There are numerous hidden secrets in nature that are still uncovered. Once such came into light when scientists discovered Mozambique’s Maniamba Basin has potential to generate petroleum. Yes, they are considering it to be one of the richest gas sources in the world.
Nelson Nhamutole, a PhD student at the University of the Witwatersrand, formed a team of scientists from different regions of the world. Together they came to a detailed study analyzing samples from different outcrops up to 4 in Maniamba Basin in Mozambique. Utilizing techniques like Total Organic Carbon (TOC ) and Rock-Eval Pyrolysis, they dissect the properties of different types of mineral resources, such as shale, claystone, sandstone, and siltstone.
They discover that deep beneath the rugged landscape of northern Mozambique lies a geological treasure that could reshape the energy future of these East African nations. The Maniamba Basin, spanning an impressive 8,000,000 km2, is full of ancient fossils and organic-rich sediments. This vast rock formation holds immense promise as a new source for oil and natural gas production.
A Possible Source of Natural Gas
- The country’s sedimentary rock is mature to over mature, mostly by tectonic influences, according to the research.
- The proximity of igneous intrusions (formation of magma from the earth before it reaches the surface).
- The final maturation level that took place in the analysis of the types of organic matter is a key finding for the formation of gas, not oil in the basin.
The Maniamba Basin’s possibility discovery has won the race in energy assessments but it’s just the beginning. In-depth, technical examinations involving diverse geochemical and geological procedures and methods are indispensable. This will be helpful for the process of differentiating between mere potential and actual resources.
Another revolutionary research where Tohoku University researchers are using Disordered Rocksalt Oxides for rechargeable magnesium batteries.
Kerogen Types Discovered in Mozambique’s Maniamba Basin
Mainly there were types III and IV kerogen detected in the basin. However, samples containing the mixed type II and III kerogen are also available. These data imply that OM probably has a terrigenous source there is a possibility of organofacies C, CD, and D. This suggests that the place had a time in its vegetation cover which was characteristic of the Gondwana ecosystem which forms potential gas fields. Natural aging processes transform an organic-rich rock into hydrocarbons.
“Our capability to infer that the maturation stages were somehow influenced by igneous intrusions based on a small sample size is really exciting!”, says Nelson.
While the world wrestles with energy troubles, the first curtain rises in the form of a basin of hope. The conclusion that Mozambique’s Maniamba Basin has potential to generate petroleum can be realized through the international collaborations.
Source: Petroleum potential from Permian-Triassic strata of the Maniamba Basin, Mozambique
