VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA — (Marketwire) — 02/13/13 — Africa Oil Corp. (“Africa Oil” or the “Company”) (TSX VENTURE: AOI)(OMX: AOI) is pleased to provide the following update in respect of its ongoing operations in Kenya.
Four flow tests have been carried out on the Twiga South-1 well in January and early February and a fifth test is ongoing. A cumulative rate of 2,351 bopd was recorded from two separate sands in the Auwerwer formation. One test flowed at a maximum natural flow rate of 1,860 bopd of 37 degrees API oil and the other flowed at a rate of 491 bopd using a Progressive Cavity Pump (PCP). The final flow test in the Auwerwer formation is ongoing using a PCP and we anticipate that the zone will flow over 500 bopd taking the total combined rate to over 2,850 bopd for the well. Two deeper tests were also completed on the tight reservoir rock at the bottom of the well and, as anticipated, both produced at sub-commercial flow rates and reconfirmed the presence of moveable oil.
The reservoir quality of the Auwerwer sands appears to be significantly better than predicted which was also supported by recent core analysis data with several values over 1 darcy permeability. These tests provide the first potentially commercial flow rates achieved in Kenya and provide real encouragement for the forthcoming DST programme at the Ngamia discovery, located approximately 22 kilometres to the south of Twiga South-1. With the conclusion of the Twiga South-1 testing programme, the Weatherford-804 rig will move to Ngamia-1A to re-enter the well and perform at least four flow tests.
The Company also reports that the Paipai-1 well has reached a total depth of 4255 metres, encountering igneous rocks at the base that appear to be basement. Light hydrocarbon shows were encountered in sands in the Lower Cretaceous interval and the well is currently being cased for additional fluid sampling by MDT. Further testing or evaluation of Paipai, if warranted, would follow with a dedicated testing unit. On completion of operations at Paipai, the Sakson PR-5 will mobilise to Kenya Block 10BB to spud the Etuko-1 well in the Lokichar basin. The spud is expected in 2Q 2013.
Africa Oil President and CEO, Keith Hill, stated, “We are extremely pleased with the reservoir quality and resultant flow rates in the shallow Auwerwer sands confirmed by this testing. We will now focus on this section as the primary reservoir in our upcoming exploration program on the western flank of the Lokichar Basin. We remain intrigued by the lower fractured reservoir and Lower Lokhone sands which will be further evaluated in future exploration. Our aggressive 2013 drilling program includes numerous high impact wells on trend with the Lokichar discoveries but also wells in new areas designed to open additional sub-basins in our large acreage portfolio.”
About Africa Oil
Africa Oil Corp. is a Canadian oil and gas company with assets in Kenya, Ethiopia and Mali as well as Puntland (Somalia) through its approximate 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 250,000 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 Oil plc hold 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)