RE: Forget Rig Tracking TRP may be kicked out of Cameroon!!!!1 Sep 2025 02:04
PART 4.
Extension of Oil Drilling Licenses in Cameroon: Process and Requirements
Legal Framework (Hydrocarbons Code and Regulations)
Cameroon’s oil and gas sector is governed by the Petroleum Code (Law No. 2019/008 of 25 April 2019, often called the Hydrocarbons Code) and its implementing regulations. This law sets the terms for exploration and production licenses and how they can be extended. Under the 2019 Code, an exploration authorization (e.g. an oil exploration license) is typically valid for an initial period of 3 years (extendable to 5 years in special petroleum zones) and can be renewed twice for up to 2 years each time. In total, an exploration permit plus its two renewals cannot exceed 7 years (or 9 years in a special zone). Each renewal must be approved by a Presidential Decree, as the power to grant or extend petroleum authorizations is vested in the President of the Republic. The Code also provides for a one-time exceptional extension beyond the normal renewals: if necessary to complete ongoing work (such as drilling a well or appraising a discovery), an exploration license’s validity can be extended once more (by decree of the President) for up to 12 months for oil or 24 months for a gas project. This special extension is meant to facilitate final efforts like well completion or securing gas sales contracts before moving to development.