Tatneft Explores Oil Fields In Iraq And Iran

Tatneft is implementing two large projects in Iraq, where the company is to drill 78 bore-holes, of which 45 are to be drilled in accordance with a contract with the Zarubezhneft company, the Tatneft Press Service reports. The contract provides for equipment supplies, which are to be completed before the end of November, and specialists are to be sent to Iraq in December. Supplies of equipment for drilling 33 bore-holes will start in December, and the date of arrival of specialists will be set after the equipment is delivered. "In general, the Middle Eastern projects of Tatneft are developing in accordance with the company's plans," Khamit Kaveyev, Tatneft deputy general director and head of the Foreign Trade Company (FTC), said. According to him, the company is also implementing projects in Iran. Another contract for exploration work is being prepared for signing. A number of other projects to be implemented in Iran are being considered. The projects were discussed with a delegation of the National Oil Company of Iran during its visit to Almetyevsk at the beginning of October. The Iranian specialists were first of all interested in the experience in production of 'heavy' crude with high sulfur content.