Informational Message

Previously, information circulated in the media citing satellite data from the French company Kayrros SAS, stating that the methane emission rate from emergency well No. 303 at the "Karaturun East" field ranges from 35 to 107 metric tons per hour. First and foremost, it is essential to note that comparing the estimated volume of methane emissions to automobile carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is inappropriate.

Buzachi Oil has already informed the public that the emission from emergency well No. 303 is in a continuous, not pulsating, mode, involving the release and combustion of a gas-water mixture. The fountain primarily consists of water, with a minimal amount of gas, approximately 12,000 cubic meters per day. At a combustion temperature of 650 degrees Celsius at the epicenter, almost all methane burns, causing negligible ecological harm.

According to air samples taken on June 9, June 23, and July 30, 2023, after the incident, the concentrations of harmful elements in the atmospheric air within the sanitary protection zone did not exceed the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) limits.

In industrial practice, during unauthorized methane releases from wells, gas emissions are typically intentionally ignited to prevent its free dispersion into the atmosphere, using a signal flare charge.

To confirm the information already provided by Buzachi Oil, we are attaching a video demonstrating that the shot fired from the rocket did not ignite the cloud above the emergency well, which, according to Kayrros SAS, contains a significant methane fraction. If methane were present, the shot of a burning projectile would inevitably trigger its combustion.

Therefore, considering that the fountain from emergency well No. 303 predominantly consists of water, the vapor emissions from the well are hot vapor clouds with a minimal methane molecule content, not exceeding 2%-3%, as observed in satellite imagery. Additionally, in the burning well area, sediment precipitation in the form of salts occurs due to vaporization.

Currently, the remediation works at emergency well No. 303 are ongoing. As of August 7, 2023, the inclined-directional well No. 305-N has been drilled to a depth of 410 meters. Drilling is also continuing on the vertical well No. 302 with the aim of flooding gas horizons, and as of August 7, 2023, 100 meters have been drilled.

Media Contacts: Daniar Duisembayev, Deputy Director for Strategic Planning at "Buzachi Oil" LLP Phone: +7 701 777 5858 Email: duisembayev@buzachineft.kz