TEHRAN, Nov. 24 (MNA) — The National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) is currently negotiating over the third phase of a project to develop Darkhowein Oilfield, southwestern Iran, NIOC managing director told Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA).

The first phase of Darkhowein development project, aimed at the production of 50,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil, has already come on stream in August 2005, Gholam-Hossein Nozari noted. The drilling of three appraisal wells, five development wells, and one well for gas injection were included in the first phase, ISNA reported his as saying on Thursday.

The official explained that the second phase of Darkhowein development project is currently underway to produce 55,000 bpd of crude. It consists of the construction of conveyance pipelines and well-head facilities, expected to become operational in the near future, he added.

Darkhowein Oilfield is located 30 KM north of Khorramshahr, in the southwestern province of Khuzestan.

Referring to the Azadegan Oilfield development project, the Iranian senior official noted that the second contract for drilling operations at the field will definitely be signed with Iranian firms within the next couple of weeks.

The first contract on preparing equipment for drilling operations at the southwestern Iranian giant oilfield was signed on Wednesday afternoon (November 22). Being worth $95 million, the contract was inked between NIOC subsidiary Petroiran Development Company (PEDCO) and Jahan Pars.