RE: Deep Wells vs Mud Weight2 Feb 2023 12:13
Previous exploration and drilling activity on BNG has mainly covered the northern
part of the block leading to two discoveries on the Yelemes structure in 1980s. As a
result, BNG has 42 mmbls of state-registered C1+C2 reserves, 2 mmbls in Jurassic
(2,200 m) discovered by the Yelemes G54 well and 40 mmbls deep pre-salt reserves
(4,000 m) discovered by the Yelemes G1 well. In addition, hydrocarbons were also
encountered in two other wells, in the Ayrshagyl P1 and Saztobe P1 wells. However,
these reserves require further appraisal before they can be booked into SPEcompliant 2P reserves.
Figure 6: Location Map – BNG
Source: Roxi Petroleum
Geologically, BNG sits in the South Emba sub-basin of the Pre-Caspian Basin on the
major tectonic boundary between the Pre-Caspian and North Ustyurt Basins. It is
surrounded by various producing oil and gas fields, but, more importantly, there are
three producing fields within the block boundaries – the Nsanovskoye, Tasym and
Tolkyn fields – which have been excluded from the contract area. The stratigraphy in
the Northern part of the block is typical of the Pre-Caspian pre-salt and post-salt
sequences with proven reservoirs in the Middle Jurassic and potential clastic and
carbonate reservoirs in the Lower Permian and Carboniferous. The Permian salt
layer is absent in the southern part of the block.
Roxi acquired and completed initial processing of 366 square km of 3D seismic,
which covered the Yelemes and Ayrshagyl structures in the northern part of the
block. The data is currently being evaluated and Roxi expects to firm up well
locations for the 2010-2011drilling programme by Q1 2010. The farm-out agreement
signed with Canamens in January 2009 provided much-needed funding to maintain
the planned pace of development. Canamens agreed to fund up to $50m of the
gross work programme in return for 35% of the equity.
cont.....