Birch Lake Energy Inc. Initiates Two Well Drilling Program at Lochend, AB

CALGARY, Nov. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Birch Lake Energy Inc. ("Birch Lake" or the "Corporation") (TSXV: BLK) is pleased to announce that the Corporation and its partner, a private Alberta company, have spud the first well in a two program.

The wells will both be drilled to a total drill depth of approximately 3400 metres including a horizontal component of approximately 1200 metres, and completed with a multi-stage frac to test the Cardium formation.  The corporation has a 40% working interest in both wells, each anticipated to cost between $3.5 and $4.5 million.  The cost of the wells will be satisfied through the Corporation's existing cash resources and the cash obtained from the proposed acquisition of Veraz Petroleum Ltd. (refer to press release dated November 6, 2012 for additional information).

The wells will be drilled and completed sequentially.  The drilling of each well is anticipated to take approximately 20-25 days, with the frac and completion for each well anticipated to take approximately 14 days.

The Corporation is excited to commence drilling operations at Lochend, and will update shareholders with the results of the drilling program when it is completed.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements which constitute forward-looking statements or information ("forward-looking statements"), including statements regarding Birch Lake's business, the proposed acquisition, and Birch Lake's drilling plans.  Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Birch Lake's control, including the ability of Birch Lake and Veraz Petroleum Ltd. to satisfy the conditions to completion of the proposed acquisition, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, currency fluctuations, imprecision of reserve estimates, environmental risks, operational risks in exploration and development, competition from other industry participants, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, stock market volatility and the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources.  Although Birch Lake believes that the expectations in their respective forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate. Those factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward looking information.  As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward looking information, as no assurance can be provided as to future results, levels of activity or achievements.  The forward-looking statements contained in this document are made as of the date of this document and, except as required by applicable law, Birch Lake does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.  The forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

About Birch Lake Energy Inc.

Birch Lake is a junior oil and gas company engaged in the exploration for and the acquisition, development and production of oil and natural gas reserves in Western Canada.  The Corporation's common shares are listed to trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "BLK".

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.

SOURCE: Birch Lake Capital Inc.

William H. Petrie
President and Chief Executive Officer
[phone]