Where was the new oil discovery made, and what are the key geological details of the Vicango Este-01 well?

The new oil discovery was made at the Vicango Este-01 exploration well in Angola's offshore Block 15, located approximately 370 km northwest of Luanda. The well was drilled to a depth of 940 metres and encountered around 25 metres of high-quality sandstone containing hydrocarbons, as stated in the joint announcement by ANPG, ExxonMobil, and Block 15 partners.

How significant is this discovery in the context of Block 15's production history and Angola's broader oil industry?

This discovery is the 20th in Block 15, which has produced over 2.7 billion barrels of oil in the past 30 years and remains one of Angola's most productive and significant deepwater oil-producing areas; it supports future production opportunities and enhances the value of existing infrastructure, according to ExxonMobil Angola CEO Brian Unietis, while Angola — Sub-Saharan Africa's second-largest crude oil producer — pursues regulatory reforms to sustain output amid maturing fields.

Angola's ANPG, ExxonMobil and Block 15 partners announce new offshore discovery

Sep 9, 2026

Angola's ANPG and ExxonMobil announced a new oil discovery at the Vicango Este-01 well in Block 15, encountering 25 meters of hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone. This marks the 20th discovery in the prolific deepwater block, supporting future production.

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Angola's ANPG, ExxonMobil and Block 15 partners announce new offshore discovery

Angola's ANPG, ExxonMobil and Block 15 partners announce new offshore discovery

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