Contribution to the Characterization of Carbonate Rocks of the Nganzi Oil Exploration Block (Onshore of the DR Congo Coastal Basin)

Abstract

The carbonate lithofacies of the Nganzi Exploratory Block located in the Lukula Territory in the Central Kongo Province were described in the field, sampled and subjected to microscopic, mineralogical, physico-chemical and petrophysical analyses. The aim is to increase the probability of discovery of deposits following the drilling of exploration wells in the most appropriate structures. These carbonates, limestones (white, greyish and greenish) and dolomites (massive and platelets) are presented in packstone, grainstone and wackestone textures. In addition to the essential minerals of these rocks, calcite and dolomite, we find quartz, plagioclase and kaolinite. With a porosity between 11% and 19% and a permeability of 138 to 155 mD, the Nganzi carbonates, which contain up to 23% oil, constitute good oil reservoirs. The characterization of the detrital facies and the acquisition of a seismic survey of the wells is essential to have a more detailed knowledge of the oil resources of the Nganzi Block.