Figure 1 - shows the Sayun-Masila Basin and Block 9 in west-central Yemen.

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Figure 1 - The tectonic framework map for western Yemen showing the Malik Block 9 in the important Sayun-Masila Basin, as well as the prolific Masila Block 14 operated by Nexen, located east of Block 9.

The generalized stratigraphic column for Block 9 is shown in Figure 2 and identifies the different oil-bearing horizons that have been discovered to date. The Madbi source formation is responsible for generating all the oil in this basin and migration is facilitated by normal faulting.

Figure 2 - The generalized stratigraphic column for Block 9 which can be applied to the entire Sayun-Masila Basin. The important Madbi formation is identified as well as the discoveries drilled to date.

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Overview

• Block 9 resides in the prolific Sayun-Masila Basin that has a proven hydrocarbon resource base.
• The high drilling success rate in Block 9 attests to the attractive hydrocarbon source-reservoir-seal combinations that are present.
• High-gravity crude, discovered at Hiswah and Auqban, as well as the condensate in Qarn Qaymah, commands premium market prices. In addition, significant quantities of heavier crude oil have been discovered at Al Roidhat that, upon successful completion of ongoing negotiations, will be blended with the light crude.
• Operations in Block 9 benefit mostly from its Wadi valley environment. Elsewhere in the Sayun-Masila Basin, hydrocarbon discoveries mainly occur below plateaus, which results in more costly and time-consuming operations.
• Calvalley, as Operator of Block 9, has successfully employed horizontal drilling technology that enhances the productivity of the Hiswah field.
• Development activities are concurrent with exploration programs and, while Hiswah is the focus of early development drilling, a seismic program was completed to identify additional prospects and leads that can be drilled in the near future.
• While the Qishn Clastics remain the principle focus of exploration drilling, previous successes have created leads in the underlying Saar, Saar-Naifa, Shuqra and Kohlan formations that might also contain significant resources.
• Elsewhere in the Sayun-Masila Basin, the lower most Kohlan formation reservoir is in communication with oil-charged fractured basement. The fractured basement discovery at Qarn Qaymah might also develop into an important play type in Block 9.

Block 9 covers Wadi Hadramut, a major valley that is surrounded by plateau. The photograph below, Figure 3, shows the contrast in elevation between the wadi and the plateau areas in Block 9.

Figure 3-Wadi Hadramut, a major valley that is surrounded by plateau.