October 2008
Columns
Exploration discoveries
Americas. Petrobras’ Iara well discovered oil in Block BM-S-11 of the Santos Basin, offshore Brazil. Recoverable reserves are estimated at 3-4 billion bbl of 26-30°API light crude. The well was drilled to a 19,948-ft TD, 150 mi off the coast of Sao Paolo state in 7,316 ft of water. The Iara well is north of the Tupi discovery, which is also in Block BM-S-11. Petrobras is the operator with 65% interest in partnership with BG (25%) and Galp (10%). Gran Tierra Energy discovered oil with its Proa.x-1 exploration well in the Surubi Block, Noroeste Basin, Argentina. The well tested 2,324 bopd in two zones in the Lower Palmar Largo Formation, 12,649-12,661 ft and 12,620-12,641 ft. The well had a 12,920-ft TD. Gran Tierra Energy is the operator and has an 85% interest in the block, in partnership with REFSA, the provincial government company.
