Algeria’s state-owned energy giant, Sonatrach, has signed an $850 million agreement with China’s Sinopec for the exploration and development of the Hassi Berkane-North (HBAN) oil field. The contract, signed on February 25, was formalized by Sonatrach’s Vice President of Exploration and Production, Farid Djettou, and Sinopec’s General Manager, Xue Weisong. Located 80 km southwest of Hassi Messaoud, the HBAN field spans 9,700 km² and includes hydrocarbon-rich blocks 428 and 429. The agreement, valid for 30