On 23 July 2018, Shell reported that it was awarded two offshore blocks in MauritaniaÂ : C-10 and C-19. The acreage is located in shallow to deep waters of the MSGBC basin. Shell will operate the blocks with a 90% interest and state company SociÃ©tÃ© Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures et du Patrimoine Minier (SMHPM) will hold the remaining 10%. Once the awards are ratified by the government, Shell will open an office in Mauritania for its local subsidiary Shell Exploration and Production Mauritania who will start exploration activities.  Block C-10 covers around 10,800 sq km it covers the area which was intensely explored by WoodsideÂ  in the early 2 000âs. The company made the Chinguetti, Tiof, Tevet and Banda discoveries on the acreage. Later, the block was operated by Tullow who relinquished it in late 2017. The Chinguetti field which was last operated by Petronas ceased production in late 2017 and is currently being decommissioned.  Block C-19 covers around 12,175 sq km, it was previously operated by Chariot Oil who relinquished the acreage in mid-2016 before it could carry out planned drilling. Chariot had identified and matured to drilling stage four prospects in the south-west corner of the block. The block also contains two historical wells: Ras Al Baida A-1 with gas shows by Hispanoil in 1980 and Al Kinz 1A, dry, by Amoco in 1969. Under the current C-19 contract, Shell has agreed a back-in right for Chariot of between 10 and 20% subject to government approval.
Shell (90% op. SMHPM 10%) has signed up to explore two blocks C-10 and C-19. The blocks are located in WDs 20 â 2000m and cover a joint area of 23,675 sq km. C-10 is composed of former blocks C-10 (relinquished by Tullow in early 2018), C-28 and C-29. Chariot O&G relinquished C-19 in 2016 and has a back in right for a 10-20% working interest.