Onshore oil survey launched

Government will receive share of data sales

The Ministry of Energy and Water (MoEW) has launched two-dimensional (2D) multi-client surveys for potential onshore oil and gas deposits. British firm Spectrum will collaborate with Jordanian firm GSC (Geophysical Services Center) to conduct seismic surveys. It will also cooperate with local firm Cogic Consultants for environment and licensing issues, with French IFP Energies Nouvelles (IFPEN) for geology, and with British Geo Guide Consultants for quality.

The possibility of drilling out oil and gas from land will be determined based on the results of studies around seven wells drilled 50 years ago, and geological studies of neighboring countries. Georges Kamar, Spectrum’s Representative in Lebanon, said: “The wells are located in Suhmor, Yuhmor, Ibrin, and Laboueh, among other areas in the Bekaa and the South.”

Two-dimensional seismic surveys will be done along several seismic lines, of a total length around 500 kilometers. The first survey will involve an area known as the Qartaba line, a 65 kilometer-long seismic line stretching between Batroun and Laboueh in the Bekaa. The line goes through 26 towns. GSC has already begun exploring this line and will have a list of the final number and names of towns the line passes through within two weeks. “Work will be mostly done near highways, unless it is absolutely necessary to go into the villages,” said Kamar.

A comprehensive map will be drawn based on the analysis of rock components in all seismic lines. The MoEW hopes to complete the mapping of potential inland oil and gas by the end of 2013. The process of drilling for onshore oil is much faster than offshore, according to the MoEW.

MoEW has already signed a contract with an oil company to conduct geological studies along the Qartaba line. The contract still needs to be ratified by Cabinet. Geological studies are often performed before any seismic survey. The government will not be charged for the geological studies. “The assigned company will conduct all required studies on this line and the government will have a share of profits from the sale of the related data,” said Kamar. “The results will be published by this August,” he said.

Lebanon’s first onshore petroleum law was first ratified in 1933 and later modified in 1974. The MoEW will start preparing for a new onshore oil law and legislations depending on the survey results.