Iraq signs seismic survey deal with Chinese firm for Najaf border block

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Oil Ministry on Thursday signed a contract with Chinese company Al-Qurnain Petroleum, a subsidiary of ZhenHua Oil, to carry out a two-dimensional seismic survey for the Al-Qurnain exploratory block near the Saudi border in Najaf governorate.

The contract was signed under the supervision of Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani, who said the move is part of the ministry’s broader strategy to expand Iraq’s oil and gas reserves and strengthen its position in global energy markets.

“The exploratory block is one of the promising border areas for oil and gas,” Abdul Ghani said. “The Chinese company will drill four exploratory wells.”

He said the project falls under the jurisdiction of the state-run Midland Oil Company and called on it to closely monitor the implementation to support state revenues.

The signing ceremony was attended by deputy ministers for distribution, extraction, and gas, along with directors general from relevant departments and companies.

Deputy Oil Minister for Extraction Affairs Basim Mohammed Khudair said the agreement reflects the ministry’s policy to support national capacity. “The Oil Exploration Company is one of the core entities responsible for conducting two- and three-dimensional seismic surveys and preparing field studies,” he said.

Osama Raouf, director general of the Oil Exploration Company, said the contract includes 2D seismic surveys covering 2,850 kilometers. “The Al-Qurnain block lies within the administrative boundaries of Najaf governorate and borders Saudi Arabia,” he said, adding that the work is expected to be completed within 223 days. “The block is considered promising for both oil and gas.”