Review of The Prospectivity of The Rio Del Rey Basin Cameroon

REVIEW OF THE PROSPECTIVITY OF THE RIO DEL REY
BASIN, CAMEROON
Review of the Prospectivity of the Rio del Rey Basin, Cameroon
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APRIL 2019
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Copyright © CGG, 2019

CONTENTS
Chapters Page
CHAPTER 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1
CHAPTER 2 INTRODUCTION 2
2.1 OBJECTIVES, SCOPE AND RATIONALE 2

2.2 REPORT DELIVERABLES 2
CHAPTER 3 PROJECT DATABASE 3
3.1 PROJECT DATABASE 3

3.1.1 3D Seismic Data 3
3.1.2 2D Seismic Data 3
3.1.3 Well Data 3
CHAPTER 4 EXPLORATION HISTORY 4
4.1 HYDROCARBON OCCURRENCES AND EXPLORATION HISTORY 4

4.2 WELL SUCCESS AND FAILURE 5
CHAPTER 5 TECTONIC HISTORY AND STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION 7
5.1 REGIONAL BASIN STRUCTURE 7

5.2 GEOLOGICAL EVOLUTION 8
5.2.1 End of Aptian (110Ma): Rifting 8
5.2.2 Mid Albian (100Ma): End of Rifting 8
5.2.3 Santonian (85Ma): Post-rifting 8
5.2.4 Upper Eocene – Lower Miocene (38Ma – 20Ma) 9
5.2.5 Mid Miocene (16Ma – 11Ma) 9
5.2.6 Upper Miocene to Present (11Ma – 0Ma) 10
CHAPTER 6 STRATIGRAPHIC FRAMEWORK 11
6.1 STRATIGRAPHIC FRAMEWORK 11

6.1.1 Cretaceous 11
6.1.2 Tertiary 11
6.1.2.1 Akata Formation (Palaeocene to Recent) 11
6.1.2.2 Agbada Formation (Miocene to Recent) 12
6.1.2.3 Benin Formation (Pliocene to Recent) 12
6.2 PETROLEUM SYSTEMS 12
6.2.1 Source Rocks 12
6.2.2 Hydrocarbon Maturity and Migration 13
6.2.3 Reservoirs 13
6.2.3.1 Cretaceous Sands 13
6.2.3.2 Oongue Turbidite Sands 14
6.2.3.3 Isongo Turbidite Sands 14
6.2.3.4 Nguti Turbidite Sands 15
6.2.3.5 Diongo Turbidite Sands 15
6.2.3.6 Agbada Formation 15

6.2.3.7 Biafra / Victoria Sands 16

6.2.4 Traps and Seals 16
CHAPTER 7 HYDROCARBON PLAYS 17
7.1 LATE MIOCENE TO RECENT DELTAIC PLAY 17

7.2 PALAEOCENE TO MID MIOCENE 17
7.2.1 Isongo Sands 18
7.2.2 Oongue Sands 20
7.2.3 Nguti Sands 21
7.2.4 Diongo Sands 21
7.2.5 Conclusions 21
7.3 CRETACEOUS 22
CHAPTER 8 RECOMMENDATIONS 23
8.1 CONSISTENT NOMENCLATURE 23

8.2 BIOSTRATIGRAPHIC REVIEW 23
8.3 FOCUS ON THE ETINDE STRUCTURAL DOMAIN 23
CHAPTER 9 CONCLUSIONS 24
CHAPTER 10 REFERENCES 25

LIST OF FIGURES
CHAPTER 4
Figure 4.1 Map showing completion date for wells in the RDR Basin
Figure 4.2 Map showing the seismic data type upon which wells in the RDR Basin were drilled
Figure 4.3 Map showing the total depth for wells in the RDR Basin
Figure 4.4 Map showing the primary target age for wells in the RDR Basin
Figure 4.5 Map showing the results for wells in the RDR Basin
Figure 4.6 Map showing the trap type for wells in the RDR Basin
CHAPTER 5
Figure 5.1 Structural domains associated with the RDR Basin
CHAPTER 6
Figure 6.1 Stratigraphic chart for the RDR Basin
Figure 6.2 Stratigraphic division of the Agbada Formation
Figure 6.3 Stratal slice at the Cretaceous level
Figure 6.4 Stratal slices extracted at the Oongue level
Figure 6.5 Stratal slices extracted at the Lower Isongo level
CHAPTER 7
Figure 7.1 Conceptual play cartoon for the RDR Basin
Figure 7.2 Seismic line showing bright spots associated with the traditional deltaic play
Figure 7.3 Location and extent of the Ekondo Canyon
Figure 7.4 Seismic line and stratal slice showing MTCs in the Diongo sands
Figure 7.5 Seismic line showing amplitude anomaly associated with the intra Isongo sands
Figure 7.6 Block diagram showing the typical characteristics of fine grained submarine fans
Figure 7.7 Stratal slice at the top Isongo interval.
Figure 7.8 Seismic line showing the anticlinal structure targeted by the Debunsha Marine wells
Figure 7.9 Seismic line showing the structure targeted by Ubene-1
Figure 7.10 Seismic line showing the interpreted extent of Isongo sands near Oongue
Figure 7.11 Seismic line through Oongue Marine-2
Figure 7.12 Seismic line showing structural trapping mechanisms for Oongue sands
Figure 7.13 Seismic line showing amplitude anomalies associated with Nguti sands
Figure 7.14 Stratal slices at the Nguti level
Figure 7.15 Seismic line showing high amplitude Nguti sands between diapirs
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1 Table of seismic data incorporated into the TerraCube REGRID
Appendix 2 Table showing angle stacks available for 3D surveys
Appendix 3 Table showing wells available to the study
Appendix 4 Table of well analysis
Appendix 5 List of abbreviations
LIST OF ENCLOSURES
Enclosure 1 Distribution of data used in study map
Enclosure 2 Hydrocarbon occurrences map
Enclosure 3 Structural elements map
Robertson GeoSpec International Limited Copyright © CGG, 2019

CHAPTER 1
Executive Summary
This report provides an analysis of the petroleum systems of the Rio del Rey (RDR) Basin,
Cameroon. It has been compiled from data supplied by Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures,
hereafter SNH, and from non-proprietary reports commissioned by SNH.
The presence of an active hydrocarbon system has been demonstrated by numerous gas and
oil discoveries offshore, especially in the Miocene to Recent deltaic play, and there is potential
for additional plays in the older stratigraphy. This report provides a summary of the main
producing play, and additional plays that are not yet producing. Furthermore, the report
summarises the regional stratigraphy, previous exploration efforts and our interpretation work
to re-assess the prospectivity of the RDR Basin.
The initial phase of the study involved generating an enhanced, regional, well and seismic
database, combining and enhancing data of multiple vintages. This gave context to large-scale
interpretation work, which helped to better define the basin’s architecture and hydrocarbon
prospectivity. Seismic attribute work and modern interpretation methods have provided fresh
insight into the development of the region and have improved the understanding of the
petroleum potential throughout the RDR Basin. In particular stratal slices over key intervals
have helped identify the limits of Miocene and older turbidite plays.
Well success and failure maps were used to identify missed opportunities and to provide
further insights into well planning. The maps indicate that reservoir presence and character is
the most common risk element in the deeper plays, due to the variable distribution patterns of
turbidite sedimentation, and complexity arising from shale diapirism. It is concluded that
regional reprocessing of 3D seismic data would improve imaging beneath the classical deltaic
play, and that the search for hydrocarbons in the RDR Basin needs to focus on the deeper
plays.
In summary, the RDR Basin has produced significant amounts of hydrocarbons in the late
Miocene play, but attention now needs to shift to deeper plays as late Miocene reserves are
being depleted.
Robertson GeoSpec International Limited 1 Copyright © CGG, 2019

CHAPTER 2
Introduction
2.1 OBJECTIVES, SCOPE AND RATIONALE
This synthesis report results from a decision by the Cameroon authorities to announce an
onshore and offshore licensing round for designated blocks in 2018. The round ran from 15 th
January 2018 to 29th June 2018. As part of the promotion of the acreage, SNH contracted
CGG MCNV (GeoSpec), hereafter GeoSpec, to generate geoscience data packages for the
licensing round. This report forms part of the scope of work and has been generated using
seismic, well and other geological data, including previous reports and studies, which have
been integrated with the findings of the 2018 report.
A great deal of valuable information is hidden inside work produced by oil companies,
consultants and academics over the last few decades. The synthesised report provides
companies with a succinct overview of previous work and of the current understanding of the
petroleum systems to help them focus their work programmes, come up with new play ideas
and/or reduce risk for current plays. The report focusses on the onshore and offshore Rio Del
Rey (RDR) Basin (Enclosure 1).
The rationale for this study is as follows:

 The RDR Basin has undergone a significant phase of exploration targeting Miocene
plays, but other deeper plays remain underexplored
 The basin has proven hydrocarbon potential, evidenced by seeps, numerous oil and
gas discoveries and shows, and producing fields.
 Much previous exploration was guided by 2D seismic and the wells drilled may not
have been optimally positioned – the 3D data sets generated for the round have
improved understanding of previous exploration efforts.
The objectives of the study are as follows:

 Integrate and summarise previous operator and regional studies
 Identify missed pay opportunities and understand previous well failure
 Recommend future strategies to demonstrate the prospectivity of the basin
2.2 REPORT DELIVERABLES
The report is provided as a pdf which is fully integrated into ArcGIS with accompanying
enclosures and shapefiles. The main report comprises the main text and diagrams. Enclosures
are presented as a separate volume
Enclosure 1 shows the distribution of data used in the study.
Enclosure 2 shows hydrocarbon occurrences to date.
Enclosure 3 shows the key structural elements affecting the RDR Basin.

CHAPTER 3
Project Database
3.1 PROJECT DATABASE
An extensive database comprising 3D seismic data, 2D seismic data and well data of multiple
vintages underlies the report. Data access was granted with kind permission of SNH,
Cameroon. The study area, and available data are shown in Enclosure 1.
3.1.1 3D Seismic Data
The 3D seismic database is entirely offshore. A master 25m x 25m north-south, east-west
orientated grid was generated and the individual surveys available for offshore RDR were re-
gridded onto the master grid. Four individual surveys (Bolongo Exploration, Debunsha, Etisah
and Nanar) and one merged survey (RdR Merge) comprising four additional surveys were
used to create the RDR 3D seismic database. The zero-phasing of a master survey was
checked and the remaining surveys phased matched to this survey. The individual surveys
were then butt merged to create a contiguous seismic volume (TerraCubeREGRID) covering a
surface area of 1,235km2. Where surveys overlapped the most recent survey, or the survey
adjudged to be of better quality was chosen. Finally the data was time and amplitude matched.
The oldest vintage incorporated into the merged seismic volume is 1990, and the most recent
survey was acquired in 2010 (see Appendix 1).
Angle stacks were available for the Bolongo Exploration, Etisah and RdR Merge surveys,
though the angle ranges were different for every survey, see Appendix 2. Consequently no
angle stack merges were produced, but individual survey angle stacks were co-blended and
used in the interpretation
3.1.2 2D Seismic Data
A total of 10,546km of TerraCube2D seismic data underlies the report, with 7,646km lying
outside of the area covered by 3D seismic data. The data was navigation corrected, enhanced
and matched to the surrounding 3D data. The 2D data lies both onshore and offshore and
provides a link through the transition zone. Data vintages range from 1970 to 2013 and seismic
data types range in quality from scanned and reconstructed data to enhanced original SEG-Y
migrations. Where required, the seismic datum for onshore 2D data was shifted to mean sea
level.
3.1.3 Well Data
Data for 67 wells was available to the study. Data quality and quantity was variable and
vintages spanned from 1967 to 2016. Detailed interpretations and analysis were conducted
over 21 wells, with LAS, reconnaissance petrophysics and biostratigraphic reviews produced
where possible. Original operator reports and hard copy logs were available for the other 46
wells. A data listing of the available wells is presented in Appendix 3. The full names of wells
have been used throughout the study and report.

CHAPTER 4
Exploration History
4.1 HYDROCARBON OCCURRENCES AND EXPLORATION HISTORY
The RDR Basin is the most prolific hydrocarbon area in Cameroon with over 95% of the
country’s cumulative production and current reserves (Jeremiah et al., 2006).
Exploration began in the offshore RDR basin in 1967 with four wells drilled that year, three by
Elf Serepca and one by Mobil. The choice of well location in the unexplored basin was
determined by seismic interpretation, the proximity to the productive Niger Delta Basin and
the presence of hydrocarbon seeps in the region. The first two wells (Debunsha Marine-1 and
Etinde Marine-1) were dry, but Bakassi Marine-1 and Isongo Marine-1 discovered
hydrocarbons. Further appraisals of the Bakassi discovery were completed in 1968, before
wildcat exploration continued in 1970. Elf Serepca dominated the exploration of the RDR Basin
in the 1970s, drilling 89 out of 117 exploration and appraisal wells. Pecten started a
comprehensive drilling campaign in 1977, drilling 22 wells between 1977 and 1979. In 1977
the Kole Field became the first field in the basin to be put on production. Exploration in the
1970s was fuelled by the anticipation that gas discoveries would become economic (Coughlin
et al., 1993). By 1980 five fields were in production and a further 20 fields came online in the
1980s. Since 1977 more than 1BBbbls have been produced from Cameroon (Jeremiah et al.,
2006).
Exploration continued in the 1980s with 62 wells drilled until the oil price collapse in 1986, after
which exploration dramatically reduced. The Oongue Field was discovered in 1983 and
encountered a shallow gas sand and a deeper Eocene turbidite reservoir filled with high gravity
oil (Maloney, 1991), one of the first wells to encounter hydrocarbons below the Miocene.
Between 1986 and 1991 only nine wells were drilled in the basin. Exploration picked up in
1992, and has remained fairly constant since then. A total of 29 wells were drilled in the 1990s,
31 in the 2000s and 12 in the 2010s. Addax, Dana, Glencore, Bowleven and New Age all
entered the RDR Basin after the millennium and between them have drilled 20 wells, of which
17 contained hydrocarbon shows. Pecten, Elf Serepca and Total, however, continue to
dominate exploration efforts in the RDR Basin. Figure 4.1 shows the distribution of wells in
the basin by completion date.
Wells in the RDR basin have focussed on Miocene reservoir intervals, especially the Agbada
Formation. High pressure and high temperature regimes have so far precluded successful
exploration in the Cretaceous section, and the limited extent and poor historic success rate of
deeper Eocene sands has impacted the willingness of companies to target older objectives.
Typically, traps are structural in nature and reservoirs are often stacked. The Miocene deltaic
topset section has been the main exploration focus; other plays are immature and poorly
tested, though there is strong potential within the Miocene turbidite play (Jeremiah et al.,
2006). Reserves are typically found in structural traps: diapiric shale uplifts, anticlinal ridges
and growth fault structures (Satter, 2000).
The RDR Basin supplied about 97% of national crude oil production from about 60 fields in
2017 (SNH, 2019). As of 2018, 267 wells have been drilled in the RDR Basin, 147 of which
are exploration wells and 120 are appraisal wells. A total of 36 fields are classified as
discoveries and have not yet been produced. The next step for the future of the RDR Basin is
the focus on deeper plays such as Lower Miocene turbidites and the Cretaceous section, as
the current Miocene reserves are depleted.
4.2 WELL SUCCESS AND FAILURE
The RDR Basin is a productive basin, there are currently over 260 wells and 45 producing
fields. GeoSpec were granted access to 67 of the wells drilled so far in the RDR Basin to
analyse reasons for well failure. The wells spanned a variety of exploration phases with well
vintages varying from the first wells drilled in the basin (1967) to modern wells drilled in the
2010’s (Figure 4.1). The vast majority of the wells analysed were drilled in the 1970’s (17) and
in the 1980’s (32). Nearly 80% of the wells studied were drilled upon 2D seismic data in a
complex structural regime, though 3D seismic data was available from the 1990’s on (Figure
4.2). There is no discernible pattern to the exploration history of the basin, with all but the
westernmost part of the basin studied throughout the 1960’s to the present day.
Over 90% of the wells analysed reached a total depth between 2,501ft and 10,000ft and none
of the wells were drilled deeper than 13,000ft (Figure 4.3). This highlights the shallow nature
of the objectives in the basin, with the majority of wells targeting the prolific Miocene Agbada
sands (Figure 4.4). The most common Miocene intervals targeted, from the wells analysed,
were the S0.9, S5 and S7 sands. The Miocene deltaic play interval owes some of its success
to the stacked nature of the reservoir intervals. Jabane-1 is a good example, where 15 sandy
zones were encountered with 10 impregnated with gas. The deltaic sands have a relatively
well-known spatial distribution and reservoir facies have been mapped to give a higher chance
of success. The success of this play has important implications for the prospectivity of deeper
stratigraphy (source, migration and trapping), but because the Miocene deltaic play is well
established, it has not been discussed in detail in this report. It is appropriate, in the RDR
Basin, to examine well failure of the deeper sediments on a play by play basis, due to the large
success and number of wells targeting the Miocene deltaic play, which overprint a more
regional review. Although the sample size was too small to generate meaningful well failure
maps for the deeper plays, a summary of the findings is presented below.
Miocene Isongo reservoirs have proven productive in, but not exclusively, the Isongo Marine,
Isongo E, Isongo F and Njonji Fields. A total of 14 wells studied specifically stated the Isongo
as the primary target, though the number of wells actually testing the play is higher. Of these
wells six were successful. Mechanical problems contributed to the failure of three of the wells
studied, and lack of trap (Madale Marine-1), poor quality reservoir (Bekuma-1 and Sipo-1) and
lack of charge (Munge-1) have also been cited as reasons for failure. The success of the play,
however, undermines the isolated instances of failure, and from failure reasons cited, no one
cause can be determined. Similar to the traditional deltaic play, the Isongo play also benefits
from the stacked nature of the Isongo turbidites. Furthermore, the play has become relatively
well understood due to the initial discoveries in the 1960s and 1970s, and more recent
discoveries. There have been over 40 years for the development of play concepts and ideas
in this play. Further details on the Isongo play can be found in Chapters 6 and 7.
The success and failure of wells targeting deeper plays is less well understood. Only two of
the wells analysed targeted Eocene sediments as the primary objective (Bambuko Marine-1
and Oongue North Marine-1), and these wells failed due to the absence of reservoir. However,
there are numerous instances of Eocene levels producing such as in the Oongue Marine-1, -
2 and-3 wells. Wells that were designed to test the Oongue sands as secondary targets include
Azobe-1, which encountered oil shows, though in thin, poorly constrained reservoir. This
indicates that, where sufficient volume and quality of reservoir is present, the Oongue sands
are a valid play, but the spatial distribution of reservoir needs to be better understood. The
same applies to lesser explored intervals, such as the Nguti and Diongo intervals. The Nguti
play has only been targeted by one well available to this study, Milengi Marine-1. The sands
encountered in the well were good quality, but no shows were encountered. The target sands
have encouraging properties, but further mapping is needed to improve understanding of the
fairway. One well is not sufficient to draw conclusions on source, migration and seal for the
play. Diongo sands were secondary objectives in two wells, but both had poor reservoir
properties. Again, the small sample available to the study precludes further comment on a
common cause of failure.
The only well to target the Palaeocene as a primary objective was Etinde Marine-1, though
this failed due to charge. Deeper sediments were targeted in Azobe-1X, the only well to
specifically target the Cretaceous, though the reservoir intervals encountered were poor
quality. Again, conclusions on well failure are difficult for this play, with only a small sample
available.
Unlike many other basins analysed in this way, over 80% of the wells studied encountered
hydrocarbons, with 21 wells deemed successful (Figure 4.5), mostly in the Miocene deltaic
play. From the wells analysed there appears to be a relatively even distribution of oil and gas
shows, with condensate shows a little less common. A number of wells encountered
hydrocarbon accumulations, though not of sufficient quantities to be commercial. Condensate
discoveries and shows are most commonly seen in the southeast of the basin, near the
Cameroon Volcanic Line, in the Etinde exploration area and around the Isongo wells.
Elsewhere, oil and gas shows have a relatively even geographic distribution, though gas is
more prevalent in the north-western part of the basin. There were 13 dry wells documented in
the study.
As discussed above, primary reasons for failure for the Cretaceous, Nguti, Diongo and
Oongue plays are difficult to discern due to the small number of sample wells that have
targeted the deeper stratigraphy. However, the Isongo play is generally successful and the
varied reasons for individual well failure point to an issue with well planning, rather than an
underlying problem with the play concept.

Prospectivity Review of the Rio del Rey Basin
FIGURE 4.1 Map showing the completion date for wells drilled in the RDR Basin.

Wells drilled on the basis
Wells drilled on the basis

of 2D seismic
of 3D seismic
unknown
FIGURE 4.2 Map showing wells drilled in the RDR Basin, coloured by seismic data type.

FIGURE 4.3 Map showing the total depth of wells drilled in the RDR Basin.

FIGURE 4.4 Map showing the primary target age of wells drilled in the RDR Basin.

FIGURE 4.5 Map showing the result of wells drilled in the RDR Basin.

FIGURE 4.6 Map showing the trap type for wells drilled in the RDR Basin.

CHAPTER 5
Tectonic History and Structural Evolution
5.1 REGIONAL BASIN STRUCTURE
The RDR Basin is the eastern part of the Niger Delta, which is a wave dominated delta. From
the Eocene to the Present time the delta has prograded south-westwards forming several
depositional belts which are visible at the sea bottom and separated by major synsedimentary
fault zones. Until the uplift of the Cameroon Margin resulting from activity along the Cameroon
Volcanic Line (CVL) the RDR Basin is believed to have shared its history with the DKC Basin.
In the Tertiary interval four classical, separate structural domains can be recognised in the
RDR Basin (Figure 5.1):
1. A detachment zone in the extreme north of the basin
2. An E-W growth fault domain in the north,
3. A N-S shale ridge and transition zone domain in the centre
4. A delta toe thrust domain in the south. Thrust faults and thrust-related folds that
correspond to the delta front belt characterise this southern domain and it can also be
called the Bourelet frontal.
Beyond this classical structural division is a complex area to the east (near the Etinde Block)
which has evolved due to structuration associated with the Cameroon Volcanic Line. It is
separated from the rest of the RDR Basin by the Ekondo Channel, see Figure 5.1, which is
oriented NE-SW. This part of the RDR Basin is assumed to have had a similar structural
evolution to the DKC Basin until the uplift of the CVL.
Folding, faulting and diapirism resulting from deformed sediments over the continental slope
evolved in these domains via classic southwards extensive gravity tectonism. The movement
started in the northern growth fault domain with the roots of the faults in deep plastic
Paleogene shales. By late Miocene the formation of diapiric shale structures had commenced
due to lateral shale withdrawal. The forward movement of the deltaic sediments along with
compressional uplift and folding of pro-delta strata caused the shale withdrawal. Deformation
took place in response to the differential loading of the underlying prodelta shales by the
deltaic and continental sequences. This led to the formation of growth faults in the proximal
area as a result of gravitational gliding along a decollement horizon above the underlying
shales. Squeeze flow combined with the overpressuring of the massive prodelta shales
resulted in the creation of shale diapirs, shale volcanoes, domes and ridges. These structures
later greatly influenced deposition of sediments. The prograding delta buried these structures
during the Pliocene and Pleistocene and extensional growth faulting commenced. The Niger
Delta became very complex in the deep-water compressive domain.
The complex structural elements of the Tertiary in the RDR Basin are explained by these
complicated tectonic events. There are two main fault directions: an E-W orientation and a N-
S orientation. The regional and counter-regional growth faults, with roll-over systems and back
to back structures are in the E-W group. The N-S faults are related to the uplift of the shale
ridges that create extrados faults and collapse parallel to the ridge axis.

The eastern part of the RDR Basin was subjected to volcanic activity during the structuration
phase which resulted in the Cameroon Volcanic Line. This volcanic line began its
emplacement around the Oligocene and is still active today.
5.2 GEOLOGICAL EVOLUTION
The opening of the Atlantic Ocean is linked to the tectonic history of Cameroon margin and its
geological evolution is summarised in the following sections.
5.2.1 End of Aptian (110Ma): Rifting
The opening of the Atlantic Ocean and separation of the African and South American plates
was initiated through the reactivation of pre-existing fractures. The fractures resulted from
previous Pan-African orogenesis, and occurred in three main orientations, leading to the
generation of three distinct graben systems. Each graben was filled by lacustrine fans with
coarse continental sandstones and conglomerates. The RDR Basin is at the eastern end of
the E-W orientated Central African margin. The other two grabens are the NE-SW oriented
Benue Graben, and the N-S oriented system of the South Atlantic margin, which culminates
in the DKC Basin at its northern limit.
The RDR Basin is located at the junction of the three graben systems, at the Benue Triple
Point. To the east it is bounded by the Pernambuco-Tiko-Adamoua fracture, along which the
Mount Cameroon strato-volcano developed 100 million years later. Dextral trans-tensional
displacement along ENE-WSW fractures dominates the RDR Basin.
5.2.2 Mid Albian (100Ma): End of Rifting
By Mid Albian several hundred kilometres separated the African and South American
continental plates and several kilometres of thinning of the continental crust had occurred. The
Central Atlantic Ocean and the South Atlantic Ocean were joined by a general tilt of the
margins due to a major tectonic event. This resulted in the occurrence of marine sediments
and the disappearance of confined sediments. The tilting caused volcanic magmatic activity
along trans-tensional fractures and rotation of the tilted blocks with severe erosion at their
crests.
The creation of the oceanic crust is related to this tilting event, as is the Mid Albian major
unconformity and a marine transgression. A sedimentary hiatus, until the Santonian in some
areas, occurred at the Mid Albian unconformity, ending with the marine transgression that
gradually covered the cratons.
5.2.3 Santonian (85Ma): Post-rifting
The rift-fill phase ended with a basin inversion in the Santonian, which is suggested to be
related to a change in the pole of rotation of plate movement, or to the restriction of movement
of the African plate due to the first Alpine tectonic phases. Dextral rotation of the extensive
vector of 30 degrees produced numerous changes to the movement and sense of pre-existing
faults. During this phase pre-Santonian sediments were compressionally folded, faulted and
uplifted in the Lower Benue Basins and are occasionally marked by major anticlinal and
synclinal structures. During this period there was N-S compression between the African and
European plates which resulted in major deformational structures as the Abakaliki anticline,
the Anambra and Afikpo synclines (Lower Benue), the Keana anticline and the Awe syncline
(Middle Benue). Additionally, there was a change from dextral to sinistral movement in the

N50-N60 (NE-SW) fractures, and a change to pure trans-current movement of the N70-N90
(ENE-WSW to E-W) Panafrican faults.
The onset of magmatic activity occurred during the Maastrichtian with the first volcanic
intrusions along the Cameroon Volcanic Line, close to the old Pernambuco-Tiko fracture.
Volcanism is thought to have begun along the continental portion of the line at about 65Ma.
Volcanic activity increased during the Paleogene, predominantly along the oceanic portion,
extending the length of the Cameroon Volcanic Line to over 800km and dividing the RDR
Basin to the north and the DKC Basin to the south.
End Cretaceous uplift caused a regression and stopped the joining of the central and southern
parts of the Atlantic. This resulted in restricted shale and turbiditic sandstone sedimentation in
the RDR Basin, which continued during the Paleogene.
5.2.4 Upper Eocene – Lower Miocene (38Ma – 20Ma)
During the upper Eocene, the West African and Brazilian margins were affected by a tectonic
phase in which the main extension direction was changed to an E-W orientation, with
compression oriented N-S. This resulted in the movement of the ENE-WSW (N70-N80) faults
changing from dextral to sinistral, and the disappearance of E-W folds that were created during
the previous phase. The N-S and NNE-SSW / NE - SW (N30-N40) Panafrican faults were
reactivated and the NW-SE grabens created during the Aptian opening of the Atlantic were
overlapped by new N-S grabens. Magmatic activity, including volcanic eruptions, continued
along the Cameroon Volcanic Line as a result of the opening of the NE-SW faults.
A regression was generated during the Upper Oligocene due to a tectonic event which caused
the margins to tilt towards the sea. At the base of the Paleogene, in the plastic shales, listric
faults developed with roots in the decollement level due to global tilting of the regional slope.
Erosion of the Panafrican relief, which was reactivated due to N-S compression, created
important canyons, such as the Ekondo Canyon in the RDR Basin, see Figure 5.1. The
tectonic phase ended in the Lower Miocene, as indicated by regional erosion on the western
African margin.
The sandy turbidites of the Lower Isongo represent the first early Miocene deposits. These
are followed by middle to late Miocene, Middle Isongo deposits which are mainly shale with
some locally sandy layers. Subsidence during the deposition of the Middle Isongo resulted in
sedimentation in a proximal to distal depositional environment.
5.2.5 Mid Miocene (16Ma – 11Ma)
The start of the uplift of the north-south structural high that becomes the shale ridges in the
future, occurs in the Mid Miocene. Some folds, such as the NE orientated Madale and Ekondo
canyons are generated from these movements.
Between the lower and Middle Miocene was a period of strong regional subsidence. An
unconformity within the Middle Miocene is evidence of this. During deposition of the Middle
Isongo, sedimentation was predominantly argillaceous. There was local deposition of fine to
coarse grained turbiditic material with some evidence of rounded basement material.

5.2.6 Upper Miocene to Present (11Ma – 0Ma)
The Upper Isongo sediments were deposited on paleo-slopes created by tectonic activity that
occurred in the upper Miocene, with maximum activity ending 6 Ma. The existing continental
fractures were re-activated, and the kinematic event is underlined by the Messinian
Unconformity. Development of important, mainly effusive, magmatic activity was initiated in
the Messinian phase.
In the RDR Basin prograding delta systems developed with the emergence of the Afaga and
Agbada deltas. These deltas prograded from north to south, and are extensions of the Niger
delta. The prograding deltas along with the sinistral rotation of the maximum tectonic stress
caused reactivation of pre-existing faults and the appearance of listric faults. A compression
zone exists at the delta fronts, with thrust-related folds that compensate for the extension
taking place in the inner delta. Argilokinetic movement produces deformation in a zone
between these extensive and compressive domains. The RDR Basin shows segmented
deformation which is typical of gravity tectonics

FIGURE 5.1. Structural domains associated with the RDR Basin.

CHAPTER 6
Stratigraphic Framework
6.1 STRATIGRAPHIC FRAMEWORK
Sedimentation in the RDR Basin spans from the Albian to the present day. The majority of
wells drilled only penetrated Tertiary aged sediments. The stratigraphic framework for the RDR
Basin is roughly equivalent to that of the Niger Delta and is made up of three main diachronous
formations in the Tertiary (Benin Formation, Agbada Formation and Akata Formation) as
shown in Figure 6.1, and used within this report. Figure 6.1 and Figure 6.2, also show further
breakdowns of these main subdivisions. In particular, the Agbada and Akata Formations are
divided into numerous localised units. This report makes specific reference to the Isongo,
Nguti, Diongo and Oongue units – subdivisions of the Akata Formation.
6.1.1 Cretaceous
Albian aged sediments were deposited in Aptian grabens by lacustrine deltaic fans, and
constitute the basal sandstones which unconformably overlie the basement. These
conglomeratic sands belong the the Bafaka Formation. The opening of the Atlantic Ocean
caused a marine transgression and the development of a carbonate platform during the
Cenomanian – Turonian. In the Coniacian – Santonian argillaceous sediments were deposited
in a marginal-littoral environment with some local turbidite sandstones, and some volcanic and
calcareous layers. A substantial amount of these deposits were eroded away during the
Santonian.
Overlying the Bafaka Formation are shales and limestones of Santonian to Albian age. The
shales are often referred to as the Messambi shales and are time equivalent to the Ekenpon
Shales in Nigeria. The oldest known Cretaceous sediments belong to the Bafaka Sandstone
Formation. This formation comprises fluvial-lacustrine conglomeratic sands.
Sediments of Campanian to Maastrichtian age have been informally assigned to the Kita
Formation, in recent papers, from the study of foraminifera in onshore outcrops. The Kita
Formation consists predominantly of black organic rich mudstones and black to dark-grey
fissile and thinly laminated, occasionally highly indurated shales. The shales are intercalated
with thin sandstones and calcareous shale layers. The thickness and physical characteristics
of these sands are variable (Njoh and Taku, 2016). The Kita Formation was deposited in a
shallow water shelf environment, probably inner-middle neritic. The Kita Formation is probably
laterally equivalent to the Logbaba Formation in the DKC Basin.
6.1.2 Tertiary
6.1.2.1 Akata Formation (Palaeocene to Recent)
The Akata Formation contains the first known Tertiary sediments in the RDR Basin. It consists
of under-compacted marine shales and clays deposited in a pro-delta, deep water
environment. The shales are over-pressured and have been deformed as a result of delta

progradation. The shales are the main source rock in the basin. The formation is defined on a
lithological basis and spans from the Palaeocene to Recent.
The Akata Formation appears to be present across most of the RDR Basin. The thickness of
the formation is difficult to determine as a high proportion of wells reach TD in the Akata
Formation in the RDR Basin. In the Niger Delta up to 7,000m of Akata Formation has been
found.
A lack of sedimentation in the Oligocene due to a major marine regression together with
significant subsidence is assumed, and few wells have penetrated so deep.
Interbedded within the Akata shales are turbidite sandstones termed the Oongue, Isongo,
Nguti and Diongo sands. Channel fill or offshore bar deposits such as the Etisah, Qua Iboe
and Rubble beds are also attributed to the formation, see Figure 6.1.
6.1.2.2 Agbada Formation (Miocene to Recent)
A thick siliclastic deltaic sequence with interbeds of sands, silts and shales comprises the
Agbada Formation. The Agbada Formation was deposited in a delta front, prodelta to fluvio-
deltaic environment. The deposits are interbedded with volcanic deposits, especially in the
eastern part of the basin, from the activity along the Pernambuco-Tiko-Adamaoua fracture
zone. The most recent volcanic activity is in the Mount Cameroon Volcano. The argillaceous
intervals acts as seals to the sands and some operators have divided the Agbada Formation
into several reservoir and seal pairs (S and M units), Figure 6.2.
The Agbada Formation is found across most of the RDR Basin and into the Niger Delta where
the maximum thickness is over 3,000m. In the wells studied in the RDR Basin the average
thickness is 800m with a maximum of 1,325m at TD in Bakassi West Marine-1. Internal division
of the Formation is most often associated with nomenclature such as the S and M units (see
Figure 6.2), but other localised names for sand units are also used.
6.1.2.3 Benin Formation (Pliocene to Recent)
The Benin Formation overlies the Agbada delta series and predominantly consists of massive
continental sands, with rare shale interbeds, deposited in alluvial and coastal plain
environments. In the RDR Basin the Benin Formation has an average thickness of 500m with
a maximum of 900m reached in South Kole Marine-1. In the Niger Delta the Benin Formation
consists of continental/fluviatile and backswamp deposits up to 2,500m thick and is dated as
Oligocene at its oldest.
6.2 PETROLEUM SYSTEMS
6.2.1 Source Rocks
The source rocks for the hydrocarbons in the RDR Basin are the Tertiary aged Akata and
Agbada Formation shales, and potentially shales in the Cretaceous.
The quality of the organic matter in the Paleocene-Miocene source rocks has been determined
by analyses from wells in the RDR basin. This analysis shows that there is improvement in
the quality of the organic matter from the coast basinwards, and that the oil potential is higher
in a south-westerly direction. Generally, the quality of the organic matter is good over the
majority of the RDR Basin. The best petroleum potential is from the Paleogene shales. When
the depths are less than 1,300m biodegradation can affect the RDR oil; at depths of over
2,100m the oil is only slightly modified or not modified at all.
The type of organic matter is a mixture of type II and III kerogens with a significant marine
influence. Geochemical analysis indicates a continental origin of the organic matter, close to
the coast and basinward the origin is a continental/mangrove to marine mixture.
Data indicates that the south western portion of the basin contains the most oil prone kerogen
while the eastern portion is more gas prone. Research suggests that during most of the
Paleocene through middle Miocene the eastern flank of the RDR Basin was a location of
periodic and relatively rapid terrigenous clastic input. This tends to make for a more gas rich
or type III kerogen. Bement's work (1991) tying oils to source rocks confirms this.
Cretaceous source rocks are suspected in the Rio del Rey Basin. Geochemical studies from
Nigeria point to good oil-prone source potential in the mid-Cretaceous Ekenkpon Shale (time-
equivalent formation to Messambi Shales of the Bakassi West area). Similar molecular
characteristics to macroseeps found in the northern basin margin of the RDR Basin strongly
suggest that there is a potential deep, oil prone, mature, and active Cretaceous source rock
for this basin. Azobe-1X/ST1 penetrated Cretaceous rocks and samples were taken for
geochemical analysis. The analysis indicates that mid-Paleocene to Late Cretaceous rocks
contained Type II/III organic matter and had fair to poor source rock quality. The Cretaceous
source rocks are interpreted to be oil prone, with the main oil generating window below 3,000m
MD.
6.2.2 Hydrocarbon Maturity and Migration
The geochemical maturation (PRV) analysis results show that entry in the hydrocarbon
window (0.6PRV eq) varies over the RDR Basin. In the North, in the growth fault domain the
window is at 2,500m and this increases to over 3,000m in the central part of the basin. The
maturity evolution of the oil and gas windows are from north to south in the basin.
Migration of the hydrocarbons occurred along faults and permeable beds with expulsion
starting during the Miocene for Palaeocene source rocks and during the Pliocene for Miocene-
Pliocene aged source rocks. In deltaic shale dominant sequences overpressure is common
and this needs to be considered in the study of hydrocarbon dysmigration, trapping and pore
pressure predictions for drilling.
6.2.3 Reservoirs
Several units contain potential reservoirs, and these are described below. All the reservoirs
identified to date in the RDR Basin are in sandstones. Carbonate development in the area is
limited, but onshore occurrences of Cretaceous limestones have been identified and could
also be present offshore. The reservoirs containing hydrocarbons are mostly located between
1,000m and 2,000m depth, and are located on the flanks of the shale ridges. The shale ridges
have an important role in the dysmigration, sourcing and trapping of the oil and gas in the RDR
Basin.
6.2.3.1 Cretaceous Sands

Cretaceous sand reservoirs are believed to be an important reservoir within the Rio del Rey
Basin, though few wells have yet penetrated this deep. Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) sands were
identified, however, at the base of Isongo C-1, following a biostratigraphic review, and also in
Azobe-1X. The distribution of Cretaceous sands is poorly constrained, due to the limited well
penetration. However, stratal slices such as those shown in Figure 6.3, extracted at the
Cretaceous level, indicate clear high amplitude fairways that could be associated with
reservoir sands. These sands are prevalent in the north-eastern portion of the RDR Basin,
and it is presumed that the direction of sediment transport is from east to west.

Reservoir descriptions are only available from the two wells studied in the RDR. The Isongo
Marine C-1 well reached Maastrichtian aged sediments consisting predominantly of dark grey,
locally silty clay with thin beds of fine to medium grained sandstone, deposited in a shallow to
deep marine environment. Only 120m of the Cretaceous was penetrated by Isongo Marine C-
1 before the well reached total depth. Azobe-1X also reached its Cretaceous objectives, which
were interpreted as having been deposited in deepwater, open marine conditions.
Homogenous claystones were encountered with traces of dolomitic mudstone, micro-
crystalline and chalky material near the base. At the well location few coarse-grained clastics
were found, and it is assumed that better reservoir conditions exist elsewhere.
Studies of onshore Cretaceous sand characteristics can help determine the likely nature of
offshore deposits, though there is only limited published data on the Cretaceous geology of
the RDR Basin. Onshore outcrop analysis was carried out by Njoh and Taku (2016), who
indicate that Upper Cretaceous, sands in outcrop have good reservoir properties and can be
up to 30m thick. There is the potential for these sediments to exist offshore beneath the
Tertiary cover. Njoh and Taku (2016) indicate that, although variable in quality and distribution,
the sands do possess reservoir characteristics. They carried out basic porosity testing which
indicated porosity values between 25% - 35%. The sands were described as moderately
sorted and texturally immature, and had been deposited in shallow water environments.
6.2.3.2 Oongue Turbidite Sands

The Oongue sandstones have limited lateral extent and the regional distribution is poorly
understood, as very few wells have encountered them. Figure 6.4 shows a stratal slice with
interpreted distribution patterns of a level interpreted as Oongue. High amplitudes, associated
with reservoir sands, are prevalent in the north east of the survey area. Around the Oongue
Field there is a clear N-S distribution patter, this is interpreted to be a result of confinement
due to shale ridges. Descriptions of sediments termed Oongue sands is variable. In Oongue
Marine-2 the Oongue sands occur in thin beds over a 29m thick interval and consist of very
fine to very coarse argillaceous sandstones, grading to siltstones at the top of the interval. In
Oongue Marine-1 the sandstones are more thickly bedded and dispersed over a 35.5m thick
interval, they are medium to coarse grained and have calcareous cement. Azobe-1X also
encountered Oongue sandstones which were described as a varied assemblage of
sandstones, calcareous sandstones, sandy limestone, silt and claystone which were all thinly
bedded. High API oil shows were indicated in the topmost few metres of the reservoir.
6.2.3.3 Isongo Turbidite Sands

Isongo turbidite sands form the reservoir unit in the Etinde discoveries in the RDR Basin and
also form the reservoir for the Alba field in Equatorial Guinea. Multiple Isongo reservoir levels
have been interpreted: Upper, Mid, Intra and Lower Isongo. This classification has developed
with time, and the earlier wells normally only indicate Isongo sands as a whole. Figure 6.5
shows the interpreted extent of the Lower Isongo fairway, demonstrating a rough overall
Isongo distribution pattern. The sediments are deposited from NE to SW following the
structural elements associated with the Ekondo Canyon, as mentioned in Chapter 6.1.2.1.
In the Isongo E-1 well the Isongo Sand reservoir interval is 76m thick and consists of very fine,
silty sandstone at the top of the interval grading to coarse to micro-conglomeratic sandstones
towards the base with beds of dark grey clay. A DST performed in the reservoir interval
produced gas with a flow rate of 96,720m3/day and 95.8m3/day of condensate.
In Isongo C-1 three separate reservoir intervals were identified: the Upper, Mid and Lower
Isongo sand units. The Upper Isongo Reservoir has a gross thickness of 45m but only 9m of
net pay, contains gas and is composed of fine-grained sands to medium-grained sandstones
with intercalated clay. The Mid Isongo Reservoir comprises fine to coarse-grained sands and
fine to medium-grained sandstones. The reservoir interval contained 14m of gross pay with
porosities and water saturations of 11% - 15% and 80% - 100% respectively. Various tests in
this interval produced gas, condensate and formation water, indicating that the gas is likely
absorbed in the formation water.
6.2.3.4 Nguti Turbidite Sands

Nguti sandstones are defined as basal Late Miocene turbidites, typically ponded within
depocentres adjacent to the main toe thrust anticlines. The sands are most usually found in
the centre and west of the Rio del Rey Basin. Nguti sandstones penetrated in Milengi Marine-
1 were described as very fine to fine grained, sometimes medium grained, translucent, poorly
consolidated and weakly cemented. No other wells available to the study penetrated the Nguti
turbidites.
6.2.3.5 Diongo Turbidite Sands

Diongo turbidite sands are found in the vicinity of the Debunsha Marine-1 and -2 wells. At
these locations the sands form part of characteristic mass flow deposits, but down-dip to the
south west there is the possibility that the deposits become turbiditic in nature and could be
comparable to the Isongo turbidites. At the Debunsha Marine-2 location, the sandstones were
described as fine to very coarse with the presence of light grey to beige microcrystalline
limestone. Silt and clay were also present.
6.2.3.6 Agbada Formation

In the Agbada Formation intra-formational deltaic sands occur and these have informally been
named the S14 to S.5 zones/units by some operators, with corresponding shale-clay M
zones/units. The deltaic system prograded from north to south and consist of 19 cycles with
S14 being the oldest and S.5 the youngest (Figure 6.2). The sands are separated by
transgressive marine shale units that form regional seals. The S14 - S6 units are generally
thin due to initial rapid progradation across most of the growth fault zone in the north of the
basin. The S5 - S2 and S1 – S.7 units are thicker and more extensive in the central part of the
basin as deposition became more aggradational. In the south of the basin progradation
became rapid again resulting in thinner sands. Thick reservoir zones are usually the result of
composite bodies of stacked channels. Structuration in the basin exerts a strong control over
distribution and lateral variations in thickness. The Agbada formation is typically split into the
Pliocene classical deltaic sediments (S1 to S5) and the deep, upper Miocene, deltaic
sediments (S6, S7 and older).
The S6 and S5 units are the most promising reservoirs and hydrocarbons have been found in
these units in a number of wells. In Idenao Marine-2 three gas zones, totalling 13.8m net and
two oil zones, 2.95m net, were found in the S6 and S5 sands in a fault block located on the
Idenao Shale ridge. The porosities in the sands ranged from 30 to 32%.
S5 sands have recently been encountered beyond the southern limit of where S5 was
previously thought to be, which is encouraging for further exploitation of this play.
The S6 sands in Oongue Marine-1 are coarse to very coarse and intercalated with beds of
grey silty clay and silt. The S5 unit comprised fine to very coarse, rounded to sub-rounded
sands. The sands in both the S6 and S5 units were very porous with calculated porosities from
petrophysics reaching values of 38% in beds up to 40m thick. However, the sands were water
wet in Oongue Marine-1.
The S7 sand is a prolific oil reservoir found across the Rio del Rey Basin. Within the Azobe-
1X/ST1 well the S7 sands are described as massive deltaic sands with oil shows and gas
shows up to C6+.
6.2.3.7 Biafra / Victoria Sands

The Biafra sands found in the Isongo E-1 well have a reservoir thickness of 21m, with an
average porosity of 22%, 24.5% average water saturation and a hydrocarbon column of
3.65m. The sand is fine grained, rarely coarse and generally sub-rounded. Testing confirmed
the presence of gas in the reservoir. In Victoria Est-1, the Victoria Sands reservoir interval,
equivalent to the Biafra sands contained 88.5m net sand. The sands are fine to very fine
grained and sub-rounded passing locally into dark grey fine grained sandstone with fine
intercalations of clay. Testing in the Victoria sands interval recovered gas and oil.
Pliocene channels could contain reservoirs which are analogous to the Zafiro Field in
Equatorial Guinea, particularly where there is onlap and termination against structures such
as the Idenao and Njonji anticlines. This is especially evident in the south of the basin. Njonji
Marine-1 and -2 encountered oil in shallow Pliocene sands that were not typical of the
traditional deltaic play, termed the Post S3 and Post S.9 sands. These erosion fills contained
much greater sand content than the traditional erosion fill features in the Rio del Rey Basin.
The Post S.9 sands were gas bearing with NTG of 84%, porosities of 20% - 25% and
permeabilities of between 150mD – 350mD. They were described as fine to medium grained,
moderately to well sorted with good visual porosity. The Post S3 sands were oil bearing with
NTG of 80%, porosities of 19% and permeabilities of between 150mD – 350mD. They were
described as very fine grained, well sorted, subangular to angular and subrounded.
6.2.4 Traps and Seals
The reservoirs are generally sealed by intraformational mud rich intervals in the Agbada and
Akata Formations. These intervals are generally composed of dark grey to grey, pliable clays
and shales. Syn-sedimentary deformation during the deposition of the Agbada Formation
resulted in the development of structural traps, often involving rotated fault blocks and shale
diapirs. These gravity driven structures are the key traps for the traditional Miocene delta play.
To some extent these structures are also valid traps for deeper plays, but stratigraphic
components also play a part where lateral variations in lithology form traps.

FIGURE 6.1. Stratigraphic chart showing the lithostratigraphic schemes used in the
vicinity of the Niger Delta. Note the diachronous nature of many of the formations.

FIGURE 6.2. Stratigraphic chart defining the individual S and M units used to subdivide
the Agbada Formation.

FIGURE 6.3. Stratal slice at the Cretaceous level, showing clear amplitude fairways in the
northeast of the basin, assumed to be reservoir sands.

FIGURE 6.4 Stratal slices extracted at the Oongue level. High amplitudes (red events),
interpreted as sandstones are concentrated in the north of the area and appear to be limited
by N-S trending shale ridges.
FIGURE 6.5 Stratal slice of the Lower Isongo interval displaying HARP (High
Amplitude Reflective Package) and the Isongo Play Fairway.
CHAPTER 7
Hydrocarbon Plays
7.1 LATE MIOCENE TO RECENT DELTAIC PLAY
The late Miocene to Pliocene deltaic section is the primary play type in the RDR Basin. Proven
reserves are most often found in small fault block closures, often over the crests of highs
(Satter, 2000), and as shown in Figure 7.1. These traps are interpreted to have developed
during syn-sedimentary deformation of the late Miocene Agbada Formation, and structural
complexity appears to increase from north to south (Tuttle et al., 1999). Seismic amplitude
anomalies, in particular bright spots (Figure 7.2), have been used extensively to direct
exploration efforts, such as in Victoria Est-1. Whilst not the primary focus of this report, the
late Miocene play is worth noting due to its prolific nature.
The Miocene aged deltas have prograded from north to south in multiple cycles, and though
reservoir properties generally deteriorate to the south, reservoir sands are typically laterally
extensive and the reservoir characteristics can be reliably predicted across the basin (Satter,
2000). The late Miocene to Pliocene reservoirs are shallow and have porosities between 30%
- 35% (Coughlin et al.,1993); sometimes net sand ratios are higher, but this higher net sand
content reduces the viability of intraformational and fault seals. Within the central part of the
basin, Miocene sands have an aggradational nature, increasing the chance of stacked targets.
The S5 unit in particular (Figure 6.1) is one of the most commonly targeted and successful
reservoir intervals. The reservoir sands are usually clean and normally pressured.
Defining a source for the play has proven controversial. Whilst shales in the Agbada Formation
have good source rock characteristics, they are often not present in sufficient volumes to
charge such a prolific play. Furthermore, most wells drilled in the basin have not drilled deep
enough to encounter potential source rocks of sufficient thermal maturity (Coughlin et al.,
1993). A commonly accepted view is that a combination of Akata and Agbada Formation
shales provides the source for the play (Tuttle et al., 1999). There is potential for a Cretaceous
source rock, but few wells have drilled deep enough to encounter this interval. Observations
from the region suggest that deeper crudes have higher API gravity and lower sulphur contents
than shallower oils. The distribution of oil and gas in the basin is thought to be a function of
variation in kerogen type, organic richness and maturity (Coughlin et al., 1993). Additionally,
some oil and gas samples show evidence for multiple charge episodes and biodegradation
(Coughlin et al., 1993).
7.2 PALAEOCENE TO MID MIOCENE
Middle Miocene, and older, turbidite sandstone packages are likely targets for future
exploration, though the distribution of Oligocene and older sediments is currently poorly
understood. Although the drive for these deeper intervals began in 1967, it was quickly
overshadowed by the success of the shallower deltaic play. Very few wells have penetrated
the Paleogene due to the success of the younger and more easily reached Miocene play
(Coughlin et al., 1993). Turbidite and debris flow deposition took place during various relative
sea level lowstands, thought to be mainly sourced from the northeast through the Ekondo
Canyon (Figure 7.3). The Ekondo channel’s size makes it easily recognisable.

In Eocene to middle Miocene times, delta fronts were located close to, or on, the current
onshore area. All the penetrated reservoir sandstones of middle Miocene to Eocene age were
deposited downdip of these delta fronts. Plays of this age are typically turbidite sequences
deposited within the Akata during the Eocene (Oongue Formation), and in the early to middle
Miocene (Isongo, Diongo and Nguti Formations), Figure 7.1. Oligocene and Paleocene
sandstones have not yet been confirmed by drilling in the RDR Basin, and their presence and
prospectivity are still questionable.
Early Miocene slope and basin floor fan turbidites have proven successful in Equatorial
Guinea’s Alba Field, and in the Etinde block to the extreme southeast of the RDR Basin. The
turbidite play in Cameroon is composed mostly of two fan systems: the Isongo and Oongue
Fan systems, with additional reservoirs likely in Nguti turbidite sands and Diongo sands. The
Isongo Fan system has the greatest spatial distribution and the greatest net thicknesses. It
has been the main contributor to the fields of this play, and the fairway is oriented NE-SW,
with main input through the Ekondo Canyon complex (Figure 6.5 and Figure 7.3), which
appears to follow pre-existing NE-SW trending transform faults. The Oongue Fan system is
sparser with many thin beds; and is typically found in the northeast of the basin near the
Oongue wells, its limits are as yet unknown.
In the Toe Thrust and Shale Ridge Province, this deeper turbidite play consists mainly of
turbidite sands of the early - middle Miocene and Diongo Formation in overthrust and subthrust
traps. Nguti Formation turbidites, which were deposited in minibasins between the thrust
structures, also provide secondary objectives. The Diongo Formation/Rubble beds form a
major mass transport complex (MTC) throughout the eastern part of the RDR Basin, and are
typically seen as mud flow deposits which have eroded into Eocene and Paleocene shelf slope
deposits. Chaotic, channelised seismic facies are typical of the Diongo sands, resting in
marked contrast to the underlying Lower Isongo Formation. Figure 7.4 shows the chaotic
seismic facies associated with the Diongo sands at approximately 2.5s TWTT. These chaotic
beds are also shown as high (red) amplitudes on the corresponding stratal slice. The Diongo
sands appear to be geographically restricted towards the Alba and Isongo Fields.
The Paleocene to mid-Miocene turbidite sands are primarily sourced by Tertiary shales in the
Akata Formation. They are trapped in both stratigraphic and combination traps. Rollover faults,
pinch outs and flower structures all provide suitable trapping mechanisms in the RDR Basin.
Turbidite sands are often associated with high amplitude responses and the fan complexes
can be mapped out and identified using amplitude analysis and stratal slicing. The older,
Oongue sands are generally found in the northeast of the basin, and have been dated as
Eocene, see Figure 6.1 and Figure 6.4. The Isongo sands are usually dated as Lower to base
Upper Miocene and generally fill the Ekondo channel in a NE-SW direction, see Figure 6.5.
The Isongo sands have the largest spatial distribution of the recognised turbidite sand units,
and have been the focus of numerous recent drilling campaigns. Nguti sands are interpreted
to be mid to upper Miocene in age and their spatial distribution is focussed around the centre
of the RDR basin in the vicinity of the Milengi Marine-1 well. The Diongo turbidites are known
to overlie Isongo deposits in the south-eastern portion of the RDR Basin, south of the Shale
Ridge domain, and are dated as Upper Miocene in age.
7.2.1 Isongo Sands

Isongo sands are the most well known turbidite sands in the RDR Basin. They are early to mid
Miocene in age and were first identified in the Etinde permit by the Isongo Marine-1 well.
Further Isongo prospects in the area targeted structural culminations within these middle to
early Miocene Isongo sands. Numerous prospective intervals within the Isongo sands have
been encountered, termed the Upper, Intra and Middle Isongo sands.
The Isongo deposits in the Etinde block form part of a series of underwater channels which
flowed roughly NW-SE across the licence. Tectonic activity has since segmented the channels
into a series of smaller fault bounded blocks (Bowleven, 2018). The Isongo fans are
acoustically hard in relation to the encompassing overpressured Akata mudstones. In
particular, the sands of the upper Isongo are high amplitude continuous reflectors with internal
channelisation occasionally known as HARP (High Amplitude Reflective Package) distinctly
displaying high amplitude seismic facies. The trend of the Upper Isongo fan sands can be
seen on the RMS Amplitude map in Figure 6.5. The Lower Isongo sands are very widespread
although the amplitude maps in some areas are not very representative as the seismic facies
display very low amplitudes. In these cases, shallow gas is suggested to have masked the
Isongo facies.
The Isongo Marine fields have an en-echelon nature almost parallel to the Bolongo Ridge.
This ridge appears to continue into the onshore area, where it forms the northwest boundary
of the volcanic outcrops. Wells such as Oongue Marine-1, Melangue-1 and Ngosso Marine 1,
drilled immediately to the north-west of the NE-SW Ekondo Canyon, encountered condensed
basin-floor mudstones where Isongo sands might have been expected. At present, there
hasn’t been any confirmation of any other mass-flow sandstone, although some suggest the
existence of a potential north-westerly provenance from Nigeria.
The Isongo Marine-1 discovery well, and three further appraisal wells, discovered gas-
condensate in the Upper and Middle Isongo sands. The IM-5 well, drilled by Bowleven, was
the first well to encounter pay in the Intra Isongo sands, between the Upper and Middle Isongo
intervals, see Figure 7.5. In total a log evaluated net pay of 70m was documented in the Intra
Isongo and 25m in the Middle Isongo (Bowleven, 2014). Amplitude extractions on seismic data
over the area revealed the large areal extent of the prospective Intra Isongo sands, and
opened the play further. Figure 7.5 shows the amplitude anomaly of the Intra Isongo sands to
the south of the Isongo Marine-3 well. Net pay of 3m was recorded in the Intra Isongo sands
in Isongo Marine-3, but because the thickness of the interval was below seismic resolution
there is no amplitude response. In contrast, the Isongo Marine-5 well encountered net pay on
the order of seismic resolution and bright amplitudes are associated with the Intra Isongo
sands. Other bright amplitudes visible in the section could also be attributed to hydrocarbon
bearing sand intervals.
In addition to the Etinde permit, numerous other wells have targeted the Miocene Isongo
turbidite sands. The Madale Marine-1 well was drilled in 1985 to a total depth of 3,040m
(9,971ft) and targeted a faulted anticline. The well encountered 102m (335ft) of mostly early
Miocene, Lower Isongo sandstone, but no commercial hydrocarbons. Madale Marine-1 is
located in the central portion of the Ekondo Canyon, and core data from the well indicates a
series of sandy channels, debris flows and pebbly conglomerates that have been interpreted
to represent an upper fan setting deposition, Figure 7.6. A rapid down dip facies change was
also observed. The fault just north of the well is questionable and, if present, has very little
throw, resulting in a trap that is only capable of holding hydrocarbons within the simple closure.
Once the simple spill point is reached hydrocarbons would spill to the north, perhaps
explaining why no commercial hydrocarbons were found in Madale Marine-1.
Two wells were drilled in the Debunsha area, just northwest of the Etinde block, Debunsha
Marine-1 and Debunsha Marine-2. At the Debunsha Marine-1 and -2 locations, well data and
RMS amplitudes indicate a low amplitude mud-prone system at the level of the Upper Isongo,
see Figure 7.7, indicating a lack of reservoir potential at this level. Debunsha Marine-1 was
not drilled deep enough to penetrate the Lower Isongo and, therefore, did not contain any
reservoir quality sandstones, missing levels of great potential. Debunsha Marine-2 was drilled
to a total depth of 3,293 meters (10,801ft), and penetrated Lower Isongo sandstones beneath
a section of under-compacted shales, before reaching TD. Numerous reservoirs were present
within the Isongo sands, with a total useful thickness of 149m, and porosities ranging from
10% - 22%. All the reservoir zones encountered were aquifers, as confirmed by RFT tests,
though minor fluorescence and gas shows were encountered. Figure 7.8 shows the anticlinal

structure targeted by Debunsha Marine-1 and Debunsha Marine-2. Chaotic seismic facies at
around 2.5s TWTT are interpreted as Upper Miocene Isongo sands (Rubble beds). The Isongo
Formation is interpreted to extend deeper, with Lower Isongo (lower Miocene) sands
characterised by high amplitude planar reflectors from 2.6s TWTT to 3.2s TWTT.
Ubene-1 was drilled by Gulf in 1981 to a total depth of 2,948m (9,669ft). The well found 205m
(672ft) of dominantly Isongo sandstone. There were six drill-stem tests taken within the
turbidite sandstone package with each flowing various amounts of gas and condensate. Gas
flow rates ranged from 48MCFGD to 3,000 MCFGD and condensate flow rates varied from
10BCPD to 467BCPD. Figure 7.9 shows the structure targeted by Ubene-1; the Isongo sands
are clearly visible as high amplitude reflectors at around 2.3s TWTT. The Isongo package is
relatively planar and is distinguished from overlying Miocene sands by an unconformity and
amplitude contrasts. The flat spot, and bright amplitudes at approximately 1.5s two-way travel
time are associated with the S6 sands of the traditional deltaic play.
Most of the wells targeted Isongo sandstones in structural closures and were successful in
finding hydrocarbons where valid traps were defined. The limit of the Isongo reservoirs is
unknown, and there are indications that Isongo sands may exist as far north as the Oongue
wells. Figure 7.10 shows bright amplitudes associated with the Oongue and S7 sands at the
well penetration. The Isongo sands were not penetrated at the well location, but a bright
amplitude event above the Oongue sands is visible to the south of the well. It is thought that
this bright event could be equivalent to Isongo sands.
7.2.2 Oongue Sands

In addition to the Isongo reservoirs, deeper turbidite reservoirs have been penetrated in the
Eocene aged Oongue sands. These sands are generally trapped by structural components
including faulted anticlines and pinch outs onto diapirs.
The first producible discoveries from this interval were from the Oongue Field, which was
discovered in 1983 with the drilling of Oongue Marine-1. The Eocene reservoir was contained
within a complicated structural/stratigraphic trap. The Oongue field has an estimated ultimate
recovery of 7-9 million barrels. Oongue Marine-2 also discovered hydrocarbons in the Oongue
sands, and is illustrated in Figure 7.11. The extent of the Oongue turbidites remains unknown,
but it is likely that they extend to the south of the Oongue Field. Reservoir distribution is key
to understanding this play more, and can only come from detailed interpretation work of 3D
seismic data. Oongue Marine North-1 highlights the difficulties associated with poorly
constrained reservoir prediction; the well was drilled to target Oongue sands within a faulted
domal feature 1.1km north of the Oongue discovery. However, although oil was discovered in
Oongue sands between 2,432m and 2,443.5m there was only a total of 6.5m net reservoir,
not sufficient for commercial purposes.
Azobe-1X/ST1 targeted Oongue sandstones as a secondary objective, see Figure 7.10. It

encountered possible oil within a poorly developed reservoir, with minor (20m) net sand
thickness. Cuttings descriptions indicate that fluorescence was observed in both sandstones
and limestones at the Oongue level, indicating the potential for hydrocarbons. The Oongue
turbidites were identified by high amplitude reflectors beneath the Eocene unconformity that
were correlated from the Oongue wells, see Figure 7.10.
It is suggested that additional traps can be found adjacent to shale diapirs, such as that shown
in Figure 7.12. This line shows the area around the Oongue Marine wells where faulted
Oongue sandstones were oil bearing. The high amplitudes associated with the Oongue sands
can be traced to the south where they are down faulted and then onlap against the Idenao
ridge structure, providing a potential trapping mechanism.
7.2.3 Nguti Sands

The Nguti Formation is also a turbidite play which is characterised by onlapping seismic facies.
The Nguti turbidites are often found between shale ridges and the Nguti interval generally thins
onto to thrust anticlines. Nguti sands are observed as high amplitude reflectors, as seen in
Figure 7.13 which shows a sequence of high amplitude ponded reflectors between two shale
diapirs. High amplitude responses in assumed Nguti turbidites can also be seen in seismic
lines and in stratal slices in the vicinity of the Nguti Marine-1 well, see Figure 7.14 and 7.15.
The Nguti play was tested by the Milengi Marine-1 well, and personal communications suggest
that it was also the target for the Nguti Marine-1D and Ekoundou Profond Marine-1 wells.
The Milengi Marine-1 well targeted a high amplitude seismic package, interpreted as reservoir-
bearing Nguti sands. The sands were acoustically harder than the encasing overpressured
mudstones. Figure 7.15 shows a bright amplitude package between the Kole and Bavo ridges
at approximately 2.6s TWTT interpreted as the Nguti sands. Correlation of this bright
amplitude package over the area suggests that the play is limited to the central-southern area
of the basin, in the vicinity of the Moabi and Thali blocks, with reservoir risk increasing to the
west. Care should be taken when interpreting amplitude anomalies associated with Nguti
sands as they may also be a result of calcified siltstones, rather than sands.
The Nguti play has also been tested more recently (personal communication), and it is
indicated that the Nguti section was not a suitable reservoir at the well locations. The
prospective intervals were fine grained and thin; however oil shows were encountered and it
is thought that better sands could be located further down dip.
7.2.4 Diongo Sands

Diongo sands have been encountered in the Debunsha Marine-1 and Debunsha Marine-2
wells. They have a chaotic character in seismic data, typical of mass-flow deposits in the area
around these two wells, see Figure 7.4 and Figure 7.8. Whilst they have not been tested or
identified as potential reservoir candidates in the vicinity of the Debunsha wells, there is the
potential that a time-equivalent sandy facies may exist further southwest. Jermiah et al. (2006)
suggest that towards the Alba and Isongo fields the chaotic facies changes to a more classical
turbidite system (similar to Isongo).
7.2.5 Conclusions
Although the turbidite play was previously considered high risk, many aspects of this play have
been de-risked. The main risks included “blown traps” from high pressure regimes, reservoir
prediction, hydrocarbon phase and trap definition, from poor imaging, among others. The
greatest risks were phase prediction and reservoir prediction. With enhanced imaging from
reprocessing/regridding and enhancing seismic volumes, trap identification has been made
easier and this risk considerably reduced. The hydrocarbon phase risk has also been reduced
with the confirmation of both oil and gas in other discoveries in the play such as Oongue,
Isongo E, Isongo F, Isongo Marine and Njonji.
Additionally, more robust mapping methodologies can determine the presence or absence of
any sandstones within the middle and lower Miocene and can better define seismic character.
With only sparse well control and 2D seismic data the internal structure of the fans was difficult
to define, and a number of wells were unsuccessful. Later wells drilled on 3D seismic data
encountered greater success with about 67% of wells encountering hydrocarbons as a result
of more accurate sand mapping. A couple of turbidite discoveries have been made in the RDR
Basin, with the Isongo Marine and Oongue fields having been appraised to date. Most other
discoveries have had only one well drilled on their respective structures.
As of 2006, the total volumetric potential of the Palaeocene to middle Miocene play was
estimated to be some 100 MMbls UR oil total expectation (500 MMbls UR oil total Mean
Success Volume) for an oil only scenario and some 300 Bcf UR gas total expectation (1500

Bcf UR gas total MSV) for gas only scenario. With better seismic data and further de-risking,
the potential for this play is increased. Interpreting the lateral extents of the turbidite plays
becomes difficult where it is necessary to jump between shale ridges and in the toe-thrust
area.
7.3 CRETACEOUS
The Cretaceous play has not yet been proven in the RDR Basin, mostly due to the difficulties
in drilling through the thick Tertiary overburden, which in some distal areas of the basin is up
to 7km thick. However, Campanian/Maastrichtian and Albian/Cenomanian age outcrops are
known to exist and are known locally as the Kita and Messambi shales respectively. Proper
seismic imaging and modelling could unveil Cretaceous potential on the order of the Jubilee
Field, Ghana.
The discovery of hydrocarbons in Aptian/Albian sediments in the north Tano concession,

onshore Tano Basin, in Ghana has been a de-risking factor for the Cretaceous play all along
the West African margin to Cameroon. This is because the West African marine basins have
a common regional geologic evolution linked to the opening of the South Atlantic, although
local tectonic factors may have influenced individual basins along the margin. Several wells
have penetrated Cretaceous sediments in the Cross River area of the Nigeria, which also help
to understand likely Cretaceous sedimentation in the RDR Basin. The Ikang-1 well on the
north western edge of the RDR Basin penetrated about 500m of Cretaceous although limited
information is available on the hydrocarbon content.
Azobe-1X was designed to test previously undrilled Cretaceous sediments in the Ngosso
licence which were expected at a depth of 3,094m MD. They were identified in seismic data
by correlation with previous wells and the target zones were highlighted by high amplitude
reflectors, see Figure 7.10. The Cretaceous strata are identified by high amplitude seismic
events at approximately 3s TWTT. This was a potential play-opening well, targeting a large
rollover structure (greater than 20km2), with Oongue turbidites as a secondary objective. This
well proved difficult with both operational and drilling challenges encountered. The well found
oil shows in S7, upper Eocene, Oongue and Upper Cretaceous sands, although the overall
reservoir quality was poor. The shows encountered in the Upper cretaceous are attributed to
fractured shales. The depositional environments in the Cretaceous were described as open
marine, very deep water – possibly lower bathyal to abyssal. The well reached TD in sediments
attributed to the Campanian. Cretaceous sediments are observed in seismic data near the
Oongue wells and it is possible that combination traps exist within internal pinchouts in large
structures.

FIGURE 7.1 Conceptual play cartoons for the RDR Basin.

FIGURE 7.2 Bright spots associated with S4, S5 and S6 sands in the traditional Late
Miocene to Recent deltaic play.

FIGURE 7.3 Image showing a) the extent of the Ekondo Canyon and b) a seismic section
through the canyon showing the strong erosional surface.

FIGURE 7.4. MTC deposits in the vicinity of the Debunsha Marine-1 well, within the
Diongo Formation.
FIGURE 7.5 Seismic line through the Isongo Marine-3 and Isongo Marine-5 wells
showing the amplitude anomaly associated with the Intra Isongo sands, visible at the Isongo
Marine-5 location..

FIGURE 7.6 Block diagram illustrating the typical characteristics of fine-grained

submarine fans (Kendall, 2012). Core data from Madale Marine-1 indicates an upper fan
setting.

FIGURE 7.7 Stratal slice of the Top Isongo interval showing low amplitude channelised
muddy facies in the vicinity of Debunsha Marine-1 and Debunsha Marine-2.
FIGURE 7.8 Seismic line showing the anticlinal structure targeted by the Debunsha
Marine wells. Also visible is a medium amplitude chaotic seismic facies at about 2.5s
representing the Diongo sands.

FIGURE 7.9 Seismic line showing structure targeted by Ubene-1. Also visible are high
amplitude bright spots associated with the Miocene deltaic play and high amplitude Isongo
reflectors at the base of the well.
FIGURE 7.10 Seismic line showing interpreted northern extent of Isongo Sands.
Isongo sands were not penetrated by the Oongue wells but a high amplitude package
between Oongue and S7 sands to the south of the wells could be Isongo.
FIGURE 7.11 Seismic line through Oongue Marine-2 showing the depth of the
Oongue play compared to the traditional Late Miocene – Recent play.

FIGURE 7.12 Seismic line showing additional structural traps for the Oongue sands,
next to shale ridges.

FIGURE 7.13 Seismic line through Oongue Marine-2 showing the depth of the
Oongue play compared to the traditional Late Miocene – Recent play.

FIGURE 7.14 Stratal slices at the level of the Nguti sands. High amplitudes (red colours)
are interpreted as structurally bound reservoir sands. N-S oriented white blocks are
interpreted shale ridges, confining sediment distribution.

FIGURE 7.15 Seismic line in the vicinity of the Milengi Marine-1 well showing high
amplitude reflectors at ~2.5s between the Bakassi, Kole and Bavo ridges interpreted as Nguti
sands.

CHAPTER 8
Recommendations
8.1 CONSISTENT NOMENCLATURE
This study has revealed the necessity to review the terminology applied to lithostratigraphic
units in the RDR Basin. Confusion arises due to a) the diachronous nature of many of the
units, b) the long exploration history of the region and c) the use of different schemes by
different operators. A key example is that of the Isongo sands. In the well Isongo Marine C-1,
a unit of sand in the Cretaceous was termed “Isongo”. The Isongo, however, is typically defined
as Miocene in age. Confusion arises because of the geographic location of the well, in an
Isongo prone fairway, and also because it was one of the earliest wells drilled targeting the
play. It is possible that the “Isongo” sands referred to in this well refer to a location, rather than
the Miocene unit recognised as Isongo sands.
Further confusion arises from wells in close proximity to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, where
it appears terminology has been borrowed from the neighbouring margins. This makes it
difficult to correlate between sand packages identified in different wells. As can be seen in
Figure 6.1, alternative terminologies are used to describe the Agbada Formation in addition
to the S and M units associated with the deltaic play. It is proposed that a consistent
nomenclature for the RDR Basin would vastly improve efficiency and understanding of
potential reservoir sand units.
8.2 BIOSTRATIGRAPHIC REVIEW
A biostratigraphic review of wells will improve confidence in the dating of previous wells, but
will also help to constrain any future stratigraphic schemes, such as that proposed in Section
8.1. A number of wells in the basin were drilled over 40 years ago and chronostratigraphic
schemes have evolved periodically since that time. A basin-wide review of all available data
will bring all wells to the same scheme and produce a consistency not possible when using
individual well analysis. Consistent biostratigraphic dating will help identify the ages of deeper
sediments and will provide better information when planning deeper exploration phases.
8.3 FOCUS ON THE ETINDE STRUCTURAL DOMAIN
This study has focussed mainly on areas where 3D seismic data coverage was available, in
the traditional areas for exploration in the RDR Basin. However, prospectivity is also to be
expected in the Etinde block, near the CVL, where structural history is similar to that in the
DKC Basin. A prospectivity review of the area near the CVL, south of the Isongo F field would
give the opportunity to define potential new plays for the Basin. Hydrocarbon indicators, such
as gas chimneys have been observed in seismic data and there is the possibility for structural
traps in structures associated with the uplift of the CVL. Enhanced seismic imaging of this area
may help better define the prospectivity.

CHAPTER 9
Conclusions
As demonstrated, the RDR Basin, Cameroon, contains all the working components of a
petroleum system. This is evidenced by numerous producing fields and discoveries. Alongside
the traditional late Miocene to Recent deltaic play, a number of other prospective intervals
have been identified including:
 Palaeocene – mid Miocene turbidite sands;
 Cretaceous sands.
Exploration in the late Miocene to Recent play can be considered mature and, recently the
rate of discovery and production has begun to decline. This has accelerated the drive for
hydrocarbons in deeper plays, which had previously been identified but ignored due to the
ease of extracting hydrocarbons from the shallower plays. Eocene sands, in particular, are
promising following the discovery at the Oongue Field, but deeper Cenozoic and Cretaceous
plays cannot be ruled out. The lack of wells drilled into Eocene and older sediments makes
the deeper section of the RDR basin under-explored, and is where future hydrocarbon
exploration should be focussed.
Further work can be undertaken to de-risk the deeper plays. This study has shown the benefits
of merging and re-gridding all available 3D surveys into one contiguous volume to improve
and concentrate interpretation efforts. Advanced 3D seismic interpretation techniques have
helped to define the extents of the turbidite plays, which are variable in depositional extent,
and whose limits were previously unknown. Additional work, such as seismic reprocessing of
existing 3D surveys can be tuned to the deeper sediments and advanced interpretation work
can help identify prospective areas in more detail and map out reservoir fairways. This report
has evidenced potential for the deep prospectivity of the RDR Basin, which serves as an
incentive for both current and incoming operators.

CHAPTER 10
References
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72/SEPM Special Publication 68, p. 109-118
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Miocene Turbidite Play in the Rio del Rey Basin, offshore Cameroon.
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ODUMODU, C. F., 2012. Temperatures and Geothermal Gradient Fields in the Calabar
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APPENDIX 1
Appendix 1 Table of seismic data incorporated into the TerraCubeREGRID
Cable Length
Sample Rate
Gun Volume
Acquired by
Length (ms)
Interval (m)
Number of
Number of
SP Interval
Channels/
Streamer
(cubic in)
Record
Source
Survey
Cables
Vessel
Group
Year
(ms)
(m)
(m)
BOLONGO
Glencore Geo Mariner 2010 1720 Air Gun 18.75 324 12.5 4050 5000 2
EXPLORATION
Near Min/Max
BOMANA (part Crew CMRIA 25/395m Far
CGG 2006 460 Air Gun, Sleeve 50 2 480 25 5000 2
of RDR Merge) 306G G02 Min/Max
1842/3176m
37.5
DEBUNSHA CGG FOHN 1999 3210 Dual Air Gun 4 288 12.5 3600 6000 2
flip/flop
37.5
ETISAH CGG FOHN 1998 3210 Dual Air Gun 4 288 12.5 3600 6000 2
flip/flop
LOKELE III (part Geco 2x
GECO 1990 Dual Flip Flop 18.75 10 160/80 18.75 4000/2000 6000 2
of RDR Merge) Searcher 3138
400m line
Near Min/Max
separation,
VSGA + Bolt 27/444m Far
NANAR Terra Seis Crew 2009 50 50m rec 6400 50 5000 2
19LL-XT gun min/max
point
3900/4542m
interval
H48 NORD KITA
(part of RdR GECO/PRAKLA SV MANTA 1991 1390 Air Gun 25 2 120 25 3000/2400/2000 7000 2
Merge)
H48 SUD
LIPENJA (part of GECO/PRAKLA SV MANTA 1991 1390 Bolt Air Guns 25 2 120 25 2400 6000 2
RdR Merge)
APPENDIX 2
Appendix 2 Table showing angle stacks available for 3D surveys
Angle Stack Ranges (º)
Size Year Ultra
Survey (km2) Acquired Near Mid Far Far
Bolongo Exploration 134.4 2010 2-14 15-27 28-40 40-55
Debunsha 1999
Etisah 97.3 1998 5-17 17-31 34-45 40-55
Nanar 2009
RdR Merge,
comprising: 697.4 5-23 23-41
Bomana 2006
Lokele III 1990
H48 Nord Kita 1991
H48 Sud Lipendja 1991
APPENDIX 3
Appendix 3 Table showing wells available to the study
Total Depth
Well Name Abbrevaition (m) Operator SPUD Date
AZOBE-1X 688 ADDAX 24/03/2015
AZOBE-1XST1 3364 ADDAX 10/04/2015
BAKASSI EAST MARINE-1 BEM-1 1171.7 Pecten Cameroon 05/12/1992
BAKASSI WEST MARINE-1 BWM-1 2498 Pecten Cameroon 30/07/1977
BAMBUKO MARINE-1 BBM-1 2700 Pecten Cameroon 14/09/1984
BAMUSSO MARINE-1 BSM-1 2198 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 04/02/1970
BAMUSSO MARINE-2 BSM-2 1349 Pecten Cameroon 26/08/1983
BEKUMA-1X 2095 Gulf Oil 14/01/1982
BOMANA MARINE-1 BMM-1 1890 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 10/10/1992
BOMANA NORD MARINE-
1 BNM-1 1784 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 13/10/1978
BOMANA SUD MARINE-1 BMSM-001 2695 Total 11/02/2009
DEBUNSHA MARINE-1 DBM-1 2500 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 12/04/1967
DEBUNSHA MARINE-2 DBM-2 3293 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 14/03/1980
ERONG MARINE-1 ERM-1 1881 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 13/07/1967
ERONG NORD MARINE-1 ENM-1 1717.8 Pecten Cameroon 02/03/1977
ETINDE MARINE-1 ETM-1 1952 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 06/08/1981
IDENAO MARINE-1 IDM-1 1500 Pecten Cameroon 23/12/1978
Perenco
IDENAO MARINE-4 IDM-4 1380 Cameroon 09/06/2012
IDENAO SUD MARINE-1 IAM-1 1184 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 24/09/1981
IFIARI EAST MARINE-1 IEM-1 1823 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 04/08/1981
IKANG MARINE-1 IKM-1 1820 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 26/11/1979
INODO-1 IN-1 1820 Pecten Cameroon 29/05/1980
ISONGO MARINE C-1 IC-1 3821 TEPCAM/MOBIL 10/07/1980
ISONGO MARINE E-1 IE-1 2800 TEPCAM/MOBIL 29/12/1980
ISONGO MARINE E-2 IE-2 1991 Euroil 08/01/2007
ISONGO MARINE E-2Z IE-2Z 2670 Euroil 08/01/2007
ISONGO MARINE-1 IM-1 2511.6 Mobil unknown
ISONGO MARINE-3 IM-3 3267.2 M.E.E.A 22/01/1975
ISONGO MARINE-4 IM-4 3269 Tepcam 23/12/1981
JABANE-1 JA-1 1921 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 25/07/1979
KANGUE MARINE-1 KGM-1 1573 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 22/12/1979
KOTO MARINE-1 KOM-1 1289 Pecten Cameroon 22/07/1977
KOTO MARINE-2 KOM-2 1180 Pecten Cameroon 05/07/1985
MADALE MARINE-1 MAM-1 1721 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 08/07/1978
MANATEE-1 1447 DANA 09/03/2016
MELANGUE-1 MLM-1 2844 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 25/12/1983

Total Depth
Well Name Abbrevaition (m) Operator SPUD Date
MILENGI MARINE-1 MIM-1 3200 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 02/10/1999
MONDONI MARINE-1 MOM-1 1753 Pecten Cameroon 22/12/1992
MUNGE-1 MUN-1 1379 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 13/01/1998
NARENDI-1 NRM-1 1871 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 28/02/1981
NARENDI-2 NRM-2 1800 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 02/09/1981
NAWUMSE-1 NW-1 2005 Pecten Cameroon 13/06/1981
NGOSSO MARINE 1 NGM-1 2287 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 28/07/1970
NJONJI MARINE-1 NJOM001 983 Total 08/03/2008
NJONJI MARINE-1B NJOM001B 1912 Total 20/04/2008
NJONJI MARINE-1BT1 NJOM001BT1 2750 Total 24/06/2008
NJONJI MARINE-2 NJOM002 1025 Total 26/08/2010
OBANEKAN EAST
MARINE-1 OEM-1 1650 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 07/10/1981
OBANEKAN MARINE-1 OKM-1 1540 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 10/12/1979
ODIONG MARINE-1 ODM-1 2720 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 06/08/1979
OONGUE MARINE-1 OOM-1 2782 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 31/05/1983
OONGUE MARINE-2 OOM-2 2761 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 24/05/1984
OONGUE MARINE-3 OOM-3D 2225 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 05/08/1984
OONGUE NORTH
MARINE-1 ONM-1 2700 Pecten Cameroon 12/12/1983
RUMPI-1 RUM-1 1337 Pecten Cameroon 31/08/1998
SIPO-1 1725 Kosmos 10/03/2013
SOUTH BAKASSI-1 SBM-1 1415 Pecten Cameroon 17/08/1977
SOUTH BAKASSI-2 SBM-2 1007 Pecten Cameroon 27/12/1984
SOUTH KOLE MARINE-1 SKM-1 1752 Pecten Cameroon 03/02/1980
SOUTH KOLE MARINE-2 SKM-2 1450 Pecten Cameroon 20/02/1980
UBENE-1X 2983.5 G.O.C 18/10/1981
VICTORIA EST-1 VE-1 1835 Tepcam 18/07/1979
VICTORIA INUNI-1 VI-1 2017 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 11/06/1981
VICTORIA MARINE-1 VM-1 2131 Mobil 23/12/1974
VICTORIA P-1 VP-1 2016 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 10/04/1981
VICTORIA S-1 VS-1 1850 S.E.R.E.P.C.A 29/03/1980

Review of the Prospectivity of the Rio de Rey Basin, Cameroon
APPENDIX 4
Appendix 4 Table of well analysis
Primary Seismic
Target Age Target Data
Well (Epoch) Formation Trap Type Result Reason for Failure Type
ATAYO MARINE-1 Miocene Anticline/Faulted Anticline Dry Migration/Charge 2D
AZOBE 1X Unknown Tilted fault block Dry Mechanical 3D
AZOBE 1X-ST1 Unknown Tilted fault block Oil shows Reservoir not present 3D
Poor reservoir
BAKASSI EAST MARINE-1 Unknown Unknown Oil and Gas shows properties unknown
BAKASSI WEST MARINE-1 Miocene S1 Shale diapir related Dry Migration/Charge 2D
BAMBUKO MARINE-1 Eocene Tilted fault block Dry Reservoir not present 2D
Poor reservoir
BAMUSSO MARINE-1 Miocene Anticline/Faulted Anticline Gas shows properties 2D
BAMUSSO MARINE-2 Miocene S6 Tilted fault block Gas shows Migration/Charge 2D
BEKUMA-1X Miocene Isongo Tilted fault block Dry Reservoir not present 2D
DEBUNSHA MARINE-1 Miocene Anticline/Faulted Anticline Dry Migration/Charge 2D
ERONG MARINE-1 Miocene Shale diapir related Dry Reservoir not present 2D
ERONG NORD MARINE-1 Miocene S4 Shale diapir related Oil and Gas Success 2D
ETINDE MARINE-1 Palaeocene Stratigraphic Dry Migration/Charge 2D
IDENAO MARINE-1 Miocene S5 Shale diapir related Gas Success 2D
IDENAO MARINE-2 Miocene S5 Shale diapir related Oil and Gas Success 2D
IDENAO MARINE-3 Miocene S5 Shale diapir related Dry Migration/Charge 2D
Poor reservoir
IDENAO MARINE-4 Miocene S5F Shale diapir related Gas shows properties 3D
Poor reservoir
IDENAO SUD MARINE-1 Miocene Shale diapir related Gas shows properties 2D
IFIARI EAST MARINE-1 Miocene Agbada Anticline/Faulted Anticline Gas Success 2D
IKANG MARINE-1 Miocene Agbada Anticline/Faulted Anticline Gas shows Migration/Charge 2D
Primary Seismic
INODO-1 Miocene Agbada Tilted fault block Dry Migration/Charge 2D
Gas and Condensate Poor reservoir
ISONGO C-1 Miocene Isongo Anticline/Faulted Anticline shows properties 2D
ISONGO E-1 Miocene Isongo Anticline/Faulted Anticline Gas and Condensate Success 2D
ISONGO E-2 Miocene Isongo Unknown structure Oil and Gas shows Mechanical 3D
ISONGO E-2Z Miocene Isongo Unknown structure Gas and Condensate Success 3D
ISONGO MARINE-1 Miocene Isongo Unknown Gas and Condensate Success 2D
ISONGO MARINE-3 Miocene Isongo Unknown Gas and Condensate Success 2D
ISONGO MARINE-4 Miocene Isongo Anticline/Faulted Anticline Gas Success unknown
JABANE-1 Miocene Agbada Anticline/Faulted Anticline Oil and Gas shows Success 2D
KANGUE MARINE-1 Miocene Agbada Unknown structure Dry Migration/Charge 2D
KOTO MARINE-1 Miocene S0.9 Anticline/Faulted Anticline Oil and Gas shows Unknown 2D
KOTO MARINE-2 Miocene S0.9 Anticline/Faulted Anticline Gas shows Reservoir not present 2D
MADALE MARINE-1 Miocene Isongo Anticline/Faulted Anticline Oil shows Trap 2D
MANATEE Miocene Agbada 4-way dip closure Gas shows Unknown 2D
MELANGUE-1 Miocene Agbada Anticline/Faulted Anticline Oil shows Reservoir not present 2D
MILENGI MARINE-1 Miocene Nguti Unknown structure Dry Migration/Charge 3D
Poor reservoir
MONDONI MARINE-1 Miocene S1 Tilted fault block Oil shows properties 3D
Combination
MUNGE-1 Miocene Isongo structural/stratigraphic Oil shows Migration/Charge 2D
NARENDI-1 Miocene Agbada Unknown structure Oil and Gas Success 2D
NARENDI-2 Miocene Agbada Anticline/Faulted Anticline Gas Success 2D
NAWUMSE-1 Miocene S6, S7, S8 Tilted fault block Gas Success 2D
NGOSSO MARINE 1 Miocene Anticline/Faulted Anticline Gas shows Reservoir not present 2D
Primary Seismic
NJONJI MARINE-1 Miocene Isongo Anticline/Faulted Anticline Oil and Gas Mechanical 3D
NJONJI MARINE-1B Miocene Isongo Anticline/Faulted Anticline Oil Mechanical 3D
NJONJI MARINE-1BT1 Miocene Isongo Anticline/Faulted Anticline Oil Success 3D
NJONJI MARINE-2 Miocene S0.9 Anticline/Faulted Anticline Oil and Gas shows Unknown 3D
OBANEKAN EAST
MARINE-1 Miocene Agbada Anticline/Faulted Anticline Gas Success 2D
Poor reservoir
OBANEKAN MARINE-1 Miocene Agbada Anticline/Faulted Anticline Oil shows properties 2D
Poor reservoir
ODIONG MARINE-1 Miocene Agbada Anticline/Faulted Anticline Oil and Gas shows properties 2D
Poor reservoir
ODIONG MARINE-2 Miocene S7 Unknown structure Oil and Gas shows properties 2D
ODIONG MARINE-3 Miocene S7 Unknown structure Gas shows Reservoir not present 2D
OONGUE MARINE-1 Miocene S7 Unknown structure Oil Success 2D
Poor reservoir
OONGUE MARINE-2 Miocene S7 Unknown structure Oil properties 2D
OONGUE MARINE-3 Miocene S7 Unknown structure Gas Success 2D
OONGUE NORTH
MARINE-1 Eocene 4-way dip closure Oil Reservoir not present 2D
RUMPI-1 Miocene S4V Shale diapir related Gas Reservoir not present 3D
Poor reservoir
SIPO-1 Miocene Isongo Anticline/Faulted Anticline Oil and Gas shows properties 2D
SOUTH BAKASSI-1 Miocene S0.8 Shale diapir related Dry Reservoir not present 2D
SOUTH BAKASSI-2 Miocene S0.8 Shale diapir related Oil and Gas shows Migration/Charge 2D
Poor reservoir
SOUTH KOLE MARINE-1 Miocene S1 Shale diapir related Oil shows properties 2D
SOUTH KOLE MARINE-2 Miocene S0.9 Shale diapir related Oil and Gas Success 2D
Primary Seismic
UBENE-1X Miocene Agbada Tilted fault block Gas and Condensate Success 2D
Poor reservoir
VICTORIA EST-1 Pliocene Biafra Unknown Oil and Gas shows properties 2D
Poor reservoir
VICTORIA INUNI-1 Miocene Victoria Unknown Oil properties 2D
Poor reservoir
VICTORIA MARINE-1 Miocene Unknown structure Oil and Gas shows properties 2D
VICTORIA P-1 Miocene Victoria Unknown structure Oil Success 2D
VICTORIA S-1 Miocene Victoria Unknown structure Oil and Gas Success 2D
APPENDIX 5
Appendix 5 List of abbreviations
API American Petroleum Institute (°API for oil gravity; API

units for gamma ray measurements)
BBbbls billion barrels
bbls barrels
BBO billion barrels of Oil
Bcf billion cubic feet
BCPD barrels of condensate per day
bopd barrels oil per day
CGG MCNV CGG Multi Client and New Ventures
CVL Cameroon Volcanic Line
DHI direct hydrocarbon indicator
DKC Douala / Kribi-Campo
DST drill stem test
E east
ENE east-northeast
HARP high amplitude reflective package
HPHT high pressure high temperature
LAS log ASCII standard
Ma million years (before present)
MCFGD million cubic feet of gas per day
mD millidarcies
MMbls UR million barrels
MSV mean success volume
MTC mass transport complex
N north
NE northeast
NNE north-northeast
NTG net to gross
NW northwest
RDR Rio del Rey
RFT repeat formation test
RMS root mean square
S south
SE southeast
SEGY Society of Exploration Geophysicists Y format
SEREPCA Societe d’Etude, de Recherches et d’Exploitation des
Petroles du Cameroun
SNH Société Nationale des Hydrocarbures
SSW south-southwest
SW southwest
TD total depth
TOC total organic carbon
TWTT two way travel time

W west
WSW west-southwest
wt% weight percentage

Legend
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Enclosure 1
Project Database
April 2019
CONTACT: Disclaimer:
Robertson GeoSpec International Limited CGG makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, with
Llandudno respect to the quality, accuracy or usefulness of the information
North Wales contained herein.
0 3.5 7 14 21 28 LL30 1SA

United Kingdom
CGG reserves the right to correct, update, modify or replace
information contained herein without notification.
Miles Tel: +44(0)1492 581811 Copyright Robertson GeoSpec International Limited:
Fax: +44(0)1492 580084 This material is strictly confidential and is only intended for viewing
E-mail: geospec.sales@cgg.com by the sole recipient to whom it is sent.
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Hydrocarbon Occurences
April 2019
LL30 1SA CGG reserves the right to correct, update, modify or replace
0 3.25 6.5 13 19.5 26
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Tel: +44(0)1492 581811 Copyright Robertson GeoSpec International Limited:

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Surface Geology
HOLOCENE
QUATERNARY
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REVIEW OF THE PROSPECTIVITY OF THE RIO DEL REY

Quality Control Approvals

Copyright © CGG, 2019

2.1 OBJECTIVES, SCOPE AND RATIONALE 2

CHAPTER 3 PROJECT DATABASE 3

3.1 PROJECT DATABASE 3

CHAPTER 4 EXPLORATION HISTORY 4

4.1 HYDROCARBON OCCURRENCES AND EXPLORATION HISTORY 4

CHAPTER 5 TECTONIC HISTORY AND STRUCTURAL EVOLUTION 7

5.1 REGIONAL BASIN STRUCTURE 7

CHAPTER 6 STRATIGRAPHIC FRAMEWORK 11

6.1 STRATIGRAPHIC FRAMEWORK 11

Copyright © CGG, 2019

6.2.3.7 Biafra / Victoria Sands 16

CHAPTER 7 HYDROCARBON PLAYS 17

7.1 LATE MIOCENE TO RECENT DELTAIC PLAY 17

8.1 CONSISTENT NOMENCLATURE 23

Copyright © CGG, 2019

Robertson GeoSpec International Limited Copyright © CGG, 2019

Robertson GeoSpec International Limited 1 Copyright © CGG, 2019

2.1 OBJECTIVES, SCOPE AND RATIONALE

The rationale for this study is as follows:

The objectives of the study are as follows:

2.2 REPORT DELIVERABLES

Enclosure 1 shows the distribution of data used in the study.

Enclosure 2 shows hydrocarbon occurrences to date.

Robertson GeoSpec International Limited 2 Copyright © CGG, 2019

3.1 PROJECT DATABASE

3.1.1 3D Seismic Data

3.1.2 2D Seismic Data

3.1.3 Well Data

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4.1 HYDROCARBON OCCURRENCES AND EXPLORATION HISTORY

4.2 WELL SUCCESS AND FAILURE

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Copyright © CGG, 2019

Wells drilled on the basis

Wells drilled on the basis

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Copyright © CGG, 2019

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Copyright © CGG, 2019

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Tectonic History and Structural Evolution

5.1 REGIONAL BASIN STRUCTURE

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5.2 GEOLOGICAL EVOLUTION

5.2.1 End of Aptian (110Ma): Rifting

5.2.2 Mid Albian (100Ma): End of Rifting

5.2.3 Santonian (85Ma): Post-rifting

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5.2.4 Upper Eocene – Lower Miocene (38Ma – 20Ma)

5.2.5 Mid Miocene (16Ma – 11Ma)

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5.2.6 Upper Miocene to Present (11Ma – 0Ma)

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FIGURE 5.1. Structural domains associated with the RDR Basin.

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