Sector Programme
    Extractives and Development
    Bohrklein Bild

    20.12.2021 Publication: Study on the proper handling of drill cuttings

    As part of the “Extractives and Development” sector programme (SP), the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Raw Materials (BGR) works in the field of value creation through raw material extraction in developing and emerging countries. This also includes the effects of extractive activities on people's livelihoods and the environment in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals.

    In the course of oil and natural gas drilling, drill cuttings are produced as leftovers, hence geological residues from the extraction of raw materials. Where illegally or improperly disposed, these residues, often mixed with drilling fluids, pose a potentially high risk for people's livelihoods and the environment. And while too often ignored, the issue is persistent in many oil and gas producing countries worldwide. This includes also partner countries of the German development cooperation.

    On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the SP carried out a baseline study together with experts from BGR and Fichtner Water and Transportation GmbH. The study provides an overview of the geographical distribution of drill cuttings residues as well as existing procedures for their proper disposal. The focus is on the three BMZ partner countries Egypt, Nigeria and Uganda. The baseline study thus represents a first step towards the systematic evaluation of an acute environmental and health risks that affect many partner countries of German development cooperation.

    The study provides insights for legislative institutions and supervisory authorities of the affected countries as well as for civil society or industry who deal with the topic. The study thus provides an empirical baseline to develop needs-based strategies for the proper disposal of drill cuttings in development cooperation partner countries.

    The final study, including the data collected on site, is now available on the SP-website.

    Please contact Thomas Grupp for further information.