On 20 October 2019 Sonatrach was awarded the El Hadjira II exploration permit covering 4,750 sq km in the Hassi Messaoud Basin. The award was confirmed by presidential decree on 8 December 2019. It is understood that this permit replaces the El Hadjira permit which was due to expire in June 2018. Sonatrach operates the acreage with a 100% interest. The permit lies west of the Bir Seba oil development operated by a PTTEP / Petro Vietnam partnership. The El Hadjira II block contains the Moukheg El Kebach 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. 