The Tigantourine gas site in In Amenas in Algeria’s Illizi province, which has been out of operation since the terrorist attack that targeted it on Jan. 16, is set to be operational again. Activity could resume as early as Feb. 24, on the 42nd anniversary of the nationalization of the oil and gas industry in Algeria. The announcement was made during the Fourth Symposium of the Algerian Association of Gas Industry (AIG) held on Monday, Feb. 18, 2013. During this symposium, Abdelhamid Zerguine, the CEO of Algerian energy group Sonatrach, affirmed that work could "start just before Feb. 24."
This resumption will be made possible by utilizing one of the three least damaged pumps. The terrorist attack, which was primarily orchestrated by the head of the Masked Brigade, Mokhtar Belmokhtar, caused enormous damage, especially to pump No. 3. An inspection is under way in order to precisely assess the security gaps faced by the national oil company, Sonatrach, before carrying out appropriate repairs.