China Petroleum Exploration ›› 2022, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (6): 63-74.DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-7703.2022.06.007

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Risk exploration in superimposed rift basin: case studies of Agadem/Bilma/Tenere blocks in Termit Basin, Niger

Yuan Shengqiang1,Zhai Guanghua2,Mao Fengjun1,Xiao Kunye1,Zheng Fengyun1,He Ling2,Cheng Dingsheng1, Li Zaohong1,Jiang Hong1   

  1. 1 PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development; 2 China National Oil and Gas Exploration and Development Co., Ltd
  • Online:2022-11-15 Published:2022-11-15

Abstract: Esso and other international companies had conducted exploration in Termit Basin for 36 years and withdrawn since no commercial reserves were discovered. In 2003, CNPC participated in the petroleum exploration in Termit Basin and implemented the exploration strategy of “step-by-step” by integrating the technical evaluation and business operation. On the one hand, the progressive exploration in the western part of the basin with discoveries was conducted to determine the proven reserves, and on the other hand, the main oil-bearing series and exploration orientation were defined by studying on the core geological problems. The results show that: (1) Termit Basin was a superimposed rift basin experienced two stages of rift and two stages of depression and suffered transgression in the Late Cretaceous, showing different characteristics form other continental rift basins in Central and Western Africa; (2) The main reservoir and cap rock assemblage was formed by the interbedded sandstone and mudstone in the Lower Paleogene and the regional mudstone in the Upper Paleogene; (3) The hydrocarbon accumulation mode in marine and continental superimposed rift basin was continuously researched and established, supporting to discover four oilfield groups with reserve level of hundred million tons, which was a typical successful case of overseas independent exploration. The implications include: (1) The integration of technical evaluation and business operation is an important reason for block acquisition in Niger; (2) The application of petroleum geology theory and technology of continental rift basin is the prerequisite for successful exploration in Termit Basin; (3) An appropriate hydrocarbon accumulation mode in Termit Basin is the key factor for achieving the major exploration breakthrough.

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