Start of the Second Phase of Seismic Survey Works under the “Bohtar” Project with the Participation of the Regional Chairman
A ceremony marking the launch of the second phase of seismic survey works under the “Bohtar” project was held in the city of Levakant with the participation of the Chairman of Khatlon Region, Davlatali Said, and representatives of leading companies from the People’s Republic of China — CNPC International and BGP Inc.
At the start of the event, the equipment and technological capabilities brought in by the Chinese companies were showcased, and detailed information was provided on the work already completed as well as future plans. It was noted that the first phase of the “Bohtar” project was launched back in 2008 and included regional exploration, magnetic surveys, and seismic prospecting. To date, over 110 million USD has been invested in this field.
The company CNPC International began conducting geophysical exploration in 2024 and, in the same year, completed magnetic and gravity surveys across an area of 15,400 km², with a total investment of 7.4 million USD.
According to the information provided, the implementation of this project is intended to identify industrial oil and gas reserves and select sites for exploratory drilling.
As part of the launch of the second phase of seismic works, a working meeting was also held with the participation of the regional chairman and the leadership of the Chinese partner companies. In his speech, the Chairman of Khatlon Region, Davlatali Said, emphasized that the regional executive authorities, within the framework of implementing the fourth national strategic goal — accelerated industrialization — are effectively utilizing all available resources to develop the oil and gas sector and attract both domestic and foreign investment.
“Khatlon Region possesses significant oil and gas reserves, and their rational use can contribute to the sustainable development of the national economy and help ensure the country's energy security,”
— noted the Chairman, expressing gratitude to the Chinese companies’ leadership for their support and active involvement in the implementation of the Bohtar project.
In the project’s operations center, Chinese specialists presented the results of the first phase of work and outlined the prospects for further development. It was noted that the seismic exploration works under the project will cover 25 cities and districts of Khatlon Region. To date, over 500 local residents have been engaged in seasonal work, with plans to increase this number to 900.
At the conclusion of the event, hope was expressed that the implementation of this important geological project would yield positive results and lay a solid foundation for the start of exploratory oil and gas drilling. Both parties also expressed interest in expanding mutually beneficial economic cooperation and involving more Chinese companies in the process of accelerated industrialization in the country.
