The deep gas exploration project with international partner Occidental Petroleum will kick off in 2013 according to Bahrain’s  Dr Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza, chairman of the National Oil & Gas Authority and Minister of Oil & Gas Affairs.
In an exclusive interview with ArabianOilandGas.com’s sister publication Oil & Gas Middle East, Dr. Mirza revealed that the regulatory hurdles had been cleared and the project would kick off soon.Â
“The deep gas Exploration and Production Sharing Agreement (EPSA) was signed in February 2011 with OXY and was ratified by His Majesty – the King in October 2011,” said the Minister.
“OXY are now carrying out geological, geophysical, and engineering studies for the purpose of design and selection of deep drilling locations. Drilling of the first well, out of three deep exploratory wells, will start sometimes in the middle of 2013. The first exploratory phase of the project will be completed by the end of 2015.”
Dr Mirza said he was optimistic about the potential success of the project.
“The strides that have taken place in geophysical imaging, computer technologies and instrumentation, coupled with an increase in the general knowledge of our planet, are conducive to a higher success rate for finding new reserves. Partnering with technologically advanced and experienced companies such as OXY, augments the likelihood of a successful strike.”
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