ISLAMABAD, Dec 29: The government on Thursday granted a petroleum exploration licence to Pakistan Petroleum Limited for Block No 2969-8 (Barkhan) which covers an area of 210,469 square kilometres. The Barkhan block lies in Dera Bugti, Kohlu, Musa Khail Bazar, Barkhan and Loralai districts of Balochistan province (Zone-II).

A press statement issued here in this regard said that PPL intended to make an investment of over $15.63 million in the Barkhan block. The company will carry out geological field work, geological and geophysical studies 200 km 2D seismic data acquisition and drilling of three exploratory wells during phase-1 of the initial period of three years of the exploration licence.

The execution ceremony was witnessed by Petroleum Minister Amanullah Khan Jadoon and Minister of State Muhammad Naseer Mengal. PPL has been involved in petroleum exploration and production in Pakistan for over half a century and has discovered several gas and oil fields. It has extensive geological and geophysical knowledge, data and experience in exploration and field development.

The company is a producer of gas from Sui, Mazarani and Kandhkol Mining Leases. It is also producing gas, oil and LPG from Adhi field. The company is an operator of seven onshore and two offshore exploration licences. It also holds non-operating working interests in six development and production leases and 7 exploration licences.—Reporter