Gas Exploration in Morocco: 19 of 22 Test Wells Indicate Positive Results

Taroudante – Amina Benkhadra, the director of Morocco’s Office of Hydrocarbons and Mining (ONHYM), announced on Thursday in Dar El Gueddari that the drilling program at the Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen region has been successful with 19 out of 22 wells drilled testing positive for natural gas.

“This campaign has been very promising since 19 out of the 22 wells drilled were considered positive,” she told MAP, during a visit to the site CGD-13 wells, organized by ONHYM and its partner, Ireland-based Circle Oil.

“Although these gas discoveries are small, they can power the industry of the region,” Benkhadra said.

The Director of ONHYM said that the eight-year partnership agreement signed between the ONHYM and Circle Oil will end soon, but noted that a new agreement will be negotiated to continue research, exploration and well drilling in order to advance development of the region.

Benkhadra said that the company, “has conducted geological studies and 2D seismic and 3D seismic tests over the past several years.”

CEO of Circle Oil, Mitch Flegg, highlighted the encouraging results of his company’s drilling campaign, touting the absence of major incidents and environmental impacts.

“We will now connect the gas to our pipeline in Kenitra, and will sell it directly to the end user,” said Flegg, adding that Circle Oil plans to return next year to commence the drilling of several wells.

“We would like to thank our partner, ONHYM, for its continued support of the development of our Moroccan permits. Morocco remains at the core of Circle’s business and we are looking forward to developing our next drilling campaign,” Flegg added.

The recent positive results from the exploratory wells are encouraging signs that Morocco is likely to be a gas producer in the near future.

Edited by Elisabeth Myers