Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has announced the successful completion of the first horizontal development well at Metkhandoush Field, a move expected to significantly increase oil production. The project was carried out by Sirt Oil and Gas Production and Manufacturing Company as part of its strategic plan for 2025 to boost national output.
The well, J5-H, was drilled following a detailed geomechanical study targeting the Mamuniyat reservoir within the field’s geological structure.
Engineers identified naturally fractured, high-permeability zones, enabling the well’s path to penetrate 700 feet of oil-rich rock, maximizing its production potential.
Initial tests have shown exceptional results, with the well producing 5,400 barrels per day using an electric submersible pump and 6,000 barrels per day under natural flow conditions, with a wellhead pressure of 110 psi. With the successful drilling of J5-H, total production at Metkhandoush Field is expected to reach 10,000 barrels per day, strengthening Libya’s overall oil output.
Libya, which holds Africa’s largest proven oil reserves, has been working to revive its oil sector after years of conflict, instability, and infrastructure setbacks. Despite political divisions and ongoing security challenges, the NOC has remained committed to increasing production and modernizing extraction techniques to optimize oil recovery.
The energy sector is Libya’s economic backbone, accounting for over 90% of government revenue. However, production has been disrupted multiple times due to blockades, security threats, and disputes between rival governments in the east and west. Efforts like the Metkhandoush drilling project reflect the country’s push to stabilize and expand its oil output, ensuring a stronger position in global energy markets.
This milestone comes as Libya aims to increase daily production to pre-2011 levels, when it exceeded 1.6 million barrels per day.
While current output remains below that peak, new investments in exploration, enhanced drilling technologies, and improved security at key oil fields are gradually bringing Libya closer to its production targets.
