Luanda - The project of seismic operations in blocks 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 35 to 40, intended to determine the existing hydrocarbon potential, was taken Wednesday in Luanda to the public consultation by the Ministry of Environment.

 
The project will be implemented this year by "CGGVeritas" companies and is expected to be performed in accordance with the announcement made in 2010 by the oil firm concessionaire Sonangol EP.
 

According to the study on environmental impact for such seismic operations, the initiative could lead to a considerable percentage of profit for the Angolan economy, as the country has marine rock formations similar to those of Brazil.

In 2007, it was discovered a pre-salt reserves area which can yield 30 billion barrels.

 
The two-year project, which was presented by the manager of business development of CGGVeritas, Loepoldina Ribeiro, specifies that seismic surveys will be conducted with a view to determining the existing underground geological structures and thus determine the locations where there are oil and gas fields.

Taking into account the means that will be used, an environmental impact study and its mitigation measures has been prepared, in order to avoid endangering several animals and plants, many endangered species.

The study will be analysed by Environment minister, Maria de Fatima Jardim.