Problems of studying deposits with cross-border territories: a case study of the Krasnoleninskoye oil and gas condensate field (in the form of a discussion)

The territorial affiliation of one field to different subsurface users gives rise to a number of problems when calculating hydrocarbon reserves and justifying calculation parameters. This is due to the lack of complete information on a cross-border field from one owner of the subsoil. The aim of the article is to demonstrate the problems of modeling and calculating reserves of cross-border deposits and proposals for their solution. The article briefly describes the history of geological exploration at the Krasnoleninskoye oil and gas condensate field and the history of modeling and calculating reserves. The difference in the correlation of productive layers is shown. Various methods of delineation of deposits within subsurface use sites are considered. The difficulties of modeling due to the presence of several subsurface users of one cross-border deposit are listed. Specific examples of problems of matching models and calculation of reserves of two subsurface users are given. The problem of combining several fields based on the results of geological exploration is outlined. Conclusions are drawn about the advantages of a single model of cross-border deposits and their benefits for the state. The solution to the problem is the exchange of accumulated geological and commercial information between neighboring subsoil users and an agreement on joint actions to study the field, including work on estimating reserves and on design solutions. Consequently, a unified geological model of the deposit will be established, along with uniform methodologies for classification, mining fund allocation, and the optimal distribution of production. Additionally, the resolution of tax authority-related issues will be facilitated.