A picture of what is ongoing,
From a press release dated 9/8:
The company has successfully tested the Semhari East-1 well within the Hassi Bir
Rekaiz concession, onshore Algeria. The test was performed over the upper 15
metres of the 36-metre Tagi sandstone, one of several oil-bearing zones
encountered during the drilling of the well. This interval tested at a stabilized rate of
853 barrels of oil a day of high-quality light crude (40 degree American Petroleum
Institute standard) and 350,000 cubic feet a day of gas a day on a 36/64-inch choke.
An analysis of the test results indicate that this 15-metre interval has an oil
production potential of at least 2,000 barrels of oil a day with an appropriate lift
(pump) system.
The Semhari East-1 well is located 15 kilometres away from the Semhari-1
discovery well and, of particular significance, not only has the Semhari East-1 well
been proven successful on its own, but the data suggest a common oil column
between the two wells of at least 70 metres (230 feet) in height.
The partners are encouraged with the exploration program so far and look forward
to continued success with the next well.
The next well to be drilled, the Sahara El Mehadjer-1, will be located approximately
9.5 kilometres to the north, forming a triangle with the first two wells. The overall
objective of the drilling program is to determine whether the Semhari structure
contains giant field size oil reserves and to define the geometry and productivity of
the reservoirs. This next well will test the extension of the Tagi and Hamra
reservoirs on the northern flank of the structure. The Tagi reservoir is the most
prolific in the region and is responsible for the giant Anadarko, AGIP and
Talisman/Burlington oil fields to the southeast. New oil fields in excess of four billion
barrels have recently been discovered in the area.
The drill rig is now in the process of being mobilized to the Sahara El Mehadjer-1
location.
Santa Catalina's 50-per-cent-owned subsidiary, Santa Catalina (Algeria) Ltd., will
hold a 25-per-cent interest in the Hassi Bir Rekaiz concession upon completion of
the Sahara El Mehadjer-1 well. Arco Ghadames Inc. is the operator holding
50-per-cent interest. Turkish Petroleum holds the remaining 25 per cent.
The expectation is a flow rate of 2.000 bopd, yet the next drill will be the proof in the pudding. Production start is thought to be 2003 and this through a current pipeline about 60 K´s away. Atlantic Richfield is a partner in this project as are Drucker Petroleum (Algeria), this then the partner to TYK Tanganyika Oil in Egypt.... |
