Egypt Resumes Drilling, Maintenance at Al-Barka Field After Two-Year Halt

Egypt’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi has overseen the restart of drilling and production well maintenance activities at the Al-Barka field in Kom Ombo. Operations at the site had been suspended since 2022, marking a two-year interruption before their recent resumption.

Strategic Focus on Upper Egypt

Badawi emphasized that Upper Egypt constitutes a central pillar of the ministry’s strategy to expand exploration and prospecting activities, citing the region’s promising petroleum potential. He attributed the renewed investment commitment by the Canadian company operating in the area to the settlement of outstanding dues owed to foreign partners — a step he said restored investor confidence in Egypt’s energy sector.

Seismic Survey and Incentive Framework

The minister referenced an ongoing seismic survey covering 100,000 square kilometers across southern Egypt — equivalent to approximately 10% of the country’s total land area. According to Badawi, the survey will generate updated geological data to identify and promote high-potential investment opportunities. This effort runs concurrently with the implementation of a suite of fiscal incentives, including the “R-Factor” system and the consolidation of concession areas, both aimed at improving the economic viability of energy projects.

Operational Program and New Exploration Zones

Dr. Samir Raslan, Chairman of South Valley Petroleum Company, confirmed that fieldwork resumed last month under a structured program targeting the maintenance of seven existing wells and the drilling of two new ones. Raslan added that five additional wells are under technical evaluation for possible drilling, conducted jointly with the Egyptian Upstream Gateway (EUG). He further stated that the company plans to assign six new exploration and prospecting zones in southern Egypt and the Red Sea, with associated investments estimated between $60 million and $70 million.

During a site visit, Badawi inspected rehabilitation work underway at Al-Barka-20 well and reviewed progress rates. He also boarded the drilling rig and engaged directly with on-site personnel. The minister underscored that adherence to occupational health and safety standards remains a top priority, alongside accelerating operational timelines to maximize production output.