UPDATE 2-Melrose gets approval to develop Bulgarian gas field

* Says trying to ramp up gas projects in Bulgaria, Romania

* Sees Kavarna gas field beginning production by July 1

* Applies for developing Kaliakra field

* Sees first exploration in Egypt's Mesaha in late 2010

(Adds CEO quote)

Nov 6 (Reuters) - Oil and gas explorer Melrose Resources Plc (MRS.L) on Friday said it got approval from the Bulgarian government to develop the Kavarna gas field, which has estimated reserves of 24 billion cubic feet (bcf).

The company, which is trying to accelerate its gas projects in Bulgaria and Romania, expects the Kavarna field to be on stream by July 1, 2010.

Melrose also applied with the Bulgarian government for commercialisation of the Kaliakra field reserves of 57 bcf and sees gas production to begin by October next year.

Chief Executive David Thomas said, "We are also looking forward to an active near-term exploration programme in Egypt with some important wells to drill in the Nile Delta and 2-D seismic to acquire in the Mesaha block."