Sonatrach, Gazprom announce oil discovery in Berkin Basin

Sonatrach and its Russian partner Gazprom EP International B.V. announced Wednesday the successful completion of the drilling operation of Rhourde Sayah North-1 (RSHN-1)exploration wells, located at El Assel perimeter (block 236b) in Berkin Basin.
This well, which reached a final depth of 4,120 m in the Ordovician resulted in a discovery of oil at flow rates of 8.5 m3/h of oil and 7.930 m3/h of gas, choke line 32/64, with a wellhead pressure of 1,949 psi, Sonatrach said in a statement.
This association between the Algerian and Russian companies had already succeeded, part of previous research on this perimeter, to make two discoveries following the drilling of ZERN RSH-2-1exploration wells.
Appraisal works to clarify the extent of these discoveries are underway for development, said the same source.
Sonatrach is a partner at 51% with Gazprom EP International B.V., which is charge of operating at 49%.
In 2008, Gazprom opened a representative office in Algeria to develop its activities in Africa in partnership with Sonatrach.