Eritrea Resource play (ERP)

[Ed Monton]

Eritrea Taps TGS-NOPEC to Promote Zula Exploration Block

HOUSTON--(CCNMatthews - Jul 21, 2005) -

Eritrea's Ministry of Energy and Mines has reached an agreement with TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company (TGS) to promote a licensing opportunity in the nation's Zula block. Zula, measuring 7,000 square kilometers, is located in the shallow waters (<60 meters) of the Red Sea offshore central Eritrea. The region has several proven petroleum systems with source rocks, numerous oil gas and condensate shows and discoveries. A number of large leads and prospects have already been mapped and documented.

Eritrea, a stable African nation of 4.5 million citizens off the southern Red Sea, is offering attractive and negotiable licensing terms for the block. TGS has created a data room at its Houston office to display seismic data, well logs and an interpretation report related to the project.

To arrange for a presentation or for further information, please contact:

Richard Horscroft

TGS-NOPEC Geophysical Company

[phone]

[e-mail]

Teklehaimanot Debretsion

Ministry of Energy and Mines

[phone]

[e-mail]

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