Sterling Resources Announces Restart of Production from Breagh

CALGARY, Dec. 30, 2013 /CNW/ - Sterling Resources Ltd. (TSXV: SLG) ("Sterling" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the restart of Breagh production on December 27, 2013.  This follows a period of approximately seven weeks shut-in as a result of a significant production incident on November 7th, as reported earlier. The investigation into the production incident continues with an expected completion date at the end of January 2014. However, interim feedback from the investigation has identified the necessary actions to permit production restart and continuation of re-commissioning activities following the replacement of the barred tee-junction and various other repairs to the inlet to the gas plant.

Initial production rates from the field will be variable as these commissioning activities progress. In addition, a two day planned shutdown is scheduled for the first week of January 2014 to allow the Ensco 70 drilling rig to move off location and transfer to a shipyard for necessary work required as part of normal marine certification requirements.

Breagh well A07 has been drilled to total depth having encountered reservoir sands in accordance with prognosis. The well has been suspended with the completion tubing run and the Xmas tree set. The Ensco 70 rig is scheduled to return early in the second quarter of 2014 to bring the A07 well into production using hydraulic stimulation, before completing the Phase 1 drilling program by drilling an additional production well A08. Completing well A07 using hydraulic stimulation is planned to provide enhanced production to Phase 1, while also providing valuable information to support Phase 2 investment decisions.

Sterling is a Canadian-listed international oil and gas company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta with assets in the United Kingdom, Romania, France and the Netherlands. The common shares are listed and posted for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange Venture (TSX-V) exchange under the symbol "SLG".

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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Forward-Looking Statements

All statements included in this news release that address activities, events or developments that Sterling expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements.  In addition, statements relating to expected production, reserves or resources are deemed to be forward-looking statements as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions that the reserves and resources described can be profitably produced in the future.

These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by Sterling based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances.  In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other-forward looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond Sterling's control, including: the impact of general economic conditions in the areas in which Sterling operates, civil unrest, industry conditions, changes in laws and regulations including the adoption of new environmental laws and regulations and changes in how they are interpreted and enforced, increased competition, the lack of availability of qualified personnel or management, fluctuations in commodity prices, foreign exchange or interest rates, stock market volatility and obtaining required approvals of regulatory authorities. In addition there are risks and uncertainties associated with oil and gas operations.  Readers should also carefully consider the matters discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form.

Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur.  Sterling's actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.  These statements speak only as of the date of the news release. Sterling does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Financial outlook information contained in this news release about prospective results of operations, financial position or cash flows is based on assumptions about future events, including economic conditions and proposed courses of action, based on management's assessment of the relevant information currently available.  Readers are cautioned that such financial outlook information contained in this news release should not be used for purposes other than for which it is disclosed herein.

SOURCE: Sterling Resources Ltd.

For further information: visit www.sterling-resources.com or contact:

Jacob Ulrich, Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer, Phone: [phone], Mobile: [phone], [email protected]

David Blewden, Chief Financial Officer, Phone: [phone], Mobile: [phone], [email protected]

George Kesteven, Manager, Corporate and Investor Relations, Phone: [phone], Mobile: [phone], [email protected]