VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA — (Marketwire) — 10/26/12 — Africa Oil Corp. (“Africa Oil” or the “Company”) (TSX VENTURE: AOI)(OMX: AOI) is pleased to report that it has completed the previously announced (July 23, 2012) farmout agreement with New Age (African Global Energy) Limited (“New Age”) whereby New Age acquired an additional 25% interest in Africa Oil–s Blocks 7 & 8 in Ethiopia, together with operatorship of Blocks 7 & 8 and the Adigala Area. In consideration of the assignment of the interest New Age paid Africa Oil $1.5 million in consideration of past costs. Following the completion of the New Age farmout transaction, the resulting interest in Blocks 7 & 8 will be as follows:
Keith Hill, Africa Oil–s President and CEO, stated, “We are very pleased to have completed this farmout to New Age, an existing partner in our Ethiopian exploration program. We look forward to working together to expand on the success we have had in our East Africa exploration program to date. Africa Oil looks forward to commencing drilling operations in Ethiopia, with the Sabisa-1 well which is planned to be spud before the end of the year in the South Omo Block. Tullow Oil plc (“Tullow”) holds a 50% working interest and operates the South Omo Block with Africa Oil holding the remaining 50% interest. East Africa is rapidly becoming the most prospective oil and gas province in the world and the large, strategic land portfolio we hold ensures we will be at the center of industry activity.”
In addition, the Company reports that it expects to announce drilling results from the Twiga South-1 well, currently being drilled in Block 13T, in early to mid-November. Announcement of these results has been slightly delayed due primarily to minor mechanical issues on the drilling rig, which have now been addressed. The well is now drilling ahead. The Twiga South-1 well is operated by Tullow. Africa Oil and Tullow each hold 50% working interests in the block.
Africa Oil Corp. is a Canadian oil and gas company with assets in Kenya, Ethiopia and Mali as well as Puntland (Somalia) through its 45% equity interest in Horn Petroleum Corporation. Africa Oil–s East African holdings are in within a world-class exploration play fairway with a total gross land package in this prolific region in excess of 300,000 square kilometers. The East African Rift Basin system is one of the last of the great rift basins to be explored. New discoveries have been announced on all sides of Africa Oil–s virtually unexplored land position including the major Albert Graben oil discovery in neighboring Uganda. Africa Oil–s recent Ngamia-1 discovery extends the Albert Graben play into Kenya where Africa Oil along with partner Tullow holds a dominant acreage position. Newly acquired seismic and gravity data show robust leads and prospects throughout Africa Oil–s project areas. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and on First North at NASDAQ OMX-Stockholm under the symbol “AOI”.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements made and information contained herein constitute “forward-looking information” (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation). Such statements and information (together, “forward looking statements”) relate to future events or the Company–s future performance, business prospects or opportunities. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to estimates of reserves and or resources, future production levels, future capital expenditures and their allocation to exploration and development activities, future drilling and other exploration and development activities, ultimate recovery of reserves or resources and dates by which certain areas will be explored, developed or reach expected operating capacity, that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.
All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements. Statements concerning proven and probable reserves and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements and reflect conclusions that are based on certain assumptions that the reserves and resources can be economically exploited. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as “seek”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “predict”, “potential”, “targeting”, “intend”, “could”, “might”, “should”, “believe” and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be “forward-looking statements”. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable laws. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things, changes in oil prices, results of exploration and development activities, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of materials and equipment, timeliness of government or other regulatory approvals, actual performance of facilities, availability of financing on reasonable terms, availability of third party service providers, equipment and processes relative to specifications and expectations and unanticipated environmental impacts on operations. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Keith C. Hill, President and CEO
Africa Oil–s Certified Advisor on NASDAQ OMX First North is Pareto Ohman AB.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
Africa Oil Corp.
Sophia Shane
Corporate Development
(604) 689-7842
(604) 689-4250 (FAX)