United Kingdom-based geophysical company Metatek-Group has secured two new airborne surveying contracts in Azerbaijan to support hydrocarbon exploration in the country, including a major follow-on project for the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR).
The SOCAR contract follows the successful completion of a smaller test survey in 2025, marking the first time Azerbaijan had been surveyed using modern gravity gradiometry techniques. The resulting data is already being used by SOCAR to support exploration activities.
Both the original and follow-on surveys focus on the Quba and Lower Kura regions, west of Baku. This vast and underexplored area holds enormous potential for new hydrocarbon discoveries but has historically proved challenging for conventional seismic imaging due to its active fold-and-thrust belt, numerous mud volcanoes and complex geology.
The initial survey covered approximately 3,600 km². The new programme represents a significant expansion, covering around 20,000 km².
Airborne data acquisition has now commenced, with processing, interpretation and integration of the new data alongside the 2025 survey and legacy seismic datasets expected to be complete in Q4 2026.
Metatek’s second new contract in the country is an airborne data acquisition contract with Gran Tierra Energy, a Canadian energy company operating in Azerbaijan, which is expected to take place during Q3 2026.
Both contracts are multidisciplinary, and comprise digital Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry (dFTG) – unique to Metatek - scalar gravity, magnetic and LiDAR data, to provide geological insight and accuracy from the surface through to several kilometres deep.
Dr Mark Davies, CEO at Metatek, comments: 'This contract represents a repeat engagement with a government customer in Azerbaijan. It reflects the strength of our technology and the expertise of our survey, processing and interpretation teams, whose delivery of high-quality results has earned the confidence of our client and led to this expanded mandate.'
'The addition of a second contract with Gran Tierra Energy operating in Azerbaijan further demonstrates the versatility of our technology and the value it delivers across multiple resource sectors,' added Dr. Davies. 'Together, these projects establish a meaningful body of work in the region, strengthen our presence in Central Asia and create opportunities to build long-term customer relationships.'
About Metatek
Metatek is a United Kingdom-based geophysical services company providing high-definition mapping of subsurface strategic and critical mineral natural resources, energy (including hydrocarbons), helium and hydrogen, for exploration and development. Unlike traditional exploration companies that rely solely on invasive or slow-moving technologies such as seismic surveys, Metatek delivers rapid data acquisition, processing and scientific interpretation across air, land, and sea environments. Metatek supports national energy security and fast-tracking of the discovery of hydrocarbons, minerals essential for sustainable power, such as lithium, nickel, and copper, as well as identifying reservoirs for natural hydrogen and geothermal energy.
To learn more, please visit: www.metatek-group.com
Source: Metatek
