Petromanas formally announces discovery on Blocks 2-3 in Albania

CALGARY, Jan. 9, 2014 /CNW/ - Petromanas Energy Inc. ("Petromanas" or the "Company") (TSXV: PMI) today announced that based on its previously disclosed well results and initial positive 30 day pressure build-up data from the Shpirag-2 well, it has officially informed the Albanian government of a discovery on Blocks 2-3, onshore Albania in which it holds a 25% working interest and is the operator with Shell holding the remaining 75% interest.

Pursuant to the terms of the Production Sharing Contract for Blocks 2-3, the Company must notify the government whether it considers the discovery to be worthy of appraisal as a potential commercial discovery within 60 days after the notice of discovery.  An appraisal plan would also be submitted at that time. The first well in the appraisal program is expected to be Shpirag-3, located approximately three kilometres to the south of the Shpirag-2 well. Drilling at Shpirag-3 is expected to commence following completion of drilling at Molisht-1.

The Company has completed the 30 day pressure build-up on the Shpirag-2 well and pulled the data recorders from the hole. Initial information following the three-day flow test indicates the formation has returned to expected reservoir pressures. All recorded data from the month-long test has been sent for further analysis. The well has been suspended until next steps have been determined.

"We remain pleased with the initial performance of this well and are eager to begin moving ahead with the design of an appraisal program while drilling of the Molisht-1 well continues," said Glenn McNamara, CEO of Petromanas. "Once we have analyzed all of the data from the 30-day build up test we expect to be in a better position to make a determination with respect to next steps for the Shpirag-2 well."

Molisht-1

The Molisht-1 well is currently drilling at a depth of approximately 2,200 metres. Consistent with the Company's experience at Shpirag-2, the well encountered a series of anticipated lost circulation zones in the upper carbonate which have been resolved. These lost circulation zones resulted from extensive fracturing of the upper carbonate sheet. Petromanas expects to drill the well to a total depth of approximately 5,500 metres.

Blocks 2-3 Seismic Program

The Company's contractors have now completed all data acquisition for the 456 km 2D seismic program. Seismic processing and interpretation is now underway and expected to continue throughout 2014. The data from the program will be used to identify additional drilling targets on Blocks 2-3.

Upcoming Conference Attendance

Mr. Glenn McNamara, Chief Executive Officer, will present a corporate overview of the Company at the Macquarie Oil and Gas Explorers Conference on Monday, January 13, 2014 at 10:20am GMT. The conference takes place at the Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel in London, England.

An updated version of the Company's investor presentation will be made available on the corporate website at www.petromanas.com.

About Petromanas Energy Inc.

Petromanas Energy Inc. is an international oil and gas company focused on the exploration and development of its assets in Albania. Petromanas, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, holds two Production Sharing Contracts ("PSCs") with the Albanian government.  Under the terms of the PSCs, Petromanas has a 100% working interest in Blocks D and E and a 25% working interest in Blocks 2-3 that comprise more than 1.1 million gross acres across Albania's Berati thrust belt. Petromanas also holds exploration assets in France and Australia. 

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws and is based on the expectations, estimates and projections of management of Petromanas as of the date of this news release unless otherwise stated. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "objective", "ongoing", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe", "plans", "intends" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information. More particularly and without limitation, this press release contains forward-looking information concerning the future performance of the Company, including but not limited to the appraisal, assessment and commerciality of the Shpirag-2 well, the drilling of the Molisht-1 well and the identification of additional drilling targets resulting from the Company's seismic program. In respect of the forward-looking information concerning the future performance of the Company, Petromanas has provided such in reliance on certain assumptions that it believes are reasonable at this time, including assumptions as to the timing and drilling of wells and the Company's ability to meet its operational commitments, the ability of Petromanas to receive, in a timely manner, necessary regulatory and governmental operational approvals; and expectations and assumptions concerning, among other things: commodity prices and interest and foreign exchange rates; planned construction activities, capital efficiencies and cost-savings; applicable tax laws; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; and the availability and cost of labour and services.  Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this press release.

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 risks associated with the industries in which Petromanas operates in general such as operational and exploration risks; delays or changes in plans with respect to growth projects or capital expenditures; delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or political risks in the completion of development or construction activities; access to drilling rigs, completion equipment, seismic equipment and operational personnel; costs and expenses; political risks; risks of litigation; title disputes; health, safety and environmental risks; commodity price, interest rate and exchange rate fluctuations; environmental risks; competition; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; and changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws and environmental regulations.  There is a specific risk that the Company may be unable to complete the drilling of the Molisht-1 well at costs estimated and in the manner described in this press release or at all.  There is a specific risk that the appraisal of the Shpirag-2 discovery will not provide results which support commercial development of the discovery.  If the Company is unable to drill the Molisht-1 well at the costs estimated or in the manner described in this press release or at all, or if the Shpirag-2 appraisal program does not support commercial development of the discovery, there could be a material adverse impact on the Company and on the value of the Company's securities.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on other factors that could affect the operations or financial results of Petromanas are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities, including but not limited to; Petromanas' Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2012 which may be accessed on Petromanas' SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com.

The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and Petromanas undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

Neither 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: Petromanas Energy Inc.

Glenn McNamara, CEO
Bill Cummins, CFO
Petromanas Energy Inc.
Suite 1720, 734 - 7^th Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2P 3P8
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.petromanas.com 

Nick Hurst
The Equicom Group
300 - 5^th Avenue SW, 10^th Floor
Calgary, Alberta
Canada T2P 3C4
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]