JSC Uzbekneftegaz and China’s XIBU are entering a new phase of a project focused on drilling 30 deep exploration wells on the Ustyurt Plateau.

Drilling of the first exploration well at the Kyzylzhar field is scheduled to start on 25 July, Uzbekneftegaz said in a statement, The Caspian Post reports.

The project’s progress was reviewed during a working meeting between Uzbekneftegaz Chairman of the Management Board Abdugani Sanginov and representatives of XIBU. The discussions focused on speeding up planned operations and ensuring the mobilisation of nine modern drilling rigs that will be used as part of the project.

According to the agreements reached, drilling operations for all wells included in the current stage of the project are expected to begin by 15 August.

During the meeting, Uzbekneftegaz Chairman Abdugani Sanginov instructed XIBU to shorten the construction period for each well by 50 days by making maximum use of available technical capabilities and organisational resources.

The parties also discussed the potential for drilling additional exploration wells on the Ustyurt Plateau, along with technical and organisational matters related to a possible expansion of the project.

The project is being carried out under an international EPC/service contract. The foreign partner is responsible for drilling operations using advanced technologies and highly qualified specialists. At the same time, all rights to subsoil use, completed wells, and discovered hydrocarbon reserves remain fully under the ownership of Uzbekneftegaz.

The company stated that the project is designed to increase the efficiency of geological exploration by introducing modern technologies and accelerating the identification of new hydrocarbon reserves.

Following the meeting, both sides expressed confidence that the implementation of the planned measures will strengthen Uzbekistan’s resource base and support the further development of cooperation.