Baraka attributed the result to a “poor quality reservoir” in the Turionian limestone, where the test was undertaken over the interval 2152-2159m.

Operator CNPC International Mauritania is now plugging back this interval in preparation for the second test at a depth of 1856.5-1863.5m in the Lower Campanian sandstone reservoir.

“The well originally encountered gas shows and fluorescence over this zone,” Baraka said.

“The main objective of the test is to confirm the existence of moveable hydrocarbons that, if present, may be produced at potentially economic flow rates.”

If this results in a flow to surface, the well will be shut-in for pressure monitoring for several days.

The results of Heron-1 and its implication for the prospectivity of Block 20 will be assessed by the joint venture and a meeting will be held early second quarter of 2007 to discuss the forward work program in the permit, Baraka said.

Interests in Heron-1 are CNPC (65%) and Baraka (35%).