Immediate Release 17(th) June 2010
GULFSANDS PETROLEUM PLC
Tunisia Drilling Update
London, 17(th) June, 2010:Â Gulfsands Petroleum plc ("Gulfsands", the "Group" or
the "Company" - AIM: GPX), the oil and gas production, exploration and
development company with activities in Syria, Iraq, Tunisia, Italy and the
U.S.A., is pleased to announce that ADX Energy Ltd (ASX:ADX and formerly known
as AuDAX Resources Ltd), the operator of the Kerkouane Exploration Licence
offshore Tunisia (Kerkouane Licence) and the adjacent Pantelleria Exploration
Permit in Southern Italy (G.R15.PU, known as the Pantelleria Permit) has advised
of the commencement of mobilisation of the Atwood "Southern Cross" semi
submersible drilling rig to the Lambouka-1 well location on the Kerkouane
Licence.
While the exact duration of the rig tow is weather dependant, ADX Energy has
estimated that the drilling rig should arrive on location within 12 to 15 days.
Mobilisation of the drilling spread onto the Kerkouane exploration licence,
including
the "Southern Cross" semi submersible drilling rig and all towing and supply
vessels,
followed receipt of requisite approvals from the Tunisian Naval authority
(Commission Consultative des Activities Maritimes).
Gulfsands' is acquiring a 30% participating interest in the Kerkouane Licence
and Pantelleria Permit. Drilling of the Lambouka-1 exploration well offshore
Tunisia is now expected to commence in early July.
Gulfsands also expects to participate in the drilling of another exploration
well before the end of 2010 in the onshore Chorbane permit, to earn a 40%
participating interest (see announcement of 18(th) May 2010).
Ric Malcolm, Gulfsands CEO, said
"We are pleased to be able to report that the Southern Cross semi-submersible is
now on its way to the Lambouka-1 exploration well location and look forward to
shortly reporting the commencement of drilling operations."
This release has been approved by Richard Malcolm, Chief Executive of Gulfsands
Petroleum Plc who has a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology with 30 years of
experience in petroleum exploration and management. Mr. Malcolm has consented to
the inclusion of the technical information in this release in the form and
context in which it appears.
For more information please contact:
Gulfsands Petroleum (London) +44 (0)20 7434 6060
Richard Malcolm, Chief Executive Officer
Andrew Rose, Chief Financial Officer
Kenneth Judge, Director: Corporate Development &
Communications
Buchanan Communications Limited (London) +44 (0)20 7466 5000
Bobby Morse
Ben Romney
Chris McMahon
RBC Capital Markets (London) +44 (0)20 7653 4000
Josh Critchley
Matthew Coakes
Martin Eales
ABOUT GULFSANDS:
Gulfsands is listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.
Syria
Gulfsands owns a 50% working interest and is operator of Block 26 in North East
Syria. The Khurbet East oil field was discovered in June 2007 and commenced
commercial production within 13 months of the discovery. The Yousefieh oil field
was discovered in November 2008 and commenced commercial production within 18
months of discovery. These fields are now producing at an average combined gross
production rate of approximately 18,000 barrels of oil per day through an early
production facility. Block 26 covers approximately 8,250 square kilometres and
encompasses existing fields which currently produce over 100,000 barrels of oil
per day, and are operated mainly by the Syrian Petroleum Company. The current
exploration licence expires in August 2010 and is extendable for a further two
years. Gulfsands' working interest 2P reserves in Syria at 31 December 2009
were 46.0 mmbbls.
Iraq
Gulfsands signed a Memorandum of Understanding in January 2005 with the Ministry
of Oil in Iraq for the Maysan Gas Project in Southern Iraq, following completion
of a feasibility study on the project, and is negotiating details of a
definitive contract for this regionally important development. The project will
gather, process and transmit natural gas that is currently a waste by-product of
oil production and as a result of the present practice of gas flaring,
contributes to significant environmental damage in the region. The Company is
actively engaged in discussions with respect to financing and potential equity
partners. Gulfsands has no reserves in Iraq.
Gulf of Mexico, USA
The Company owns interests in 37 leases offshore Texas and Louisiana which
include 24 producing oil and gas fields with proved and probable working
interest reserves at 31 December 2009 of 4.6 mmboe.
Certain statements included herein constitute "forward-looking statements"
within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. These forward-looking
statements are based on certain assumptions made by Gulfsands and as such are
not a guarantee of future performance. Actual results could differ materially
from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements due to
factors such as general economic and market conditions, increased costs of
production or a decline in oil and gas prices. Gulfsands is under no obligation
to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws.
More information can be found on the Company's website www.gulfsands.com
[HUG#1424664]
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