By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, July 10 -- Pioneer Natural Resources Co., Dallas, which declared Tunisia a core area fairly recently, has notched a fifth discovery and is expanding its acreage position in the North African country.
The company plans to perforate and test Farrah, its fifth find on the Jenein Nord block in the Ghadames basin, in three intervals totaling 20 m starting in late August.
It will drill three more exploration wells on the block by the end of 2007 (see map, OGJ, July 2, 2007, p. 44). It will also acquire another 3D seismic survey adjacent to the five successful wells. Three exploration wells on adjacent nonoperated blocks are planned by yearend.
Pioneer's average net production from Tunisia is expected to rise to at least 5,400 b/d in 2007 and to more than 10,000 b/d in 2008. Output from Jenein Nord is to start late in the 2007 fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, Pioneer is acquiring a further 15% interest in the 1.2 million acre Anaguid Block from Anadarko Petroleum Corp. Pioneer will become operator with 60% interest, half of which is subject to a back-in right by Tunisia's state ETAP. ETAP has a 50% back-in right on Jenein Nord.
Following government approvals, expected in 60-90 days, Pioneer will shoot 3D seismic on Anaguid adjacent to the Jenein Nord and Adam blocks and expects to drill an Anaguid exploration well in 2008.
