HOUSTON, Aug 29, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Cobalt International Energy, Inc. ("Cobalt") (NYSE:CIE) today provided the following update on its West Africa drilling program.

Cobalt has initiated drilling operations on its Cameia No. 1 well in Block 21, Offshore Angola. Well operations are being conducted with the Diamond Ocean Confidence drilling rig. After drilling and evaluating the Cameia-1 prospect, Cobalt will drill the Bicuar-1A well to test the Bicuar prospect, also in Block 21. Both wells are targeting pre-salt objectives.

As previously announced, Cobalt expects each well to take 80 to 100 days to drill and an additional 10 to 20 days to evaluate, if successful. Cobalt is the operator of Cameia and Bicuar and has a 40% working interest in each prospect.

About Cobalt

Cobalt is an independent oil exploration and production company focusing on the deepwater U.S. Gulf of Mexico and offshore Angola and Gabon. Cobalt was formed in 2005 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 -- that is, statements related to future, not past, events. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and include any statement that does not directly relate to a current or historical fact. In this context, forward-looking statements often address Cobalt's expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "expect," "plan," "will" or other similar words. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that ultimately may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. For further discussion of risks and uncertainties, individuals should refer to Cobalt's SEC filings. Cobalt undertakes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after this press release. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

SOURCE: Cobalt International Energy, Inc.

Cobalt International Energy, Inc.
Investor Relations:
John P. Wilkirson, +1-713-452-2322
Chief Financial Officer
or
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Lynne L. Hackedorn, +1-713-579-9115
Vice President, Government, Public Affairs, Land