RNS Number:1145K
Melrose Resources PLC
16 April 2003


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              16 April 2003


                             MELROSE RESOURCES PLC

                  Successful well test of South Mansoura No.1


Melrose Resources plc, the oil and gas exploration and production company with
interests in Egypt, Bulgaria and the USA, today announces the successful testing
of the South Mansoura No.1 exploration well which is located in the onshore Nile
Delta area of Egypt.  The well has also confirmed the extension of the prolific
Abu Madi channel sand system further south into the El Mansoura Concession in
which Melrose holds a 50% working interest through its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Odyssey International Petroleum.

A total of 46 ft was perforated in the mid-Pliocene Kafr el Sheikh formation
between 4,206 ft and 4,273 ft. The well flowed at 17.7 MMcfpd on a 3/4 inch
choke at a flowing pressure of 1,255 psi at surface. Most likely reserves are
estimated at 45 Bcf. The flow rate is similar to the South Bilqas discovery well
which was drilled and tested in January 2002 and was brought on production in
December 2002 at a rate of 12 MMcfpd but the gross reservoir interval
encountered was much thicker and potentially more productive than that in South
Bilqas.

The South Mansoura No.1 well was drilled and logged to this Pliocene interval in
early March and then was deepened to test the late-Miocene Abu Madi formation
with a final TD of 9,715 ft. The top of the Abu Madi formation was encountered
at 7,995 ft and very high background gas readings were observed drilling the
interval 8,190 to 8,350 ft. It is believed that this corresponds to the Level
III channel interval encountered in the South Batra No.1. While the zone is
below the water contact at this location, there are indications from sidewall
core and pressure data that there may be gas and condensate up-dip on what
appears to be a large structure. A location for an appraisal well, to further
evaluate both the Kafr el Sheikh and the Abu Madi intervals, is being defined.

The rig is currently moving to the Mansouriya No.1 location approximately 10 km
to the west of the South Batra No.1. The main exploration target is the Kafr el
Sheikh at 6,500 ft but the well will be deepened to the Abu Madi with the TD
expected at around 10,000 ft.

Commenting on this, Robert Adair, Chairman, said:

"The Pliocene interval test flow rate was in line with expectations and this
well will contribute additional production and cash flow for Melrose.  More
significantly, we are very pleased to have established the presence of the Abu
Madi channel system 18 km to the south of the South Batra No. 1 discovery and we
are very excited about the significant potential of this area of the El Mansoura
Concession."


For further information please contact:

Melrose Resources plc
David Curry, Chief Executive                                     0131 225 6678
Munro Sutherland, Finance Director                               0131 225 6678

Binns & Co PR Ltd
Judith Parry/Emma McCaffrey                                      020 7786 9600


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