PetroMagdalena Energy announces Petirojo-1 discovery well located in the Cubiro Block with initial production test of 1,545 bopd of 40 degree API and commencement of drilling of Copa-B exploration well

TORONTO, Aug. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ - PetroMagdalena Energy Inc. (TSXV: PMD) is pleased to announce it has discovered a new light oilfield with the Petirojo-1 discovery well, with the well currently producing 1,545 bopd of 40 degrees API light oil after 13 hours of initial production test.  This represents 1,080 bopd gross working interest share for the Company, which is just under half of the Company's current production.

Luciano Biondi, Chief Executive Officer of PetroMagdalena stated, "We are extremely pleased to commence our exploration program with such positive drilling results in our core block in Colombia, coming as it does in conjunction with the spudding of the Copa-B exploration well, which provides more momentum to our business plan."

Located in Cubiro Block B, the Petirojo-1 well, in which the Company holds a 70% working interest, was spudded on July 14, 2011 and directionally drilled to a total depth of 6,399 feet measured depth ("MD").  The C7 Carbonera reservoir was found at a depth of 5,636 feet (MD) and well logs indicate a net oil pay of 32 feet with porosities averaging 29%. After perforating 17 feet in three intervals in the C7 Carbonera sand and after installing an electric submersible pump ("ESP"), the well produced 370 barrels of 40.8 degrees API oil over the latest 4.0 hour period at an average rate of 1,545 bopd and a downhole flowing pressure of 1,850 psi, a 21% drawdown, with an average BS&W of 21.7%. The well testing program is ongoing and final results will be provided.

Based on seismic interpretations, the accumulation discovered by Petirojo-1 is a 2.0 kilometer long structure with a closure of 190 acres, corresponding to the typical exploration play in the Llanos Basin, and on trend with the Palmarito Field to the north, which shows a cumulative production in excess of 12 million barrels.

PetroMagdalena and its partner have agreed to drill two additional wells as part of this year's drilling program: (i) an exploration well north of Petirojo to test a separate structure located between Petirojo-1 and the Palmarito Field within the same trend, and (ii) one appraisal/development well offsetting the Petirojo-1 discovery well.

In Cubiro Block C, the Company is currently drilling the Copa-B exploration well and today is at 2,870 feet (MD) with a target total depth of 6,992 feet (MD). Copa-B will test a seismically defined structure 4.4 kilometers south and on trend with the Copa Field, discovered last year where two wells in the C7 Carbonera sand averaged an initial production rate of 1,400 bopd.

Management will hold a conference call on Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss these results. Analysts and interested investors are invited to participate as follows:

A playback of this conference call will be available by dialing 416-849-0833 with the above conference ID number until September 6, 2011.

PetroMagdalena is a Canadian-based oil and gas exploration and production company, with working interests in 19 properties in five basins in Colombia. Further information can be obtained by visiting our website at www.petromagdalena.com.

All monetary amounts in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated. This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of PetroMagdalena. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to estimated production and reserve life of the various oil and gas projects of PetroMagdalena; the estimation of oil and gas reserves; the realization of oil and gas reserve estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production; costs of production; success of exploration activities; and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Except for statements of historical fact relating to the company, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan," "expect," "project," "intend," "believe," "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of PetroMagdalena and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking statements include changes in market conditions, risks relating to international operations, fluctuating oil and gas prices and currency exchange rates, changes in project parameters, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, labour disputes and other risks of the oil and gas industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated. Although PetroMagdalena has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. PetroMagdalena undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

 

SOURCE PetroMagdalena Energy Corp.