DNO International confirms oil at Iraq well

DNO International has completed drilling at the Tawke-16 well in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and confirmed a flow rate of 25,000 barrels per day.

The well was drilled to a total depth of 2,369m and identified over 350m of gross continuous oil column in the Cretaceous interval of the Tawke field from multiple, independently tested zones.

DNO International executive chairman Bijan Mossavar-Rahmani said the Tawke-16 test exhibited exceptional flow characteristics and confirmed the reservoir quality and productivity of the northern extension of the Tawke field.

"In fact, based on these test results, Tawke-16 is likely the most prolific well drilled so far in this field by the Company," added Bijan.

The company intends to link the well to existing pipeline and processing facilities by mid-April, in order to increase the Tawke field’s production capability.

Tawke-16 is the first of four wells targeting the Cretaceous interval this year, while fifth well, Tawke Deep, will also penetrate the deeper Jurassic and Triassic intervals in the field later this year.

DNO International is the operator of the field with a 55% stake.