Tower Resources Regulatory News (TRP)

1 Aug 2008 14:47



PRESS RELEASE

1 August 2008

Tower Resources Plc ('Tower' or 'the Company')

Operational Update

Uganda

Tower is pleased to advise its shareholders that the programme of seismic interpretation and geochemical sampling has been completed and, on the basis of the subsequent interpretation, two well locations, one to be drilled to about 1000 metres and the second to about 500 metres, have been selected. The well locations have been approved by the Uganda Government. Formal enquiries are now being made to acquire a drilling rig to drill two wells on Licence Exploration Area 5 (EA5) beginning as soon as practical after 1st November 2008. A drilling manager has been appointed to coordinate the drilling programme. 

Seismic interpretation has confirmed the similarity of EA5 to EA1, operated by Heritage, and the northern part of EA2, operated by Tullow, with prospects identified down to about 1000 metres. The geochemical survey involved sampling for heavy and light hydrocarbons at depths down to 1.8 metres. Field readings, particularly for heavy components were very encouraging. Independent laboratory analyses have confirmed the presence of natural hydrocarbons and the existence of an active oil source and migration system within the Block. To quote from the independent conclusions:

The data suggest a source rock in the main oil window

Data for two samples suggest the source rock:

Is Late Cretaceous - Tertiary in age

has fresh to brackish water lacustrine depositional setting

has main oil window maturity

There is some indication that one sample point may be an active seep

 This substantially resolves the remaining area of uncertainty for exploration in EA5. 

Tower notes Orca's announcement today that the EA5 project exceeds Orca's appetite for risk and its decision to allocate its own capital to other projects. Serious discussion with Orca's executive management recently took place to explore Orca's future participation at a reduced 25% level but agreement could not be reached on a participation structure which met Orca's commercial objectives. Tower has now been advised by Orca that it does not wish to take up its Option. Orca's interest in EA5 will now lapse and 100 per cent ownership of the project reverts to Tower. Tower has made significant progress in achieving alternative funding and discussions are well advanced with a well funded oil and gas exploration company to meet the cost of 50% of the well commitments.

Namibia

Detailed interpretation of seismic data is continuing but Tower has no definite new information to add to previous announcements.

Tower's Chairman Peter Kingston commented:

 "I am disappointed that Orca is not continuing as Tower's partner in future exploration on Uganda EA5 but I am confident that alternative funding from Industry sources can be put in place in good time. I am delighted, however, that the latest geochemical survey results have confirmed an active oil source and migration system within the Licence - this was always the greatest area of uncertainty with respect to exploration prospectivity in the Licence. The Tower Board is now looking forward to the start of drilling before the end of the year."

Contact details:

Notes to Editors

Tower Resources Plc is an AIM-listed, independent oil and gas exploration company based in London.

The company is focused on sub-Saharan Africa, holding exploration licences in Namibia and Uganda through its two operating subsidiaries Neptune Petroleum (Namibia) Ltd and Neptune Petroleum (Uganda) Ltd.

The company's assets include; blocks 1910A, 1911 and 2011A offshore Namibia and onshore block 5 in Northern Uganda.

Tower also has through its 100% ownership of Comet Petroleum a 50% interest in two exploration licences (Guelta and Bojador) in the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic.