NEF PROJECYT

OIL INDIA LIMITED

(A Government of India Enterprise)
P.O. Duliajan, Pin 786602, Assam

DETAILED TEXT AGAINST GLOBAL EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

NO. OIL/NEF/EOI/02/2009
For
HIRING OF DRILLING RIG & ASSOCIATED SERVICES
FOR NELP-VI BLOCK: MZ-ONN-2004/1 IN MIZORAM
PREAMBLE:
OIL INDIA LIMITED (OIL), a premier National Oil Company with its
Headquarters at Duliajan, Assam, India, engaged in exploration, production &
transportation of crude oil & natural gas is planning for drilling and testing of five
nos. of Exploratory Wells in NELP-VI block: MZ-ONN-2004/1 in the state of
Mizoram in the North-Eastern part of India.
1.1 This block has been acquired by Oil India Limited under NELP 6th round of
bidding. OIL is the operator of the block with 75% Participating Interest (PI). The
other two JV partners are M/s Shiv-Vani Oil & Gas Services Ltd., New Delhi and
M/s Suntera Energy Resources, New Delhi with 15% and 10% PI, respectively. The
block covers an area of 3213 km2 in the central part of the state. It starts from
about 50 kms North of Aizawl and ends 6 kms. East of Hnahthial Town. The coordinates of the block are given below (Table 1):
Table 1. Coordinate of Block MZ-ONN-2004/1
Longitude

Latitude

Point
Deg

Min

Sec

Deg

Min

Sec

92

32

54.85

23

40

00

92

35

58

23

00

00

93

00

00

23

00

00

93

00

00

23

40

00

92

32

54.85

23

40

00

2.0 Geographical Location:

Mizoram is situated in the center salient of
the Chittagong-Mizoram-Tripura fold-thrust belt of India, Burma and Bangladesh
between 2158N - 2435N latitude and 9115E - 9329E longitude covering an
area of 21,081sq.km. The length of the state from north to south is 277 km and the
width from east to west is 121 km. It is bounded by Manipur state and Cachar
District of Assam in the north, Chin Hills of Myanmar in the east, Chittagong Hills
1

of Bangladesh and Tripura state in the west and on the south Arakan Hill ranges of
Myanmar. Mizoram shares its borders over a stretch of 123 km with Assam, 66 km
with Tripura and 95 km with Manipur. The international border with Bangladesh
extends over 318 km and over 404 km with Myanmar.
3.0

Topography, Climate and Vegetation:

3.1 The entire area is mostly mountainous and hilly with precipitous slopes
forming deep gorges culminating into several streams and rivers. Almost all the hill
ranges traverse in the north-south direction separated by north-south flowing rivers
and river valleys.
3.2 Elevations of these hills range from 200m along many of the river valleys to
over 1600m along some of the higher ridges. The ridge line elevations generally vary
between 1000-1500m. The highest peak in Mizoram is the Blue Mountain
(Phawngpui) with a height of 2157m above MSL whereas the lowest spot lies at
Bairabi with 40m above the MSL. The general elevation increases towards east up to
the Myanmar border. In the lowest altitude at foothills and valleys, typical tropical
forest is obtained, while in mid-region with large expanse, the sub-tropical moist
climate prevails and in the upper part high temperate climate is experienced.
Temperature varies from 9-21C in winter and it varies between 21-30C in
summer. From the Bay of Bengal, the south-west monsoon visits around JuneSeptember. The annual rainfall is fairly heavy and distributed evenly with an
average of 2500mm.
4.0

Communication:

4.1 Being a mountainous region with extensive vegetation cover, Mizoram has a
poor facility of road network making it very difficult to penetrate many places in the
state. The entire road(s) passes through deep gorges and high peaks with sharp
turning and slopes at regular interval. Almost all the towns, cities, and villages of
Mizoram State are located along the crests of ridges, and therefore the major roads
that have been constructed within Mizoram frequently follow the north-south
trending ridge lines, though some roads have been constructed across the river
valleys to connect the more populated ridges.
4.2 National highway (NH-54) stretching Silchar-Aizawl-Lunglei, passes through
the middle part of the state (Silchar Aizawl is 180 kms and Aizawl Lunglei is 235
kms). Another newly (World Bank funded) constructed Aizawl to Lunglei road (190
kms) which runs more or less parallel to each other in north-south direction on the
western side of the existing one (Figure -1). Other than these two roads there are a
number of link roads from place to place, which are narrow and having sharp
turning. However, these link roads could be useful for moving from place to place
inside the area. Lengpui Airport at the outskirt of Aizawl is the main entry point by
air. There is a regular daily flight of Indian Airlines and other Domestic/Private
Airlines which connect Kolkata (1hr), Guwahati (50 mins.) and Imphal (40mins.).
4.3 Besides, Mizoram state follows Inner Line Permit (ILP) system for people who
come from other states and Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for the people coming from
other countries. Majority of the people in Mizoram is Christian by religion. Their
lifestyles and eating habits do not have much similarity with people from other
states of India. Majority of them is not able to speak in Hindi; their local language
and English are the mode of communication with other people who come from
outside the state.
2

Figure -1. Mizoram Road Map

5.0

5.1

GEOLOGY OF MIZORAM BLOCK: MZ-ONN-2004/1

Geology and Tectonic Setting of Mizoram
Structure and Stratigraphy of Mizoram with special reference to Block:
MZ-ONN-2004/1
Geology and Tectonic Setting of Mizoram:

The folded structure of the Arakan Yoma (i.e. Mizoram) and the Tripura
ranges are found at the junction of two moving continental plates (i.e. Indian and
Burmese Plates). It is an actively deforming transpressional plate margin and
associated with fold-thrust belt and is generally referred to as the Indo-Burmese
fold-thrust belt or the Arakan-Yoma Origin. This structure comprises of early
Miocene and late Paleocene clastic sediment of Surma Group.
The folded belt of Mizoram is a part of Assam Arakan Geosyncline which can
be divided into a frontal sub-belt consisting of narrow box like anticline separated
by wide flat syncline of Tripura and South Assam and inner mobile belt consisting
of tight linear folds of
Mizoram
and
West
Manipur(Figure-2).
It
comprises a series of sub
parallel arcuate elongated
doubly plunging folds
arranged enechelon with
asymmetric
and
tight
anticline
and
broad
syncline and trending in
an average NorthSouth
direction with a slight
convexity towards the
west.
Figure-2:
Showing
accurate, westward- convex
deformation belt of Arakan Yoma orogen.

The
Ranges are
characterized as a fold
and thrust belt developed
in a fore-arc environment
underlain
by
oceanic
crust
(Figure-3).
An
accretionary prism best
characterizes the tectonic
setting of the region and
it is possible to categorize
the fold and thrust belt as
4

a retreating accretionary prism. Two main detachments linked by ramp faults are
present. The lower one is located at the interface between the base of the Disang
Group and the oceanic crust and the upper one at the base of the Barail Group.
The hydrocarbon source rocks considered are deep marine shales of Late
Eocene, Oligocene or Early Miocene age, with predominantly terrestrial kerogen.
Modeling predicts that significant volume of hydrocarbons (gas) have been
generated in the area. Turbidite sandstones of the Lower Bhuban Formation (UOligoceneL-Miocene) are the most likely reservoir rocks in the Mizoram area.

Figure-3: Schematic crustal-scale cross section across the Tripura salient of the Indo-Burmese
orogenic belt and the central Mizoram Hills between the Surma Basin and the Sagaing Fault.

5.2

Structure and Stratigraphy of Mizoram with special reference to Block

MZ-ONN-2004/1

Figure -4: The 16 anticlines that falls partly or wholly within the Block area (red line).

The major outcrop of stratigraphic succession in Mizoram comprises of Upper

and Middle Bhuban Formations. By initial field studies, around 16 anticlines of
different sizes of 200 sq.km. to 955 sq.km. and vertical closures of 300-1500m. were
observed within the Block MZ-ONN-2004/1 (Figure 4).
The area is dominated by north-south trending structural systems, the
prominent features is the northwest-southeast trending Thenzawl Faults, which cut
across the entire area and divides into two distinct sectors. To the north, there are
Tuahzawl, Aibawk, Seling, Serchhip, Keifang, Sialhau and Sailukawt anticline
which were cored by exposure of the Middle Bhuban Formation and flanked by
synclines underlain by either Middle Bhuban Formation or the Upper Bhuban
Formation. To the south, it includes Khantlang, Buarpui, South Buarpui,
Buangpui, Haulawng, Chhipphir, Pangzawl and Tarpho anticlines, these were more
or less similar with the previous one in their structural lithology.
The major succession of the anticlines like Aibawk and Seling Anticline has a
thickness of 1800m of Upper Bhuban Formation, 1200 m of Middle Bhuban
Formation and 2400 m of Lower Bhuban Formation. Almost all of the anticline in
the northern part of the Block has slightly west-vergent structural geometries with
steeper west-limbs than east limbs indicating an overall top-to-the-west direction of
shear and tectonic transport during development of the structures with dips
observed and measured along its back-limb ranging 10-40 degrees to the east, and
dips along its east limb approaching 90 degrees.
The presence of one or more underlying detachment surface beneath the
Lower Bhuban was Renji and Jenam as 800 and 1500 m respectively, which could
either be within the Lower Jenam Formation or the Upper Laisong Formation. The
detachment surface lying close to the Laisong-Jenam Formation is believed to be
the detachment surface along with all of the detachment folds or faults propagation
fold of the block oriented, and from which the underlying thrust faults originally
propagated.
From Thenzawl fault to the southern side, the west-vergent asymmetry of
folds is less pronounced. Most of the folds within the southern part of the Block
appear to be symmetric, upright, sub-vertical folds, though the Buarpui Anticline is
being slightly east-vergent and underlain by a west-dipping thrust fault in the
subsurface.
By studying geometries of surface anticline, synclines and thrust faults when
projected to depth, all of the anticlines within the Block were underlain by a major
detachment surface located near the Laisong-Jenam Formation contact. This in
turn, implies that the involvement of the Lower Bhuban, Renji and Jenam
Formation along all of the anticlines within the Central Mizoram, the upper two of
which are generally considered to define potential hydrocarbon reservoirs along the
Chittagong-Mizoram-Tripura fold-thrust belt. However, it should be stressed that in
the case of detachment folds and fault propagation folds, anticlines generally
became significantly tighter with depth.
1. Tuahzawl Anticline : A west-vergent, asymmetrical uplift bounded by blind
thrust at depth located in the northwest corner and stretch about 955 sq. km. in
which about 400 Sq. Km. lies within the block. This Anticline has a width of 10 km
and amplitude of 300 m,
7

2. Aibawk Anticline : It is a southern continuation of the Aizawl Anticline, AibawkAizawl Anticline is about 955 sq. km. and about 400 sq. km. falls inside. Average
width is about 12 km. and estimated uplift of 3500-4000 m relative to adjacent
synclines. This is a low-angle structural features that detach within the Middle
Bhuban Formation.
3. Seling Anticline : Located in the northern sector and has an area of about 500
sq. km. in which about 220 sq. km. falls inside the Block area. It has a length of
about 70 km. and 10 km. width, and displays a well-developed, doubly-plunging
structural geometry. The area has overturned west-limbs, and has estimated
amplitude of about 3000 m.
4. Serchhip Anticline : It is located in the middle part of the area having a length
of 30 km and a width about 7 km. and amplitude of 2500 m. It is bounded on its
western side by an east dipping thrust fault, suggesting development of this
elongate, north-south oriented structure as a true fault-propagation fold and almost
certainty resulting in an overturned, west vergent structural geometry.
5. Keifang Anticline : Out of 640 sq. km, only 185 sq. km; the southern end of the
anticline to falls inside the Block area. It is a broad structural feature with an easily
determined surface structural geometry and fairly simple, projected, subsurface
structural geometry. The Anticline plunges to the south and structural uplift is
about 3000 m relative to its adjacent syncline.
6. Sailukawt and Sialhau Anticline : This is located at the eastern side of
Serchhip Anticline. It has an aerial extent of about 550 sq. km. and about 300 sq.
km. falls under the Block area.
7. Buarpui Anticline : It is the Western-most structural uplift within the Block
area and lies along a trend of structural uplifts bounded on the north by the
Thenzawl Fault and related fault-fracture system, and on the south by the Pangzawl
Fault. This structural uplift is about 200 sq. km.
8. Buangpui Anticline : A tight, sub-vertical structural uplift, the Buangpui
Anticline is located between the Buarpui Anticline to the west and the Thenzawl
syncline to the east. The Buangpui Anticline have undergone less than 2000 m of
structural uplift at the Lower Bhuban Formation and Renji Formation stratigraphic
levels, relative to adjacent synclines, though internal deformation within the Middle
Bhuban Formation would result in reduced structural uplift along these deeper
stratigraphic horizons. The area is about 175 sq. km
9. Chhipphir Anticline : A very tight, west vergent and overturned asymmetric
structural uplift located east of the Thenzawl Syncline, is the Chhipphir Anticline.
This is underlain by a detachment surface and associated thrust fault near the base
of the Middle Bhuban Formation. The structural uplift across the Chhipphir
Anticline at the Lower Bhuban and Renji stratigraphic levels is 1000 1500 m. The
total area is about 170 sq. km. and located entirely within the Block.
10. Pangzawl Anticline : Pangzawl Anticline is slightly asymmetric and westvergent, with an average width of 9-10 km. it indicate structural uplift at the Lower
Bhuban and Renji stratigraphic levels on the order of 2500 m. Total area is about
185 sq. km., all of which lies within Block area.

11. Tarpho Anticline: A large-scale, asymmetric and west-vergent structural uplift

is located along the northwestern Block boundary. It has an estimated aerial extent
of 170 sq. km. and about 100 sq. km. lies within the Block, and has amplitude of
roughly 2000 m.
12. South Buarpui Anticline: This anticline has a length of 400 km and about 8
Km width. An aerial extent is about 220 sq. km. in which 124 sq. km. are located
within Block. Amplitude ranges 1000 1500 m.
13. Haulawng Anticline: This is located along the southern boundary of the Block
area, where structural data indicates a well-developed west-limb and has an aerial
extent of 100 sq. km. of which 70 sq. km. is within the Block.
15. Leite Anticline: It is continuation of the Chhipphir Anticline to the north, has
an estimated length of about 35 km. and aerial extent of 185 sq. km., though only
60 sq. km. is within the Block area.
16. South Pangzawl Anticline: This anticline is defined by a pair of fault and
fracture system. This lies almost outside the Block area, with only about 15 sq. km.
lying within the block boundary.
The above mentioned sixteen anticlines of the Block MZ-ONN-2004/1 are
lying partly or entirely within inside the area. All of them are cored by the Middle
Bhuban Formation (Figure 7) which is considered to define a potential
hydrocarbon seal across the central Mizoram Hills. These anticlines are dominantly
asymmetric and west-vergent, though some of them are upright and symmetric or
slightly east-vergent. Some of them are bounded and underlain by high-angle thrust
faults that merge with bedding-parallel detachment surfaces at depth. A number of
the anticlines were doubly-plunging structural uplifts, comparable to those to the
west of Block area, though many show a pronounce truncation along the Thenzawl
and Pangzawl tear-fault systems.
Mizoram, as being belongs to Bhuban formation of Tipam And Surma Group,
which is belong to Miocene or Pliocene age of Tertiary Period, or can be called as
Tertiary Sediments, as it comprises of about 99% of sedimentary rocks of Tertiary
period. The structure is very complex and comprise by a repetition of Anticline and
Syncline. Which is a favorable condition for petroleum exploration, and this part is
rich in trap rock and reservoir rocks. By the studies of its stratigraphy The Renji
formation of Oligocene age which is underlain by Bhuban formation of Miocene
sandstone and inter-bedded shales are supposed to be a primary reservoir within
Exploration Block MZ-ONN-2004/1. The Renji formation belongs to Barail Group,
since almost all the hydrocarbon are found in this group in the Arakan Yoma
Chittagong Assam fold-thrust belt of the Indo-Burma Orogen.

Figure -5: Stratigraphy of the ChittagongMizoram-Tripura Fold-Thrust Belt

Fig -6 : Internal formation(Cross section)

of the Block area with approx. depths

10

Figure -7: COMPOSITE STRATIGRAPHIC COLUMN OF SCHUPEN, TRIPURA-CACHAR AND MIZORAM

11

Photo #1. Represents the terrain condition of Mizoram

12

Photo 2 Represents the terrain condition of Mizoram

13

Photo 3. A sharp peak at Reiek

14

6.0

2D SEISMIC SURVEY IN MIZORAM:

Acquisition of 2D seismic data was commenced in the block during February 2007. A total
of around 760 GLKM of 2D seismic data has been acquired till end May, 2009 mainly in
the northern part of the Block. Most of the seismic data was acquired along Crooked Lines
as the area of operation is rugged hilly terrain with high elevations and steep slopes with
intervening deep gorges. Seismic sections of two lines [one dip line & one strike line]
are enclosed for reference and understanding the sub-surface geological complexity.

15

FIGURE - 5: MIZORAM 2D SEISMIC LINE:MZ-03 (STRIKE LINE)

www.fugro.com

16

7.0

Drilling Commitment:

As per committed Minimum Work Program (MWP) along with other activities,
the consortium needs to drill 5 (five) exploratory wells within May 2012. OIL is
planning to drill the first few wells in the northern part of the block (in the Seling
and Aiwak Anticline and its adjoining areas). The wells will be targeted to
Renji/Bhuban formation with a maximum depth of investigation of 3500 to 4500
mtrs. Since Mizoram is tectonically very complex with multiple folding and faulting,
presence of high pressure cannot be ruled out. Moreover, the experience of drilling
in the neighboring Tripura and Cachar areas indicates the sub-surface pressure to
be above hydrostatic. Therefore, all precautions have to be taken for high pressure
while drilling.
Additionally, due to its logistic difficulties/environmental considerations etc.,
there may be requirement of Directional Drilling with MWD/LWD applications.
8.0

9.0

BROAD SCOPE OF SERVICES:

following:

It will include but not be limited to the

i.

Drilling Rig Package 1400/2000 HP which can be dissembled in

small and light weight components for transportation across hilly
terrains, on narrow roads with a large no. of sharp turnings. The
bridges are also narrow and not capable of withstanding heavy loads.

ii.

Well Planning & Design of Casing Policy, Drilling Fluid, Cement Policy,
Completion etc.

iii.

Associated Services like Mud logging, Well Logging, Cementing, Bulk

Handling, Mud Engineering & Effluent Treatment, DST/TCP/Surface
Production Testing, Directional Drilling (if required), Liner hanger etc.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE OF THE PARTIES FOR SUBMISSION

OF EOI
I.

The party(s) shall have relevant work experience & expertise in

providing suitable drilling rig package preferably heliportable, coil
drilling and similar rig packages, {meeting the criteria mentioned above
vide para (i) of Broad Scope of Services} and associated services to
reputed Operators in E & P sectors, in geologically complex thrust fold
areas and logistically very difficult hilly terrains where the roads are
narrow with frequent sharp turnings and having narrow and weak
bridges.

II.

Party(s) must have a good track record, strong & sound Quality and
Safety Environment Policies being practiced solidly across the
organization.

III.

The interested party(s) shall have suitable Drilling Rig Package in-house
and offer with all other associated services mentioned vide para.8.0 (ii)
& (iii) above as an integrated package.
17

IV.

It is expected that individual party may not have the adequate

resources to offer the entire range of services mentioned in para 8.0 (ii)
& (iii) along with the Drilling Rig Package. In that case, the interested
party(s) ( having core competence in providing the services mentioned
vide para 8.0(i) may participate in this EOI by giving an undertaking to
submit the valid legal agreement with concerned reputed International
Party(s) (having requisite experience in relevant services and having
sound financial strength), with specific reference to this Project.

Accordingly, Expression of Interest should be submitted broadly indicating

brief details of package services with name/address of chosen allied service
provider/ third party.
10.0 SUBMISSION:
Interested companies/firms/contractors (national/international) having relevant
experience and expertise in providing suitable drilling rig (preferably heliportable,
coil drilling and similar rig) and associated services as an integrated package, to
reputed Operators in E & P sectors, in geologically complex thrust fold areas and
logistically very difficult hilly terrains where the roads are narrow with several
sharp turnings having narrow and weak bridges, are invited to submit their EOI for
providing the above services. Following information/documentary evidences
(clients certificates) must form a part of the EOI:
(i)
(ii)

(iii)
(iv)

Total No. of years of experience.

Total No. of exploratory wells drilled successfully in last five years in (a) Hilly,
Mountainous, Thrust Belt, Logistically Difficult areas and (b) List of client(s)
and the Location (areas and countries).
Type and rating of Drilling Rig and other Associated Services used in above
type of areas.
Following Formats duly filled in.

However, any additional information (not spelt out by Oil India Limited in this
document) furnished by the participating firm for correct assessment of the strength
of the firm will be most welcome.
i.
ii.

TITLE OF OFFER: Drilling Rig Package Service on Charter Hired Basis.

LIST OF EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE FOR SERVICES:
Drilling Rig .HP,
Capable of drilling up to a depth of .Mtr
Using ..OD drill pipes
Basic description and quantification of Rig package (Mast &
Substructure, Mud Pump, Draw-works, Engines, PCR, Tankage, BOP
stack, Tubular, Handling Tool etc.) etc.

18

iii.

VINTAGE OF THE EQUIPMENT : .Years

iv.

MOBILIZATION PERIOD
SERVICES:.

FOR

ENTIRE

RIG

PACKAGE

AND

OTHER

v.

COMPANY PROFILE: Brochures containing detail experience profile of the

company.

vi.

FINANCIAL STRENGTH: Audited balance sheets and profit & loss account
of the companies for last three (3) years.

vii.

CONTACT ADDRESS of the Companies:

vii.

The in-house resources/services and the details of the allied service

providers must be given in the following format:

Srl.
No.

Remarks
Brief Description
(In-house)

1.

E-1400-2000 HP AC/SCR Land

Drilling Rig Package with all
associated equipment and
capable of drilling to a depth of
4500m with 5 drill Pipe

YES / NO

2.

Mud Engineering Service

including supply of complete line
of mud chemicals.

YES / NO

3.

Cementing & Bulk Handling

Plant Service

YES / NO

4.

Liner Hanger service including

supply of handling/setting tool
and liner hanger accessories.

YES / NO

5.

Mud Logging Unit

YES / NO

6.

Wire Line Logging

YES / NO

7.

DST Service inclusive of

provision for surface testing
facility

YES / NO

Name & Address

of the Third Party
Service Provider

8.
9.

19

Based on the information and documents forwarded along with EOI, OIL may
short-list the parties for a detailed discussion at Duliajan/Aizawl/Kolkata. EOI
should be submitted in duplicate in a closed envelope super-scribing Expression
of Interest No. OIL/NEF/EOI/02/2009 for Drilling Rig & Associated Services
in Mizoram at the following address latest by 13.00 Hrs. (IST) on 31st August,
2009:
Group General Manager (NEF),
NEF Project, Oil India Ltd.,
Duliajan, Assam-786602, INDIA
Ph: 91-374-2800405, Fax: 91-374-2801799,
E-mail: nef@oilindia.in
OIL reserves the right to (a) accept or reject any/all EOIs submitted by parties (b)
cancel the process at any time without any liability and assigning any reason
thereof.

&&&&&&&&======&&&&&&&&

20