By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Dec. 13 -- Norsk Hydro AS and Lukoil Overseas Holding Ltd. reported a "major oil discovery" on the Anaran exploration block in Ilam Province near Dehloran in western Iran (OGJ Online, Aug. 30, 2000).
Located in the Zagros belt, Iran's most productive petroleum province, the 3,500 sq km Anaran block contains four prospects: Azar, Changuleh-West, Dehloran, and Musian.
An exploration well on the Azar prospect discovered Anaran field. The well produced crude at commercial rates in July. Norsk Hydro specialists said Anaran could be producing as much as 100,000 b/d by 2010.
Lukoil Overseas, a 25% partner, said the discovery could become "one of the most significant oil finds over the past several years." Norsk Hydro holds the other 75% of the block.
Norsk Hydro currently is drilling the Changuleh-West exploration well, the third of five wells required on the block, three exploratory and two appraisal.
The licensees hope to begin Anaran field development by March 2006 after National Iranian Oil Co. reviews the companies' commercialization report.
