Mari Energies-led JV starts Spinwam-1 production, adds 40 MMCFD gas

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s indigenous gas supply has increased as the Waziristan Joint Venture (WJV) commenced production from the Spinwam-1 well, adding 40 MMCFD of gas and strengthening energy security.

The Waziristan Joint Venture (WJV), operated by Mari Energies Limited, has formally started production from the Spinwam-1 exploratory well located in the Waziristan Block, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In separate notices to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Wednesday, Mari Energies Limited and Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) said they have commenced gas and condensate production from the Spinwam-1 discovery in the Waziristan Block of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Both companies confirmed that production has started under the Extended Well Testing phase, with the well completed in the Lockhart reservoir.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the company’s head office and attended by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, who lauded the joint venture’s technical expertise and operational performance. He emphasized that discoveries such as Spinwam-1 play a crucial role in strengthening Pakistan’s energy security, reducing reliance on imports, and supporting economic growth.

Managing Director and CEO of Mari Energies, Faheem Haider, stated that the project reflects the joint venture’s commitment to developing indigenous hydrocarbon resources, meeting rising energy demand, and ensuring a reliable gas supply.

Participants at the ceremony also paid tribute to the sacrifices of Shuhada and injured personnel, including law enforcement agencies, company employees, contractors, and SNGPL staff, acknowledging their resilience and dedication under challenging operational and security conditions.

It was highlighted that the successful completion of this project would not have been possible without the support of law enforcement agencies, which ensured security and made sacrifices in the national interest.

Special recognition was extended to Anwar Ali Hyder, Chairman of Fauji Group, as well as joint venture partners Oil and Gas Development Company Limited and Orient Petroleum Inc. Contributions of the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), Directorate General of Petroleum Concessions, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited leadership, law enforcement agencies, and contractors were also acknowledged for ensuring safe and timely execution.

The production start has been supported by the completion of an SNGPL transmission pipeline linking the Shewa-1 and Spinwam-1 discoveries to the national gas grid.

Spinwam-1 marks a milestone for the Waziristan Joint Venture, following the earlier Shewa-1 discovery. The well is producing 40 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of gas along with 200 barrels per day (BBL/D) of condensate from the Lockhart reservoir. This has increased total gas supply from the Waziristan Block to around 100 MMCFD and condensate production to approximately 800 BBL/D.

The Waziristan Joint Venture comprises Mari Energies Limited as operator with a 55 percent stake, OGDCL with 35 percent, and Orient Petroleum Inc. holding 10 percent, demonstrating collaboration in a challenging exploration environment.

The joint venture expressed optimism for continued support from law enforcement agencies, the Government of Pakistan, and relevant authorities to unlock further exploration potential and contribute to long-term energy security.