Achievement in Najaf Governorate Strengthens Iraq’s Energy issue

The Oil Exploration Company announced the completion of the 2D seismic survey program for Al-Qarnain project in Najaf Governorate. The program was implemented as part of plans to develop oil exploration operations in the country, in an important step aimed to expanding the geological database and enhancing opportunities to discover new hydrocarbon reservoirs of oil and gas. The governorate is considered a non-oil governorate, which qualifies it to be an oil and gas producing governorate in future, providing job opportunities for the governorate's residents, in addition to contributing to develop the infrastructure.

The project was accomplished under the support and auspices of the Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil, Mr. Hayan Abdul-Ghani Al-Suwad, and the Deputy of Oil Ministry for Upstream Affairs, Mr. Basim M. Khudhair, under the supervision and follow-up of the Director General of Oil Exploration Company, Dr. Osama Raouf Hussein.

The program was implemented by the second Seismic Crew of the Field Operations Division within the company. The total length of the completed seismic survey reached approximately 2,850 km length, while the number of the completed power points reached 47,500 power points, achieving 100% completion rate in a period of 12 days shorter than the planned schedule.

The project was carried out for the benefit of the Chinese Al-Qarnain Company within the Licensing Rounds Projects (Annexes to the Fifth and Sixth Rounds), through which the Ministry of Oil aims to enhance Iraq’s hydrocarbon reserves of oil and gas.

The Director General of the company, Dr. Osama Raouf Hussein, stated that the achievement was accomplished by Iraqi efforts, as the staff of the seismic crew were able to carry out the survey operations with high efficiency despite the geographical and logistical challenges faced the staff working in the project areas because it located in desert regions far from cities, with limited communications and long distances that make the supply of daily necessities difficult. The operations were also carried out in accordance with approved technical and environmental standards to ensure operational safety and environmental protection.

He confirmed that the success of the Second Seismic Crew in implementing the first survey within the annex of the Fifth and Sixth Licensing Rounds reflects the high level of professionalism of the company’s staff, noting that this achievement represents a model of teamwork and professional commitment in implementing exploration projects.

He added that the company continues to provide full support to the seismic crews working in the field, as they represent the fundamental pillar of oil exploration operations. He emphasized the company’s commitment to overcoming technical and logistical challenges that may face the field crews, ensuring smooth operations and the achievement of results within the specified timelines and according to the highest occupational safety standards.

He added that the completion of the seismic program in Najaf Governorate will pave the way for moving to more advanced stages in future exploration projects. Such work contributes to expanding the map of hydrocarbon resources in Iraq, enhancing investment opportunities in the oil sector and providing an important contribution to the national economy.

In conclusion, the Director General praised the efforts of the Field Operations Division's management and the administration and staff of the Second Seismic Crew for their high competence.