Offshore KazMunayTeniz CJSC (Kazakhstan) contemplate conducting seismic surveys at Tyub-Karagan and Atash fields

/IRBIS, Assel Omarova, April 12, 04/ - KazMunayTeniz CJSC released an announcement which says that on April 14 Lukoil Overseas Shelf B.V., KazMunaiTeniz CJSC and Company Atash LLP will hold Public hearings on environmental impact assessment project caused by seismic surveys at Tyub- Karagan and Atash offshores. Such an action is a procedure necessary to comply with either local and international environmental laws, which promote greater transparency and active participation of stakeholders in environmental issues. As informed, Lukoil Overseas and KazMunaiTeniz CJSC signed a cooperative agreement aimed at development of Tyub-Karagan and Atash offshores. Both fields are situated in central part of Kazakhstan's sector of a Caspian shelf. Tyub-Karagan covers 1,168 sq.km. area, Atash - 8,400 sq.km., Bautino is the nearest port. Seismic investigation is a necessary step in examining fields' geologic structure and preparation for mining. The volume of detailed seismic surveys at Tyub-Karagan is estimated at 655 km, while Atash requires 1,057 km of a detailed 2d seismic examination. According to announcement, offshore operations at named fields are to be handled with contemporary equipment and sound technology base, avoiding violation of environmental law of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Environmental friendly air guns with 790 to 1,500 cb.in. will be used as an exitation source. On December 29, 2003 Energy and Minerals Ministry of Kazakhstan and NC KazMunayGas signed a production sharing agreement (PSA) on joint development (exploration and extraction) of Tyub-Karagan, and three-year exploration contract on Atash offshore. Budget revenues from the project are estimated at $3.5 bn (36 years). [2004-04-12]