Africa Oil Corp. is pleased to provide the following update on its operations in Kenya and Ethiopia. With two significant oil finds achieved to date, the Company and operating partner, Tullow Oil plc, continue their very aggressive 2013 drill program on the newly discovered East African play fairway. The partnership currently has three rigs active in the area.
The testing program on the Twiga discovery well is underway with final results expected to be announced in early February. Five zones are being tested. Based on analysis of the electrical logs, conventional and sidewall cores and MDT sampling program, the Company estimates a flow rate of approximately 500 bopd per interval. It is important to note that the test results may be limited by the size and capacity of the pump and testing equipment being used and a number of other factors including reservoir characteristics and pressure.
Drilling operations continue at the Paipai prospect in Kenya Block 10A which is preparing to drill ahead at 3,850 meters after setting 9 5/8" casing. The well has penetrated a shaly interval which is believed to be a potential top seal for the main objective reservoirs of Lower Cretaceous and possibly Jurassic age. The well is expected to reach total depth in the first half of February.
In Ethiopia, the Sabisa well in the South Omo block is expected to commence drilling by the end of January.
In addition, the Company reports that it has terminated its interest in Blocks 7 and 11 in Mali and been released from all future obligations in relation to these Blocks. The Company previously wrote-off its capitalized costs related to Mali during the first quarter of 2012, recognizing a $3.1 million impairment.
