The Ta11 and Ta12 permits, which cover 69,000 square kilometres, are in eastern Mauritania, next to the border with Mali.

“This survey area is adjacent to Baraka’s five blocks in Mali where we recently commenced a 6000-kilometre seismic acquisition program,” Baraka managing director Mark Fenton said.

“With Baraka involved in both survey areas, we have the most complete airborne data coverage of any company exploring the Taoudeni Basin.”

The surveys will assist in identifying structural trends in the basin and in planning for future seismic acquisition and exploration drilling, Fenton said.

Africa and South America-focused Baraka Petroleum said the Taoudeni is highly prospective and analogous to Algeria’s hydrocarbon-rich Ahnet and Illizi basins.

Late last year, Baraka farmed out a 25% interest in its five Mali blocks to Algeria’s Sonatrach International Petroleum Exploration and Production BVI (SIPEX). Italy’s Eni picked up a 50% stake in these permits and operatorhsip of the joint venture. Baraka retains 25%.

In the company’s two inland Mauritania permits, Petronas will acquire Woodside’s 75% stake in Ta11 and Ta12 and operatorship of the joint venture.