Tripoli—Algeria’s national oil and gas company, Sonatrach, has resumed exploratory drilling in Libya’s Ghadames Basin, Tripoli’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) confirmed on Thursday. The drilling marks the first activity in the area for over a decade.
The well is situated in contract area 95/96, close to the Libyan-Algerian border, and approximately 100 km (62.14 miles) from the Wafa field, one of the region’s significant oil sites. NOC stated that the company plans to reach an expected final depth of 8,440 feet.
Sonatrach previously halted operations at the site more than ten years ago, citing unstable security conditions as the main reason for the suspension. At that time, Libya was grappling with political fragmentation and escalating militia activity following the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Qaddafi.
Libya remains one of Africa’s largest oil producers, but its output has faced repeated disruptions over the last decade. Rival authorities in the east and west of the country have periodically clashed, complicating production schedules and deterring investment.
The NOC statement emphasized that the renewed drilling is part of broader efforts to stabilize and enhance Libya’s energy production amid these ongoing challenges. Analysts note that Sonatrach’s return signals both a commitment to regional energy cooperation and confidence in the potential of Libya’s hydrocarbon reserves.
“Resuming exploration after a long hiatus is a significant step for both Libya and Sonatrach,” said an energy expert in Tripoli. “It underscores the strategic importance of cross-border collaboration in North Africa’s oil sector.”
The Ghadames Basin, shared between Libya, Algeria, and Tunisia, is known for its vast untapped reserves. Successful drilling could bolster Libya’s crude output and provide much-needed revenue for national reconstruction and infrastructure development.
The resumption of drilling operations also comes amid efforts by Libya’s government to attract foreign investment and stabilize the oil sector. Security arrangements in the basin have reportedly improved, allowing Sonatrach to safely deploy personnel and equipment.
Industry observers are closely monitoring the progress of the well, as it could indicate a revival of activity in other long-dormant fields across Libya. The project may also influence future contracts with international oil companies seeking opportunities in the country’s hydrocarbon-rich regions.
For Algeria, the operation represents a continuation of its longstanding role in regional energy markets. Sonatrach, as one of Africa’s largest oil companies, has previously collaborated with Libya in joint ventures and is expected to leverage its technical expertise to maximize output from the Ghadames Basin.
The renewed drilling by Sonatrach comes at a time when global energy demand remains volatile, and North African countries are keen to secure stable production to maintain their market share.
As Sonatrach continues its exploration, both Libya and Algeria hope the project will bring economic benefits, enhance energy security, and signal a new era of cooperation in the region’s oil sector.
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