Egypt to launch 110,000-sq-km seismic survey in Western Desert

Egypt is preparing a 110,000-square-kilometre seismic survey in the Western Desert near the Libyan border to attract oil and gas exploration investment to an area that has not previously seen petroleum activity, Petroleum Minister Karim Badawy said Wednesday.

The survey, covering about 11 per cent of Egypt’s total area, will collect updated geological and geophysical data to help identify exploration opportunities in the region, Badawy said.

Saudi seismic survey specialist Ardiseis was selected to carry out the project following a competitive tender, according to a statement from the Petroleum Ministry.

The survey targets an untapped area that has not previously seen petroleum activity and is expected to support the offering of new oil and gas exploration opportunities, the ministry said.

Subediting: Y.Yasser