Manas Petroleum Corp. has commenced the second seismic survey on the two Mongolian blocks - Zuunbayan-XIV Block and Tsagaan Els-XIII Block - owned by Gobi Energy Partners GmbH (GEP GmbH).

This year's seismic survey includes up to 1,700 km of 2D seismic. It covers 10 prospective areas over both blocks, which were identified by our integrated interpretation. The program is laid out in 8 phases without any interruption between the phases; however, some phases show interdependencies. Preparation and mobilization has commenced and the acquisition is expected to begin in mid-August. The seismic work will be conducted with vibrators.

Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, DWM Petroleum AG, Manas owns record title to 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of GEP GmbH, though 26% is held in trust for others. GEP GmbH owns 100% of Gobi Energy Partners LLC ("Gobi"), the Mongolian operator of the oil and gas projects on the two blocks. Gobi signed the agreement for Seismic Services with Sinopec Mongolia LLC ("Sinopec"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec Group), on July 12, 2011. Sinopec has extensive seismic experience in this area. Sinopec offers all services from seismic to drilling and drilling related services. Sinopec will use Sercel equipment for the survey. The total cost of the program, including mobilization and demobilization, is projected to be US$4.2 million. Nine companies participated in the tender.

This seismic survey is being carried out in an effort to improve the quality of existing data and increase the chances of success of exploratory wells the company intends to drill upon completion and interpretation of the new data. The first well is anticipated to be spudded in the second quarter of 2012.

Tags: Manas Petroleum