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Overseas geological and geophysical surveys

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Outline of Overseas Geological and Geophysical (G&G) Survey

By conducting overseas geological and geophysical (G&G) survey, Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) evaluates oil and gas exploration potential in target areas as part of cooperative agreements with foreign governments and national/international oil companies. In general, via such surveys, JOGMEC conducts geological survey, seismic acquisition, and interpretation of geological and geophysical data. The overseas G&G survey aims to acquire priority negotiation rights for target areas, promote participation of Japanese companies in the target areas, reduce technical risks, and build relationships with partners. Since 1979, JOGMEC (including its predecessor, JNOC) has conducted a total of 70 surveys in more than 30 countries.

This overseas G&G survey scheme implemented by JOGMEC consists of two schemes: an overseas G&G survey scheme initiated and managed by JOGMEC and an overseas G&G survey scheme that utilizes the knowledge acquired by Japanese companies that propose and lead the project.
image of Outline of Overseas Geological and Geophysical (G&G) Survey

Overseas G&G survey scheme initiated by JOGMEC

The purpose of this survey scheme is to conduct G&G survey and disclose the survey results to Japanese companies for acquisition of interests of blocks (Figure 1).
An onshore project in eastern Siberia, Russia, is one of the projects with this survey scheme, was initiated by JOGMEC in 2008, was succeeded by a Japanese company in 2013 and successfully implemented production.
Overall, JOGMEC has conducted surveys in various countries in the world including Kenya, Mexico, and Azerbaijan.

Figure 1. An example of an overseas G&G survey scheme initiated by JOGMEC
(Abbreviations: memorandum of understanding (MOU), steering committee meeting (SCM), Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI))

Overseas G&G survey scheme utilizing knowledge of Japanese companies

This is a survey scheme that utilizes the knowledge acquired by Japanese companies, to effectively identify the potential projects and facilitate the acquisition of interests by Japanese companies. In this scheme, JOGMEC invites proposals from companies through an open call; the proposals are reviewed before being adopted (Figures 2 and 3).
To date, JOGMEC has adopted and conducted the surveys in the several areas including eastern offshore region of Indonesia, onshore Cambodia, and southwestern offshore region of Vietnam.

  • Figure 2. An example of an overseas G&G survey scheme utilizing knowledge of Japanese companies

  • Figure3. A flow chart for an overseas G&G survey utilizing knowledge of Japanese companies

Track record of overseas G&G surveys

Figure 4. Track record of overseas G&G surveys conducted by JOGMEC

Reconnaissance geological study

With respect to reconnaissance study, JOGMEC conducts geological studies for identifying new overseas geological survey projects and providing information on the exploration block or area for bidding for the interested Japanese companies. Note that JOGMEC conducts reconnaissance geological studies under a flexible framework, from conducting internal evaluations of areas requested by Japanese companies to providing detailed evaluations conducted jointly with Japanese companies.

Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security
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