mauritanian drilling update Mauritanian Drilling Update: Heron 1...

mauritanian drilling update Mauritanian Drilling Update: Heron 1 (Block 20)
Australian based oil and gas exploration company Baraka Petroleum Limited (ASX: BKP) has
been provided with an update on the drilling of Heron-1 within Coastal Block 20 in Mauritania by operator and joint venture partner CNPC International Mauritania Limited (CNPCIM).
This update is as follows: The land-drilling rig ZJ50LDB operated by drilling operator GWDC (Great Wall Drilling Company) has continued drilling the CNPCIM operated Heron-1 exploration well in coastal Block 20 onshore
Mauritania, West Africa (see Figure 1).
As at 2:00 pm (AWST) on the 15 January 2007, the operation was drilling ahead in 8 1/2 inch hole at a depth of 3430 metres with no shows. Continued reduced penetration rate has been due to the Operator attempting to reduce the deviation angle (angle from vertical) of the well.
Formation penetrated was largely claystones with decreasing sandstones and occasional limestones.
The next zone of special is Aptian aged limestones and sandstones. The Lower Albion aged section, which lies above the Aptian has been penetrated deep to prognosis resulting in a revised estimated depth of the Aptian from 3600 to approximately 3800 metres. The entire section from 2200 metres to the total depth of the well, has potential reservoir seal pairs and
occurs within closure of the Heron structure and therefore has the potential to contain hydrocarbons.
The Total Depth (TD) of the Heron-1 well will be revised based on the depth at which the Aptian
is penetrated. Four casing strings planned. Due to the slow penetration rate the well is expected
to take longer than the three months originally planned.
CNPCIM is a wholly owned subsidiary of CNPC International Limited (CNPCI) and is Operator of Block 20 with 65% interest. Baraka Petroleum’s interest in Block 20 is 35%.
ENDS