Unlocking multibillion barrel hydrocarbon resources
As a global exploration advisor with over 30 years of experience in subsurface characterization for the oil and gas industry, I have successfully unlocked multi-billion-barrel hydrocarbon resources through comprehensive basin, play, and asset evaluations. My extensive expertise includes block and asset acquisition, data analysis, and integrated subsurface characterization. I have led business development and resource characterization projects across Latin America, the Caribbean, and Africa. Proficient in seismic interpretation, risk assessment, and project management, I excel at communicating technical findings, implementing the latest geophysical technologies, and continually advancing my professional knowledge. My ability to build strong relationships and coach team members further underscores my leadership capabilities.
In my career, I have integrated various geological and geophysical data to assess regional petroleum systems and evaluate prospects. My proficiency with commercial and proprietary geoscience software systems, such as ArcGIS, has enabled me to master G&G workflows, from 2D/3D seismic data interpretation to depth conversion, mapping, and 3D geomodelling. Additionally, I have prepared data rooms for farm-ins and farm-outs and analyzed policies and technologies in the energy transition market. My self-starting, results-oriented approach has driven digital transformation initiatives, optimizing costs and improving efficiencies in oil and gas subsurface characterization and decarbonization projects. Fluent in Spanish and proficient in Portuguese, I bring valuable multilingual communication skills to international and multicultural teams.
Strategic planning and decision-making are central to my role, aligning geoscience projects with business goals and assessing geological and operational risks. My advanced technical expertise encompasses seismic interpretation, subsurface characterization, and basin analysis, supported by a strong command of geoscience software. With excellent project management skills, I oversee multiple projects, ensuring timely and budget-conscious delivery. My innovation in blending geoscience disciplines with emerging technologies and my ability to mentor and develop junior geoscientists foster a collaborative and forward-thinking team environment. My commitment to maintaining high HSE standards and continuous professional development ensures I remain at the forefront of industry advancements.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Surface Characterization: Expert in 2D/3D interpretation for basin, block, play, and prospect assessments using commercial and proprietary geoscience software and ArcGIS. Extensive experience in offshore GOM-Mexico, Guyana Basin, Southern Caribbean margin, Atlantic basins, MSGBC, Conjugated Equatorial Atlantic Margin (West Africa – Brazil), West Africa Saharan offshore, North Africa and Mediterranean basins, and East Africa margin.
- Subsurface Characterization: Skilled in play-based methodologies for oil and gas exploration and subsurface characterization. Expertise in assessing injection sites for carbon capture storage (CCS),focusing on container size, reservoir injectability, and seal capacity.
- Database Building, Big Data Analysis, and Integration: Proficient in integrating seismic, well log, and other geophysical data. Mastery of geoscience software tools for depth conversion, velocity modeling, and reservoir characterization. Experienced in building geoscience databases with geological and production information, utilizing Power BI for analytics and insights generation for informed decision-making.
- Risk Assessment and Decision Making: Expert in evaluating exploration risks and uncertainties, economic evaluations, and the viability of exploration projects. Contributor to operational and above-ground risk evaluation, relationship building with government and agencies, and assessing the social impact of activities on communities.
- Project Management: Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams and projects with strong organizational skills. Experienced in planning and executing exploration and development programs, and contributing to company strategy.
- Technology and Innovation: Up-to-date knowledge of the latest geophysical technologies and methodologies. Experienced in implementing new technologies and workflows to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
- International Experience: Extensive experience working in diverse geographical regions and adapting to different geological challenges. Proficient in working in multicultural and multilingual environments.
- Business Acumen: Deep understanding of the oil and gas industry, market dynamics, and business strategies. Ability to align geophysical work with the company's strategic goals and objectives. Creative and solution-driven approach to business challenges, providing forward-thinking solutions.
- Mentoring and Leadership: Experienced in mentoring and developing junior geoscientists. Strong leadership skills to guide and inspire teams, driving meaningful results and positive impact in geoscience work.
- HSE Awareness: Knowledgeable in Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) regulations and practices. Committed to maintaining high HSE standards and involved in community relations to build strong relationships in areas where the company operates internationally.
- Continuous Learning: Dedicated to ongoing professional development and staying updated with industry trends and technological advancements. Committed to contributing to the company's growth and awareness.
Discovery U3 EXPLORE Venezuela Project
The ambition is to build a complete National Data Repository (SDDC- Sustainable Development Data Center) for all of Venezuela’s mineral resources, renewable energy to be able to analyze the impact of exploiting these resources on the environmental and social development of Venezuela.
Learn more about the Framework for statistical analysis for assessment of return on investment in Venezuela. Contact us about our web application product U3D Venezuela database has extensive attributes in Fields and Reservoirs tables and is designed on the analytical foundation of the Cossey and Associates product enhanced and rebranded under U3D.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
- Casey, K., Krueger, A., Sanchez, M., Norton, I., 2017, Cretaceous Deformation of the Demerara and Guinea Plateaus during South Atlantic Opening. Rifts III: Catching the wave.
- Sanchez M., 2019, Insights into the Geological Framework of Northeastern South America. First HGS/EAGE Conference on Latin America.
- Arminio, J.F., Giraldo C., Sanchez M., 2021, Geologic framework for critical risk factors analysis of a Tertiary carbonate play in Colombian-Venezuelan sedimentary basins along the Caribbean margin of South America, Third HGS/EAGE Conference on Latin America,19-20 November 2019.
- Schofield, K, Casey, K., Sanchez, M, 2022, Deploying Petroleum Play-Based Exploration Methodologies for Carbon Storage Site Characterization Poster at AAPG CCUS, Houston, TX.
- Sanchez, M, 2022, Insights into the Geological Framework of Northeastern South America: Implications to Petroleum System and Opportunity Assessments, AAPG ICE 19-22, April, Cartagena, Colombia.
- Arminio, J.F, Giraldo, C., Sanchez, M., 2022, Multi – basin look at the Oligo – Neogene carbonate play in the South Caribbean margin of South America, AAPG ICE 19-22, April, Cartagena, Colombia.
- Casey, K, Sanchez M., Norton, I., 2023, From Plate Tectonics to Basins, Plays and Risked Barrels, Offshore Somalia, 2023 EAGE View, Austria.
- Giraldo, C., Sanchez, M., 2023, Structural styles in the Jubba Deep Basin offshore Somalia, AAPG- ICE, Madrid, Spain.
- Sanchez, M., Mujica, D., Casey, K., 2023, Using Geophysical Methods to De-Risk a Frontier Deep Water Basin Offshore Somalia, AAPG- ICE, Madrid, Spain.
- Schofield, K., Sanchez, M., Cassey, K., 2023, A Model for Carbonate Fairway Deposition on the Mid-Somalia High, East Africa, AAPG- ICE, Madrid, Spain.
- Sanchez, M., Arminio, J.F., Casey, K., Schofield, K., 2024, Much more than an Oil Country, GeoExPro 2 Magazine, vol. 21. p. 20.
- Arminio, J.F., Sanchez, M., 2024, Incremental Exploration of Prolific and Mature Basins with a Data-Intensive Drive: Revisiting the Complex Maracaibo Basin, Venezuela, AAPG Canda and Latin America &Caribbean Margins, Canada 2023- Geosciences Technology Workshop: Optimizing Exploration Workflows: Bringing Expertise Between the Rockies and the Andes, May 9-10,
EDUCATION
Master of Science (MS): Geological Sciences, 1999-2001, the University ofTexas at Austin, TX, USA.
Geophysical Engineer, 1989-1994, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Caracas,Venezuela.
RECENTACTIVITIES
- Panel discussion 2024 GSH Spring Symposium, Reducing the Risk of Basin Entry, Using GeophysicalM ethods to De-Risk a Frontier Deep Water Basin Offshore Somalia, Houston, Texas.
- Chair at the 2023 AAPG Energy Opportunities, Mexico City, Mexico, Carbon Capture
Course Instructor /mentorship:
- VAPA Links mentor program oriented to Venezuelan geoscience students.
- AAPG ICE 2022, April 19-22, Carbon Capture and Storage Course –Application of Oil and Gas Industry Skills to Subsurface Carbon Storage and Carbon Trading Economy
- AAPG Virtual Course Sep. 22 2022: Application of Oil and Gas industry skills to Subsurface Carbon Storage and Carbon Trading Economy Course
Business Owner
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