The development stages:Exploration drilling/2013-03.onshore block XXIII has an acreage of 248,000ha in northern Tumbes region and is wholly owned by BPZ Energy. The company is carrying out a six-year exploratory drill program in the area, including the wells Caracol X-1, Curo X-1, El Cardo X-1, Macho Muerto X-1, Palo Santo X-1 and Las Garzas X-1. The block is part of the Mancora gas play, which BPZ believes could hold the potential for development of an LNG project, growth of the petrochemical industry and sales to local industry. Three shallow exploration wells have tested hydrocarbons: Caracol 1X tested gas in the Heath and Zorritos formations. Cardo 2X and Piedra Candela 3X tested gas in the Mancora formation.