Algeria
Sinopec Corp. of China won a contract from Sonatrach and the Energy & Mines Ministry to enhance recovery from giant Zarzaitine field in east-central Algeria.
The field's original reserves were nearly 1 billion bbl of oil and almost 3 tcf of gas. The 20-year agreement is aimed at increasing the recovery factor to 50% from 40%. This would involve drilling 41 wells, replacing seven production centers, and installing a water treatment unit, OPEC News Agency reported. A $525 million investment would be shared 75% by Sinopec and 25% by Sonatrach. Zarzaitine is in the Illizi basin near the Libyan border.
Utah
St. Mary Land & Exploration Co., Denver, spudded on Sept. 25 a wildcat on a basin centered gas prospect in the Uinta basin.
The Ute Tribal KMV 1-28 in Duchesne County targets tight sands in Cretaceous Mesaverde. Projected total depth is 16,200 ft. St. Mary holds 100% working interest in the well. The prospect totals more than 12,000 acres.
