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Rabat – Chariot, an Africa-focused energy group, announced that it has received approval for its Environmental Impact Assessment ( EIA) from the Moroccan Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development for the Anchois gas development project offshore Morocco.
The environmental assessment process for Anchois was conducted over a 12-month period and was based on onshore and offshore environmental and social baseline surveys. The EIA process included an open and transparent stakeholder engagement program held in cooperation with relevant parties, a statement from Chariot explained.
The process of acquiring the approval further included a public inquiry that spanned four local provinces, the statement adds. The process concluded with a final report, which sets out the requisite planning, mitigation, and monitoring measures to follow during construction and production.
The EIA integrates recommendations from the National Environmental Committee, is valid for five years, and covers all aspects of the development including future wells and offshore infrastructure, the onshore Central Process Facility, and the link to the GME pipeline, the company says.
Commenting on the news, Pierre Raillard, Head of Gas Business and Morocco Country Director at Chariot said that securing approval of the EIA is a “major milestone” for Anchois and is the “culmination of extensive time and teamwork that has gone into this critical process.”
The EIA is a “key building block for sanctioning the project’s development, alongside other activities such as our partnering process which is close to conclusion,” he added.
“On behalf of Chariot, I would like to thank the National Environmental Committee and the Ministry for their endorsement and support,” he said, adding that his company is “fully committed to ensuring that Anchois is developed in line with best practice as set out in the report.”
The British company has the rights to explore and drill at the Lixus offshore license near Lareche, Morocco. The company holds a 75% interest in the drilling operations, while Morocco’s National Hydrocarbons and Mines Office ONHYM holds 25%.
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