Atlantic Methanol Production Company (AMPCO) is part of a series of foreign investors planning to increase their investment in Equatorial Guinea this year

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea, January 23, 2020/ -- The Atlantic Methanol Production Company (AMPCO), which runs one of Africa’s largest methanol plant on Bioko Island in Equatorial Guinea, has decided to support the ongoing Year of Investment initiative and invest in the expansion and diversification of the country’s downstream sector. This was discussed during a meeting in Malabo this week between Paul Moschell, President of AMPCO, and H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons.

AMPCO is operated by Marathon Oil Corporation, which owns 45% of the plant along with Noble Energy (45%) and state-owned SONAGAS (10%). The plant has been running successfully for about two decades, and has the potential to significantly contribute to the growth of Equatorial Guinea’s downstream industry.

Following the discussions in Malabo this week and its support to the Year of Investment initiative, AMPCO has decided to work with the Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons to create a methanol-to-gasoline and derivatives unit to further monetize domestic gas produced in Equatorial Guinea. The company has also agreed to work on the development of a formaldehyde production unit.

“Our focus is on increasing overall value by strengthening our upstream business and further integrating it with the downstream and chemical segments. We believe in working with long-term partners and welcoming new partners who bring on board a value-added proposition to our industry and country,” said H.E. Gabriel Mbaga Obiang Lima, Minister of Mines and Hydrocarbons.

Like Marathon Oil, AMPCO will provide the necessary support needed to the building of a modular refinery on Bioko Island, in line with the Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons’ plan.

AMPCO is part of a series of foreign investors planning to increase their investment in Equatorial Guinea this year, or enter the market to tap into several opportunities across the hydrocarbons and mining value chains under the Year of Investment initiative. Details of the program are available at www.investineg.com and interested investors are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Mines and Hydrocarbons to discuss investment opportunities and projects.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.