Rosneft launches drilling its first exploration well in Iraq
By Nigar Abbasova
Russian Rosneft launched drilling its first Salman-1 exploration well on Iraqi oil Block 12.
The depth of the well is expected to amount to some 4,245 meters. The block covers an area of around 8,000 square kilometers.
Chinese Zhongman Petroleum and Natural Gas Group is a general contractor for drilling operations. The work is planned to be completed by June 2017, TASS reported.
The geological exploration program, approved by the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, envisages holding 2D and 3D seismic survey at the block.
In June 2012, the right for geological exploration, development and production of hydrocarbons at Block 12 in Iraq was obtained by Bashneft, which further passed to the control of Rosneft.
Iraq, OPEC's second-biggest producer, is deemed to have more internationally operated production than any other large producer.
The fact helped the country to jump from the volume of 2.65 million bpd in production in January of 2012 to the current level of 4.5 million. Under OPEC deal the country agreed to cut 210,000 bpd from its production levels. In January 2017, the country cut its production by almost 165,700 bpd.
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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova
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