The first discovery was made in the Tinerkouk West-1 well, within the Hassi Mouina perimeter which is operated by Sonatrach in partnership with Norway’s StatoilHydro. The well produced more than 9,000 cubic metres an hour of gas.

The second discovery was made at the Tin Zaoutene-1 well operated by Sonatrach with the UK’s BP. The well, located in the Bourarhet South perimeter, produced 11,220 cubic metres an hour of gas.

The third discovery was made in the Hassi Ba Hamou perimeter at the Reg Mouaded-1 well operated by Sonatrach and BG Algeria-Gulf Keystone. The gas flowed at 3,776 cubic metres an hour.

Over the past 12 months, Sonatrach has made nine significant discoveries, of which six have been made in partnership with other oil companies.