BAGHDAD, Oct 6 (NNN-NINA) – Iraqi Oil Minister, Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar Ismail, said yesterday that, the ministry is carrying out negotiations with one of the international energy firms, to exploit natural gas in the country’s western desert.
“The ministry is keen to attract investments, expertise, and advanced global technology to explore hydrocarbon, especially petroleum gas,” a ministry statement quoted him.
Ismail did not reveal the name of the international firm but said that, its name would be revealed after reaching an agreement, according to the statement.
Ismail also said that the ministry had started gas exploration in Iraqi desert areas, in the provinces of Anbar and Nineveh, the statement added.
On Sept 30, Ismail reportedly said that, his ministry is planning to launch a huge project for natural gas exploration in the province of Anbar.
“Iraq is on the verge of implementing major projects in the associated petroleum gas, developing natural gas fields, and clean energy production,” said Ismail.
Iraq holds 132 trillion cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves, and its economy relies heavily on the export of crude oil, which brings in more than 90 percent of the country’s revenues.– NNN-NINA
