INPEX CORPORATION (INPEX) announced that it commenced exploratory onshore drilling operations (hereinafter “project”) at a location north of the INPEX-operated MinamiNagaoka Gas Field in Niigata Prefecture, Japan.

The project is scheduled to involve drilling to a depth equal to the production layer of the MinamiNagaoka Gas Field to determine the extent of oil and natural gas deposits at the drilling location.

INPEX will prioritize safety throughout the execution of the project while calling on the understanding and cooperation of the local communities. If the project leads to the commercial production of oil and natural gas, this would be expected to contribute to the improvement of Japan’s energy self-sufficiency rate.

The company will continue to work towards the effective and efficient utilization of domestic energy resources through new exploration and development operations in Japan.

On June 27, 2022, the project was made eligible to receive a public grant from the Japanese Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (METI).

About the project

Location: Approximately 4.5 kilometers north of the Koshijihara Plant located in Fukasawamachi, Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Period: December 2022 to July 2023 (planned)

About INPEX

INPEX CORPORATION is Japan’s largest exploration and production (E&P) company, and is currently involved in projects across multiple continents, including the Ichthys LNG Project in Australia as Operator. By thoroughly making its oil and gas business cleaner while expanding its 5 net zero business areas, INPEX aims to provide a stable supply of diverse and clean energy sources including oil, natural gas, hydrogen and renewables as a pioneer in energy transformation.