Austrian oil and gas company OMV AG said Friday, it is strengthening its E&P portfolio with the acquisition of interests in license Kalat (OMV's share: 30%) and the license Barkhan (OMV's share: 15%), both situated in the province of Beluchistan, southwest Pakistan. The areas are underexplored but considered as highly prospective drilling areas.
OMV will be part of international joint ventures with Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) as operator. Extensive 2D seismic as well as geophysical surveys are planned to investigate potential drilling targets.
Both blocks, Kalat and Barkhan, comprise several structural leads and multiple target reservoirs. The joint venture will start with 2D seismic operations in the Barkhan license at the beginning of August. Detailed geophysical surveys are planned as a first step for the Kalat block after the completion of the seismic in Barkhan.