On 20 October 2019 Sonatrach was awarded the El Haiad II exploration permit covering 1,073 sq km in the Berkine Basin. The award was confirmed by presidential decree on 8 December 2019. It is understood that this permit replaces the El Haiad permit which was due to expire in December 2018. Sonatrach operates the acreage with a 100% interest. The permit surrounds the El Merk field which is operated by an Eni-Anadarko-Total partnership. The El Haiad block contains no discoveries.
Sonatrach (100%) was awarded the Reggane II (Reggane B.) and El Hadjira II, Garet El Bouib II explo permit in the Hassi Messaoud B. 