According to Groundstar, the well is programmed to reach a total depth of 4,000mt in the Triassic Kura Chine formation. It is expected that up to seven potential reservoirs could be encountered.

Groundstar has a 6% beneficial interest in the Qara Dagh Block. A 354km 2D seismic program was completed in June 2009. The block covers 846sqkm and has a linear surface anticline.

Data processing and interpretations have been completed and integrated with regional and surface geological models. Three main prospects, which correspond to the three domes on the surface structure, have been confirmed by seismic mapping.

AJM Petroleum Consultants (AJM), at the request of Niko Resources, has completed an initial resource assessment of the Qara Dagh block in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.

Sakson Drilling was awarded the contract for the drilling of one firm and three potential additional wells. Drilling of the Qara Dagh-1 well is anticipated to take 140 days with an additional 30 days allotted for testing.