Gulf Keystone provides the following update for the current exploration and testing activities in the Kurdistan region of Iraq:

Shaikan-3 The well is currently in the Cretaceous Garagu Formation at 1,229 metres, measured depth. Oil shows have been observed both while drilling and also in a core. The wellbore is being conditioned prior to logging the well. Subsequently, the well will be drilled to TD and a 7-inch casing string will be run, finally, the pay interval will be tested.

Extended Well Test Facilities at Shaikan-1 A total of 10 truck loads of crude from the Shaikan-1 discovery well have now been sent to different refineries and oil processing plants in Kurdistan. The results of refined product yields from these product test runs continue to be analysed, after which a domestic price will be set for the Shaikan, Sargelu crude oil.

Sheikh Adi-1 The well is currently drilling in the Cretaceous at 899 metres, measured depth. Oil shows have been encountered in a core taken in the top Cretaceous. In addition, oil shows have been seen in the surface returns whenever there have been full or even partial returns. Log evaluation also indicates high hydrocarbon saturations over a minimum gross interval of 50 metres in the first Cretaceous zone encountered. However, hole stability issues (swelling, unstable shales) preclude the possibility of a production test at this time, doing so would involve running an unplanned casing string thus jeopardising our ability to reach the primary Jurassic and Triassic targets. Plans are to drill ahead to the primary targets and leave the Cretaceous intervals for later testing.

Bijeel-1 Kalegran, a 100% subsidiary of MOL, and the operator of the Akri-Bijeel block is continuing well test operations on the Bijeel-1 discovery well. Release of the Weatherford 842 drilling rig is scheduled for mid-November at which point the rig will move to the Shaikan-2 location and begin drilling the first deep appraisal well on the Shaikan structure.

Drilling Rig Tender The GKP bid evaluation team is currently reviewing the eleven technical and commercial bid proposals that were received in response to the Company's tender. GKP expects to award a contract to the successful bidder during November. The selected rig will be used to drill the Shaikan-4 appraisal well.

Shaikan and Sheikh Adi 3D Seismic Acquisition of approximately 525 square kilometres of 3D seismic data for the Shaikan block is 98% complete and data processing and evaluation have commenced. On Sheikh Adi, approximately 300 square kilometres of seismic data acquisition is 10% complete.

Commenting on today's announcement, John Gerstenlauer, Chief Operating Officer said,"We are very encouraged by the log results and oil shows seen thus far in the Sheikh Adi-1 exploration well. The well logs and oil shows in this well not only point towards significant potential in the Cretaceous but also serve to further de-risk the oil potential of at least the Jurassic age targets deeper in this well. In addition we have made significant progress in establishing a fair price for the Shaikan Sargelu crude oil in the Kurdistan market in preparation for routine domestic oil sales."

Tags: Gulf Keystone Petroleum