RosGeo, Russia’s state-owned geological company, is set to expand its exploration activities in Equatorial Guinea, focusing on hydrocarbons and solid minerals. 

Hydrocarbon, organic compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon found in crude oil, natural gas, and coal, are highly combustible and the main energy source of the world.

According to Interfax, citing a company statement, RosGeo plans to conduct comprehensive geological exploration in the transition zone of the country’s continental shelf, as well as onshore exploration in the Rio Muni region. These efforts are expected to strengthen Equatorial Guinea’s energy and mining sectors by identifying new resources for potential development.

During the Russian Energy Week forum, RosGeo's General Director, Sergei Radkov, presented these plans in a meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons, Antonio Oburu Ondo. They discussed the potential involvement of Russian oil and gas companies in exploring and extracting hydrocarbons in Equatorial Guinea. 

RosGeo's proposed offshore exploration involves conducting advanced geophysical marine research using 2D and 3D gravimagnetic and seismic surveys. The company also plans to reprocess archival seismic data to gain a deeper understanding of the region's geology, particularly the Rio Muni sedimentary basin. The goal of this work is to discover new hydrocarbon reserves and attract investment for future exploration and development.

In addition to hydrocarbons, RosGeo aims to conduct surface exploration for solid minerals in the Rio Muni region. Geological mapping at a 1:50,000 scale is planned to establish a modern foundation for identifying promising mineral sites. Initial reconnaissance efforts by RosGeo’s subsidiaries have already highlighted the region as a prime location for further exploration, positioning Equatorial Guinea as a key area for future mineral resource development.

As it stands, Russia primarily exports medicines and fertilisers to Equatorial Guinea. The country is seeking to expand the range of exports to additional industries. During the same forum, Novak and Oburu Ondo also discussed the possible involvement of Russian oil and gas companies in hydrocarbon projects in Equatorial Guinea, as well as the potential for Russian contractors to assist in the construction of solar power plants, nuclear energy facilities, and LNG infrastructure.