forward to the timely and efficient implementation of the agreed work programmes. For his part, Dr Prince Arthur Eze expressed delight for being present at the signing ceremony. The Oranto chief, who expressed his satisfaction with the pace of development in the country, assured the Gambian leader that he came to Banjul to work with him and his government. He described the Gambian leader as a very honest and straightforward person, while praying for his wellbeing.
He said that Oranto is the biggest independent oil company in the world, adding that it is also within the sub-region.
Author: by Hatab Fadera
http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/gambia-oranto-ink-petroleum-exploration-deal
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
Edited by - Moe on 10 Nov 2010 05:14:55 |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
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Dr Thomas
Gambia
95 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2010 : 12:48:02
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Touby the link you supplied relates to stat oil ltd who are a real international company.
Check out Oranto on Google or ask Jeeves and see the results.
Oranto regitered address is 4 Akin Olugbade St Lagos. 10 x 6 room
parent company is Oranto UK Ltd 21 Norman road. Sutton. This is a residential address. Check it out on Google st map. They give a number 0208 751 0572 (not recognised) as is the Nigerian No |
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Dr Thomas
Gambia
95 Posts |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2010 : 14:59:30
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Thanks DR THOMAS, a good job you are eagle eyed and know about these things,I must say that the search and the results that I came up with were very professional,but it wasn't the company mentioned in the piece from the D.O. I was wrong, the company that you located appears to be a different kettle of fish entirely,its great to know that just like cricket these days someone somewhere has their eye on the ball (English joke think about the latest development in the world of cricket )
quote:
Originally posted by Dr Thomas
Check out www.afdevinfo.com.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Edited by - toubab1020 on 10 Nov 2010 15:23:59 |
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Prince
507 Posts |
Posted - 10 Nov 2010 : 19:12:39
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| So Moe, our good sir... this oil of "Kuwaiti proportions," where exactly is it located? |
"When injustice becomes law, rebellion becomes duty." |
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Watchman
Gambia
174 Posts |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 13 Nov 2010 : 22:28:18
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Before anyone gets too excited this is as I understand it a licence to explore for oil in a geographical place,it's a long way from an actual oil company putting up oil rigs to drill and see if oil is actually present in quantities that make it practical to exploit,maybe BIG oil companies have already evaluated the prospect area and decided that oil is not there in commercial quantities,I think I remember some time ago a Canadian company was granted an exploration licence, I dont remember hearing any more about that.
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 13 Nov 2010 : 22:30:56
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More possible information here,the name is rather distinctive:
http://crownroyalenergy.com/aboutus.htm |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Watchman
Gambia
174 Posts |
Posted - 13 Nov 2010 : 23:06:17
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There is a big difference between "getting excited" and expressing an opinion (backed with facts and statistics) on a possibility.
What is more, the formalities occurring in The Gambia between Oranto and the Jammeh regime are requisite steps before actual drilling (whether there is oil or not can only be determined by drilling)anyway.
Also, the probability that Africa's West coast still has vast untapped reserves of oil is higher what with the discovery and commencement of oil production off the Ghanaian Coast:
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/c4c5c6fa-e051-11df-99a3-00144feabdc0.html#axzz15CcE71pm
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For your own good, read:
www.escapefrombanjul.blogspot.com |
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Kitabul Arerr
Gambia
645 Posts |
Posted - 14 Nov 2010 : 00:09:50
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Considering Gambia's size, Onshore Petroleum Exploration and eventual drilling could be detrimental
to our well being. Pollution is a point of concern. Solar and wind energy is abundant in The Gambia,
and it's an infinite resource. Oil exploration is beneficial for desert regions. But Gambia is an
agricultural land. The river could be devasted on an eventual exportation of crude oil. This venture,
Onshore Petroleum Exploration is a non starter, IMHO.
Who gets/takes the [Lions'] share, when drilling comes to fruition, The King.........................LOL?
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The New Gambia - Stronger Together! |
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Nyarikangbanna
United Kingdom
1382 Posts |
Posted - 14 Nov 2010 : 01:48:49
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Oil has been present in the Gambian soil for a long time now-since jawara era- but it has been judged not commercially viable then. Let's now see what has actually changed to warrant all these frenzy political posturing.
Don't get me wrong; it has been a long time since gambian oil was judged not commercially viable. So things might change by now. You never know with nature.
Regards |
I do not oppose unity but I oppose dumb union. |
Edited by - Nyarikangbanna on 14 Nov 2010 01:51:34 |
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Kitabul Arerr
Gambia
645 Posts |
Posted - 14 Nov 2010 : 02:05:10
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I've noticed a trend. Whenever elections are approaching, the Gambian electorate is tickled with imminent
promise of oil/gas wealth. It used to be offshore, now it's onshore. What's next, sideshore wells?
Read my lips, I repeat:
"Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me, fool me thrice, shame on all of you........................lol!
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The New Gambia - Stronger Together! |
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 14 Nov 2010 : 18:48:17
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The presence of "Dewey Ngallam" onshore /offshore/side ways, whether viable or not is no point of contention. Lets stick to the facts and try to make sense of this oil palaver. For starters as Nyari already stated the presence of oil within our shores cannot be debated since exploration was a priority since the 60s and 70s several wells where explored and they all proved futile never the less Our neighbors Senegal have reserves and presence of oil so the question is not whether there is an oil presence but whether it is Viable as stated, enough to require exploration, this is all a cost issue, Do we have enough oil to warrant exploration. The kanifing municipal area according to the seismic reports during the Jawara era eluded to the fact that the presence of natural gas within that vicinity would require relocating the residents of that area.
Most people during those early days seen the reports of the off shore locations. It's always my pleasure to mess with ya'll, Please explain the reason behind all these scholarships being offered to Gambian students to study petroleum engineering overseas and the rational behind it if the oil palaver was not a reality.
According to scientific evidence thats the reason behind the Gambian soil being so acidic. Agriculture is a priority and with the right measures in place the country can boast of both being the drivers of it's economy as per the IMF report Agriculture has taken back the role of being the main driver. So for a novice like my self knowing that agriculture which was an untapped industry and a dying venture has been revived and given a new heart beat, gives me the impression that someone is lying to the populace(opposition camp) indeed agriculture is becoiming a success in our tiny nation. Kitab off shore drilling might be expensive and almost impossible to provide the necessary safe guards to ensure pollution is not a major issue especially in Africa but what is MAN to do about that dilemma?
You mean to tell me that the Opposition is scared and this includes Darboe, Halifa, Kool and the gang NRP and the semester political parties to dispute the fact that there is Oil in the Gambia. It's a touchy subject they dare not elaborate on the facts are ever present my friends.
Alkalo1020 whether the company has associations in Nigerian is of no concern as long as they are capable of delivering and are delivering in Nigeria. Google how many oil companies are based out of Nigeria and then we can discuss your lame hypothesis. What are you driving to please explain your self Niuminka.
Watchman whether the venture is profitable or could be profitable compared to leading producers is yet to be determined. It all depends on How much oil is present and what the dividends are used for so far so good I like the development efforts in place. No doubt in my mind that Development is a Priority and Innovation is the driver nowadays.
Dr thomas Oranto as per Simco
http://www.simco-pet.com/services/all_mandates.htm
http://www.liberianobserver.com/node/5471
http://blogs.forbes.com/christopherhelman/2010/09/08/chevron-adds-big-acreage-offshore-liberia/
If Oranto is not a legitimate company then it would be safe to assume that "Chevron" is also a fake company RIGHT!!................................................................Peace
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
Edited by - Moe on 15 Nov 2010 06:05:15 |
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toubab1020
12306 Posts |
Posted - 14 Nov 2010 : 23:51:19
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MOE,The cloud of confusion that has developed in this topic must make any reasonable man scratch his head and wonder ,WHY ? I cannot answer that question,but could not help finding this is one of your own links;
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"As for Chevron’s partner, Oranto Petroleum–I’ll have to do some more digging to figure out who they are. Appears that Oranto has some prospects off the coast of Sierra Leone and perhaps some interests in Nigeria. If any readers know anything about Oranto please leave a comment or drop me a line."
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You have supplied links that mention Oranto nothing is clear in this fog,it is probable that this is the normal way for exploration companies to do business and accepted by all in that industry due to the large amounts of money involved,perhaps you can shed some light on this ?
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"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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Moe
USA
2326 Posts |
Posted - 15 Nov 2010 : 06:08:35
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Alkalo1020 you are a Niuminka, Niumi has no natural resources I would suggest you stick to subsistence farming. This palm wine and dewey Ngallam business is beyond your comprehension, no need to be a back seat driver........................................................peacequote:
Originally posted by toubab1020
MOE,The cloud of confusion that has developed in this topic must make any reasonable man scratch his head and wonder ,WHY ? I cannot answer that question,but could not help finding this is one of your own links;
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"As for Chevron’s partner, Oranto Petroleum–I’ll have to do some more digging to figure out who they are. Appears that Oranto has some prospects off the coast of Sierra Leone and perhaps some interests in Nigeria. If any readers know anything about Oranto please leave a comment or drop me a line."
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You have supplied links that mention Oranto nothing is clear in this fog,it is probable that this is the normal way for exploration companies to do business and accepted by all in that industry due to the large amounts of money involved,perhaps you can shed some light on this ?
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I am Jebel Musa better yet rock of Gibraltar,either or,still a stronghold and a Pillar commanding direction
The GPU wants Me Hunted Down for what I don't know ..... |
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