Alfredo E. Guzman¹

(1) Pemex Exploracion y Produccion, Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico

ABSTRACT: Overview of the Petroleum Exploration of Mexico

Since 1904 when the first important oil field of México was discovered in the Tampico basin, 278.9 bb of oil and 229.7 tcf of gas have been discovered. Out of these, by 1/1/2000, 26.5 bb of oil and 45 tcf have been recovered, leaving remnant reserves of 41.5 bb and 78.3 tcf. These hydrocarbons have allowed Pemex Exploration and Production to reach a daily output of 3.2 mmb of oil, 100 mb of gas liquids and 5 bcf of gas.

The central objective of Pemex´s exploration groups is to generate value from the - evaluation of México´s oil and gas potential - incorporation of new reserves - delineation and geological characterization of discovered reservoirs

Exploration in Pemex is based on three pillars - processes - people - knowledge

This paper describes which are the central exploration processes, how are the exploration groups organized, and gives an overview of the main producing and prospective basins and provinces of México.

The main plays and fields, production history, reserves numbers and exploration opportunities, are described for the Burgos, Sabinas, Tampico - Misantla, Veracruz, Southeastern, and deep Gulf of México basins.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90906©2001 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado