Australian company DUG to assist with oil and gas exploration in Uzbekistan
It will analyze and process geophysical data collected on the Ustyurt Plateau
The data processing contract was signed following the completion of fieldwork, announced Ustyurt Operating Company (UOC), which is implementing the oil and gas project on the Ustyurt Plateau.
UOC stated that the geophysical surveys were completed in a short timeframe, and the quality of the materials meets high standards. The project was described as one of the most advanced in Central Asia in terms of the technologies used.
The Australian company DUG will examine the obtained materials to enable specialists to determine the geological structure of the territory and identify the most promising zones for further exploration.
UOC was registered in Uzbekistan in September 2025. The company is associated with Azerbaijan’s state-owned oil company SOCAR, which acts as the project operator.
The production-sharing agreement for the Ustyurt region was signed by SOCAR, Uzbekneftegaz, and the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan in July 2025. In May 2026, British company BP joined the project, acquiring 20% stakes from both SOCAR and Uzbekneftegaz. As a result, BP holds 40% of the project, while the other two participants each own 30%.
Exploration is taking place in six investment blocks: Boyterak, Terengkuduk, Birgori, Haroy, Karakalpak, and Kulboy. According to preliminary forecasts, potential reserves here may amount to up to 100 million tons of oil and 35 billion cubic meters of natural gas.
The program is designed for five years. During this period, the partners are required to conduct 3D seismic surveys on at least 1,000 square kilometers and drill one exploratory well. If the studies confirm the presence of commercial hydrocarbon reserves, the participants will begin preparations for field development and production.
The total investment in the project is estimated at $2 billion.
DUG Technology was founded in 2003 in Perth. The company analyzes geophysical data, develops specialized software, and utilizes high-performance computing technologies.
