RNS Number:0506M
Melrose Resources PLC
09 June 2003



EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE AT 07:00a.m.


9 June 2003


                             MELROSE RESOURCES PLC

                            Mansouriya well success


Melrose Resources plc announces a third consecutive discovery in the
mid-Pliocene horizon on the El Mansoura Concession, in which its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Odyssey International Petroleum, has a 50% interest. The well also
encountered gas and condensate bearing intervals in the deeper, Miocene channel
play, discovered in the South Batra No.1 well.


The Mansouriya No.1 exploration well on the El Mansoura Concession in the
onshore Nile Delta area of northern Egypt reached a total depth of 10,530 ft and
a gross reservoir interval of 130 ft is present in the main exploration target,
the mid-Pliocene, Kafr el Sheik. A section of this interval was flow tested at
16.8 MMcfd on a restricted choke.


The well was deepened to the Miocene, Abu Madi interval encountered in the South
Batra No.1 discovery well. Gas and condensate were sampled in this horizon using
a wireline MDT tool and as a result the gas column in the South Batra discovery
has been shown to be deeper than previously thought. The deepened section of the
well was drilled using a small bit and will not be tested.


Commenting on this, Robert Adair, Chairman, said:

"We are delighted with this new discovery in the mid-Pliocene horizon on the El
Mansoura Concession. In addition, the data from the Abu Madi interval is of 
even greater significance. We have confirmed the extension of the Abu Madi 
channel sand play 10 km to the west of the South Batra No.1 discovery and 
increased the total proven gas column in this horizon. Following discussions 
with the operator we now believe that the most likely reserves in the South 
Batra structure have increased to around 500 Bcfe. Current development plans 
call for the South Batra field to come on production in October at 30 MMcfd, 
increasing to 100 MMcfd in 2005. A further increase in plateau production rate 
may now be justified."


For further information please contact:

Melrose Resources plc
Robert Adair, Chairman                                  0184 553 7037
David Curry, Chief Executive                            0131 225 6678
Munro Sutherland, Finance Director                      0131 225 6678

Binns & Co PR Ltd
Ben Willey                                              0207 786 2818




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