Angola produces over 695 mm bbl of oil in 2008
Crude oil production in Angola in 2008 was set at 695,707 mm barrels, the Minister of Oil, Botelho de Vasconcelos,
said while speaking at the New-Year greetings ceremony that gathered officials of oil companies working in the
country.
The government official stressed that for the above-mentioned period, the beginning of production at "Mondo" and
"Saxi/Batuque" fields at Block 15, and Banzala B, at Block 0, the "production of 2008 was heavily affected due to the
full halt of Block 18 exploration facilities, during two months, which caused a loss of 210,000 bpd".
Concerning the research, he said that at least 27 wells were drilled being 12 of research and 15 of assessment. From
this number, only 5 have quantities of tradable oil.
Relating to the project of construction of a new refinery in Lobito (Benguela), the official highlighted the signing
of engineering contract between Sonangol and KBR company and the start of ground levelling and works at the jetties.
He affirmed that the signing of these contracts will boost the project and will enable to foresee the execution of
work in a timeframe that he considered just, in the ambit of an updated chronogram.
Botelho de Vasconcelos stressed that in the environment area the Ministry of Oil is still playing its role,
guaranteeing environmental protection through the draft of proper legislations and the procedures in line with the
international practices accepted in the oil industry.
On this issue, he revealed the recent approval by the Cabinet Council of the National Plan of Contingency against oil
spills on sea.
