Wireline logging at Banda NW-1 indicated penetration of a gas column, but uncertainty over the location of fluid contacts prompted the joint venture to sidetrack.
The well has now been plugged back to 1078 metres and a sidetrack well has started that will extend to 2284m.
The forward program is to drill the sidetrack to further evaluate the hydrocarbon column in a more favourable structural position, Roc said.
The joint venture's previous well, the Khop-1 wildcat in the PSC Area C Block 6, was plugged and abandoned after encountering thin sands with non-commercial oil shows.
Roc has a 3.69% stake in the PSC Area B; PC Mauritania is operator with 53.84%, Tullow Oil 21.6%, and Mauritania Holdings BV 11.63%
