Eni and Sonatrach made a significant oil and gas discovery in the Zemlet el Arbi concession located in the Berkine North Basin in the Algerian desert. The concession is operated by a joint venture between Eni (49%) and Sonatrach (51%). Preliminary estimates of the size of the discovery are around 140 million bbl of oil in place.
The exploratory well that led to the discovery has been drilled on the HDLE exploration prospect, about 15 km from the processing facilities of Bir Rebaa North field. HDLE-1 discovered light oil in the Triassic sandstones of the Tagi formation confirming 26 m of net pay. During a production test, the well delivered 7,000 BOPD and 5 MMcf/D of associated gas. The HDLE-1 well is the first well of the new exploration campaign which will include the drilling of five wells in the Berkine North Basin.
The discovery will be appraised by the followup HDLE-2 well to confirm the additional potential of the structure extending in the adjacent Sif Fatima 2 concession operated by an Eni-Sonatrach JV (50–50%).
In parallel with the appraisal program, Eni and Sonatrach will perform studies and analyses to accelerate the production phase of the new discovery through a fast-tracked development with startup planned for the third quarter of 2022.
Eni has been present in Algeria since 1981 where it operates several concessions. The company produces about 95,000 BOE/D from the country.