NobleNet

Mahdi AbuAli

Oil, gas and mineral exploration expert.

  • Technical
  • Board / Executive
  • ME/Africa
Message

Current Role (or most recent)

COO and VP, Raphael Energy Group

Raphael Energy Group Limited is exploring for oil and gas in the Officer Basin, onshore Western Australia, using an innovative approach integrating 3D gravity/magnetic mapping with microseepage induced indirect hydrocarbon indications (IHIs) such as radiometric gamma anomalies, to provide 3D GravMag IHI leads. Processing of the naturally occurring electromagnetic signal of locations in and around a 3D GravMag IHI lead produces high-resolution analogue induction logs of reservoir indications at depth with the analogue induction logs then used to build 3D reservoir models by hydrocarbon phase and depth.
3D reservoir models are then validated with structural conformance as well as correlation to near-surface microseepage intensity attributes by hydrocarbon phase and, if deemed necessary, a limited number of 2D seismic lines. The correlation by hydrocarbon phase of analogue induction logging reservoir indications to near-surface microseepage also produces a dual-sourced hydrocarbon indication.
The validated reservoir model provides a full assessment of the whole petroleum system in terms of reservoir, structure, source/migration and seal availability that is confirmed with a dual-sourced hydrocarbon indication, as well as a prediction of fluid type and associated reservoir depth. This synergetic approach reduces exploration risk quite substantially for lower drilling capex and minimizes seismic costs while producing an optimum program of drilling highly prospective, relatively low risk prospects.
For more information on our process, kindly visit our website: www.raphaelenergy.com “.

Employment History

COO & VP (part time), Raphael Energy Group
- December 2024

Raphael Energy Group Limited is exploring for oil and gas in the Officer Basin, onshore Western Australia, using an innovative approach integrating 3D gravity/magnetic mapping with microseepage induced indirect hydrocarbon indications (IHIs) such as radiometric gamma anomalies, to provide 3D GravMag IHI leads. Processing of the naturally occurring electromagnetic signal of locations in and around a 3D GravMag IHI lead produces high-resolution analogue induction logs of reservoir indications at depth with the analogue induction logs then used to build 3D reservoir models by hydrocarbon phase and depth.

Consultant, Halliburton
February 2023 - November 2023

Project lead for Halliburton on Kuwait oil company’s Paleozoic/Triassic gas exploration project in the Ladairaa-Shaham area north of Kuwait. Led a team of geologists, petrophysicists and geophysicists, interpreted seismic data and integrated key wells, carried out volumetric and risking evaluation, matured, ranked, and risked 10 prospects. The area evaluated was over 3000 km2 with several wells penetrating the Jurassic and Triassic formations of Kuwait. Project delivered 10 plus prospects and leads targeting the Triassic and Paleozoic section of northern Kuwait, including major clastic and carbonate reservoirs.

Senior Geological Consultant, Saudi Aramco
April 1985 - December 2020

Expert in geochemical applications for oil and gas exploration, exploration portfolio analysis, advanced research center, reservoir characterization, upstream venture management, unconventional exploration methods, publishing, patenting, and mentoring.

Education History

PhD Geoscience, RWTH Aachen University, Germany
- Present Day

Organic Petrology, Maturation, Thermal and Burial History Analysis, and Hydrocarbon Generation and Migration Modeling of the Saudi Arabian Paleozoic Petroleum Systems.

MSc, Organic Geochemistry, Colorado School of Mines
- Present Day

Unconventional hydrocarbon exploration methods.

Surface Geochemical Exploration Using Trace Elements in Plants and their Relationship to Hydrocarbon Microseepage in the Cave Canyon Oil Field, Paradox Basin, Utah.

BSc, Industrial Chemistry, KFUPM, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
- Present Day

Bachelor degree in Industrial Chemistry.

Detailed History

A senior executive/exploration geologist with more than three decades of experience in oil and gas exploration, integrated reservoir characterization and modeling, research and development, prospect and lead analysis, portfolio assessment and joint venture management. I have more than 30 years of experience with Saudi Aramco, 4 years with an independent oil company in Australia and one year exploring for gas in Kuwait as a project lead. My experience covers technical and administrative roles including high level leadership roles. I have worked in research and development, exploration, exploitation, and advanced research center, conducting technical work, mentoring young geoscientists, and implementing key strategic initiatives of the company.
I have a proven record of adding multi-million barrels of oil and several tcf gas to the annual exploration portfolio. My experience with international IOCs covered both technical and administrative roles of overseeing joint venture operations with Saudi Aramco, exploring for gas in the Paleozoic section of the Rub’ Al Khali basin from 2001-2011. These companies include Shell, Total, Sinopec, Eni, Repsol, ExxonMobil, and Lukoil, amongst others. I was particularly selected to transfer regional data and knowledge to the IOC’s data rooms during the licensing rounds in 2000-2004.
I have published numerous articles, authored a few patents, and presented them at regional and international conferences. Over the last four years, I have acted as COO and VP for a private energy company (Raphael Energy Group) exploring for oil and gas in Australia; and led a team at Halliburton Kuwait, exploring for gas in northern Kuwait by maturing several leads and prospects. My current duties vary from technical evaluation to strategic planning, forecasting, and communicating with other directors and shareholders to implement the company’s strategy and execute key decisions.