Emerald Energy provides the following update on operations in Block 26, Syria.

Khurbet East No.10 Development Well

Drilling operations have commenced at the Khurbet East No.10 well, the second of three development wells being drilled in the central area of the field to support the expansion of the Khurbet East early production facility. The well is planned as a horizontal production well with a surface location adjacent to the recently completed Khurbet East No.9 development well and entering the Cretaceous Massive reservoir approximately 700 metres to the northwest.

Khurbet East Field Oil Production

Gross oil production from the Khurbet East field has recently averaged approximately 10,800 barrels per day and has reached a cumulative total of 3 million barrels. The field continues to perform above expectation with strong pressure support, high productivity from producing wells, and minimal field water production of less than 1%.

The expansion of the capacity of the early production facility to 18,000 barrels of fluid per day is proceeding on schedule with first production through the expanded facility expected early in the third quarter of 2009.

Exploration 3D Seismic Survey

Acquisition of the 850 square kilometre 3D seismic survey in the area around the Khurbet East and Yousefieh fields has been completed. Delivery of the final processed data is expected late in the third quarter of 2009, with interpretation of these data commencing immediately thereafter.

Emerald’s Chief Executive Officer, Angus MacAskill, said, “We are very pleased with the continued progress in Block 26, with the co-ordinated development activities focused on delivering increased production rates from the Khurbet East field in the third quarter. We also look forward to the interpretation of the recently completed 3D seismic survey which is expected to result in further exploration drilling in 2010.”

Tags: Emerald Energy Plc