News Release
July 24, 2008
TORONTO, ONTARIO, July 24, 2008 -- Blacksands Petroleum, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: BSPE) (the "Company") wishes to announce that Access Energy Inc. ("Access Energy"), the Company's 75% owned subsidiary, announced today that it intends to submit bids for all five of the oil sands exploratory permits covering approximately 810,000 acres that were posted for sale by the Province
of Saskatchewan (the "Province") on May 29, 2008. The bids have to be submitted on or before August 11, 2008, and successful bidders will be notified by the Province shortly thereafter.
"The acquisition of these oil sand exploratory permits fits within the Company's mission to acquire, explore and develop unconventional oil in western Canada", stated Paul A. Parisotto, President & CEO.
In addition, Mr. Parisotto provided the following information in relation to Access Energy's bids forthese oil sands exploratory permits:
- Access Energy entered into an exclusive and binding Impact Benefit Agreement and Joint Venture Agreement with the Buffalo River Dene Nation ("BRDN") in May 2007 which gives the Company exclusive surface access to approximately 3,000,000 acres of the BRDN's traditional lands;
- Access Energy's agreements with the BRDN run until at least May 2027;
- These oil sands exploratory permits fall within the traditional lands of the BRDN and are covered by those agreements; and,
- As part of the bidding process for these oil sands exploratory permits, the Province of Saskatchewan placed a restriction stating that "These mineral rights are located under Crown resource lands administered by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. Prior to the approval of any surface dispositions that may adversely affect Treaty or
Aboriginal rights, the Ministry of Environment will be required to undertake consultations in accordance with the Government of Saskatchewan Interim Guide for Consultation with First Nations and MĚŠtis People (the "Guide")." (Province of Saskatchewan Public Notice No. 324, Specific Restriction S32)
Chief Louie Chanalquay of the BRDN stated that "The members of the Buffalo River Dene Nation are anxious for Access Energy to acquire these oil sands exploratory permits so that the Company can begin the exploration process which in turn will lead to employment, infrastructure improvements,
capacity building, and eventually self-sustainability for our members".
There is no assurance that Access Energy will be successful in its bid for these oil sands exploratory permits.
About Blacksands:
Blacksands Petroleum, through its 75% ownership of Access Energy Inc. - a private Canadian company - is engaged in the business of exploring for, developing and operating unconventional oil and gas projects. Such projects may include oil produced from tar sands, also referred to as oil sands, or bituminous sands, which are a combination of clay, sand, water, and bitumen. "Paul A. Parisotto" President & CEO
For further information, please contact: Paul A. Parisotto President & CEO 416-359-7805