Robin Sutherland
CEO Monitor Exploration
Following a BSc in Geophysics from Edinburgh University, Robin relocated to Tunis and has now been exploring for oil, gas and minerals on the African continent for over 35 years. He has held a variety of technical and leadership roles in African businesses, joining the highly respected Energy Africa team in Cape Town in 1997, prior to the transformational discoveries in Equatorial Guinea, and leading Tullow’s exploration team through the discovery and appraisal of the Jubilee and TEN fields in Ghana before becoming Tullow’s exploration GM for the continent in 2015. Since leaving Tullow he has focussed on promoting investment and economic growth while reducing the significant impact of climate change on Africa. Robin joined the Monitor team as a senior adviser in 2021 and has since contributed significantly to the company’s strategy, business plan and technical understanding.
Conference Agenda Sessions
PANEL DISCUSSION: New Frontiers, Independents Activities in Africa
As Africa's oil and gas industry continues to evolve, independent operators play a growing role in shaping the continent's E&P future. This panel session will delve into the geological outlook, technical commitments and work programmes, and the below-ground risks that independent operators face in Africa. With a focus on emerging trends and challenges, our executive panelists will provide insights into the opportunities and strategies that can drive successful operations in Africa.
Key areas for discussion:
Geological Outlook: What are the most promising geological formations in Africa for independent operators, and how are advancements in geoscience influencing exploration strategies?
Technical Commitments: How can independent operators balance the need for innovative technology with the financial constraints typical of smaller players in the oil and gas sector?
Risk Management: What are the primary below-ground risks (e.g., reservoir quality, subsurface stability) encountered by independent operators, and what strategies are being employed to mitigate these risks?
Future Prospects: How do independent operators perceive the future of Africa's oil and gas sector, particularly in terms of regulatory changes, market dynamics, and investment opportunities?
Wednesday 09 October 11:45 - 12:30 Upstream Stage
Exploration & Production
Key areas for discussion:
Geological Outlook: What are the most promising geological formations in Africa for independent operators, and how are advancements in geoscience influencing exploration strategies?
Technical Commitments: How can independent operators balance the need for innovative technology with the financial constraints typical of smaller players in the oil and gas sector?
Risk Management: What are the primary below-ground risks (e.g., reservoir quality, subsurface stability) encountered by independent operators, and what strategies are being employed to mitigate these risks?
Future Prospects: How do independent operators perceive the future of Africa's oil and gas sector, particularly in terms of regulatory changes, market dynamics, and investment opportunities?
Upstream Stage Africa/Johannesburg
PROSPECT PRESENTATION
Monitor is the operator of PEL93 onshore Namibia, covering 18,500km2 in the Owambo Basin, one of the world's last underexplored basins with significant hydrocarbon potential.
Exploration in this area is supported by a stable Namibian government, good fiscal terms and with access to excellent infrastructure. An initial integrated interpretation of legacy data has now been augmented with acquisition of 2D seismic data to progress the portfolio of structural leads which are estimated to hold a gross unrisked resource of 8Bbbls of oil or 33Tcf of gas in the Damara play which is the target of current drilling activity by ReconAfrica in their block to the east. The PEL93 JV intend to drill two exploration wells during 2025.
Wednesday 09 October 16:45 - 17:00 Upstream Stage
Prospects Forum
Exploration in this area is supported by a stable Namibian government, good fiscal terms and with access to excellent infrastructure. An initial integrated interpretation of legacy data has now been augmented with acquisition of 2D seismic data to progress the portfolio of structural leads which are estimated to hold a gross unrisked resource of 8Bbbls of oil or 33Tcf of gas in the Damara play which is the target of current drilling activity by ReconAfrica in their block to the east. The PEL93 JV intend to drill two exploration wells during 2025. Upstream Stage Africa/Johannesburg