Khana Oil Field, Iraq’s oldest field, comes back to life after a slumber of more than 70 years.
Khana Oil Field, Iraq’s oldest field, comes back to life after a slumber of more than 70 years.
5-10-2025
Al-Maalomah/Interview:
The Khana oil field, discovered in the 1920s, is one of the most prominent and oldest oil fields in Iraq. It marked the beginning of the oil era in the country and witnessed its first production operations years after its discovery. The field was later developed through the drilling of dozens of wells, in addition to the establishment of Iraq’s first refinery, “Al-Wand”, which played a pivotal role in securing fuel derivatives for decades.
With the launch of the first phases of the field’s development again after more than 70 years of stagnation, Al-Maalomah conducted a special interview with the Director of the Oil Fields Department in Diyala, Engineer Amir Jaaf, to learn about the latest developments in the project to revive this vital field.
Q: What is the importance of the Khana oil field in Iraq?
A: The Khana oil field is considered one of the first fields discovered in Iraq during the 1920s, and production began there later. It is a strategic field with large crude oil reserves, in addition to its proximity to important gas fields. It is currently undergoing development in partnership with a foreign company, which will give it a significant economic dimension in the near future.
Q: How many wells does the Khana oil field have? Is it the only field in eastern Diyala?
A: The Khana field is one of four fields within the Khana oil block, which also includes seven as-yet undiscovered formations. The field itself currently contains more than 30 oil wells and is considered part of a large area with huge oil and gas reserves.
Q: When will actual production from the field begin after development?
A: According to the development program underway in coordination with the developing company, production will begin at the end of 2026 at a rate of 10,000 barrels of oil per day, pumped to the Dora refinery via underground pipelines. In addition, 50 million standard cubic feet of gas will be produced per day to feed power plants.
Q: Can the field transform into a large industrial complex in the future?
A: This is what we aspire to, but it requires time and comprehensive development plans. The Khana Oil Patch consists of four large fields and promising structures, which presents an opportunity to establish petrochemical complexes and private refineries, especially since the field’s geographical location allows for securing fuel derivatives for Diyala and other governorates. However, this remains subject to the Ministry of Oil’s plans.
Q: What is the current security situation around the field?
A: The security situation is completely stable, and there are no threats. The foreign developing company is fully operational and has recently completed 100% seismic surveys, after which actual drilling operations will begin.
Q: Will modern technologies be used in the development and production processes?
A: Yes, we are currently using the latest global programs and technologies in developing the field. We have comprehensive plans, and we will enter a new phase of intensive and effective work to invest in the natural resources of this promising oil patch.
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