Morondava

Collaborating Authors

Morondava

Non-Seismic Methods for Tar Sands Evaluation – Bemolanga, Madagascar.

OnePetroNovember, 2012

Introduction Bemolanga is known as a large, shallow tar sands deposit in the onshore Morondava Basin of Madagascar (see Figure 1 for the location of the Bemolanga lease, Piqué et. al. 1999 and Geiger et. al 2004 for further detail) which were discovered first in the early 1900’s but have been known to locals for centuries. In an effort to better understand the near-surface distribution and the structural setting of these tar sands, non-seismic methods such as surface electrical and Falcon? airborne gravity gradiometry and magnetics were deployed. These methods were chosen due to the link between bitumen saturation and resistivity, and the expression of intrusive dykes and basement topography/faulting in the high-resolution gravity gradient and magnetic data. These techniques enabled the development of between well-bore saturation estimation and mapping of intrusive dyke location and basement topography with fault delineation in an area of recent cover, all of which contributes to better resource definition.

OnePetro

SEG

SEG-2012-0601

2012 SEG Annual Meeting

Country: Africa > Madagascar > Menabe > Morondava (0.26)

Geologic Time: Phanerozoic > Mesozoic (0.72)

Geophysics:

Geophysics > Seismic Surveying (1.00)
Geophysics > Gravity Surveying (1.00)

Industry: Energy > Oil & Gas > Upstream (1.00)

Oilfield Places:

Asia > India > Gondwana Basin (0.99)
Africa > Madagascar > Indian Ocean > Madagascar Basin (0.99)

SPE Disciplines:

Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Unconventional and Complex Reservoirs > Oil sand, oil shale, bitumen (1.00)
Reservoir Description and Dynamics > Reservoir Characterization > Seismic processing and interpretation (1.00)
Facilities Design, Construction and Operation > Unconventional Production Facilities > Oil sand/shale/bitumen (1.00)

Add feedback

Environment and Petroleum Exploration in Madagascar

Ratsimandresy, R. (OMNIS Madagascar) | Raveloson, E.A. (OMNIS Madagascar) | Lalaharisaina, J.V. (OMNIS Madagascar)

OnePetroNovember, 1991

Abstract This paper deals with the environmental problems related to Petroleum Exploration Programs (P E P) in Madagascar and measures taken, in short terms, to minimize environment degradation resulting from these. PEP concerns the three main western sedimentary PEP concerns the three main western sedimentary basins (Ambilobe Basin - Majunga Basin - Morondava basin) -Fig. 2- of which 12% of the surface are classified as "protected area" (forests, parks, reserves) in respect of the richness and rareness of wildlife species. PEP's operations (seismic survey and drilling PEP's operations (seismic survey and drilling wells), when conducted in these zones, affect the system (access road, people migration), leading to the degradation of the wildlife. For petroleum companies working in those zones, some appropriate measures (adequacy of equipment, engagement to restore damages, environment study) were required before concerned administration could grant the agreement. One example of specific environment damages caused by Petroleum Exploration Operations is mentioned in this paper. Introduction As specimen rare in the world, Madagascar's wildlife species are protected by the 1933 London Convention on International Trade in Endangered species of wild Fauna and Flora. And in general, major dispositions were considered to preserve and safeguard the environmental aspect. In the other side, since the beginning of the century, in order to solve the urge needs for energy self sufficiency, the development of petroleum research through intensive activities came to be the highest priority for the country. Derogations were delivered, which sometimes by-passed the law in force, related to the environmental policy. During the last decade, the reality is so that damages become more and more serious. This situation is illustrated by the degradation of the environment as well as the threat of extinction of rare wildlifes and flora. However, since these last 5 years, with technical and financial assistance of various international organizations, special and intensive care, as well as concrete programs, were applied in environmental matter to limit the damage and to reinstate the patrimony. In particular, being aware of the real danger, OMNIS (OFFICE MILITAIRE NATIONAL POUR LES INDUSTRIES STRATEGIQUES), the own-state organization in charge of coordination for all exploration activities in Madagascar, with collaboration of petroleum companies holding concessions, has considered various dispositions in order to establish a better compromise between the "environmental" entity and the exploration activities as a sector of "economic development". ENVIRONMENT IN MADAGASCAR Malagasy vegetation is distributed within two distinct biogeographic regions, where the vegetation composition is well defined and differentiated For fauna, these two regions do not constitute well pronounced limit. P. 265

OnePetro

doi: 10.2118/23344-MS

SPE

SPE-23344-MS

SPE Health, Safety and Environment in Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Conference