Gran Tierra Energy, the operator of the Azar Block located in the Putumayo Basin, Colombia has informed Gold Oil that the drilling of the La Vega Este-1 well on the block has commenced with the well spudded on 14th May. The La Vega Este -1 well will be drilled to a depth of 11,485 feet (Measured Depth) and will target primarily the Villeta formation with the Caballos as a secondary objective. Gold Oil is currently producing from the Villeta formation in its Nancy Burdine fields. The operator believes the well has a 34% chance of finding oil and could flow at initial rates of between 1,500 and 2,000 bopd if all objectives are oil bearing (300 to 400 bopd net to Gold Oil before royalty payments).

The well is expected to take 35 days to drill. If during drilling the well indicates oil potential it is intended that the well will be completed and tested using a less expensive work over rig.

Gold Oil has a 20% interest in the block (subject to ANH approval) and under a prior commercial agreement will only contribute 10% to the costs of the well.