The gravity survey is the second stage of an ongoing work program within the five Taoudini Basin blocks in Mali, numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9, covering 193,200 square kilometres and extends east from the border with Mauritania

While the survey was initially acquired on a 10km spacing – representing 24,800km – operator Eni and partners Baraka and SIPEX decided to infill the area on a 5km spacing after reviewing the initial results, representing a further 23,300 km.

Baraka chief executive Dr Mark Fenton said the JV would combine the airborne survey with the previous magnetic and radiometric survey to upgrade several of the Taoudeni Basin’s identified structural trends.

“This additional information will play an important role in the planning of the seismic acquisition programme scheduled to commence in October 2007,” Fenton said.

“Interpretation of the Mali airborne survey should be completed within the next month.”

The five Mali blocks neighbour Baraka’s two blocks in Mauritania, where it and partner Woodside Petroleum have started another airborne magnetic and gravity survey.

“On completion of the Mauritanian survey, expected to be November 2007, the company will have the most complete data coverage of any company operating within the highly prospective Taoudeni Basin,” Fenton said.