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Uganda must solve three-piece oil puzzle in 2025
Energy minister says country is delaying first oil production until pipeline and refinery are ready
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A profound shift is occurring in the global refining sector, one which might help redefine Africa’s place in worldwide trade networks
Brazil awaits contentious Equatorial Margin call
Political rancour is rising as politicians appeal for environmental licence to explore the mouth of the Amazon
Brazil seeks greater oil market influence
Despite environmental criticism, President Lula sees opportunity to build bridges with OPEC+ allies
Venezuela casts shadow over Guyana’s bright oil future
But 1m b/d production could be just a few years away if geopolitical risks subside
Brazilian upstream enjoys bumper year
Soaring pre-salt production sees Latin America’s largest country pull away from the local competition
Ghana poised for short and medium-term oil boosts
New wells at the Jubilee field will lift output in 2023, while the Pecan field offers longer-term prospects if development can be progressed
Letter from Paris: Africa eyes future fuelled by oil and gas
A recent industry forum highlights how developing nations see hydrocarbons very differently from some in the West
Letter from Africa: Investors should look beyond region’s challenges
Opportunities abound as hydrocarbons remain crucial to growing energy needs
Rise of Brics challenges oil world order
The five economies are shaking up global markets, and they could be on the cusp of a major break from the existing order
Brazil Uganda Ghana Guyana
Keith Myers
17 October 2017
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10 lessons from a decade of exploration

Finding big oil has got harder. An industry veteran has some advice

International conventional exploration over the past decade has been a rollercoaster ride, beginning with optimism fuelled by an oil-price bonanza and new oil provinces opening in Brazil, Ghana and Uganda. This stimulated a frontier exploration drilling boom, and the creation of a new generation of exploration companies. It has ended with an oil-price crash, dramatic cuts in exploration budgets and soul searching across the industry. Reflecting on the past 10 years, the following are 10 lessons this observer has learned from watching and analysing the industry. Few are new and many may sound obvious but collectively, the industry seemed to forget or ignore them. The lessons have been grouped

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