Algerian ROD integrated development production begins

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, Oct. 28 -- Production of 18,000 b/d of oil began Sunday from ROD oil field and six satellites in the Sahara Desert's Berkine basin in eastern Algeria (OGJ Online, Oct. 24, 2001). To date, 34 development wells are available for production.

Production is to rise to 80,000 b/d of Saharan blend crude from the fields later this year upon completion of the ROD central processing facility. Associated gas and water will be reinjected. Currently, production is moving through a neighboring processing facility, said Melbourne-based BHP Billiton Ltd., joint operator of the development phase with Algeria's Sonatrach. Sonatrach and Italy's ENI SPA will operate the production phase.

ENI funded 63.96% of the project and BHP, 36.04%.