The company of Rosneft group started drilling of Salman-1, the first exploration well at the Block 12 in the Republic of Iraq. The well will be drilled to the measured depth of 4,245 m through Kurra Chine target horizon to be followed by further testing of five prospective targets. The Company plans to complete drilling in July 2017.
Company of Rosneft group acts as the operator of the exploration and development of Block 12. China based company Zhongman Petroleum and Natural Gas Group (ZPEC) is the general drilling contractor. The prospective oil-bearing Block 12 is located in the Najaf and Muthanna provinces, approximately 80 km to the southwest of the city of Samawa and 130 km to the west of the city of Nasriya. Block is a part of the Western Desert, an unexplored region having the biggest oil potential in Iraq. It has an area of 7,680 sq km. Exploration works on Block 12 are considered «low risk» due to its prospects. (Source: Rosneft)