Sonatrach Operations in Niger

Since June 2005, Sonatrach has been engaged in exploration activities on their Kafra concession located at the algero-nigerian border. The exploration permit covers an area of 23,737 square kilometres. The Kafra Block is contiguous with an Algerian exploration block named Tafassasset, which is also licensed to Sonatrach.

The Economist Intelligence Unit reported that the 12-year contract divides exploration into three four-year phases: in the first phase 1,000 kilometres of 2D seismic tests are to be carried out, in the second phase 400 kilometres of 2D seismic tests are to be carried out and two exploration wells are planned, and finally in the third phase 400 kilometres of 2D seismic tests are to be carried out, with one well planned. The licence stipulates a minimum expenditure of US$29.5 million. The concession will be explored through Sonatrach's fully owned subsidiary Sonatrach International Exploration and Development Corporation (Sipex).

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