Alba Mineral Resources plc, the diversified mineral exploration and development company, has announced that Horse Hill Developments Ltd, the operator of the HH-1 Kimmeridge Limestone and Portland Sandstone oil discovery in which Alba has an 11.765% interest, has informed the company that:
- Aggregate test production from the Portland reservoir at the Horse Hill oil field now exceeds 10 000 bbls.
- The continuous Portland dry oil flow (i.e. oil with zero water content), at a stable daily average rate of over 220 bpd, forms a key part of the schedule of works required to finalise the Portland field development plan and to the Operator's target of establishment of permanent long-term Portland production by end 2019.
- Rig tender documents have been issued to contractors for the drilling of the HH-2 Portland and HH-1z Kimmeridge appraisal/production wells for which planning and environmental permits are in place, with drilling targeted to start in spring 2019.
- HH-1 test production is planned to continue until the completion and testing of the new HH-2 Portland well.
Further, the Operator has provided the following summary of extended well test ("EWT") results to date:
- Over 35 000 bbls aggregate Kimmeridge and Portland oil production to date.
- Over 25 000 bbls total Kimmeridge oil production.
- Over 10 000 bbls total Portland production to date, with flow continuing.
- 165 tankers of crude exported primarily to Perenco's Hamble oil terminal. The Portland's 36° API Brent quality crude, containing zero produced water, continues to be sold at prevailing Brent crude oil prices, less a small deduction for handling and marketing.
George Frangeskides, Alba's Executive Chairman, commented: "We are pleased to see continued stable production reported from the Portland Sandstone and look forward to further updates from the Operator as the programme continues.”