Premier is pleased to report that the drilling and testing of the Chinguetti-4-5 appraisal well has been successfully completed. This is the first well to be drilled following Premier's agreement to acquire interests in Mauritania from Fusion Oil & Gas announced in May 2003.
The well testing operations consisted of a main flow period of approximately six days, a sampling flow period and a pressure build up test. The well flowed at a maximum rate of 15,680 barrels of oil plus 6.6 million standard cubic feet of gas per day constrained by a 112/64 inch choke, and at a steady rate of approximately 11,500 barrels of oil per day when constrained by a 72/64 inch choke. Approximately 77,000 barrels of oil were produced during testing operations.
The well will be suspended as a potential future oil production well. The decision on the field commerciality by the joint venture partners is expected by the end of 2003 with formal development go-ahead in 2004. The Chinguetti field has estimated recoverable oil reserves of 120 million barrels with production expected to commence around the end of 2005 or early in 2006.
The Chinguetti-4-6 (Tiof) exploration well, also offshore Mauritania, was spudded on 28 October 2003 by the drill ship 'West Navigator'. The well is located approximately 25 kilometres north of the Chinguetti field. It is expected to reach target depth in November.
After this well the joint venture will drill the Chinguetti-4-7 (Poune) exploration well also offshore Mauritania.
Charles Jamieson, Chief Executive of Premier, said:
'We are delighted that the Chinguetti well has been a success, following our deal with Fusion Oil & Gas earlier this year. This is an excellent start to Premier's active exploration and appraisal programme over the next year.'
4 November 2003
ENQUIRIES:
Premier Oil plc Tel: 020 7730 1111 Charles Jamieson John van der Welle
College Hill Tel: 020 7457 2020 James Henderson Phil Wilson-Brown
Background For Editors:
Premier Oil plc is a leading independent oil and gas company with producing interests in the UK, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Exploration and appraisal is ongoing in the UK, Indonesia, West Africa (Mauritania, Guinea Bissau and Gabon) and South Asia (Pakistan and India).
As previously announced on 28 May 2003, Premier has entered into an agreement with Fusion Oil & Gas Ltd regarding its interests in Mauritania. Premier will acquire a 6% share of PSC B (which includes the Chinguetti field) and a 3% share of PSC A from Fusion Oil & Gas on completion of the transaction. Completion will take place separately for each PSC and will occur on Mauritanian government approval of a field development plan for a field in each PSC.
The current partners and interests in Mauritania PSC B are: