Exploration and Production

Ever since crude oil was first discovered in Slovakia’s Záhorie region, geological data has been acquired and researched and much progress has been made in gaining technical knowledge and experience. These are the foundations for NAFTA’s operations, forming a critical part of its unique know-how and behind its success in geological and drilling projects. We see the specific use of geological data obtained, for example, in understanding of the earth’s geological composition or in searching for sources of geothermal energy.

NAFTA is currently the most important player in Slovakia’s oil and gas exploration and production sector.

We have long been active mainly in the Vienna Basin, Danube Lowland and the Eastern Slovak Lowland, where the country’s most important regional hydrocarbons are located. In order to continue production and remain strong in this specific sector, NAFTA has expressed interest in concentrating in future on exploration in other regions in Slovakia, too.

The company’s main priority in everything we do is operational safety and minimizing the impact of our activities on the environment and local communities.

What exploration is NAFTA doing?

The first step is exploration work, mainly taking geophysical 2D/3D seismic measurements. Results from these measurements provide knowledge about the geological structure of the rock and soil environment, which can also be used for other purposes, such as searching for sources of geothermal energy and drinking water.

Based on the interpretation of these seismic measurements, the next step is to drill exploration wells.

What are the benefits from exploration?

Local sources of natural gas
Cooperation in identification of drinking water sources
Cooperation in identification of geothermal water sources
Collaboration in various municipal projects

Attention centered on the environment

NAFTA takes a responsible approach toward shutting down sites of our operations in Slovakia, including wells, drilling centers and parts of them through cleanups, biological reclamation and reintegration into the surrounding nature.

NAFTA operated a mud pit in Moravany between 1984 and 2006, where production waste from its drilling was deposited. Subsequently, we embarked on successfully closing it and reintegrating the land into the countryside. Work to close down the mud pit was completed in July 2019.

Mud pit before it was closed

Mud pit after it was closed and the land reclaimed

Slovakia

Exploration projects in Slovakia are bringing also international cooperation and investments. We are partnering in the Trnava and Topoľčany Exploration areas with Vermilion Energy and in the Eastern Slovak Lowlands with Aspect Energy.

Where is NAFTA operating in Slovakia?

Prieskumné projekty NAFTA na území Slovenska:

Overview of current exploration by NAFTA and international partners in Slovakia:

Exploration Area

Trnava

Topoľčany

Beša a Pavlovce nad Uhom

Partner

Vermilion Energy

Aspect Holdings

Area

792 km²

1 191 km²

771 km² and 1 070 km²

Geological Area

Danube Basin

Eastern Slovak Lowland

Cooperation Form

Joint Operating Agreement (JOA)

Subsidiary Slovakian Horizon Energy s.r.o.

Ukraine

NAFTA is using its many years of hydrocarbon exploration and production experience even beyond Slovakia’s borders.

Its successful start of foreign activities began with the company entering into Ukraine, where it operates since 2016.

Exploration licences obtained in Ukraine:

Získané prieskumné licencie na Ukrajine

NAFTA has been slowly developing in the country and engaging in public tenders. For instance, last year we were successful n a tender for two PSA projects - Grunivska and Okhtyrska. Both licenses enabled us to obtain new exploration and production opportunities in Ukraine.

Overview of current NAFTA exploration and activities in Ukraine:

Project	Uzhhorod	Vatazhkivska	PSA Grunivska and Okhtyrska
Partner	CUB ENERGY INC.	n/a	EPPE
Area	301.4 km²	181.8 km²	1082 km² a 672 km²
Geological Area	Transcarpathian Depression in eastern Slovakia; Region: Transcarpathia	Dneper-Donets Rift	Dneper-Donets Rift
Operator	Subsidiary CNG LLC	Subsidiary NAFTA RV	Subsidiary EP Ukraine B.V.

NAFTA is constantly seeking further foreign activities and joint ventures where it could apply the geological knowledge and expertise it has gained from many years of experience. We are focusing on opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe as well as in the Balkans.