Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi, accompanied by Aswan Governor Amr Lashin, inspected on Thursday Baraka field in Kom Ombo, operated by South Valley Egyptian Petroleum Holding Company, where he followed up on the resumption of drilling after a halt since 2022.
Senior ministry officials, company executives and representatives of Canadian investor Mediterra took part in the tour.
Badawi stressed the government’s commitment to placing Upper Egypt on the petroleum investment map, highlighting the arrival of a new rig to rehabilitate wells and restart production.
He noted that Upper Egypt is a key axis in the ministry’s strategy, with promising reserves that have not been fully explored.
The ongoing seismic survey covering 100,000 square kilometres will provide modern data to identify new opportunities, supported by investment incentives such as the RFactor system and concession mergers, he said.
The minister confirmed full backing for Mediterra’s expansion, noting that renewed investment followed the settlement of foreign partners’ dues, restoring confidence in Egypt’s investment climate.
Drilling in the field resumed last month with a programme to service seven wells, drill two new ones and study five more, South Valley Egyptian Petroleum Holding Company Chairman Samir Raslan said.
Six new exploration blocks are being awarded in Upper Egypt and the Red Sea, with investments of $60–70 million, while the ongoing seismic survey is expected to raise the number of readytoinvest areas to more than ten, he added.
During the visit, Badawi inspected the rehabilitation of well Baraka20, climbed the rig and spoke with workers, stressing adherence to safety standards and accelerating drilling and maintenance programmes to maximise output.
