Petro Matad completes 3D seismic survey in Tugrug Basin, Mongolia

Mongolian oil explorer Petro Matad has completed its 3D seismic survey within the Tugrug Basin.

The survey focused on defining and de-risking near-term drilling targets.

All the technical objectives were met during the 3D programme, and preliminary processing confirmed the data quality.

Following the completion of the survey, the dataset has been transmitted to the processing contractor Western Geco while full Pre-Stack Time Migration (PSTM) and Pre-Stack Depth Migration (PSDM) processing are underway.

The turnaround time for final PSTM data is expected to be mid-Q1 2018, and Q1 for full PSDM data.

The Tugrug Basin features a petroleum source that was confirmed with a stratigraphic core hole drilled in 2011 near the basin margin.

This core hole found un-biodegraded oil in quality sandstone reservoir. Now equipped with the newly 3D data, the company expects to optimise the drilling location in the Falcon prospect, which is the target for this year’s drilling programme.

Initially, the company expected to proceed with a small 2D seismic acquisition programme in the Tugrug Basin after the completion of the 3D survey. However, as 2D programme, which was intended to find out extra prospects for potential drilling, could go beyond this year, and not likely to impact the selection of locations for this year’s drilling programme, the company decided not to secure the Tugrug Basin 2D seismic. A reason for this decision is that the Mongolian winter has been harsh.

The company has postponed the 2017/18 Block V 2D seismic programme.

The seismic crew has begun the planned 204km 2D seismic acquisition programme over the Khangai Basin in the northern part of Block IV and this work is expected to complete by early February. 

This survey will better define potential drilling in future and provide potential leads identified on regional 2D seismic, gravity and magnetic surveys carried out in 2015.