The first prospect to be drilled by Circle Oil/Exxoil in the Grombalia was the Serdouk location and this was situated in a faulted block located close to existing production - the Belli, Beni Khalled and El Manzah fields. The petroleum system in this area has been proven with the Bou Dabbous and/or Bahloul limestones and Fadhene shales as source rock and the fractured Bou Dabbous and Abiod limestones as reservoirs. The well itself proved up both the stratigraphy and structural configuration however failed to flow commercial hydrocarbons due to the lack of permeability in the target formations.
Other prospects
A number of other good prospects have been identified for future drilling onshore within the permit and include more structures associated with the Abiod and Bou Dabbous limestones as well as the deeper M’Cherga formation sandstones. These have proven historically to be good for production within structurally controlled faulted closures. The partnership is also interested in the possible re-drilling and re-entry of old wells, including the Kef Er Rend location situated in the north east of the permit. Some of the old wells were stopped due to drilling problems but represent an opportunity for upside.
Shallow Water Prospect
In addition there is within the permit area, a shallow water prospect located just offshore in the Gulf of Tunis in around 15 metres of water. The structure is a large anticline elongated north east-south west, and is fault bounded parallel to the coast. The main reservoir objective is the Eocene fractured limestones of the Bou Dabbous formation. This prospect is also located in an ideal position to receive any hydrocarbon generated in the Grombalia graben to the south and west which is considered as the main kitchen in the area.