Boubé Hamani1, Moussa Konaté2, and Ismaila Mahamidou Alfazazi3
1 Department of Geology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, Niger
2 Université Abdou Moumouni de Niamey, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Laboratoire de Géologie: Eaux Souterraines et Géoressources, BP 10662, Niamey, Niger
3 Department of Geology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, Niger
Original language: English
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Abstract
Since the discovery of the first oil showings in the Tamesna sub-basin (north-western Niger) in the 1960s, several oil exploration campaigns have been undertaken in the other Niger basins. These are Eastern Niger and Djado basins. From 2008 onwards, continued oil exploration led to the development of the Goumeri, Sokor and Agadi fields. Thanks to new economically profitable discoveries, Niger has been exporting crude oil since 2024. However, challenges remain, requiring in-depth geological and geophysical studies to increase reserves. Indeed, the Boul-1D well, drilled in 2016 in the Boul prospect on the Bilma block, revealed no hydrocarbons despite promising indications observed during drilling. This lack of productivity is all the more surprising given that the area was covered by a 3D seismic survey and lies in close proximity to the productive Gabobl-1D well. To better understand the reasons for the non-productivity, investigations were carried out to determine the characteristics of the petroleum system at the northeastern end of the Termit Basin, focusing on the Boul prospect, and using seismic and logging data in particular. Three software packages were used to carry out these investigations. GeoEast was used to analyze seismic data, Techlog to study logging data and Petrel to correlate well data. To deepen the investigations, sample analyses (cuttings and cores) and pressure tests (RFT) were carried out to better identify reservoir levels. An in-depth analysis was then carried out to understand the reasons for the non-productivity of the Boul-1D well, and to determine the key factors for successful drilling in the study area. This study shows that lateral sealing is the main cause of drilling failure in exploration activities in the northeastern part of the Termit Basin. This lateral sealing is the first important factor to which more attention needs to be paid. The phenomenon of hydrocarbon dissipation in the Madama formation is the second factor to be closely monitored when evaluating prospects in this area.
Author Keywords: Termit basin, Boul prospect, Boul well, non-productivity, lateral sealing, hydrocarbon dissipation.
