un step in the right direction for sure here it is

Rio de Janeiro, January 03, 2012 - HRT Participações em Petróleo S.A. (the

“Company” or “HRT”) (BM&FBOVESPA: HRTP3, TSX-V: HRP) announced that its

subsidiary HRT O&G Exploração e Produção de Petróleo Ltda. (“HRT O&G”) has

concluded the drill-stem test performed in the well 1-HRT-4-AM, in the SOL-T-194 block

at the Solimões Basin.

The test took place between December 15 and 31, 2011 and confirmed the presence of

gas and condensate of approximately 65° API, at an 8 meters net pay reservoir at the

Jurua Formation. The results of this test indicate a production potential of 250

thousand cubic meters of gas and 300 barrels of condensate per day in a vertical well.

“We have confirmed the presence of a number of hydrocarbon reservoirs in HRT-4

proving the existence of an important gas and condensate center in the region. While

more operational work and technical studies will be necessary to fully define the field,

we are very encouraged by the result, which gives further momentum to our

exploration campaign. HRT is on its path to become operational, making this a

significant milestone for our Company.” commented Milton Franke, Chief Operation

Officer of HRT O&G.

Rig TUS-116 will remain on SOL-T-194 block to test an up-dip appraisal well on the same

structure and further evaluate its commercial potential, which could reach up to 750

thousand cubic meters of gas and 1,000 barrels of condensate per day through

directional well.

Well 1-HRT-4-AM is located in the SOL-T-194 block and is situated in 25 kilometers

south of Urucu and reached depth of approximately 2806 meters. HRT O&G has a 100%

interest in this block.