TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 20, 2012) - Santa Maria Petroleum Inc. (TSX VENTURE:SMQ) ("Santa Maria" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has commenced extended test production of the Flami-1 well at the Llanos 27 block.
The Flami-1 well is the second well drilled by NCT Energy Group C.A. Colombia, as official Operator of the Llanos 27 Block, along with Santa Maria and its partners. The well commenced drilling on April 23, 2012 and was drilled to a total depth of 9,300 feet on May 31, 2012. Initial testing operations occurred between June 21 and July 5, 2012. At that time the well was suspended while Santa Maria and its partners awaited regulatory approval to put the well back on production. Approval was received on August 17 and production commenced on August 18, 2012.
Santa Maria and its partners have brought the well back on at initial fluid production rates of 1,700 BOFD. The intention is to gradually increase drawdown rate while closely monitoring watercut in order to determine optimal production conditions. At present the well has been producing at an 18% watercut, producing approximately 1,400 BOPD.
About Santa Maria Petroleum Inc.
Santa Maria is a junior oil and gas company with private participating interests in 4 blocks in the Llanos Basin of Colombia.
Cautionary Statements
This news release contains forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (together, "forward-looking information"). The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "believe", "plans", "intends", "confident", "may", "objective", "ongoing", "will", "should", "project", "should" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information.
The forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Santa Maria, including expectations and assumptions concerning the operational results in Colombia. Although Santa Maria believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Santa Maria can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.
Since forward-looking information addresses future events and conditions, by its very nature it involves inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the inherent risks involved in the exploration and development of oil and gas properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data, uncertainties relating to fluctuating oil and gas prices, the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses and other factors including unforeseen delays. Anticipated exploration and development plans relating to Santa Maria's properties are subject to change.
The foregoing list of assumptions, risks and uncertainties is not exhaustive. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and Santa Maria undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.
NEITHER THE 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 RELEASE.
Contact Information:
Ron MacMicken
President & Chief Executive Officer
(647) 476-7572
ron@quetzalenergy.com