SGGA Monthly Drilling Operations Progress Report

The project aims to develop the Juma-Bashikurd gas field in Jawzjan Province. Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) was awarded a contract worth USD 36,757,766 to drill one new well, Juma #2A, and re-enter two wells, Bashikurd #3 and Bashikurd #9. During the reporting period of August 1-31, 2015, TPAO resumed drilling operations on the Juma #2A well, which reached a subsurface depth of 3481 meters on August 19. Drilling was stopped at this depth due to concerns about approaching the gas/water contact. TPAO conducted open hole logging of the well and sent the data to Turkey for interpretation. The interpretation revealed low porosity in the Kugitan formation and gas flows that were about half of what was expected. The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum requested additional information from TPAO, which was not immediately provided. SGGA engineers are gathering information from other wells in the Bashikurd sector for comparison to the Juma #2A initial results. The Ministry instructed TPAO to install 5.5 inch corrosion resistant casing, perforate, and test the Juma #2A well. The project is funded jointly by USAID and MoMP, with a projected end date of July 31, 2016. The contract requires TPAO to complete the drilling and re-entry operations within this timeframe. The Sheberghan Gas Generation Activity (SGGA) is responsible for monitoring SGDP progress as USAID's implementing partner. The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has been reminded multiple times about the urgent need to complete the processing of TPAO's first invoice, which was submitted on July 14, 2015. The invoice was 38 days past due as of the date of this report. Logging isotopes and perforation charges were delivered to Mazar-e-Sherif on August 14, 2015, and TPAO moved them to the field on August 15. The project's progress is being monitored by SGGA, which is responsible for ensuring that the project is implemented in accordance with the contract requirements. The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum is working closely with TPAO to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget. The Juma #2A well is a critical component of the project, and its drilling and testing are essential for determining the gas reserves in the Juma-Bashikurd field. The project's success will depend on the successful completion of the drilling and testing operations, as well as the timely processing of TPAO's invoices.