The Kasserine block covers parts of the Central and Southern Atlas and extends over 5108 km². It comprises northeast–southwest trending folds to the north and east–west trending folds to the southwest. These two trends are separated by the northwest–southeast Gafsa wrench fault. The area was affected by Early Mesozoic block faulting, followed by Mesozoic platform development with mixed facies. The northern part of the block emerged by Late Cretaceous as part of the Kasserine Island.

Five seismic acquisition surveys have been recorded between 1974 and 1984 in the block. Two wells were drilled in 1953 and 1975. Surface geological work and wells drilled around the block provide today additional data.

The main reservoirs are the lower and Mid- Cretaceous carbonates and sandstones, the Jurassic Nara dolomites and limestones and eventually, deep intervals within the Triassic /Paleozoic strata. The Jurassic carbonates tested oil and gas in LMG-1 well to the south of the block and in ABK-1well to the east of the block.

The Jurassic Middle Nara shales, Uppermost Jurassic – Lowermost Cretaceous Sidi Khalif shales and locally Mid –Cretaceous Bahloul laminated limestones are potential source rocks. Main traps may include fault blocks, anticlines and facies-controlled traps.

(Courtesy ETAP)