Sierra Leone has signed an agreement with Shell ​that allows the oil major to conduct ‌advanced geological and geophysical surveys across multiple offshore blocks, the country's petroleum directorate said on Wednesday.

• The ​reconnaissance permit agreement covers an area of ​approximately 20,600 square kilometres and includes basin ⁠modelling and petroleum systems analysis, a statement ​said.
• The programme, similar to one signed with ​Eni last October, is expected to enhance understanding of Sierra Leone's deepwater hydrocarbon potential.
• The permit will provide a data-driven framework for technical evaluation and potential future participation in licensing opportunities, the Petroleum Directorate of Sierra Leone (PDSL) said.
• "Our strategy is deliberately focused on de-risking the basin through high-quality data, attracting credible global players and accelerating the pathway towards exploration ​drilling," Foday ​Mansaray, PDSL ⁠director general, said in the statement.
• Shell said the company routinely deals ​with governments through non-binding agreements to ​access ⁠data and assess potential opportunities.
• However, this does not signal any commitment to proceed, and any further ⁠steps ​would depend on regulatory ​processes and due diligence, among others, a spokesperson said.