“Sonatrach – Libya Branch” resumes exploration in Ghadames after more than a decade… completing the drilling of well (A1-96/2)
Resumption of Activity After a Long Halt
Algeria’s Sonatrach – Libya Branch resumed its exploration activity in block (96/2) in the Ghadames Basin in mid-October, after a halt of more than ten years.
Drilling Program Details and Final Depth
The National Oil Corporation (NOC) confirmed that the company will proceed with completing drilling operations on the exploration well (A1-96/2), which it had started in April 2014, reaching a depth of 8,090 feet before halting and vacating the site in May 2014 due to the security situation. It clarified that the expected final depth is 8,440 feet.
Location and Distances to Fields and Cities
The Corporation stated that the well is located within contract area (95/96) in the Ghadames Basin near the Libyan-Algerian border. It is about 100 km from the Wafa field (operated by Mellitah Oil & Gas) and approximately 800 km from the capital, Tripoli.
Contractual Background
It is noted that Sonatrach signed the Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA IV) with the National Oil Corporation as the operator in 2008.