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Media/Investor Relations
News Release
NOT FOR RELEASE IN THE UNITED STATES OR DISTRIBUTION TO US NEWS SERVICES
ITHACA ENERGY COMMENCES DRILLING ON ATHENA PROJECT
LONDON, U.K. - CALGARY, ALBERTA, September 4, 2007 -- Ithaca Energy Inc. (LSE-AIM: IAE, TSX-V: IAE), a Canadian independent oil & gas company with exploration and development assets in the UK North Sea, is pleased to announce that it has commenced drilling operations on its second well, 14/18b-16, located on its Athena project in the Outer Moray Firth area of the United Kingdom’s continental shelf.
The Athena accumulation has been evaluated by Sproule International to contain probable reserves of 28 million barrels of oil, 19.2 million net to Ithaca’s interest. However, this well will test an area that has not been previously accredited with reserves and as such, if successful, may provide additional reserves.
Ithaca is the operator of the well with a 70% interest and partners include EWE Aktiengesellschaft with 20% and Zeus Petroleum with 10%.
Utilizing the Stena Spey semi-submersible drilling rig and the drilling services of Senergy Ltd., the well will be drilled directionally into Lower Cretaceous Leek sandstones at a target depth of approximately 11,200 feet (9,640 feet true vertical depth). The well is expected to take approximately 30 days to drill and test. If hydrocarbons are encountered in commercial quantities in the well, it will be suspended for future completion and production. The subsurface target of the well is approximately 3,940 feet northeast of the 14/18b-15b well which tested oil from the Upper Leek sandstone.
It is anticipated that a Field Development Plan will be submitted in the fourth quarter of this year with development to commence in the first half of 2008. On success, production is estimated to commence in late 2009 from up to four producing wells.
Lawrie Payne, Ithaca Energy’s Chief Executive Officer commented: "The drilling of the 14/18b-16 well is another step in the appraisal and development of the Athena accumulation. Drilling on a structural high, we are optimistic of the well’s results. The success of this well would not only increase existing reserves, but provide locations for future expansion of the field."
Not for Distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for Dissemination in the United States
The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-looking statements
Some of the statements in this announcement are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the intent, belief and current expectations of Ithaca Energy Inc. or its officers with respect to various matters. When used in this announcement, the words "expects", "believes", "anticipates", "plans", "may", "will", "should" and similar expressions, and the negatives thereof, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are not promises or guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcome to differ materially from those suggested by any such statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. Ithaca Energy Inc. expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based.
In accordance with AIM Guidelines, Lawrie Payne, MA Marine Geology (Alberta & Columbia) and CEO of Ithaca Energy is the qualified person that has reviewed the technical information contained in this press release.
Enquiries:
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Ithaca Energy Inc:
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Lawrie Payne |
In London:
+44(0) 20 7590 3027 |
+44(0)7841 678668 |
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Brad Gunn |
In London:
+44(0) 20 7590 3026 |
+44(0)7920 019355 |
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In Calgary:
+1 (403) 668 9599 |
+1 (403) 389 4107 |
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Nabarro Wells & Co. Limited |
Office: |
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Marc Cramsie |
+44(0) 20 7710 7400 |
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| John Wilkes
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+44(0) 20 7710 7400 |
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Pelham Public Relations |
Office: |
Mobile |
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Charles Vivian |
+44(0) 20 7743 6673 |
+44(0)7977297903 |
| Philip Dennis
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+44(0) 20 7743 6363 |
+44(0)7947868206 |
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