OREANDA-NEWS. Gazprom Neft is currently involved in four projects in the Republic of Iraq, three of which are located in the Kurdistan Region.

Gazprom Neft Middle East has interests in the Garmian, Halabja and Shakal blocks, holding an 80-percent interest in the Halabja and Shakal fields (the remainder being held by the Kurdistan Regional Government). Two exploration wells have now been drilled at the Shakal block, and additional 3D seismic investigations completed, with analysis and interpretation of the data obtained now ongoing. Analysis of 2D seismic data obtained at the Halabja block in 2015 is currently coming to completion.

Gazprom Neft’s interest in the Garmian block stands at 40 percent. Detailed field appraisal on this block is currently ongoing in preparation for its being opened up for large-scale development, with the Kurdistan Regional Government currently assessing preliminary plans, to that end.

Gazprom Neft’s fourth project in Iraq concerns the development of the Badra field, located in the Wassit province, in the east of the country. Preliminary investigations suggest reserves at the Badra field could total as much as three billion barrels of oil. Gazprom Neft is operator on this project, with a 30-percent interest. Commercial production at the Badra field commenced in August 2014.