Talisman Energy Flows High Quality Oil From Kurdamir-2 Well

Talisman Energy Inc. (TSX:TLM) (NYSE:TLM) has confirmed a significant accumulation of light oil in the Kurdamir-2 well in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq.

"We are very excited to have found high quality oil with significant flow rates in the lower part of the Oligocene formation," said Richard Herbert, Executive Vice-President, Exploration. "We are preparing to test two additional zones in the oil leg over the coming weeks. Plans are underway to drill an appraisal well, Kurdamir-3, adjacent to this discovery, in early 2013."

The cased-hole test was conducted in the deeper part of the Oligocene formation and follows on the initial open-hole test conducted in March 2012. The test targeted 20 metres of fractured reservoir below the main porous zone. This zone tested at stabilized rates of up to 3,450 bbls/d of 38 degree API oil and 8.8 mmcf/d of natural gas over a two-day period. The final rate was achieved on a 72/64" choke with a wellhead flowing pressure of 810 psi. The results of this test confirm the presence of an oil column of at least 146 metres in the Oligocene reservoir, with no evidence yet of the oil-water contact level. The deeper extent of the oil column will be appraised by the drilling of the Kurdamir-3 well.