ExxonMobil granted approval for Colombia research pilot project

ExxonMobil Exploration Colombia Ltd. has been granted approval by Colombia’s National Hydrocarbons Agency for a comprehensive research pilot project (Project Platero) in unconventional formations of Block VMM-37 in the Middle Magdalena basin.

The process should provide a path forward for testing and production of source rock hydrocarbons in future operations, Sinata Energy Inc. noted in a release Apr. 16.

Sintana Energy Inc., via wholly owned Patriot Energy Sucursal Colombia, holds an undivided 30% non-operated participation interest in the block contract where ExxonMobil is operator with 70% participating interest.

In 2015, ExxonMobil drilled the A3 Manatí Blanco well into the block’s source rock. The well—never tested—was suspended for several years awaiting environmental permit approval.