Pioneer makes fourth discovery on Jenein Nord block in Tunisia

Uchenna Izundu
International Editor

LONDON, June 8 -- Dallas independent Pioneer Natural Resources Co. made its fourth discovery on its operated Jenein Nord Block in Tunisia. On test the Shaheen No. 1 well flowed at a gross 8,000 boe/d from multiple productive zones.

Pioneer has now drilled four wells on Jenein Nord block, all discoveries, which have been tested at a combined multizone gross rate of 30,000 boe/d. "The combined test rate, which is not necessarily indicative of an actual combined production rate, was comprised of 85% oil and 15% gas and condensate," Pioneer said.

By the end of this month Pioneer expects to finalize plans to construct oil production facilities on the block. Also at that time, the company intends to have a combined oil production rate forecast for startup, which is expected during the fourth quarter.

Pioneer has identified more than 30 prospects on its acreage and estimates that some could have individual resource potential as large as 25 million boe. The company and its partners will drill as many as four exploration wells on Jenein Nord block and have acquired 1,200 sq km of 3D seismic data. In 2007 Pioneer plans to drill an additional three wells on adjacent, nonoperated blocks.

Pioneer and other producers in the country are working with the government to evaluate expanding infrastructure to supply gas production from southern Tunisia to northern markets, the company said.

Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].