Ethiopia, UK White Nile sign oil exploration deal

January 15, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) – Ethiopian government signed today an agreement with the English oil producer White Nile Ltd agreed today toxplore and develop petroleum in south Ethiopia.

Mines and Energy Minister, Alemayehu Tegenu and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of White Nile Limited, Philippe Edmonds signed the agreement, the official ENA reported.

The agreement is said to enable the company carryout petroleum exploration and development on 29,465 sq. km. The Southern Ethiopian rift basins in the Omo and Chew Bahir areas were considered to be some of the petroleum potential areas in Ethiopia, the Ministry said.

White Nile Ltd. had a joint Study Agreement (JSA) with the Ministry, concluded in August 2007, which allowed both the Ministry and Company to evaluate the petroleum potentials of the areas.

Following a two year dispute with the French Total over an oil concession in Jonglei state, the English oil firm had to stop its operation and leave the area. However, the White Nile is still attempting to associate its self with southern Sudan government or to have another concession.

(ST)