Gazprom zarubezhneftegaz presents reports on the results of the geophysical studies in the Sarikamysh area

The following took part in the meeting: the Main Geology Authority's management, headed up by Azim Ibrohim, representatives of the Republic of Tajikistan's Ministry for Energy and Industry, and also specialists from other core organisations.
The Russian side was represented by: Igor Shatalov (deputy director for production of Gazprom zarubezhneftegaz's representative office in the Republic of Tajikistan) and specialists from a number of organisations taking part in the project.
It was noted at the meeting that in 2009 in the Sarikamysh licensed area, the project operator conducted complex geophysical studies (3-D seismic survey work over an area of 125 km² and exploratory work over an area of 176 km²). Following interpretation of the data obtained, the geology of the licensed area was studied, and the Shakrinav structure was exposed and prepared.
Recommendations were given in accordance with the results of the geophysical studies to carry out further exploration work - in particular, prospect drilling.
In June 2010, the drilling point for the first exploratory well, Shakhrinav 1, located 15 km south-east of the town of Shakhrinav, was approved at Gazprom.
On 7 December 2010, the operator started drilling the well, whose projected depth amounts to 6,300 metres.
Drilling has reached more than 2,000 metres at the present time. The drilling is being carried out with the help of technologically advanced engineering and technical resources.
The anticipated hydrocarbon reserves are estimated to be around 18 billion cubic metres of gas and 17 million tonnes of oil.
During the discussions concerning the project, the scientific and technical committee showed great appreciation for Gazprom zarubezhneftegaz's production activities and expressed the hope that positive results would be received during the drilling of the first exploratory well.
The cooperation between the Republic of Tajikistan and Gazprom is governed by the "Agreement concerning the general principles of conducting geological mineral exploration in the oil-and-gas prospective fields in Tajikistan" (Rengan, Sargazon, Sarikamysh and West Shokhambari), signed in 2008.
In accordance with the Agreement of the Ministry for Energy and Industry and the Main Geology Authoirity of the Republic of Tajikistan government (regarding the question of exploration work), authorised organisations were appointed on the Republic of Tajikistan side to carry this out.
In September 2008, the operator was granted a licence to carry out geological studies of the subsoil in the Sarikamysh area. The effective licence term is 5 years.
Gazprom zarubezhneftegaz is carrying out geological exploration in 4 oil-and-gas prospective fields in Tajikistan: Sarikamysh, Sargazon, Rengan and West Shokhambari.