Mozambique regulators have added an additional three months to the initial deadline of 20 January for its Fifth Licensing Round due to high interest and requests for more time from exploration companies.

The East African country’s National Petroleum Institute (INP) said that, following representation from the industry, the deadline for applying in the round had been extended to allow companies additional time to complete applications. It will now close on 30 April 2015.

The round was first announced in October, with a total of 15 blocks included comprising some 74,724 sq km (28,851 sq miles) of acreage. In the deepwater areas 11 blocks in the northern Rovuma Basin, Angoche Basin and Zambezi Basin are up for grabs, with the other four being onshore. Three blocks – R5-A, R5-B and R5-C – are on offer in the prolific Rovuma offshore basin, close to Areas 1 and 4 where Anadarko and Eni made their large gas discoveries, now under development.

In the Angoche area, two blocks – A5-A and A5-B – are on offer, while there are six blocks in the central Zambezi area: Z-5-A, Z5-B, Z5-C, Z5-D, Z5-E and Z5-F.

Shortlisted companies will eventually be invited for E&P concession agreement (EPCC) discussions, followed by eventual awards.

The country’s recently amended petroleum law requires investors to partner with ENH, Mozambique’s national oil company.

More licensing details are available at: www.inp.gov.mz.