OREANDA-NEWS. August 25, 2010. Further to the exploration drilling results, expected growth of Gazprom Neft's C1 recoverable resources reached 12 mln. tons, up 10 per cent as compared to the same period of 2009, which exceeds half of the yearly plan.

For direct prospecting and exploration of oil and gas deposits in 2010, 18 exploration wells are scheduled for drilling and 5 wells at the Vyngapurovskoye field are planned to be deepened to Lower Jurassic deposits. Expected penetration rate at the yearend will make about 60 thousand meters.

As of the beginning of July, there are 8 wells drilled, of which 4 wells are completed and tested. The penetration index equals to 39.7 thousand meters.

At the Priobskoye field, three exploration wells were completed and tested, having yielded commercial pure oil inflow from the layers of the Neocomian deposits. Another exploration well was drilled and tested at the Zimneye field, which, at the test stage, gave a commercial pure oil inflow as well.

Four prospecting and appraisal wells, namely, Zapadno-Edelskaya located at the Severno-Noyabrskiy license area, Valyntoyskaya well at the same license area and two wells at the Yety-Purovskoye field have been completed and are currently under testing. Eight exploration wells are currently being drilled, while one well undergoes deepening.

Gazprom Neft Deputy CEO for Exploration and Production Boris Zilbermints commented on the progress of geological exploration program:

"By now, seismic exploration works of 2009-2010 field season have been completed. The yearly plan for 2D seismic exploration has been fulfilled in full. As for 3D seismic exploration works, 10 per cent of the on-coming 2010-2011 season's scope of works have been completed due to well-coordinated work of the seismic crews and existence of long-term 3D seismic exploration agreements".