The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (MoPMR) has opened bidding for the NE Esh El Mallaha Block in the Gulf of Suez region, starting  June 3 and up to August 3, through the Egypt Upstream Gateway (EUG) under its Open Blocks Licensing Program (OBLP). The program offers 49 blocks throughout the year to ensure continuous access to investment opportunities, EUG said in a statement.

The block, spanning an area of about 163 square kilometers, is anticipated to hold oil resources and potential for natural gas associated as well, targeting the Miocene & Pre-Miocene underground layers, according to EUG. 

A photo of NE Esh El Mallaha Block (Source: EUG)

It lies close to several producing fields, including Esh El Mellaha, East Esh El Mellaha, Zeit Bay, Ras Gemsa, and Ras El Bahar. It is worth noting that two exploration wells have previously been drilled in the block since 1968.

EUG is the Country’s first digital platform for the upstream sector, launched by the Egyptian Ministry of Petroleum in collaboration with SLB in February 2021. The platform aims to help de-risk exploration prospects and attract new investments to Egypt.