OREANDA-NEWS. Eni has been granted three prospection permits by Sonatrach, the Algerian state company. The permits authorize Eni, as operator, and Sonatrach to carry out prospection activities in the basins of Timimoun and Oued Mya, in onshore southern Algeria.

The three permits (El Guefoul, Tinerkouk and Terfas), issued from the national agency for the exploitation of hydrocarbon resources (Agence Nationale pour la Valorisation des Ressources en Hydrocarbures, ALNAFT), are valid for two years and cover a total area of 46,837 square kilometers. The work program includes studies and drilling of prospection wells to define the potential of the areas. The three areas are considered of great interest and potential.

The initiative strengthens the already excellent relations between Eni and Sonatrach and Eni's strong presence in the country.

Eni has been present in Algeria since 1981 and has interests in 29 exploration and development licenses, which are currently in production, and in 3 permits under development. Eni is the leading international producer in the country, with daily equity production of approximately 125,000 barrels of oil equivalent.