Gazprom Neft Middle East, the operator of Gazprom Neft’s projects in Iraqi Kurdistan, is to conduct a 2D seismic survey on the south-eastern section of the Halabja block. The technical equipment and personnel required for the survey are currently being transferred from the south-western section, where the company has already successfully completed a survey spanning 225 linear km. 2D seismic surveys covering approximately 870 linear km are scheduled to be conducted on the Halabja block by the end of the year.

In 2014, a 2D seismic survey covering 130 linear km was conducted on the block. The first exploration well is expected to be drilled in 2015/2016.

Mikhail Kholodov, CEO of Gazprom Neft Middle East, said: “The Halabja block has until now undergone very little geological study. Conducting seismological surveys is the first step towards identifying the optimal location for an exploration well and these provide a significant amount of new information on the structure of the block.”

Tags: Gazprom Neft