A Great Place to do Business
John Cubitt, Managing Director of Black Rock Oil and Gas, had more than 25 years experience
in the oil industry when he joined the company in 2005 - but none in Colombia. Like so many people, I had many preconceived
ideas about the economic, political and security situation in Colombia, all of which were wrong, he explains. I have been very impressed with the way the strong government of President Uribe has dealt with the problems of insurgency, terrorism and drug cartels with a mixed carrot and stick approach. They have maintained a hard line, driving terrorists to the more remote areas, but at the same time offered arms amnesties which have successfully brought the insurgent
groups into the political and democratic process. As a result, an environment of stability
and prosperity has been developed in the cities and main agricultural regions, with a less disaffected and disenfranchised poor.
This upsurge of economic and political security
has also been instrumental in the sudden
growth in hydrocarbon discoveries in the country, as levels of foreign investment have leapt up, John continues. We find it a very interesting area to work in. Our biggest
assets are heavy oil fields in the Middle Magdalena Valley, although there is a possibility
of lighter crude at depth. We are not operators, as heavy oil is a specialist area, requiring stimulation like steam injection to make it flow.
When I first went to Colombia I was stunned by how different it was from my perceptions. The people are very welcoming and encouraging
and it is a great place to do business, John concludes.
Photo: Jane Whaley
John Cubitt is Managing Director of Black Rock Oil and Gas, a small independent Australian company with a number of assets in Colombia.
http://www.geoexpro.com/sfiles/13/34/1/file/colombia.pdf