Kazakhstan: Large resource seen on Ayrshagyl block

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, June 27 – Preliminary interpretation of 1,400 sq km of 3D seismic has led to identification of 30 prospects and 7 leads on the 1,561 sq km Ayrshagyl block in western Kazakhstan, said Roxi Petroleum PLC.

BNG Ltd. LLP operates the block, which covers 20% transition zone and the rest low-lying steppe at the edge of the Caspian Sea in Mangistau oblast in the North Caspian basin. Roxi has 58.41% interest in and operational control of the block.

Consulting engineers attribute a combined 500 million bbl of best estimate prospective resources to the 30 prospects, 400 million bbl to the leads, and a further 13 million bbl of contingent resources to South Yelemes field, where pilot production could start near the end of 2011.

Risked most likely prospective and contingent resources are estimated to total 215 million bbl.

The identified prospects include analogs to surrounding Bekbolat and Tolkyn fields in the Permian. Exploration plays have been developed on the southern side of the Devonian Guryev arch and the South Emba subbasin.

The company believes the Paleozoic prospects will create the most shareholder value, and 22 prospects and leads occur at 3,900-5,000 m. These are carbonate prospects with reservoir potential from the Devonian through to the Lower Permian, the deepest of which produce in nearby giant Tengiz field.