Click to enlarge

Sayun Masila Basin

Figure 2 - The tectonic framework map shows the Sayun-Masila Basin and Block 9 in west-central Yemen, as well as the prolific Masila Block 14 operated by Nexen, located east of Block 9.

Click to enlarge

Stratigraphic Column For Block-9, Yemen

Figure 3 - The generalized stratigraphic column for Block 9 is shown in Figure 3 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.

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 will be blended with the light crude and sold at Masila blend prices.
• 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.
• 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 is partly situated in Wadi Hadramut, a major valley that is surrounded by plateaus. The photograph below, Figure 4 shows the contrast in elevation between the wadi and the plateau areas in Block 9.

Click to enlarge

Figure 4 - Wadi Hadramut, a major valley that is surrounded by plateau.

Figure 4 - Wadi Hadramut, a major valley that is surrounded by plateau.