The drilling of the exploratory well is directed towards geological exploration of new open producing horizons, more accurate specification of the production possibilities of the new deposit, an estimate of the gas reserves and preparation of the deposit for commercial development.

Gazprom zarubezhneftegaz opened the new gas deposit whilst carrying out prospecting work in the Dzhel field (Shakhpakhtinsky investment block in the Ustiurt region of the Republic of Uzbekistan) in 2009.

New, deeper-lying gas-bearing horizons were opened in 2010 at well no. 2 in the aforementioned field which, according to specialists from Gazprom zarubezhneftegaz, significantly widen the gas-bearing area and substantially increase the domain of gas reserves in the region.

The drilling of exploratory well no. 3 was started on 23 October 2010. Drilling of this well is planned to be completed by the end of 2010 and testing of the producing horizons will be carried out in 2011.