17 September 2008
Empyrean Energy PLC
('Empyrean' or the 'Company'; Ticker: (EME))
Sugarloaf Prospect, ('Sugarloaf'), Block B, Texas USA
Empyrean Energy Plc, the oil and gas explorer and producer with assets in Germany and the USA provides the following update on operations on Block B which is part of the Sugarkane Gas and Condensate Field:
Kowalik #1H Well
Empyrean has been advised by the operator, Texas Crude Energy Inc ('TCEI'), that at 00:00hrs on the 12/09/08 (US CST) the rig suspended operations in preparation for Hurricane Ike, the rig was also evacuated as a precaution. Empyrean has been informed that the rig sustained no damage from the hurricane and operations recommenced on the 14/09/08 (US CST).
Since last week drilling of the horizontal section of Kowalik #1H within the target Austin Chalk has continued and as of 06:00hrs 16/09/08 (US CST) the well had reached a measured depth of 13,835 feet. Following minor changes in the rig configuration to more accurately measure gas readings, TCEI have advised an increase in background gas values to 1,000 - 1,400 units. Gas flares have been observed of a more sustained and substantial nature whilst drilling during the last week and a significant flare occurred following a wiper trip.
Whilst encouraging the commercial significance of these gas shows and flares will not be known until the well has been flow tested.
The horizontal section is targeting the upper pay interval that has been reported as successfully producing gas and condensate in Block A (TCEI JV Block A-1 and A-3 wells).
Empyrean has an 18% working interest in this well.
Further updates will be provided following developments.
The information contained in this announcement was completed and reviewed by the Technical Director of Empyrean Energy Plc, Mr Frank Brophy BSc (Hons), who has over 40 years experience as a petroleum geologist.
For further information
Empyrean Energy plc
Tom Kelly
Tel: +44(0) 207 182 1746
Blue Oar Securities Plc
Olly Cairns / Jerry Keen
Tel: (+61) 8 6430 1631 / (+44) 207 448 4400
Jonathan Charles / Sarah Alexander
Conduit PR
Tel: +44 (0) 207 429 6611 / +44 (0) 7791 892 509