The Calgary-based explorer said that the AAS-1 probe qould be drilled by the Sakson Hilong 10 rig to a total depth of around 4220 metres between now and the fourth quarter.
It is aiming to tap deeper light oil potential in the lower Jurassic and Triassic and heavy oil potential in the Cretaceous.
The Ain Al Safra prospect is estimated to contain risked prospective potential of 44 million barrels of oil, or unrisked potential of 225 million barrels, based on evaluations by Netherland, Sewell & Associates.
Formed in 2010 by former bosses of Addax Petroleum, west Africa and Middle East-focused Oryx Petroleum operates the Hawler licence on a 65% interest.
The Kurdistan Regional Government holds a 20% interest in Hawler and Korea National Oil Corporation the remaining 15%.
YAY CANADA
