The Mauritanian government and Kosmos Energy Mauritania, have entered into an exploration and production (E&P) contract, concerning Block C-6 located offshore northwest of Nouakchott, Ecofin Agency reported. The agreement was signed by Mauritanian Minister of Energy, Mohamed Abdel Vatah, and Kosmos’ CEO, Andrew Inglis. It comes under the government’s initiative to revive the country’s oil industry.

Kosmos operates three offshore licenses in Mauritania, where results confirmed the presence of  oil and gas-condensate. To date, Kosmos has drilled three successful wells offshore Mauritania, Tortue-1 and Ahmeyim-2 in the southern part of block C8, as well as Marsouin-1 exploration well in the northern part of block C8, according to the company’s website.

Mauritania began oil production in 2006. Initially the government had aimed for oil output capacity to reach 70,000b/d, yet actual production figures feel short of that objective. In 2015, Mauritania’s oil production stabilized at 8,000b/d, earning the country close to $12m in foreign exchange cash inflows.