The Nigerien Ministry of Petroleum said on 12 October that the crude oil and gas eruption on 25 September at the Goumeri W-8 well, in the Agadem block, remained only partially contained.
According to the ministry, hydrocarbons were ejected more than ten metres into the air from the facility, which is operated by CNPC Niger Petroleum. The platform, also used by the Goumeri W-3 and W-4 wells, is heavily damaged, and the integrity of these two neighbouring wells is compromised.
No deaths have been recorded. However, two employees exposed on the first day were hospitalised and treated. A permanent ministry mission is monitoring operations on site, where access is restricted and gases are being monitored to prevent a fire.
Production losses and the extent of environmental damage have not yet been quantified.
Teams are trying to contain the oil using dykes, trenches and pits. The recovered crude is being transported to the Goumeri processing station, while the neighbouring wells are being secured.
An independent investigation is to determine the causes and responsibilities, with the support of Algerian experts. Initial findings rule out a criminal or terrorist origin, but the exact cause has not been established. The government says it has taken precautionary measures against the operator and expects damages to be handled in accordance with applicable legislation.
The ministry has set the protection of people, the limitation of environmental damage and the definitive halt of the eruption as its priorities. It has asked residents living nearby to respect the safety perimeter, described as confined to the platform of the three wells.