Oman’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals has awarded OQ Exploration and Production (OQEP) three petroleum concession agreements covering more than 30,000 square kilometres, in a solo award that expands the majority state-owned company’s domestic exploration footprint.
The agreements, covering blocks 36, 43A and 66, were signed on September 26 by Energy and Minerals Minister Salim al Aufi and OQEP chief executive Mahmoud al Hashmi. OQEP holds a 100% interest and full operatorship in each block.
Block 36, in southwestern Oman, spans 18,557 square kilometres and carries a minimum exploration commitment of USD 20 million. Block 43A, in the northwest, covers 6,920 square kilometres, also with a USD 20 million minimum commitment. Block 66, located in west-central Oman within the Rub al-Khali salt basin, covers 4,898 square kilometres with a USD 16 million minimum commitment, bringing the combined minimum investment across the three blocks to USD 56 million.
Source: theenergyyear.com