Sound Ready to Drill in Western Morocco

UK-based explorer Sound Energy said May 17 that its rig has now arrived at its Sidi Moktar licence, onshore central western Morocco. It will re-enter and test two existing wells (Koba-1 and Kamar-1) on the Kechoula discovery and, should sufficient qualities of gas be proven, Sound says it will complete an extended well test that if successful could produce first commercial gas for the domestic market around end-2017.

The rig, owned by Saipem, was previously used earlier this year by Sound Energy at its third well (TE-8) on its Tendrara licence onshore eastern Morocco; the latter established that a 'Tagi' hydrocarbon system proven in Algeria extends into Morocco.

Sidi Moktar licences, covering 2,700 km², are close to a large gas consumer: Moroccan state-owned OCP's phosphate plant. Sound says that Kechoula was drilled by previous operators and estimated to have 293bn ft³ (gross) of unrisked mid-case gas in place. Sound has a 75% interest in the licences.

Moroccan licences held by Sound Energy; the company also has Meridja exploration acreage northwest of Tendrara (Credit: Sound)

Sound Energy CEO James Parsons said that Sidi Moktar was "one of its many exciting opportunities" and is "estimated to have significant pre-Jurassic exploration potential from the Tagi and Paleozoic [levels], similar to our Tendrara licence in Eastern Morocco. We continue to believe that Morocco is an exciting hydrocarbon province with significant upside for Sound, and look forward to updating the market on progress in due course."

Mark Smedley