MONROVIA – The National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) has launched a detailed scientific investigation into a reported hydrocarbon seep in Nevren Tan, Beon Town, Grand Bassa County, intensifying national interest over the potential presence of commercially viable petroleum deposits onshore. The seep, located within the Roberts–Bassa Basin and approximately 7.6 miles inland from the coastline, has triggered widespread speculation, prompting the state-owned company to clarify its findings and caution against premature conclusions.
In a statement issued on Thursday, December 4, 2025, NOCAL acknowledged the reports and detailed the immediate steps taken by its technical team. “The National Oil Company of Liberia informs the public that it is aware of the reported hydrocarbon seep in Nevren Tan, Beon Town, Grand Bassa County,” the company said. “In response, NOCAL conducted two technical field missions to conduct seep reconnaissance, surface geology assessments, and baseline data collection.” The announcement followed days of rising public curiosity over the discovery.
NOCAL’s confirmation has revived memories of earlier exploration activities dating back more than a decade. Historical surveys, including airborne gravity and magnetic reconnaissance conducted in 2010 by Simba Energy, had identified oil seep occurrences in the region. At that time, Simba Energy held the only onshore reconnaissance license, and its findings suggested the Roberts–Bassa Basin could harbor potential for commercially viable hydrocarbons. These earlier indicators, though inconclusive, have long been cited by geologists as reasons for continued interest in the basin.
Building on those prior studies, NOCAL dispatched a team of experienced geoscientists along with technicians from the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) to the reported seep location. Over the course of two days, the joint team carried out intensive field observations, reviewed historical datasets, conducted soil sampling, and mapped geological formations. According to NOCAL, the seep zone’s features strongly correspond with the known structural and stratigraphic profile of the Roberts–Bassa Basin.
Preliminary observations have not yet resulted in any definitive conclusions, but the alignment of geological characteristics has strengthened the need for deeper scientific inquiry. Samples collected from the seep site have been forwarded to laboratories for sophisticated geochemical analysis. These tests include API gravity measurements to determine whether the fluid is sweet or sour and biomarker evaluation aimed at identifying the hydrocarbon’s origin and its potential migration pathways underground.
The laboratory results, which are expected to take several weeks, will be instrumental in determining whether the fluid represents a naturally occurring seep of commercially viable oil or a non-commercial biogenic substance. NOCAL stressed that only after its technical team has completed all evaluations and integrated the outcomes will the corporation issue a final report to the public.
In the wake of growing online discussion and speculation, NOCAL used its Thursday statement to caution against the spread of unverified claims. “The Corporation urges government entities, members of the media, community leaders, and public figures to refrain from disseminating unverified or speculative information while technical investigations and laboratory analyses are still ongoing, as premature conclusions may undermine the integrity of the scientific process and the credibility of the results,” the statement warned.
The company further emphasized the high stakes surrounding hydrocarbon discovery in Liberia, noting that misinformation could heighten public expectations or fuel false narratives. NOCAL underscored the importance of maintaining scientific rigor, especially as the Roberts–Bassa Basin has historically been viewed as a promising but largely underexplored geological formation.
Despite its caution, NOCAL acknowledged the strong public interest in the hydrocarbon seep and assured citizens that transparency remains central to its mandate. The Corporation reaffirmed that every stage of the investigation is being carried out with the intention of providing the country with accurate, evidence-based findings.
As curiosity builds, many Liberians remain hopeful that the discovery could mark a turning point in the nation’s economic prospects. However, NOCAL insists that patience and factual accuracy must guide public discourse until the final laboratory results are available. The Corporation concluded its statement by reiterating its commitment to inform the public promptly once the scientific evaluations have been completed.
