The Calgary-based minnow said on Friday it was “surprised” by the contents of an article in the Iraq Oil Report which claimed that the company had received word from Iraq’s Ministry of Oil to the effect that its asphalt licence in Salahadden province was being axed.
The report claims that the head of the province’s Investment Commission had cancelled the licence and informed the Albertan player of such. However, Sonoro claimed that it has received no such official word or indication.
“The company is investigating the veracity and validity of the correspondence,” it said.
“The company received a letter from the Investment Commission, signed by (its head)… stating that the province continues to follow up in order to receive final permits for drilling from the Federal Government, that the province is working closely with the relevant ministries in Baghdad to complete the process, and that when the process is completed, Sonoro Iraq will receive the requested drilling permit.
“The company has also had recent discussions with officials from the province which, contrary to the article, did not raise any issues with the company's license, or communications from the Ministry of Oil, or questions regarding cancellation of the license.”
Sonoro continued: “The company is surprised by the apparent conflict between the official communications it has received so far, and the statements made in the article.
“(It) is investigating the validity of these statements and will be following up with the appropriate government officials.”