Angkor Resources Corp. announced its energy subsidiary, EnerCam Resources Cambodia Co. Ltd., has identified four drill targets across Block VIII for exploratory oil and gas wells based on final interpretation of seismic data covering 350-line kilometres. The seismic program covered four subbasins within the 4,095 square kilometre license area, including South, Central, and North Bokor on the west side and the Kirirom subbasin in the northeast corner.
Dr. David Johnson, Qualified Professional for Angkor Resources, described the discovery as exceptionally rare, stating, "To find an undrilled fold-belt, with multiple anticlines of these sizes, each with four-way closures is exceptionally rare. It's like being in Wyoming in the early years of surface geology driven exploration, but we have great seismic to define multiple potential traps, in a basin with clear analogs to the producing Nam Phong and Sinphuhorn fields of the Khorat Basin." The structural traps in the Bokor sub-basins form a north-south trend of multiple large, elongated anticlines along the leading edge of a fold belt.
Seismic mapping revealed four-way closures covering tens of square kilometers, with South Bokor having a mean area of 57 square kilometres, Central Bokor measuring 54 square kilometres, and North Bokor encompassing 100 square kilometres. Additionally, a stratigraphic trap with an estimated area of 28 square kilometers is present in the Kirirom subbasin. In all three Bokor structures, primary traps are expected in gently folded seals and reservoirs adjacent to angular unconformities, with secondary traps potentially existing in sections below, between, and above the primary targets, meaning each well could find multiple gas or oil accumulations.
The Bokor structures bear striking resemblance to traps of the Khorat basin, where the Nam Phong and Sinphuhorn fields in Thailand have produced significant gas over the past two decades. This geological similarity suggests Cambodia's Block VIII could represent a new energy frontier in Southeast Asia. The next step involves tendering and undertaking an Environmental Impact Assessment on the targeted drilling areas.
Drilling is planned to test two primary objectives in each Bokor basin well, with depths potentially exceeding 3,000 metres to evaluate two prospective zones per hole. Teams of up to eight geoscientists continue refining interpretation and drill target stratigraphy. The possibility for multiple hydrocarbon sources exists within the Bokor and Kirirom subbasins, though only drilling will determine reservoir contents.
This development represents a crucial step toward proving Cambodia as an oil and gas producing nation, potentially reducing regional energy dependence and creating economic opportunities. The company also announced granting 250,000 stock options to consultants at $0.35 per share with a 12-month term, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. As exploration advances, these drill targets could transform Cambodia's energy landscape and contribute to Southeast Asia's hydrocarbon resources.
