Sonatrach has announced that three exploration wells have discovered oil in the Algerian desert
The discoveries were made by Thailand’s PTT Exploration and Production (PTTEP), China’s CNOOC Limited and Sonatrach.
No details, such as flow rates or potential reserves, were offered, Reuters reported.
The three companies also completed the drilling of nine oil wells at the Hassi Bir Rekaiz project, located in the eastern part of Algeria. Of the nine, one was unsuccessful in producing oil, Sonatrach said.
First drilling operations started in late 2011. The sixth well was drilled in December 2012.
Tests showed a flow rate of 15.3 cubic metre per hour, 3.2 cubic metre per hour and 3.16 cubic metre per hour for the last three wells, the state-owned firm added.
Sonatrach holds a 51 per cent stake in the project, while PTTEP and CNOOC each own 24.5 per cent.
The project was awarded by the Algerian government in a license round in December 2008.
