Horn Petroleum plans to drill two wells in Puntland by October 2015 after seismic data is recieved
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Horn Petroleum continues to assess the operating environment in each of the Dharoor Valley and Nugaal Valley exploration areas from logistical, community and security perspectives. These assessments will provide critical information required to plan operations in the Company’s exploration areas.
Efforts are focused on making preparations for a seismic acquisition campaign in the Dharoor Valley area which will include a regional seismic reconnaissance grid in the previously unexplored eastern portion of the basin as well as prospect specific seismic to delineate a drilling candidate in the western portion of the basin where an active petroleum system was confirmed by the drilling of the Shabeel-1 and Shabeel North-1 wells. The Company continues to pursue efforts to drill an exploration well in the Nugaal Valley block and is working with the Puntland government to move this project forward.
Horn President and CEO, David Grellman, commented, “We remain very encouraged by the exploration potential of our Jurassic rift basins in Puntland. We have committed to the next exploration phase in both PSAs and plan to explore both areas to confirm this potential. We are also optimistic that the political progress in Somalia will continue and allow oil and gas exploration in the region to expand.”
Based on the encouragement provided by the Shabeel wells, the Company and its partners entered the next exploration period in both the Dharoor Valley and Nugaal Valley PSAs which carry a commitment to drill one well in each block by October 2015. The current operational plan is to contract a seismic crew to acquire additional data in the Dharoor Valley block and to hold discussions with the Puntland Government regarding advancement of drill ready prospects in the Nugaal Valley block. The focus of the Dharoor Valley block seismic program will be to delineate new structural prospects for the upcoming drilling campaign.
Horn has been in discussions with potential joint venture partners and is actively pursuing new venture opportunities. Somalia is going through an unprecedented period in its history with a real opportunity for all stakeholders to assist in the rebuilding of the country. The first internationally recognized Federal government took power in 2012 following over 20 years of transitional or no government. In Puntland, a new President was voted into power in January 2014 and the transfer took place peacefully. The Company actively engages with a range of governments and organizations, domestic and international, around how Somalia can best develop a stable Federal state including the institutions and systems it needs to properly manage its natural resources.
Horn holds a 60% working interest in the Dharoor and Nugaal Valley blocks and is the operator. The other partners in the blocks are Range Resources (20%) and Red Emperor (20%). Africa Oil Corp. holds an approximate 45% equity interest in Horn.
Source: Horn Peroleum
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