BR and Talisman Announce New Well Results in Algeria.

Business/Energy Editors

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 24, 2000

Burlington Resources Inc. (NYSE:BR) through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Burlington Resources Algeria Limited.; Sonatrach, the National Oil and Gas Enterprise of Algeria; and Talisman Energy Inc. of Canada through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Talisman (Algeria) B.V., today announced successful test results from the MLSE-3, an appraisal well on the Menzel Lejmat Block 405a in the Berkine Basin of Algeria.

The well tested significant volumes of oil from the Triassic TAG-I reservoir zone. A total of 40 meters (131 feet) was perforated and tested. The well flowed at a combined rate of 21,857 barrels/day of 41.5 degree API Gravity oil and 26.2 million cubic feet of natural gas per day from three test intervals in the TAG-I. The highest individual flow rate of 11,121 barrels/day came from a 17.5 meter (57.4 feet) interval at the base of the productive zone, through an effective 106/64 inch choke at a well head flowing pressure of 1,112 psi. Liquid hydrocarbon productivity of the this well is the highest yet seen during the exploration and appraisal of Block 405, where BR has now completed 16 wells.

Gas was encountered in the deeper RKF formation sandstone, but was not flow tested. This zone will be further evaluated in subsequent appraisal wells.

Burlington Resources operates the MLSE-3 well, located approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) northeast of the MLSE-1 discovery well, which provided the initial discovery of oil and gas in this part of the Menzel Lejmat Block in 1998. The MLSE-1 flow tested at a combined rate of 14,638 barrels per day from three separate intervals.

Bobby S. Shackouls, BR's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, &uot;MLSE-3 is a very productive and successful appraisal well which confirms that a significant accumulation is present in the south-east quadrant of our block. We are presently discussing with Sonatrach the development of the MLN Field, which lies 16 miles to the north, and hope to conclude those discussions in the very near future. The MLSE area clearly offers further development opportunity for both oil and gas which is very exciting. We will continue to review the 3-D seismic data we acquired last year and look forward to drilling additional wells in 2000 to further delineate the potential of the area.&uot;

BR has a 65 percent working interest in this productive area under a Production Sharing Contract with Sonatrach. Talisman Energy Inc. through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Talisman (Algeria) B.V., holds the remaining 35 percent working interest. Sonatrach has an option to participate in the development and production of commercial discoveries. Burlington Resources and Talisman are entitled to recover exploration costs out of production during the exploitation phase.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release may contain projections and other forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any such projections or statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and financial performance. No assurances can be given, however, that these events will occur or that such projections will be achieved and actual results could differ materially from those projected. A discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected is included in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.