For the first time since 1978, Iraq begins drilling an exploratory oil well in Salah al-Din.
For the first time since 1978, Iraq begins drilling an exploratory oil well in Salah al-Din.
2026-06-20
Shafaq News – Baghdad
On Saturday, the technical and engineering staff of the Iraqi Drilling Company began drilling a new exploratory well in the Amerli district of Salah al-Din Governorate, under a tripartite contract that includes the North Oil Company, the Iraqi Drilling Company and the Oil Exploration Company.
This well is the first of its kind in the northern governorates since 1978, in a step that reflects the Ministry of Oil’s orientations towards revitalizing exploration work and developing promising blocks and reservoirs, with the aim of enhancing the hydrocarbon stock of oil and gas and increasing national reserves.
In this regard, Oil Minister Bassem Mohammed Khudair confirmed in press statements that the ministry is proceeding with its exploration programs aimed at enhancing the hydrocarbon reserves of oil and gas, noting that starting to drill this well represents an important milestone in the ministry’s efforts to revitalize exploration work in promising areas after many years of inactivity.
He explained that “the Ministry of Oil is adopting a new and clear vision based on expanding the drilling of exploratory wells and investing in geological and geophysical data, with the aim of enhancing the hydrocarbon reserves of oil and gas and securing resources that support the country’s development and economic plans.”
The minister added that “the project reflects the level of coordination and integration between the national oil formations, represented by the North Oil Company, the Iraqi Drilling Company and the Oil Exploration Company, to achieve the ministry’s goals of maximizing hydrocarbon wealth and investing it optimally.”
Khudair continued, saying: “Increasing proven oil and gas reserves and compensating for depletion is a strategic goal for the Ministry of Oil, given its role in enhancing Iraq’s global oil standing and supporting long-term oil sector development plans.” He pointed out that “developing hydrocarbon reserves contributes to strengthening the country’s future production capabilities and gives Iraq greater flexibility in managing oil production and exports, in line with the size of its proven resources and reserves, and achieving the highest possible economic return to serve national development.”
The minister affirmed that the Ministry of Oil is continuing to implement its plans aimed at expanding exploration activity in various promising areas, which will contribute to supplying national reserves with new discoveries, enhancing economic sustainability, and supporting Iraq’s position as one of the most prominent countries possessing oil and gas wealth in the world.
shafaq.com
