Iraq has announced the discovery of a new major oil field in the Al-Qarnain block in Najaf province, near the country’s border with Saudi Arabia, in what officials describe as a significant development for the energy sector.
The field was discovered by China’s Zhenhua Oil during exploration activities in the southwestern region of the country. According to Iraqi authorities, the site holds estimated reserves of approximately 8.83 billion barrels of crude oil.
The Iraqi Ministry of Oil said the discovery was made during cooperation under licensing rounds awarded to the Chinese company, which is operating in multiple exploration blocks across Iraq.
During a meeting with representatives of Zhenhua Oil, Iraq’s Oil Minister Hayan Abdul-Ghani confirmed the discovery and highlighted its strategic importance for the country’s long-term production capacity.
The Al-Qarnain block, located in a vast desert region covering about 8,773 square kilometers, is considered one of Iraq’s promising areas for hydrocarbon exploration. Officials say the size of the block suggests further reserves may still be uncovered through continued drilling and surveying.
Initial production from the site has already reached around 3,248 barrels per day of light crude oil, according to reports.
Zhenhua Oil, a state-owned company under China’s Norinco Group, has expanded its presence in Iraq’s energy sector in recent years. It currently holds exploration rights in multiple fields, including the Al-Qarnain and Abu Khema blocks, strengthening its role in Iraq’s upstream oil development.
The discovery comes as Iraq continues to rely heavily on its oil sector, which remains the backbone of the national economy and a key source of government revenue.
