TОО "SOUTH-OIL" has successfully drilled Kazakhstan's first horizontal shale oil well using Versadril™ drilling fluid. The project was carried out in collaboration with Kaz M-I and JSC "KING" as part of an R&D initiative.

Key Achievements:

• Significant shale oil reserves were discovered in the Karagansai Formation at the Akshabulak field.
• The well was drilled to a depth of 4,183 meters (including a 1,100-meter horizontal section) in 24 days without incidents.
• Operational efficiency was enhanced through the modernization of equipment, optimization of drilling fluids, and strict adherence to safety controls.

Preparations are underway for the drilling of a second well, Karagansai-2, marking the next phase in Kazakhstan's shale oil development.