Matra, the independent oil and gas exploration and production company with operations in Russia, provides an operational update on its 100% owned Sokolovskoe oil field in Orenburg.
On 26 March 2012, Matra commenced production from Well A-13 flowing oil naturally and, as planned and following the end of the thaw season in Orenburg, a workover rig has now completed the installation of a downhole electrical submersible pump in that well.
The ESP is currently being commissioned onsite. Once the ESP is commissioned, the well will be cleaned up but is likely to take some days before stable production rates can be achieved.
The Company will issue further updates as appropriate.