On 20 October 2019 Sonatrach was awarded the Garet El Bouib II exploration permit covering 1,670 sq km straddling the Hassi Messaoud and Oued Mya Basins. The award was confirmed by presidential decree on 8 December 2019. It is understood that this permit replaces the Garet El Bouib permit which expired in May 2015. Sonatrach operates the acreage with a 100% interest. The permit lies south of the Ben Kahla oil development operated by Sonatrach. The Garet El Bouib II block contains the Gour Ouled Moussa oil discovery.
Sonatrach (100%) was awarded the Reggane II (Reggane B.) and El Hadjira II, Garet El Bouib II explo permit in the Hassi Messaoud B. 