Iraq’s Ministry of Oil has provided an update on the recent hydrocarbon discovery at the Qurnain exploration block in Najaf province.
Ministry spokesman Salim al-Rakabi said the first exploratory well showed encouraging signs of light crude oil. He added that the evaluation process is now underway, with drilling already started on the first of three planned appraisal wells.
According to al-Rakabi, 2D seismic surveys have been completed, while experts continue to process and analyze both old and newly collected seismic data to prepare for the next stages of the project.
He explained that details such as recoverable reserves, production targets, and final investment figures cannot yet be announced because the project is still in the exploration and appraisal phase and has not reached commercial development.
Al-Rakabi said the actual reserve estimates and a complete development plan will be confirmed after the appraisal programme is finished and a certified technical report is submitted.
If the project proves successful, future development is expected to include production wells, development wells, and facilities for processing and transporting oil and gas. He noted that the discovery could help increase Iraq’s light crude reserves, boost future oil production, and support the use of associated natural gas.
