Quarterly Report
31 Juli 2008 - 12:00PM
UK Regulatory
RNS Number : 3089A
Elixir Petroleum Ltd
31 July 2008
Elixir Petroleum Limited
(AIM : ELP)
31 July 2008
QUARTERLY ACTIVITIES REPORT FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED 30 JUNE 2007
HIGHLIGHTS
* Production receipts received in the quarter of $2.1 million
* Pompano Well �2 drilled and completed and brought onto production with Well �1
* Initiated and completed 1,222 km2 3D seismic data acquisition program over Block SL-4 offshore Sierra Leone
* Applications submitted for three new licences in the UKCS 25th Seaward Licensing Round
* Farm out activities continue on several UK North Sea licences
* Raised $7.5 million via an issue of new shares
* Current cash on hand of $10.6 million
COMMENT AND OUTLOOK
Elixir was very active in the June 2008 quarter with progress being made across all areas of our business. We were particularly pleased
to bring onto production a further well at Pompano and to successfully complete only the second 3D seismic survey undertaken offshore the
Republic of Sierra Leone. We have benefited from rising commodity prices in the US through our production, with both oil and gas prices up
approximately 45% for the quarter.
Increasing revenues from production and funds raised from the rights issue and placement undertaken in June mean Elixir is well funded
to pursue opportunities within and outside its portfolio. We look forward to a busy second half of 2008.
STRATEGY
Elixir is an internationally focused upstream oil and gas company with a diversified portfolio of offshore petroleum interests across
the exploration, appraisal, development and production lifecycle.
Elixir's business strategy is to acquire interests in exploration licences with high impact potential, to work up prospects internally
and to farm these out to industry to drill, typically on a full carry basis. Complementing this exploration strategy is the addition of
lower risk oil and gas development projects with appraisal upside located in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. These projects
typically demonstrate a short cycle time to production and provide cashflow for the Elixir Group.
The Board of Elixir considers it important to remain flexible in the pursuit of new business opportunities which are judged to be
complementary to its existing business activities and able to deliver superior growth in shareholder value.
DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION
Gulf of Mexico
Project Name: High Island Project (Block 268A)
Location: High Island Area, Offshore Texas, USA
Ownership: 30% Working Interest (22.5% Net Revenue Interest)
Operator: Peregrine Oil and Gas, LP
Wells A-1 and A-2 at High Island discovered gas and condensate pay in two separate accumulations, with each well currently only
producing from the lower of the two reservoir zones. In the three month period to 30 June 2008, the following production results at High
Island were achieved:
High Island 268-A Gas Production
Oil Production
Total Jun Qtr Total Mar Qtr Avg Daily Jun Qtr Avg Daily Mar Qtr Change (%) Total Jun Qtr (Bbls)
Total Mar Qtr (Bbls) Avg Daily Jun Qtr Avg Daily Mar Qtr Change (%)
(MMscf) (MMscf) (MMscf/d) (MMscf/d)
(Bbls/d) (Bbls/d)
Project (100%) 442.1 568 4.9 6.2 (21%) 19,331
30,373 212 338 (37%)
Elixir (30% WI) 132.6 170.4 1.5 1.9 (21%) 5,799
9,112 64 100 (37%)
There were just over 4 days downtime during this period, giving an average uptime of 95.4%. There were no safety incidents reported in
the period.
Production of gas and condensate from Well A-2 remains relatively stable, although the well is exhibiting a slow, natural decline in
production over time, which is in accordance with expectations.
Production from Well A-1 continues with small volumes of gas and steady water and condensate rates. An intervention in late May carried
out a series of wireline logs and also opened the shallower sleeves on the same sand. Following the activity, there was little change in
production. The logs indicated that the reservoir was in vertical communication and that it had already been largely drained by the
production to date.
A further program of investigation was devised and a second intervention took place in late June. The objective was to close the lower
sleeve in order to reduce the amount of water being produced, which would assist in maximising the recovery and rate of production of the
remaining reserves at the crest of the reservoir. Unfortunately, difficulties were encountered during the wireline run to close the sleeve
and the operation was postponed. A further intervention is being planned and will take place in the near term.
Ultimately, Well A-1 will be recompleted and produced from the shallower 6,000ft sand that is presently cased off, but was fully logged
when the well was originally drilled.
In the normal course, a lag of two months is experienced from the month of production to receipt of sales proceeds. Accordingly,
receipts in the quarter were for production in the months of February 2008 to April 2008. Sales receipts for these months totalled
US$1,804,195. The average price realised for the sale of gas produced in these months was US$9.01/Mcf, and for oil was US$104.57/Bbl.
Project Name: Pompano Gas Project (Block 446-L SE/4)
Location: Brazos Area, Offshore Texas, USA
Ownership: 25% Working Interest (18.125% Net Revenue Interest)
Operator: AnaTexas Offshore Inc.
The Pompano gas field lies in the Gulf of Mexico, in Brazos Block 446-L SE/4, which is approximately 90 miles southwest of Houston,
Texas. The first well on Pompano, SL103229�1 ("Well �1"), was directionally drilled from a new caisson installed adjacent to the field's
existing "B" satellite platform. The second well, SL 103320�1 ("Well �2") was drilled during the quarter from a caisson adjacent to the
existing main processing facility, the "A" platform.
Well �2 was drilled in a southerly direction from the "A" platform. The well penetrated a number of proved reserve targets and tested
some upside potential in deeper overpressured horizons. The well was eventually completed over two horizons and commenced production on 1
May 2008. The well is now contributing 70% of the total field output which at the end of the reporting period was approximately 14 MMscf/d.
The well was deepened to encounter two deeper exploration targets in the F and G sands. The penetration of these sands at this location was
sub-optimal, being significantly down-dip of the interpreted structural crest, however Well �2 provided a low cost opportunity to encounter
these sands for the first time within the Pompano lease area. Unfortunately the two sands were found to have poor sand development and to be
water wet in this location.
In mid-May 2008, Elixir announced the results of an independent reserves review of the first two Pompano wells, which is summarised
below.
1P - Proven 2P - Probable 3P - Possible
Gas (Bcf) Oil (Bbls) Gas (Bcf) Oil (Bbls) Gas (Bcf) Oil (Bbls)
Project (100% WI) 12.6 34,732 17.1 48,207 23.8 74,617
Elixir (18.0875% NRI) 2.3 6,282 3.1 8,719 4.3 13,496
Following the success of the first two wells, Elixir announced that a drilling rig had been contracted to drill at least the third
development well on Pompano, with an option acquired to drill a fourth. The timing of Well �3 is dependent on the progress of operations on
preceding third party wells, but is presently estimated as early to mid-September 2008.
In the three month period to 30 June 2008, the following production results were achieved at Pompano:
PompanoField - Gas Production
Oil Production
Brazos Block
446-L
Total Jun Qtr Total Mar Qtr Avg Daily Jun Qtr Avg Daily Mar Qtr Change (%) Total Jun Qtr (Bbls)
Total Mar Qtr (Bbls) Avg Daily Jun Qtr Avg Daily Mar Qtr Change (%)
(MMscf) (MMscf) (MMscf/d) (MMscf/d)
(Bbls/d) (Bbls/d)
Project (100%) 902.5 130.0 9.9 5.7 694% 3,237
240.0 35.6 10.4 135%
Elixir (25% WI) 225.6 32.5 2.5 1.4 694% 809
60.0 8.9 2.6 135%
There were approximately five and a half days downtime during this period, giving an average uptime of 94%. There were no safety
incidents reported in the period. First receipts from sales of gas and condensate were received in May 2008. Total receipts in the quarter
from sales were approximately US$188,027. The average price realised for the sale of gas produced in these months from Pompano was
US$8.66/Mcf, and for oil was US$104.19/Bbl.
Project Name: Red Fish Prospect (Block 479-L N/2 and NE/4)
Location: Brazos Area, Offshore Texas, USA
Ownership: 25% Working Interest (18.125% Net Revenue Interest)
Operator: AnaTexas Offshore Inc.
Together with the other Pompano joint venture partners, Elixir participated in an offshore Lease Round in early April 2008. The Pompano
joint venture submitted the highest apparent bid for the lease containing the Red Fish prospect which lies directly south of Pompano on the
western side of the main fault bisecting the Pompano field.
The joint venture purchased additional 3D seismic data over the prospect in the quarter and the operator has undertaken further
interpretation in the period. It is expected that the Red Fish prospect will contribute additional low risk drilling targets in the near
future.
APPRAISAL
UK North Sea
Project Name: Mulle Prospect (Block 211/22b)
Location: Northern UK North Sea
Ownership: 40% Working Interest
Operator: DNO (UK) Limited
During the drilling of the Jaguar well in early 2006 significant hydrocarbon shows were encountered in the Brent Formation. Subsequent
technical work has indicated the potential for oil entrapment up-dip of the Jaguar well location. This up-dip accumulation, which was
penetrated by a discovery well drilled in the 1970's, has been named Mulle by the joint venture.
The Mulle accumulation lies on the south-western extension of the Osprey ridge and is adjacent to the proposed Causeway oil field
development which has achieved flow rates from an appraisal well of up to 14,500 barrels of oil per day on test.
During the quarter the operator of Block 211/22b published a resource estimate for the Mulle accumulation which is set out below:
Mulle Field P90 P50 P10
(Project 100%) ( ( (
MMBb MMBb MMBb
ls) ls) ls)
Oil in Place 16 57 111
Contingent Recoverable Resource 4 17 36
On a most likely outcome basis, this equates to almost 7 million barrels of contingent recoverable oil resource net to Elixir, given its
current 40% interest in Block 211/22b.
An appraisal well and testing program for the Mulle accumulation was designed during the quarter. The objective of the appraisal program
is to further define the areal extent of the reservoir, to identify oil/water contacts and to test reservoir deliverability. The joint
venture has agreed to invite partners into the project to participate in the proposed appraisal program. To this end, an online data room is
being prepared which will be opened shortly for a select group of invitees. Synergies are being considered with respect to the Causeway
development, planning for which is at an advanced stage.
EXPLORATION
UK North Sea
Project Name: Leopard Prospect (Block 211/18b)
Location: Northern UK North Sea
Ownership: 56% Working Interest
Operator: Elixir Petroleum Limited
Block 211/18b (Licence P1381) is a traditional licence awarded in the 23rd Seaward Licensing Round in December 2005. The interest
holders in P1381 are Elixir (56%), RWE Dea UK SNS Limited (30%) and Sosina Exploration Ltd (14%). Under the terms of a farm-in agreement
finalised with RWE in August 2007, RWE will be contributing on a promoted basis to the cost of drilling an exploration well on the Leopard
prospect which lies within the block.
Efforts to secure another farminee in order to largely cover Elixir's and Sosina's cost exposures in the proposed Leopard well are
ongoing with several companies currently assessing the opportunity.
Testing of 3D seismic data relating to a site survey was initiated during the quarter, a requirement prior to drilling operations
commencing. In the event a full site survey is required, discussions have also been initiated with contractors on the availability of survey
boats for the second half of 2008. The availability of suitable drilling rigs has tightened over recent months with now limited availability
for opportunistic wells slots in late 2008. However, provided the Leopard farmout can be concluded in the near term, we remain hopeful that
the Leopard well could be drilled prior to the end of 2008, but more likely during 2009 having made commitment to the well during 2008.
Project Name: Bobcat Prospect (Block 21/16b)
Location: Central UK North Sea
Ownership: 40% Working Interest
Operator: Elixir Petroleum Limited
Good progress was made on Block 21/16b during the quarter with an online data room opening in late June. Several companies immediately
requested access to the data and are currently in the data room.
State-of-the-art fluid inclusion studies of a number of wells already drilled in the area have demonstrated the movement of hydrocarbons
through the area and proved a hydrocarbon migration pathway across the block. The studies have also revealed that a historic well drilled on
the block that was formerly thought to be a dry hole, in fact contained hydrocarbon shows and provides additional support for the Bobcat
prospect.
Project Name: Fat Cat Prospect (Block 13/25)
Location: Central UK North Sea
Ownership: 12.5% Working Interest
Operator: Petro-Canada
Block 13/25 (Licence P1404) is a promote licence that was awarded in the 23rd Seaward Licensing Round in December 2005. The initial
approval of the merger of Block 13/25 with the adjacent Block 13/24d was achieved in late 2007, with Petro-Canada assuming operatorship of
the merged block. The relinquishment of part of the northern section of 13/25 was also approved at the same time.
At the conclusion of the quarter the licensees of the two blocks received the Deed of Variation from the UK Regulator, which confirms
the change in the terms of the two merged licences and approves the forward work program. The Deed is currently being signed by all parties
and will be lodged with the Regulator shortly.
In the meantime, high resolution 2D data has been acquired over Blocks 13/25 and 13/24 by Petro-Canada and the 2D seismic data has been
processed. The operator is finalising its preliminary interpretation of the data set, with the results scheduled to be discussed by the
joint venture in August.
Project Name: 25th Seaward Licensing Round
Location: Northern UK North Sea
Ownership: TBD
Operator: TBD
In late May, Elixir submitted three licence applications in the 25th Seaward Licensing Round in respect of blocks located in the
Northern sector of the UK North Sea. These applications represent a further progression of the company's exploration strategy which is
designed to obtain access to high quality exploration prospect on a low cost basis and to mature and realize the potential of these
prospects quickly.
It is anticipated that the UK Regulator will announce licence awards late in Q4, 2008.
West Africa - Sierra Leone
Project Name: Block SL-4
Location: Offshore Sierra Leone
Ownership: 35% (comprising 15% Working Interest, and 20% Optional Interest)
Operator: Elixir Petroleum (UK) Limited
An interest in Block SL-4 was assigned to Elixir on 20 February 2008. At that time, Elixir was also approved as operator of the licence.
Block SL-4 comprises an area of 4,429 km2 lying in water depths from 100m to over 3,500m offshore Sierra Leone, West Africa.
As the operator of Block SL-4, Elixir engaged a leading seismic acquisition contractor in late March to undertake a 1,222 km2 3D seismic
survey of the Block on behalf of the joint venture. The 3D survey was designed to better define and mature the large number of significant
leads and play types identified from 2D seismic data acquired over Block SL-4 in 2003.
The vessel conducting the survey completed data acquisition on Block SL-4 on 6 June 2008, which was in accordance with expectation. The
3D seismic field data tapes were received by the seismic processing contractor's office in the UK in late June. Processing parameters have
now been set and the processing sequence has been initiated. Approximately 10% of the survey has been processed and it is anticipated that
the full sequence will be completed by Q4, 2008. Detailed interpretation of the data will immediately commence by Elixir's UK based
exploration team on receipt of the fully processed dataset.
The undertaking of the 3D seismic survey satisfies the agreed minimum work program for the First Exploration Period under the Petroleum
Agreement governing Block SL-4.
Elixir will be required to contribute during the coming quarter approximately US$1.5m to the cost of the 3D survey and can elect to
issue fully paid ordinary shares in Elixir to the value of approximately US$2.0m in order to exercise the option over an additional 20%
interest in the project that it holds (taking its total WI to 35%).
MINERAL ASSETS
Elixir continues to market the seven mineral asset licences it holds in the Northern Territory and South Australia and is in discussion
with several parties with respect to a possible sale or farm-out of the licence interests.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
At the end of the June 2008 quarter, Elixir held cash on hand of approximately $10.6 million.
On 29 May 2008, Elixir announced a fundraising involving the placement of new shares and an underwritten rights issue to raise up to
$14.5 million before costs. Due to adverse market conditions resulting in significant declines in relevant ASX indices just prior to the
close of the offer in late June, in accordance with its terms of engagement, the underwriter elected to terminate the underwriting
arrangements. As a result of this termination and the limited take-up of the rights issue by shareholders during these market conditions,
the total funds raised amounted to $7.52 million before costs. Notwithstanding this, Elixir is well funded to meet all of its known
commitments and to pursue opportunities both inside and outside its existing portfolio of interests.
In the period under review shareholders approved the establishment of the Elixir Employee Share Option Plan for the incentivisation of
the Company's management. Pursuant to the terms of that approval and the rules of the Plan, unlisted options in the Company will be issued
and allotted to directors and employees in the coming quarter.
Please find attached the Company's Appendix 5B for the 3 month period to 30 June 2008.
REPORTING SCHEDULE
Elixir Petroleum's proposed reporting schedule for the remainder of the 2008 calendar year is as follows:
Item Expected Date
Quarterly Activities Report for Quarter ended 30 Thursday, 31 July 2008
June 2008
Full Year Financial Report Thursday, 28 August 2008
2008 Annual Report and Notice of Meeting Thursday, 23 October 2008
Quarterly Activities Report for Quarter ended 30 Wednesday, 29 October 2008
September 2008
2008 Annual General Meeting Monday, 24 November 2008
For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.elixirpetroleum.com, or contact:
Elixir Petroleum Limited Blue Oar Securities Plc
Alex Neuling Jerry Keen / Olly Cairns
Tel: (+61) 8 9440 2650 Tel: (+44) 207 448 4400 / (+61) 8 6430
1631
Conduit PR
Jonathan Charles / Sarah Alexander
Tel: (+44) 207 429 6666
Information contained in this report with respect to the High Island and Pompano Projects and the Red Fish Prospect, was compiled by
Elixir or from material provided by the project operators and reviewed by I L Lusted, BSc (Hons),SPE , who has had more than 15 years
experience in the practice of petroleum engineering. Mr Lusted consents to the inclusion in this report of the information in the form and
context in which it appears.
Information contained in this report with respect to the UK North Sea Projects and Block SL-4 offshore Sierra Leone, was compiled by
Elixir or from material provided by the project operators and reviewed by the Elixir's Exploration Director, Iain Knott, BSc,MSc, FGS, AAPG,
who has had more than 25 years experience in the practice of geology, including more than 5 years experience in petroleum geology. Mr Knott
consents to the inclusion in this report of the information in the form and context in which it appears.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
MSCGCGDRIBXGGIB
Elixir Petroleum (LSE:ELP)
Historical Stock Chart
Von Mai 2024 bis Jun 2024
Elixir Petroleum (LSE:ELP)
Historical Stock Chart
Von Jun 2023 bis Jun 2024
