The seismic interpretation of 180 km of reprocessed seismic data has been completed and the results integrated in the geological model of the Attila license. The interpretation has focused on a prospective area in the central part of the license, where a geochemical survey and other data have indicated the presence of natural gas.

The seismic interpretation defines a closed geological feature in this part of the license, bound by a fault to the east. The benefit of the seismic reprocessing was an enhanced resolution of the data that allowed for accurate mapping of this fault and the structure.

Combined with data previously acquired, the additional information provided by the seismic study was sufficient to upgrade the lead in question to a drillable prospect as determined by the operator Galli Coz SA and Tethys.

This is the first of a total of five leads within the license area to have been upgraded to drillable status. The future of the other leads will be determined by the result of the coming exploration well on the first structure.

Based on the seismic interpretation three potential drilling sites have been identified on the prospect and work will now be directed to surface surveys to select an optimal drilling location. A drilling program will be designed and tenders for suitable rigs will be carried out over the next couple of months with a view to drill an exploration well later this year. Estimated drilling depths are from 1,500 to 1,550 meters.

The Attila License covers 1,986 km2 of the Department of Meuse in Northeastern France, about 250 km east of Paris. Tethys has a 40% interest in the license with private French oil company Galli Coz S.A. having 60% and operatorship. The license area is located in the Eastern part of the oil and gas producing Paris basin adjacent to the Gaz de France operated Trois – Fontaines natural gas field and containing the small undeveloped Montplonne gas discovery.