Wedoany.com Report-Feb 25, China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) announced on February 20 the successful completion of the Well Shendi Take-1, drilled to a depth of 10,910 meters. This milestone establishes the well as Asia’s deepest vertical well and the world’s second deepest of its kind.
Situated in Shaya county, Aksu prefecture, within the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, the Well Shendi Take-1 lies at the center of the Taklimakan Desert. This significant endeavor in the Tarim Basin represents China’s first scientific exploration well exceeding 10,000 meters. The project produced the country’s first core sample from such a depth and achieved the world’s first onshore oil and gas discovery at 10,000 meters. The effort also set five engineering benchmarks, including the fastest drilling pace globally for an onshore well beyond 10,000 meters, contributing to progress in engineering techniques.
The core sample, extracted from a layer formed 540 million years ago, serves as a vital resource for understanding Earth’s historical development. Specialists consider it highly valuable, likening its importance to lunar soil samples. By analyzing data, such as logging results from the 10,000-meter depth, scientists have developed Asia’s first geological profile spanning that distance, providing essential information for interpreting the planet’s deep oil and gas resources.
CNPC’s project in the Tarim Basin demonstrates advancements in deep-Earth exploration technology. The Well Shendi Take-1 has not only pushed the boundaries of drilling capabilities but also expanded knowledge of subsurface geology. The retrieved core offers a window into ancient environmental conditions, aiding research into Earth’s distant past. The oil and gas findings at this depth further highlight the potential for resource extraction in challenging environments.
The endeavor reflects a commitment to scientific and technical achievement. CNPC reported: “The fastest global onshore drilling over 10,000 meters” underscores the efficiency of the operation, which overcame the harsh desert terrain of the Taklimakan. The geological profile, built from extensive data collection, marks a step forward in mapping the Earth’s deeper layers, particularly in a region known for its complex subsurface structures.
This accomplishment positions CNPC as a leader in ultra-deep well exploration. The insights gained from the Well Shendi Take-1 are expected to inform future projects, enhancing techniques for accessing resources at extreme depths. The core and data collected continue to support studies aimed at decoding the geological history and resource potential beneath the Earth’s surface.









