The government of Mauritania has signed two exploration-production contracts with US-based Murphy Oil Corporation for the offshore blocks C10 and Tiof. The agreement was signed on November 3, 2026, in Nouakchott, marking a new step in the country's efforts to develop its hydrocarbon sector. The contracts were signed by Mauritania's Minister of Energy and Oil, Mohamed Abdel Vetah, and Murphy Oil Corporation's Senior Vice President of Exploration and Subsurface, Olson Christopher Charles.
The signing of the contracts is seen as a significant development in Mauritania's strategy to attract international investors to its hydrocarbon sector. The country's offshore blocks are believed to have significant potential for oil and gas reserves, and the government is keen to explore and develop these resources. The agreement with Murphy Oil Corporation is expected to boost the country's attractiveness to investors and provide new opportunities for economic growth.
The contracts signed with Murphy Oil Corporation cover the offshore blocks C10 and Tiof, located in the Mauritanian coastal basin. The blocks are believed to have significant potential for oil and gas reserves, and the company will be responsible for exploring and producing hydrocarbons in these areas. The agreement is seen as a major milestone in the development of Mauritania's hydrocarbon sector and is expected to contribute to the country's economic growth.
The Mauritanian government has expressed its confidence in the potential of its hydrocarbon sector, citing the country's favorable geographic location, stable political environment, and competitive investment framework. The government is keen to attract international investors to develop the country's resources and has been actively promoting its hydrocarbon sector to potential investors. The agreement with Murphy Oil Corporation is seen as a significant step in this effort.
Murphy Oil Corporation is an independent US-based oil and gas company with experience in exploration, development, and production of hydrocarbons in several international basins. The company has announced positive results in its evaluation of a field in Côte d'Ivoire and has a strong track record in exploring sedimentary basins. The company's expertise and experience are expected to contribute to the development of Mauritania's hydrocarbon sector.
The development of Mauritania's hydrocarbon sector is seen as a key driver of the country's economic growth and industrial development. The sector is expected to contribute significantly to the country's GDP and provide new opportunities for employment and economic development. The government is keen to ensure that the development of the sector is done in a responsible and sustainable manner, with a focus on environmental and social responsibility.
The signing of the contracts with Murphy Oil Corporation is part of a broader effort by Mauritania to develop its hydrocarbon sector and attract international investors. The country is also working on the development of the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project, which is expected to contribute significantly to the country's economic growth. The project is being developed in partnership with Senegal and is expected to provide new opportunities for economic development and growth.
Key points
- The agreement with Murphy Oil Corporation marks a new step in Mauritania's efforts to develop its hydrocarbon sector and attract international investors.
- The contracts cover the offshore blocks C10 and Tiof, which are believed to have significant potential for oil and gas reserves.
- The development of Mauritania's hydrocarbon sector is seen as a key driver of the country's economic growth and industrial development.
