Uzbekneftegaz and XIBU to Accelerate Ustyurt Drilling

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbek state energy company Uzbekneftegaz and China's XIBU have agreed to accelerate deep well drilling operations in the Ustyurt region. Under the contract, nine drilling rigs are scheduled for mobilization to project sites, six of which have already been delivered, Uzbekneftegaz reported.

Implementation of joint projects was discussed during a meeting between Uzbekneftegaz Board Chairman Abdugani Sanginov and XIBU General Director Ai Xing, who headed the Chinese delegation.

According to Uzbekneftegaz, active drilling has commenced at three wells. Equipment installation is underway at an additional three sites, while the remaining three rigs are currently in the mobilization phase.

XIBU acts strictly as a service contractor providing drilling operations for the project. All wells under development in the Ustyurt region remain on the balance sheet of Uzbekneftegaz, which retains full ownership rights and core operational authority over their development and exploitation.

During the meeting, both parties noted schedule delays at specific well sites compared to original contractual timelines. Consequently, XIBU was instructed to expedite the mobilization of drilling rigs, equipment installation, and direct drilling operations.

The parties agreed to prioritize work to complete three wells by 15 November 2026, with an additional two targeted for completion in December 2026.

Discussions also focused on analyzing geological data and formulating proposals for developing multi-layer deposits, alongside applying directional and horizontal drilling technologies.

Uzbekneftegaz noted that XIBU's modern technical solutions could enhance drilling efficiency and boost well flow rates. To achieve this, the companies plan to step up professional exchange, jointly resolve technical challenges, and implement advanced drilling methodologies.

Following the meeting, Uzbekneftegaz confirmed its readiness to provide necessary operational support to facilitate project execution.