Prospero’s Midweek Thesis: Aminex – A Deeply Undervalued Gas Play on the Brink of Transformation7 May 2025 12:53
As we approach the critical phases of the Chikumbi-1 (CH-1) appraisal well, it’s essential to revisit the fundamental reasons why Aminex (AEX) presents a compelling investment opportunity.
1. Substantial Resource Base with Upside Potential
The recent interpretation of 338 km² of 3D seismic over the Ruvuma PSA has significantly enhanced understanding of the Ntorya gas discovery. A high-confidence area of around 75 km² has been delineated, with a Gas Initially In Place (GIIP) estimate of 3.45 trillion cubic feet (TCF) and an expected recovery factor of 80%.
Beyond that, the wider Mtwara Licence is estimated to hold an unrisked GIIP of 16.4 TCF, and a risked mean GIIP of 6.9 TCF—demonstrating vast potential well beyond Ntorya itself.
2. Strategic Development and Government Support
In September 2024, the Tanzanian government granted a 25-year development licence for the Ntorya field—an extraordinary signal of support and urgency. This licence enables construction of a spur line linking Ntorya to the Madimba gas plant, and ultimately, to the industrial demand hub of Dar es Salaam.
This is a gas project of national importance, with the Tanzanian government actively backing monetisation and infrastructure build-out.
3. Fully Carried Interest Mitigates Financial Risk
Aminex holds a 25% interest in the Ruvuma PSA and is fully carried through the current multi-million dollar work programme, including the CH-1 drill and construction of early infrastructure.
4. Market Dynamics and Valuation Considerations
With ~4.22 billion shares in issue, Aminex’s current market cap is dwarfed by its underlying asset value.
Let’s do some simple maths:
• Assume 2.76 TCF recoverable gas (80% of 3.45 TCF)
• At $1 per thousand cubic feet, that’s a $2.76 billion gross project value
• Aminex’s 25% share = $690 million
• At current FX, that equates to a value of around 13p per share
Even if you apply further discounts for time, execution risk, or project delays, a price well north of 6p is easily justifiable upon successful drilling and confirmation.
5. Near-Term Catalysts and Long-Term Potential
CH-1 is drilling into the heart of the Ntorya structure with modern seismic guidance. Its objectives include confirming additional reservoir intervals and refining resource estimates. The upside from oil shows—already seen in prior wells—adds an intriguing speculative layer.
Beyond CH-1, the wider Mtwara acreage includes numerous large leads and prospects—this is just the beginning of a very large basin story.
Conclusion
Aminex is sitting on a Tier 1 onshore gas discovery in a pro-development jurisdiction, fully carried, aligned with national energy policy, and trading at a fraction of its implied value.
At under 1p, the risk/reward is highly asymmetric. On success, a re-rate to 6p–8p is not only possible—it’s rational.
“There is a tide in the affairs of men, which, taken at the flood, leads on to