Essex Resource Corp., Vancouver, said last week that operator ARCO Ghadames Inc., a unit of BP, has tested the Semhari East-1 appraisal well on the Hassi Bir Rekaiz concession in Algeria. Essex said an analysis of data from the Semhari East-1 test well indicates the presence of a large common oil column between the new well and the Semhari-1 discovery well 15 km away.
The test was performed over the upper 15 m of the 36-m Tagi sandstone layer, one of several oil-bearing zones encountered. On test, this interval flowed at 853 b/d of 40� API oil and 350 Mcfd of natural gas through a 36/64-in. choke. Test results indicate that this 15-m interval has an oil production potential of at least 2,000 b/d of oil with an appropriate lift (pump) system, said Essex.
The Semhari-1 discovery well tested at 1,800 b/d in 1997 (OGJ, Jan. 3, 2000, p. 59). Essex said data suggest a common oil column between the two wells of at least 70 m in height.
The next well, the Sahara El Mehadjer-1, will be drilled 9.5 km north of the first two wells to appraise the Semhari structure and to test the extension of the Tagi and Hamra reservoirs. The drilling rig is being moved to the site.
ARCO Ghadames holds a 50% interest in the Hassi Bir Rekaiz concession. Essex Resource owns 20% of Santa Catalina Algeria Ltd., which holds a 25% interest. Turkish Petroleum Overseas Co. Ltd. holds the remaining 25%.
