Apache finds more oil in Egypt's Western Desert, brings 11th producing concession on line

April 1, 2002
Apache Corp. has announced its second oil discovery on the East Bahariya concession in Egypt's Western Desert. Elsewhere in Egypt the company has started oil and natural gas production from its Ras Kanayes lease. Apache now has 11 producing concessions in Egypt.


By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Apr. 1 -- Apache Corp. has announced its second oil discovery on the East Bahariya concession in Egypt's Western Desert. Elsewhere in Egypt the company has started oil and natural gas production from its Ras Kanayes lease.
The Ras Kanayes development lease was brought on production at the rate of 2,130 b/d of crude and condensate and 17.8 MMcfd of natural gas from the Jurassic Khatatba formation. Apache operates Ras Kanayes as part of its Khalda operations, with a 63.64% contractor interest. Kuwait's Kufpec Ltd. holds a 36.36% interest.

The lease comprises 77,690 acres in the Matruh basin 230 miles west of Cairo. The prospect was developed from interpretation of 3D seismic data acquired in 1999.

Apache took over operation of the Khalda concession in 2001 with its acquisition of Repsol-YPF SA's interests in the Western Desert.

"Ras Kanayes brings to 11 the number of producing concessions Apache has in Egypt," said Rodney Eichler, regional vice-president for Egypt. "Gross production from these concessions now stands at 200 MMcf of gas and 75,500 bbl of liquid hydrocarbons per day."

Oil discovery
In announcing the oil discovery, Apache said the Southeast Karama-1X well tested at the rate of 1,140 b/d of 43° crude oil from the Cretaceous Abu Roash G formation. It was Apache's seventh discovery worldwide in 2002.

The well is in the Abu Gharadig basin, about 1.2 miles southeast of Karama field, which Apache discovered in early 2000. Including the latest discovery, which is now on stream, combined production from the Karama and Southeast Karama fields is averaging 1,800 b/d of oil.

The Southeast Karama-1X was developed from interpretation of 3D seismic data gathered last year. Six additional prospects have been identified in the area. Apache holds 100% interest in the 1.4 million acre concession. The company plans to drill at least three more wells in the concession by yearend.