In the Zarafshan dimple, the largest in Uzbekistan deposit of extra-viscous oil and bitumen “Yangi Uzbekiston” was discovered, Kontiki-Exploration reported.

Bituminous oil reserves of the “Yangi Uzbekiston” field are estimated at about 100 million tons. The maximum annual level of bituminous oil production is projected at 1 million tons by 2025. To ensure the level of bituminous oil production, it is planned to drill 1,500 wells per year. Investments in the development of the field over the next 12 years are estimated at $2.5 billion.

It is noted that the project started on May 15 last year, when drilling of the first exploration well was started. Drilling operations have been carried out on the border of Samarkand and Navoi regions, the depth of appraisal and development wells is from 400 to 750 meters.

During drilling, Albian, Cenomanian and Turonian gravelstone, as well as sandstone layers were exposed, which turned out to be saturated with extra-viscous oil and bitumen. Due to the high viscosity, the field will become one of the most high-tech not only in Uzbekistan, but also in Central Asia.

Currently, prospecting and exploration work is underway to determine productive thicknesses and delineate bitumen and oil deposits, as well as pilot work to determine the extraction method.