On 21 November 2018, the Council of Ministers met and agreed on the draft agreement to award the Marine XXI exploration licence to Societe Nationale des Petroles du Congo (SNPC). As is the norm SNPC was awarded the licence but only holds a 15 % interest, Kosmos Energy operates the area with an 85% stake.  The 2,351 sq km area covers acreage atop the Congo Fan in water ranging in depths between 2,000 m and 3,300 m. the initial exploration period is six years, there are two potential three-year renewals (6+3+3). Â   To date two well have been drilled within the block:  In 2009, Eni Congo SA drilled the Hivoua Marine 1 well. The well was drilled to a D of 4540 m (water depth 2,712 m). The primary Lower Miocene target was fond to be water bearing while the secondary target did found oil in the Middle Miocene sandy shales from 3,885m to 3,945m.  In 2001, Agip Recherches Congo SA drilled the dry HITM-1 well, the well is understood to have been targeting the middle Miocene and reched a TD of 3,787 m (water depth 2412 m).   Disputed area:  Itâs worth noting that the south western portion of the block includes a portion of the Angolan Block 46 (this area is disputed).
Kosmos (85% op, SNPC 15%) was awarded new PSCs for Marine XXI exploration licence. 2,351 sq km area covers acreage atop the Congo Fan in water ranging in depths between 2,000 m and 3,300 m.