Baghdad: Deputy Prime Minister for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil Hayan Abdul-Ghani Al-Sawad affirmed the ministry’s commitment to enhancing Iraq’s oil and gas reserves. This commitment was underscored during the signing ceremony for the “Kifri A” exploratory well drilling project. Al-Sawad stated that the ministry has initiated this contract as part of a governmental program aimed at drilling 15 exploratory wells, which will be executed through national efforts following the allocation of necessary funds. The initiative aims to bolster Iraq’s standing among oil-producing nations.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the contract for the project was signed between the Iraqi Drilling Company, the Oil Exploration Company, and the North Oil Company. The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including the Undersecretary for Extraction Affairs, the Director General of the North Oil Company, the Director General of the Iraqi Drilling Company, the Director General of the Reservoir and Field Development Department, and the Deputy Director General of the Oil Exploration Company.

Bassem Mohammed Khudair, Undersecretary for Extraction Affairs, stated that the ministry has plans to drill exploratory wells across various regions of Iraq, including the central, southern, and northern areas. He highlighted that these operations will be conducted through national efforts and indicated that preliminary forecasts suggest the presence of light oil and gas in the well.

Hassan Mohammed Hassan, Director General of the Iraqi Drilling Company, emphasized that the drilling operations are intended to benefit the North Oil Company and aim to increase the hydrocarbon potential in the area. This marks the first well to be drilled in the region.

Amer Khalil, Director General of the North Oil Company, explained that the contract signing is part of the government’s program to enhance the hydrocarbon reserves of the North Oil Company in the Salah al-Din Governorate. He assured that the company will provide the necessary logistical support to ensure the successful completion of the drilling operations.