Sonatrach bans Saipam project

Algeria’s energy group Sonatrach withdrew natural gas prospecting from Italy’s Saipam in Ba Hamou basin 300 km south of Ghardaia province, Echorouk has learnt.

• The deal stipulated the drilling of three gas wells in the area of Bekrat in Mniaa. Saipam could not start works in the basin on time, said the same sources.
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• Sonatrach decided to transfer the project privileges to German KCA which operates in the same field.
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• This comes as the national oil group was hit by corruption cases and received instructions to respect investment project-related laws.