Eni resumes Sirte exploratory drilling onshore Libya

Eni SPA’s North African subsidiary has resumed onshore exploratory drilling in Libya with a well in the Sirte basin that will test a new geological play in EPSA IV 2008 Contract Area A (see map, OGJ, Apr. 18, 2005, p. 29).

The A1-108/4 well is 300 km south of Benghazi and is projected to 14,500 ft. The well is the first of an onshore drilling program that is set to continue into 2013.

Eni noted that it was the first international company to resume production in September 2011, through the Mellitah Oil & Gas 50-50 joint venture with Libya National Oil Corp. in giant Bu Attifel field.

Eni was also the first company to lift force majeure status in Libya, in December 2011, and to resume offshore exploration in February 2012 by shooting a 3D seismic survey.