SNV Sonoro Energy Ltd

TSX Venture Exchange Symbol: SNV CALGARY, July 3, 2012 /CNW/ - Sonoro Energy Ltd. ("Sonoro" or "the Company") announces the following operational and corporate updates. Drilling Rig As previously announced on June 12, 2012, Sonoro and its partners entered into an agreement to establish a joint venture company ("JV Co") and purchase a 750 HP drilling rig, subject to certain conditions including a final satisfactory rig inspection. JV Co has now been established and an independent third party has completed the rig inspection on behalf of JV Co with no significant deficiencies noted. In addition, JV Co has completed a number of rig modifications and is now packing the drilling rig and its components for transportation in contemplation of closing the rig purchase. Upon completion of the rig purchase and obtaining the necessary import and transportation approvals, JV Co will transport the rig to the drilling location in Salah ad Din. The three well drilling program is expected to last 45-60 days. Prior to drilling, civil works will prepare the leases and access roads. Drilling Program As a result of ongoing geological and technical evaluation, the Company has identified an additional structure to be drilled as part of the three well drilling program. The Company now plans to drill two wells into the North Salah ad Din ("NSD") structure, with final locations having been moved from the initial prognosis. The new locations are closer to the main highway and are expected to require less civil construction work. The new Sherqat structure, on which the Company plans to drill the third well, lies approximately 8 kilometres to the east of the NSD targets. The Sherqat structure has not been included in the Company's reported contingent resources report. The Sherqat structure is more subtle than the NSD structure, and appears to have good closure and seals at approximately the same depths as the NSD structure. Permitting With the NSD well locations shifted, the Company has reapplied for the land lease permits. Most of the necessary approvals have been obtained for the land lease, with those remaining expected soon. The Company has applied for drilling permits within the NSD and Sherqat areas from the Ministry of Mines and Industry. The Company has also received confirmation from the Salah ad Din Provincial Government that the Ministry of Oil has confirmed to the Provincial Government, in response to their request for clarification, that asphalt does not fall under the regulations of the Ministry of Oil. Corporate Development During the second quarter of 2012, the Company entered into a Farmout Agreement (the "Farmout Agreement") with Berkeley Mesopotamia Petroleum Limited and Geopetrol Iraq Corp. by which it agreed to acquire a 40% interest in oil and gas rights in Iraq. Sonoro's rights and obligations under the Farmout Agreement are subject to satisfaction of certain conditions by July 31, 2012.The Company has determined that the closing conditions will not be met prior to the July 31(st) deadline and, as a result, the Company's interest under the Farmout Agreement will expire. The Company will continue to focus on its Asphalt License and the upcoming NSD and Sherqat programs. About Sonoro Sonoro is an international oil exploration and development company.  Our current focus is on asphalt (heavy oil) resource exploration and development in Iraq.  Sonoro has initiated the evaluation of resource opportunities under our Asphalt License in the Salah ad Din Province. Sonoro plans to drill exploration wells on the NSD and Sherqat prospects in the Salah ad Din Province in the Republic of Iraq. An initial program to develop NSD and Sherqat and a further exploration program, including extensive sub-surface data acquisition in the Salah ad Din Province, have been developed and are planned to be executed following the above exploration drilling program. Forward Looking Information This press release contains forward looking information, including but not limited to Sonoro's planned drilling rig purchase and exploration and development activities.  The forward looking information is based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These risks include, but are not limited to risks associated with the oil and gas industry (e.g. operational risks in development, exploration and production delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of resource estimates; the uncertainty associated with geological interpretations; the uncertainty of estimates and projections in relation to production, costs and expenses and health, safety and environmental risks), the risk of commodity price and foreign exchange rate fluctuations, risks associated with the implementation of new technology, risks associated with obtaining, maintaining and the timing of receipt of regulatory approvals, permits, and licenses, uncertainties relating to access to capital markets, in-country political risks and the risk of volatile global economic conditions. Due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forward looking information, prospective investors in the Company's securities should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Forward looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and are subject to change. The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update forward looking information to reflect new circumstances, except as required by law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Sonoro Energy Ltd. CONTACT: RICHARD WADSWORTHCHAIRMAN & CEO+1 403.262.3252info@sonoroenergy.comwww.sonoroenergy.com

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