23 June 2020, KazMunayGaz (KMG) reports an oil discovery at Bekturly East onshore the Mangyshlak-Central Caspian Basin. Exploration well BV-1 flowed oil naturally at a rate of up to 100 cu m/day (629 b/d) through a 12 mm choke from a Middle Jurassic interval. The crude's specific gravity is 0.82-0.85 g/cu cm (35-41 deg. API).  In addition, oil was obtained by sampling other Middle Jurassic as well as Lower Jurassic intervals (unspecified), and oil shows have been registered in the Triassic.  Geophysical and hydrodynamic operations are currently underway in the well in order to obtain additional information on the reservoir properties.  The contract area is located between the Bekturly field and the large Zhetybay fieldâs south-eastern flank. The contract is operated by Bekturly Energy Operating LLP, a joint venture company between KMG (50%) and Kokel Munay LLP (50%). The latter finances the exploration operations on a risk basis.  Background Information  KMG was awarded a contract for Bekturly East in June 2015 and farmed out 50% of its 100% interest to Kokel Munay LLP in December 2015.   Kokel Munay is a private Kazakh company which does not appear to have been involved in E&P operations prior to signing the agreement with KMG.   At least one exploration well was previously drilled in the Bekturly East contract area â well Bekturly East 90 was P&Aâd dry.  The neighbouring Bekturly field has eight oil and gas-condensate accumulations in Jurassic sandstones and Lower-Middle Triassic carbonates in a depth range of 1,820-2,860 m. The field was discovered in 1963, its initial 2P recoverable reserves were 6.1 MMb of oil, 4.7 Bcf of non-associated gas and 88 Mb of condensate.
(Mangyshlak-Central Caspian B.) Bekturly East-1 (BV-1) expl op. by KOKEL MUN (50%), KMG (50%) in 4152R Bekturly East block tested up to 629 b/d of 35-41Â° API oil on 12mm choke from the Middle Jurassic