13.07.2026 13:30
Malone Mitchell, Chairman of the Board of US energy company TransAtlantic Petroleum, announced that the Diyarbakır Basin has the potential to produce 250,000 barrels of oil and over 25 million cubic meters of natural gas per day in the long term. Mitchell stated that if the basin reaches full capacity, it could meet approximately 25% of Turkey's daily oil needs and make a significant contribution to the country's energy supply.
Malone Mitchell, Chairman of US energy company TransAtlantic Petroleum, announced that the Diyarbakır Basin has the potential to produce 250,000 barrels of oil and over 25 million cubic meters of natural gas per day in the long term. Mitchell stated that the basin alone could meet approximately 25% of Turkey's oil consumption.
Energy revolution in Diyarbakır! It could meet a quarter of Turkey's oil needs
Malone Mitchell, Chairman of TransAtlantic Petroleum, made evaluations regarding the studies conducted in the Diyarbakır Basin together with the Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and US-based Continental Resources.
Mitchell noted that there are two major regions in Turkey with large-scale unconventional hydrocarbon resources, namely the Diyarbakır and Thrace basins. Stating that they have been operating in both regions for 18 years, Mitchell said they have brought horizontal drilling and production experience, widely used in North America, to Turkey.
TARGET OF 25 DRILLING RIGS IN FIVE YEARS
Mitchell stated that if the Diyarbakır Basin develops as expected, approximately 25 drilling rigs could operate in the field within the next five years, and with the horizontal drilling method, each rig could achieve the efficiency of four or five vertical wells.
Expressing that this method will allow high production using less surface area, Mitchell said that after a five-year growth process, the basin could reach a mature production level.
POTENTIAL OF 250,000 BARRELS OF OIL PER DAY
Mitchell stated that the Diyarbakır Basin has the potential to produce 250,000 barrels of oil per day in the long term, and natural gas production could exceed 25 million cubic meters per day.
Mitchell noted that if natural gas production reaches a level of 25 to 50 million cubic meters, it could meet a significant portion of Turkey's domestic demand, and the majority of production would be carried out by TPAO.
Considering that Turkey's average daily oil consumption is approximately 1 million barrels, it is estimated that the Diyarbakır Basin alone could reach a capacity to meet 25% of the country's oil needs.
"TURKEY OFFERS STABILITY TO INVESTORS"
Also touching on Turkey's goal of becoming an energy hub, Mitchell said the country's biggest advantage is its geographical location. Stating that Turkey is at the intersection of global energy corridors, Mitchell expressed that energy companies now value not only resource size but also political and economic stability.
Mitchell said, "Turkey may not have as large energy resources as some countries, but it offers stability that investors can trust."
"OUR MOST SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY WORLDWIDE"
Mitchell stated that the joint venture they established with TPAO is of great importance for their company, and they see the collaboration as one of their most significant opportunities worldwide.
Mitchell emphasized that the project is important not only in terms of production but also in paving the way for new partnerships, adding that they consider their relationship with TPAO as one of the most valuable collaborations for their company.
TPAO, TransAtlantic Petroleum, and Continental Resources signed a joint venture agreement last year to develop unconventional oil and natural gas resources in the Diyarbakır Basin. The project also aims to train local labor and transfer technical knowledge to Turkey.