Baghdad: The Oil Exploration Company, affiliated with the Ministry of Oil, signed a contract today, Wednesday, with China's Zhenhua for the development of the Abu Khaymah field in Muthanna Governorate.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the office of the Deputy Minister of Oil for Extraction Affairs stated in a press release that, "Under the auspices of the Minister of Oil, Basim Mohammed Khudair, and in the presence of the Deputy Minister for Extraction Affairs, Naseer Aziz, the Oil Exploration Company signed a contract with China's Zhenhua for seismic survey work to implement the Abu Khaymah field development program in Muthanna Governorate, within the framework of the licensing round (Supplementary Rounds Five and Six). The work will be carried out by Iraqi personnel on behalf of the Chinese company."

The Undersecretary of the Ministry for Extraction Affairs, Naseer Aziz, affirmed that the contract aligns with the Ministry of Oil's directions to adopt the latest technologies in exploration programs. This approach aims to provide accurate seismic data that supports the evaluation of geological structures, enhances the opportunities to discover new reservoirs, and contributes to maximizing oil and gas reserves. The initiative also supports investment projects in the governorates and enhances the volume of cooperation with international companies operating in Iraq.