Angola: Exploration to start onshore Cabinda

INITIAL exploration is set to start next year in what could prove to be an important new African onshore oil province. Australia's Roc made its licence in Angola's enclave of Cabinda—long-dormant because of security concerns—effective from 1 November. The firm plans to start work 'on the ground' in the first half of 2005, marking the first exploration of the Cabindan onshore for 32 years. Roc is the operator of the Cabinda South block, in which it holds 80% with state-owned Sonangol holding a carried 20% interest. The firm recently bought out the shares of two partners in the licence—Lacula, which had 15%, and Force, which held 20%. Roc announced the latter acquisition in August, saying Forc