KNOC secured five exploration blocks in northern Iraq(Kurdistan autonomous region) in November, 2008. The deal, followed by the contract of Bazian block in 2007, is the part of KNOC's long-term strategic plan. Iraq has the third largest oil reserves in the world and much of the nation's territory is still remaining or is still unexplored and undeveloped.
The five blocks, located in the Zagros basin of northern Iraq, KNOC operates three of these blocks - Qush Tappa, Sangaw South, Bazian - with technologies and experiences accumulated for decades, and KNOC took part in the Sangaw North and Hawler blocks as partner.

Bazian Block. KNOC Bazian Limited, a corporation owned by a Korean consortium headed by the Company, secured rights to the Bazian Block in the Kurdistan autonomous region in northern Iraq after negotiation with the Kurdistan regional government in November 2007. The consortium members consist of [SK Energy, Daesung, Samchully, Bum-Ah, UI Energy, GS Holdings and Majuko Corp.] The Company directly owns a 20% interest in the Bazian Block, as well as a 30.4% indirect interest through KNOC Bazian Limited, bringing the Company’s total interest in the Bazian Block to 50.4%.
The company drilled an exploratory well from October 2009 to August 2010.
Extensive evaluation is ongoing, after acquiring 2D infill seismic data.

The company acquired a 60% interest in the Sangaw South Block in the Kurdistan autonomous region in Iraq in December 2008. The Kurdistan Regional Government owns the remaining 40% interest in the Sangaw South Block, where the company also serves as the operator.
The Company completed interpretation for 2D seismic data (240L-Km) and 1st exploratory drilling(SwS-1) is ongoing.

Sangaw North block is located on the Kurdistan autonomous region and the acreage of the block is 492sq km.
KNOC began to participate in the project with the interests of 20% in December 2008, and other partners in the block are Sterling Energy plc, which also serves as the operator and owns a 53.33% interest, and Addax Petroleum Corporation, which owns a 26.67% interest. The project partners completed the drilling of 1st exploratory in 2011. Currently, post well evaluation is ongoing.