Aurelian secures two new Polish licences

Aurelian Oil & Gas, a UK-based exploration and production company, has been awarded two new licences by Poland’s Ministry of Environment.

The company secured the Wetlina concession in the south-eastern part of Polish Carpathians and the Prusice concession in the South Permian Basin.

The Wetlina concession covers 446km², while the Prusice concession covers 758km².

The Wetlina concession is located close to the company’s highly prospective Bieszczady concession, where the Niebieszczany-1 well is being tested.

This concession, which includes the Wetlina gas field, consists largely of the Silesian Nappe structure of the Carpathian Fold and Thrust belt.

The Wetlina gas field was discovered during 1965-70, and has gas reservoirs in sandstones of the Oligocene Krosno and Menilite formations.

Two additional prospects were also found within the Wetlina concession, with potential in-place resources estimated at 40bcf and 25 million barrels.

Aurelian said that the Prusice concession, which is adjacent to San Leon Energy’s Winsko licence, is believed to be prospective for the emerging Carboniferous shale gas play.

Aurelian Oil & Gas exploration director John Smallwood said that the awards enhance Aurelian’s portfolio in each of its Polish Carpathians and Polish Permian Basin core areas, with attractive prospects to mature with low-cost work programmes and risk profiles.

"The presence of hydrocarbons is well-established both regionally and locally within each of the new concessions," he said. "In addition, our 100% equity position gives us control over the execution of the exploration programmes."