The Aktobemunaigaz joint venture that operates Kenkiyak and Zhanazhol fields in the Precaspian basin brought Umit field on production in mid-2005.
Umit, on the 3,100 sq km Central block in Aktyubinsk oblast south of Zhanazhol field and west of Kozhasay field, is the first field discovered and brought on line in the province since Saigak oil field 10 years earlier, reported IHS Energy (OGJ Online, Oct. 29, 1999).
The discovery well, Ashisay-1 spudded in October 2004, is understood to have tested oil and gas in a presalt carbonate reservoir. The initial producing rate was 700 b/d of oil.
Aktobemunaigaz, largest oil producer in the Aktobe region, is owned by China National Petroleum Co. 85.15% and Kazmunaigaz 14.85%.
Aktobemunaigaz gave no early estimate of reserves at Umit, but the company’s general director Jiang Chi said that the discovery was “of historical significance, and the company ties its prosperity and future to it,” Interfax reported.