Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.: Operational Update a...
FOR: FALCON OIL & GAS LTD.
TSX VENTURE SYMBOL: FO
AIM SYMBOL: FOG
ISE SYMBOL: FAC
March 9, 2016
Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.: Operational Update and Confirmation of 2016 Beetaloo Drilling Programme
DUBLIN, IRELAND--(Marketwired - March 9, 2016) - Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:FO)(AIM:FOG)(ESM:FAC) is pleased
to provide the following operational update for its operations in Australia, South Africa and Hungary.
Operational highlights
-- Preparations for 2016 Beetaloo Basin, Australia, drilling programme at
an advanced stage.
-- Drilling locations being finalised for the two new vertical wells
following technical evaluation undertaken by Origin, Sasol and Falcon.
-- Well locations to penetrate condensate rich gas mature through to dry
gas mature sections of the Middle Velkerri shale.
-- Drilling expected to start Q2, 2016.
-- Rig 185 remains "warm stacked" in the Beetaloo basin.
-- Tendering and contracting for hydraulic stimulation and key well
services ongoing.
Financial highlights
-- US$3.7 million cash settlement agreed with NIS - received in December
2015.
-- US$12.7 million (unaudited) in cash and cash on deposit at 31 December
2015.
Australia - 2016 drilling & testing preparations underway in the Beetaloo Basin
Preparations are underway for the Group's 2016 Beetaloo drilling and testing programme, comprising:
-- civil construction, the remobilisation of Rig 185 and the drilling of
Beetaloo W-1, a vertical well in exploration permit ("EP") 117
approximately 85km south of the wells drilled in 2015;
-- the drilling of a second vertical well, the location of which is being
finalised and the hydraulic stimulation of either this well or the
Beetaloo W-1 well; and
-- the re-entry and hydraulic stimulation of Amungee NW-1H in EP98 - This
well was drilled in November 2015 to a total measured depth of 3,808
metres, including 1,100 metres horizontal section in the "B Shale"
interval of the Middle Velkerri Formation, 100 metres more than
originally planned.
The principal objectives of the 2016 drilling programme are to:
-- test gas productivity of the Middle Velkerri shale by means of multi
stage hydraulic stimulation;
-- further determine the areal extent of the Middle Velkerri shale;
-- determine the levels of gas saturation in the southern section of the
basin; and
-- explore the shallower, oil prone sections of the Middle Velkerri shale.
South Africa - processing of the exploration licence by the Petroleum Agency of South Africa ("PASA") continues to
progress
The PASA recently confirmed that it expects to finalise a recommendation to the Minister of Mineral Resources on
Falcon's application for a shale gas exploration licence in South Africa's Karoo Basin, by May 2016. The Company
expects that the Minister of Mineral Resources will issue Falcon with a licence to explore for shale gas in 2016.
Background
Falcon was granted a Technical Cooperation Permit in 2009 covering 7.5 million (30,327 km2) acres in the southern part
of the Karoo Basin. The Company has a cooperation agreement (as announced on 12 December 2012) with Chevron Business
Development South Africa Limited ("Chevron"), which enables the Group to work with Chevron for a period of five years
in jointly obtaining exploration licences.
Hungary - review of operations
Falcon continues to review its operation and future plans in Hungary, evaluating all options available to the Group to
deliver shareholder value. The Group maintains its 100% interest in the Mako Trough.
Broker update
Following the closure of the London office of GMP Securities Europe LLP, engagement with GMP Securities Europe LLP,
Falcon's joint broker has now ended.
Philip O'Quigley, CEO of Falcon commented
"We are delighted to report that preparations for the 2016 Beetaloo drilling and testing programme are underway. Our
shareholders can look forward to another exciting year of exploration activity which has the potential to transform
the value of the company. Falcon remains fully carried throughout by our partners Origin and Sasol."
"Also, we welcome the recent confirmation by the PASA and are optimistic on securing a shale gas exploration licence
in South Africa's Karoo Basin in 2016."
Background - Australia
On 2 May 2014, Falcon announced it had entered into a Farm-Out Agreement and Joint Operating Agreement with Origin and
Sasol (collectively referred to herein as the "Farminees") with each farming into 35% of the Falcon's exploration
permits in the Beetaloo Basin, Australia through its 98% subsidiary, Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Ltd. ("Falcon
Australia"). The Farminees will carry Falcon in a nine well exploration and appraisal programme from 2015 to 2018.
-- Farminees will pay for the full cost of completing the first five wells
estimated at A$64 million, and will fund any cost overruns, with work
expected to be completed between 2015 and 2016.
-- Farminees to pay the full cost of the following two horizontally
fracture stimulated wells, 90 day production tests and micro seismic
data collection with a capped expenditure of A$53 million, any cost
overrun funded by each party in proportion to their working interest.
This work programme is expected to be undertaken in 2017.
-- Farminees to pay the full cost of the final two horizontally fracture
stimulated wells and 90 day production tests capped at A$48 million, any
cost overrun funded by each party in proportion to their working
interest. This work programme is expected to be undertaken in 2018.
-- Farminees may reduce or surrender their interests back to Falcon
Australia only after:
-- The drilling of the first five wells; or
-- The drilling and testing of the next two horizontally fracture
stimulated wells.
Stacking a Rig
Stacking a Rig means leaving a rig idle but operational. A ready or warm stacked rig typically retains most of its
crew and can deploy quickly if an operator requires its services. In a ready stacked state, normal maintenance
operations similar to those performed when the rig is active are continued by the crew so that the rig remains work
ready. Thus, a rig is kept in a ready stacked state when its owner anticipates that the rig will be able to return to
work shortly - either due to having a commitment in hand or the owner's perception that work will be secured
relatively quickly.
Background - Oilfield Services Contract - Hungary
In January 2013, Falcon and NIS agreed to complete a three-well drilling programme (the "Agreement") targeting the
relatively shallow Algyo Play, by July 2014. Under the terms of the Agreement, NIS made a cash payment of US$1.5
million and agreed to carry Falcon for 100% of all costs associated with the drilling and testing programme. The July
2014 deadline for completion of drilling and testing of the three-well programme was subsequently extended by Falcon
to 31 December 2014 to enable NIS to fulfil its three well obligation. As of 31 December 2014, NIS had only drilled
and tested two wells.
This announcement has been reviewed by Dr. Gabor Bada, Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd's Head of Technical Operations. Dr. Bada
obtained his geology degree at the Eotvos L. University in Budapest, Hungary and his PhD at the Vrije Aniversiteit
Amsterdam, the Netherlands. He is a member of AAPG and EAGE.
About Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.
Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd is an international oil & gas company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of
conventional and unconventional oil and gas assets, with the current portfolio focused in Australia, South Africa and
Hungary. Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd is incorporated in British Columbia, Canada and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland with a
technical team based in Budapest, Hungary.
For further information on Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. please visit www.falconoilandgas.com
About Origin Energy
Origin Energy (ASX:ORG) is the leading Australian integrated energy company with market leading positions in energy
retailing (approximately 4.3 million customers), power generation (approximately 6,000 MW of capacity owned and
contracted) and natural gas production (1,093 PJ of 2P reserves and annual production of 82 PJe). To match its
leadership in the supply of green energy, Origin also aspires to be the number one renewables company in Australia.
Through Australia Pacific LNG, its incorporated joint venture with ConocoPhillips and Sinopec, Origin is developing
Australia's biggest CSG to LNG project based on the country's largest 2P CSG reserves base.
www.originenergy.com.au
About Sasol
Sasol is an international integrated chemicals and energy company that leverages the talent and expertise of about
31,000 people working in 37 countries. Sasol develops and commercialise technologies, and build and operate world-
scale facilities to produce a range of high-value product streams, including liquid fuels, chemicals and low-carbon
electricity.
Sasol, through its subsidiary, Sasol Exploration and Production International ("E&PI") develops and manages the
group's upstream interests in oil and gas exploration and production in Mozambique, South Africa, Australia, Canada
and Gabon. It produces natural gas and condensate from Mozambique's Pande and Temane fields, shale gas from their
share in the Farrell Creek and Cypress A assets in Canada, and oil in Gabon through their share in the offshore Etame
Marin Permit (EMP). E&PI sells Mozambican gas under long-term contracts to Sasol Gas and external customers,
condensate on short term contracts, while selling Canadian gas into the market at spot prices. Oil is sold to
customers under annual contracts. For more information go to www.sasol.com.
Glossary of terms
A$ Australian dollars
CSG Coal seam gas
JV Joint Venture
LNG Liquefied natural gas
LPG Liquefied petroleum gas
MW Megawatt
TD Total Depth
Km Kilometers
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the
TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Certain information in this press release may constitute forward-looking information. This information is based on
current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Such
information may include, but is not limited to comments made with respect to the type, number and objectives of the
wells to be drilled in the Beetaloo basin Australia, expected contributions of the partners, the prospectivity of the
Middle Velkerri shale play, the prospect of the exploration programme being brought to commerciality and the awarding
of an exploration licence in South Africa. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any
forward-looking statements. Falcon assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the
reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until
required by securities laws applicable to Falcon. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is
contained in Falcon's filings with the Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.
+353 1 417 1900
OR
Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.
Philip O'Quigley
CEO
+353 87 814 7042
OR
Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.
Michael Gallagher
CFO
+353 1 417 0814
OR
Davy (NOMAD & Broker)
John Frain / Anthony Farrell
+353 1 679 6363
OR
CAMARCO
Billy Clegg
+44 20 3757 4983
OR
CAMARCO
Georgia Mann
+44 20 3757 4980
Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.
Latest directors dealings
- 1 day ago Savannah Energy
- 1 day ago Buccaneer Energy PLC
- 1 day ago Savannah Energy
- 1 day ago Carclo
- 1 day ago Schroder Japan Growth Fund