In July 2019, sources indicated that Lukoil had replaced GazProm as operator of the Nanga II permit, onshore Coastal Basin in partnership with the national company, SNPC. The contract includes Nanga IIA and Nanga IIB blocks.  The change is understood to have occurred sometime in May or June 2019. Lukoil operates the permit with an 85% interest, Societe Nationale des Petroles du Congo (SNPC) holds the remaining 15% stake.   The reservoirs expected in the area are the Vendji, Mengo, Djeno and Chela formations and the source rock in the area is the Sialivakou shales (known as the Bucomazi in DRC and Angola).  Background information  SOCO was awarded a one-year exploration licence for the Nanga II A block in October 2013. The deal has included the evaluation of aeromagnetic data and reprocessing several existing 2D seismic lines before deciding about a 3D seismic survey on the area. Following the completion of the interpretation of the reprocessed seismic data, the company relinquished the exploitation licence, which expired in October 2014.   In late 2017, it is understood that Gazprom was awarded the Nanga II exploration licence in partnership with SNPC.   GazProm was also involved in discussions with SNPC to secure financing the pipeline project from Pointe Noire to Brazzaville. The pipeline would carry refined products from the Congolaise de Raffinage (CORAF) refinery in Pointe-Noire to Brazzaville.
Gazprom replaced by Lukoil as operator in the Nanga II permit (blocks Nanga IIA and Nanga IIB)