Canadian oil and gas producer Vermilion is to carry out 3D seismic scans in the Pyrenees as it looks to possible new oil resources in the mountains.
Scans are being conducted by Germany’s DMT into the rock strata after previous attempts to exploit the area north of Pau in 1977 and 1984 failed to deliver sufficient information.
“It’s inevitable that this kind of geological exploration causes some interference for the local residents and the environment, but thanks to our highly-experienced specialists and the latest technology we are able to keep any encroachment to a minimum”, said DMT’s Rüdiger Misiek.
“This is a commitment to our customers that we clearly demonstrated in our last successfully completed project in Spain. We hope that through our combination of practical experience and wide-ranging expertise we can further improve our market position in southern Europe.”
The company is to use geophones to measure echoes and determine the nature of underground geological structures for possible drilling.
Vermillion has been looking to optimise production from the Vic Bilh oil field, and is now looking at 35 square km area.
Surveying is due to get underway in the next few days for the next two months.