Noble and partners test positive results at Equatorial Guinea well

The oil discovery in the Diega prospect has now been production tested with encouraging oil flow rates. This signifies the end of a very successful exploration campaign in Block I in Equatorial Guinea. The oil and gas group PA Resources has a 6 % participating interest in the block.
The operator announced production test results from the Diega oil discovery in Block I offshore Equatorial Guinea. As previously announced, the Diega well encountered approximately 12 meter of net gas-condensate pay in the primary zone, as well as an additional 9 meter of net gas-condensate pay underlain by 11 meter of net oil pay in a previously untested feature. This is the second oil discovery on Block I.

The production test, which was only performed in the oil reservoir, gave a flow rate of 2,700 barrels of oil per day and 2.7 mm cfpd of natural gas (equivalent to 3,165 barrels of oil equivalents). Performance modelling indicates that development well completions can be designed to achieve production rates ofapproximately 10,000 barrels of oil per day per well plus associated natural gas.
Fluid samples taken during the test indicate similar crude oil characteristics to the Benita discovery, situated close to Diega. The rig has now been released from location.

Ulrik Jansson, President and CEO at PA Resources says: "The exploration campaign in Block I has been exceptional with a 100 % rate of success. The test results from the Diega oil zone are very positive, confirming that this new oil resource can be produced at substantial economic rates."
"The Diega well marks the end of this campaign and a total of four very significant discoveries were made in the block -- two gas/condensate discoveries and two oil/gas discoveries. All four discoveries have also production tested at very significant rates. This is very encouraging for the future development of the discoveries in the block."

Diega complements the Benita oil discovery, which is targeted for sanction in 2009 with first oil in 2012. The operator and partners are working aggressively to further identify the extensive potential that remains on the large acreage position and to continue the active exploration and development programs in 2009.
The Minister of Mines, Industry and Energy, HE Marcelino Owono Edu, stated: "The Government of Equatorial Guinea is delighted that another discovery has been made in the Equatorial Guinea part of the Douala Basin. The Government believes that this new discovery further confirms the significant hydrocarbon potential of the Douala Basin and highlights the positive investment climate which currently exists within the Republic of Equatorial Guinea."

PA Resources has a 6 % participating interest in Block I, through its fully owned subsidiary Osbourne Resources. Operator is Noble Energy (40 %) and the other partners are Atlas Petroleum International (29 %) and Glencore (25 %).
GEPetrol (the national oil company of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea) will have a 5 % carried interest once commerciality has been determined.