Touchstone Exploration announces that Primera Oil and Gas Limited ("POGL"), the company's wholly owned Trinidadian subsidiary, was notified on June 12, 2023 by the Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries ("MEEI") that it was awarded the Cipero onshore block in the Trinidad and Tobago 2022 Onshore and Nearshore Competitive Bid Round. The Trinidad and Tobago government has authorized the MEEI to enter into discussions with POGL for the grant of an Exploration and Production (Public Petroleum Rights) Licence for the Cipero block.

In addition, POGL was notified that its bid on the 72,784 gross acre Charuma block did not meet the technical requirements for the grant of an Exploration and Production (Public Petroleum Rights) Licence. However, the Trinidad and Tobago government has authorized the MEEI to enter into discussions with POGL to improve the minimum work program for the possible grant of a licence.

Highlights

• The 29,924 gross acre Cipero block is a strategic area given its proximity to Rio Claro and the company's Ortoire block.
• The successful bid committed to complete various geological studies, reprocess existing 2D seismic data, and drill an aggregate four exploration wells on the block during the initial six-year exploration period of the Licence
• Heritage Petroleum is expected to have a 20 precent working interest in the Cipero block, with all exploration work commitments carried during the six-year exploration term of the Licence.
• Herrera and Cretaceous prospects have been identified on the Cipero block.
• POGL will commence discussions with the MEEI to possibly enhance the minimum work program bid for the Charuma block. 

Paul Baay, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented:
"With this successful outcome, we have been able to secure extensive acreage in the Herrera fairway. Although the primary geological target for the Cipero acreage is the Herrera Formation, our team has also identified additional targets within the Cretaceous. In addition to the execution of the licence, we will be required to conduct geological studies, reprocess existing 2D seismic data, and apply for regulatory permits prior to drilling, which is anticipated to take a minimum of three years. We are excited to formally commence working on the block and will provide further updates and details when the licence has been executed."

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