OREANDA-NEWS.   Oil Search reports that, the Taza 2 well was at a depth of 3,434 metres in a 6-1/8” hole and preparing to cut a core in the Euphrates Formation. Elevated gas readings and hydrocarbon shows were observed while drilling through the Dhiban and into the top of the Euphrates Formation, as anticipated. Drilling progress for the week was 117 metres.

Taza 2 is located 10 kilometres north-west of Taza 1 and will appraise the hydrocarbon-bearing intervals discovered by Taza 1 (Dhiban/Jeribe and Euphrates/Kirkuk Formations), as well as explore deeper Tertiary and Cretaceous targets including the Shiranish Formation.

The participants in Taza 1 are:
- Oil Search (Iraq) Limited 60%
- Total E&P Kurdistan Region of Iraq (Taza) B.V. 20%
- Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) 20%

Oil Search’s funding interest is 75%, with the KRG carried by Oil Search and Total E&P Kurdistan Region of Iraq (Taza) B.V.