DUSHANBE, TAJIKISTAN, Sep 12, 2011 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) —
Tethys Petroleum Limited (“Tethys” or the “Company”) (TSX: TPL)(LSE: TPL) today gave an update on its operations in the Republic of Tajikistan.
Testing operations are underway on the East Olimtoi EOL09 exploration well located south of the town of Kulob some 10 km north of the Afghan border. This well reached a total depth of 3,765 metres in the Akdzhar formation and testing operations are being undertaken on the overlying Bukhara and Alai formations.
Currently the well is flowing a mixture of completion brine and oil from the upper Alai sandstone interval, this oil being of good quality with an API gravity of approximately 36 degrees. The current section open to testing includes this upper Alai sandstone unit as well as the lower Alai limestone interval and the upper part of the Bukhara formation. The well was drilled with heavy drilling fluid (weighted with barite), which was required to control the well when it intersected the upper Alai reservoir. Barite is currently being observed in the flow lines which the company believes is also inhibiting flow at present. It is anticipated that the well will clean up in due course, however the cleanup period may take some time. The Company is currently evaluating methods of speeding up the clean up of this well including acidisation or nitrogen-lifting using coiled tubing, subject to availability of equipment.
There are two further sandstone zones in the Alai formation which appear oil bearing based on wireline logs and which will be tested after a stable and representative flow rate has been achieved from the upper Alai sandstone unit. The lower part of the Bukhara interval was also tested but was found to have low permeability at this location although with the potential for production in future wells using production enhancement techniques such as hydraulic fracture stimulation. Mobilization of such equipment to Tajikistan would take a significant amount of time, as such the company has chosen to focus on the upper zones of this particular well at this time.
The Persea 1 exploration well, located near the town of Kurgon-Teppa is progressing within the 12 1/4″ hole section. This well is primarily targeting the Bukhara limestone formation in a four-way dip closed structure with the overlying Alai formation forming a potential secondary target. The planned total depth of this well is 2,700 metres and it is expected that this will be reached in October 2011.
Data collection for the gravity, gradiometry and magnetic aerial survey carried out over the 35,000 km2 Bokhtar Production Sharing Contract Area has now just been completed. This will provide additional and more aerially extensive data to complement the existing seismic acquisition with the final processed data and results expected in Q4 2011.
Tethys is focused on oil and gas exploration and production activities in Central Asia with activities currently in the Republics of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This highly prolific oil and gas area is rapidly developing and Tethys believes that significant potential exists in both exploration and in discovered deposits.
This press release contains “forward-looking information” which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to our operations. Such forward looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. See our Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2010 for a description of risks and uncertainties relevant to our business, including our exploration and development activities. The presence of potential hydrocarbon-bearing zones does not mean that commercial hydrocarbons will be obtained.
For further information, please contact:
Tethys Petroleum Limited
Sabin Rossi
Vice President Investor Relations
Office: +1 416 572 2065
+1 416 572 2201 (FAX)
info@tethyspetroleum.com
Web: http://www.tethyspetroleum.com
Mobile site: m.tethyspetroleum.com
In Europe: Tethys Petroleum Limited
Veronica Zhuvaghena
Vice President Corporate Communications
Office: +44 1481 725911
+44 1481 725922 (FAX)
In Asia‐Pacific: Quam IR
Anita Wan
Associate Director
Office phone/fax: +852 2217 2999
SOURCE: Tethys Petroleum Limited
mailto:info@tethyspetroleum.com http://www.tethyspetroleum.com