Gastem: Oneida Program in Central New York State Underway

Gastem (TSX VENTURE:GMR) is pleased to announce that its wholly owned
subsidiary, Gastem USA, has received a drilling permit for a conventional gas
well near the town of Sidney in Central New York State. The company expects to
proceed with the drilling program as soon as possible. 


The Oneida sandstone, situated between the Marcellus and the Utica formations,
is the main target for this program. The expected total depth of the proposed
vertical well will be approximately 5,500 feet and is expected to take about
four weeks. Previous geological work and seismic analysis indicate the potential
for favorable structures capable of producing commercial quantities of natural
gas. 


"The proposed well is the beginning of an important program for our company and
for the Sidney area. With the cooperation of local businesses and companies, we
plan to service the Sidney community with local natural gas from conventional
Oneida wells" said Mr. Raymond Savoie, Chairman and CEO of Gastem. "This is, we
believe, the beginning of a new, low cost and key energy service with clear
environmental benefits." 


Gastem is an independent oil and gas exploration and development company based
in Montreal. The company holds natural gas exploration and storage permits and
rights in Quebec and leases and interests in New York State and Virginia.