ZALTAN

also spelled Zelten, town site at the first exploited oil field in Libya. Located 105 miles (169 km) south of the Mediterranean port of Marsa al-Burayqah on the Gulf of Sidra, at the foot of the Zaltan Mountains, the town is in the centre of the so-called oasis group of oil fields that includes Jalu (Gialo), Waha, and Ar-Raqubah (Raguba). Discovered in 1959 and recognized as the nation's first large strike (17,500 barrels per day), the Zaltan oil field is connected to Marsa al-Burayqah by pipeline (completed 1961). A gas recovery plant was opened at Marsa al-Burayqah in 1969. Pop. (1972 est.) 19,473.