PROPERTY DISPOSITION / Naftex Energy Corp. completes Sale
VANCOUVER, Feb. 10 /CNW/ - NAFTEX ENERGY CORPORATION Trading Symbol: NFTX
NAFTEX ENERGY CORPORATION (the ''Company'') is pleased to announce that further to its news release of February 3, 1998 it has now closed the sale of its 5% interest in the East Shabwa Contract Area in the Yemen Arab Republic to Comeco Petroleum Inc. and has received an overall consideration of US$9.21 million (Cdn$13.20 million).
This cash places the Company in a strong financial position to pursue an aggressive development and exploration program on its West Esh El Mallaha (WEEM) Concession in Egypt.
Following its successful discoveries during its initial exploration program on the WEEM Concession the Company, in conjunction with its joint venture partner, will proceed to explore the remaining 85% of the area that appears to contain all of the elements of a petroliferous basin and preparations are underway to drill a minimum of two appraisal wells and two exploratory wells.
The two exploratory wells are planned on separate structures, identified by existing seismic, that lie between the Rabeh and Rabeh East structures and the Seagull Hurghada Block discoveries. The two appraisal wells are step-outs to the Rabeh-1 Well and, if successful, will be expediently tied-in as producers. Tenders are also being sought for a 200 square kilometre 3D seismic survey and up to 500 kilometres of 2D seismic to cover the remaining 85% of the WEEM Concession Area, which remains, essentially unexplored.
Production from the Rabeh-1 Well on the WEEM Concession commenced February 2, providing the Company with immediate cashflow. This cashflow in conjunction with the proceed from the sale of the Company's East Shabwa interest should provide more than adequate funding for the Company's financial commitment to the WEEM project over the remaining three year term of the exploration phase on the Concession.
A total of 54,047,191 common shares of the Company is presently issued and outstanding.
On behalf of the Board of Directors NAFTEX ENERGY CORPORATION
Stephen S. James, Vice-President Corporate Counsel |