Niger is working to contain an oil well blowout in the country’s northeast, nearly three weeks after the incident began at a site operated by China’s CNPC Niger Petroleum, the petroleum ministry said.
The incident occurred on September 25 at the Goumeri W-8 well in the Agadem oil block, where crude oil and gas erupted more than 10 metres into the air, according to the ministry.
The situation had been partially contained as of October 12, but efforts to bring it fully under control were continuing. The ministry also reported potential risks to two nearby wells, Goumeri W-3 and W-4.
Two employees were hospitalised after being exposed on the first day of the incident, while no deaths had been reported, the ministry said.
Specialist teams are working to contain the spill and secure the site. Measures include constructing embankments, trenches and collection basins to limit the spread of crude oil before transferring the recovered material to the Goumeri processing station.
The government has launched an independent investigation into the cause of the incident and responsibility for it, with technical assistance from Algeria. Initial findings ruled out a criminal or terrorist act, the ministry said.
Authorities have also introduced precautionary measures and monitoring procedures, focusing on public safety, fire prevention, environmental protection and the condition of nearby wells.
The ministry said the incident remained confined to the platform housing the three wells and urged residents to respect the designated safety perimeter.
The ongoing response is aimed at stopping the uncontrolled release, limiting environmental damage and protecting nearby oil installations, the ministry said.
