Quarterly Activities Report and Appendix 5B

RNS Number : 0176V

88 Energy Limited

25 January 2017

 

25 January 2017

QUARTERLY REPORT

Report on Activities for the Quarter ended 31 December 2016

The Directors of 88 Energy Limited ("88 Energy" or the "Company", ASX & AIM:88E) provide the following report for the quarter ended 31 December 2016. 

Highlights

·     Major permit approved: Lease Plan of Operations for Icewine#2

·     Large increase in acreage - rights secured for up to ~190,000 additional net acres

·     Interim volumetric estimates for Top 5 Conventional Leads identifed on 2D seismic

o  758 million barrels of prospective gross mean recoverable resource (587 million barrels net to 88E)                        

·     A$11m raised from two US-based institutional investors

Permitting Update

On December 23rd, the Lease Plan of Operations for Icewine#2 was approved by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Division of Oil and Gas. The only remaining permit, the Permit to Drill, is typically submitted post the approval of all other permits, in the lead up to final drilling preparations. No issues are expected in relation to its approval prior to the planned spud date for Icewine#2. Icewine#2 remains on schedule for late Q1 spud and has been designed to test the production potential of the HRZ interval.

Central North Slope Alaska - Large Acreage Increase

Additional analysis of the results from the Icewine#1 well by the Company's JV partner, Burgundy, has refined the potential HRZ resource play sweetspot. This resulted in a joint decision by 88 Energy and Burgundy to seek rights to a substantial increase in acreage in the December 2016 Central North Slope Alaska bid round.

·     Accumulate Energy Alaska, Inc. ("Accumulate", a 100% subsdiary of 88E) and JV Partner, Burgundy Xploration LLC ("Burgundy") declared high bidder on ~142,560 acres on the Central North Slope (Accumulate 77.5% working interest)

·     Burgundy declared high bidder on additional 279,360 acres on the Central North Slope (Accumulate retains back in right for 30% of these additional acres at cost)

·     Net land position for Accumulate (assuming all rights taken up) now over 400,000 acres on the Central North Slope (Joint Venture gross position over 690,000 acres)

Conventional Prospectivity - Initial Internal Volumetric Estimates for Top 5 Leads

·      Multiple large conventional leads identified in Brookian Sequence over Project Icewine

·      758 million barrels of prospective mean recoverable oil (gross) identified in top 5 leads

o  587 million barrels net to 88E, based on internal estimates*

·      "Alpha" lead located in close proximity to existing transport infrastructure and Trans Alaskan Pipeline with 118 million barrels prospective mean recoverable oil (gross)*

Conventional Prospectivity Map: Top 5 Leads from Interim Results (please see the the pdf version of the announcement which is available on the Company's website www.88energy.com

Prospective Oil Resources (Unrisked Recoverable)* for Current Top 5 Ranked Leads
Name	Low	Best	High	Gross Mean	Net Mean to 88E    (WI: 77.5%)
Alpha	19	71	263	118	91
Bravo	129	245	449	273	212
Golf	60	115	210	128	99
India	61	116	212	129	100
Juliet	52	99	181	110	85
Total				758	587

*Prospective resources classified in accordance with SPE-PRMS as at 18^th October 2016 using probabilistic and deterministic methods on an unrisked basis. Leads identified from interpretation of modern 2D seismic acquired in 2015/2016 across Project Icewine, which comprises 271,119 gross acres on the Central North Slope of Alaska. 88 Energy is Operator of record at Project Icewine (through its wholly owned subsidiary Accumulate Energy Alaska, Inc) with a 77.5% working interest.

Cautionary Statement: The estimated quantities of petroleum that may be potentially recovered by the application of a future development project relate to undiscovered accumulations. These estimates have both an associated risk of discovery and a risk of development. Further exploration, appraisal and evaluation are required to determine the existence of a significant quantity of potentially movable hydrocarbons.

Successful A$11m Placement Completed with Two US-Based Institutional Investors

On the 25^th October, the Company announced it had reached agreement regarding a placement to raise gross proceeds of A$11m (before fees and expenses) to two US-based institutional investors (the "Placement"). The net proceeds from the Placement will be used to strengthen the Company's balance sheet ahead of the upcoming drilling of Icewine#2 in 1Q2017, pursue complementary growth opportunities in Alaska and for general working capital purposes.

Post Quarter Significant Events

Conventional Prospectivity Review Complete - Highlights

·     Additional resource potential identified for conventional leads across Project Icewine acreage, based on internal estimates totalling:

o  710 million barrels of gross mean Prospective Resources (unrisked)

o  550 million barrels of net mean Prospective Resources to 88 Energy (unrisked)

·     Total Resource Potential (conventional only), including previously reported leads:

o  1.47 billion barrels gross mean Prospective Resources (unrisked)

o  1.14 billion barrels net mean Prospective Resources to 88 Energy (unrisked)

Conventional Prospectivity Review - Details

88 Energy has completed the interpretation of the 2D seismic data acquired/ licensed  by the Company early in 2016 across Project Icewine and is encouraged by the results of the technical evaluation. Stacking of Leads mapped in the Central region and on the Western margin of Project Icewine may, on maturation, offer the opportunity to test multiple stacked objectives with one exploration well.

The principal objective of the seismic acquisition program, to evaluate the conventional prospectivity across Project Icewine, has been achieved. A conventional Prospect and Lead Portfolio has been developed to complement the unconventional Prospective Resource potential already recognised in the HRZ liquids rich resource play.

On completion of the conventional prospectivity portfolio review, the  Alpha and Bravo Leads remain the most significant given their seismic relief and geometries. Of note, the Alpha Lead is located close to the transportation corridor and mature infrastructure so could be developed relatively quickly, in the event of exploration success. The Bravo Lead is the most significant Lead in the Western Play Fairway, with closure delineated on the Company's new 2016 seismic database. 

Project Icewine Conventional Prospectivity Summary

Prospective Oil Resources - Unrisked Recoverable - MMBO

PROJECT ICEWINE CONVENTIONAL LEAD SUMMARY                                                  Prospective Oil Resources - Unrisked Recoverable - MMBO
Lead	Low	Best	High	Gross Mean	Net Mean to 88E    (WI: 77.5%)
Eastern Play Fairway
Alpha	19	71	263	118	91
Romeo	2.1	3.4	5.3	3.6	2.8
Sierra	1.1	2.0	3.4	2.2	1.7
Central Play Fairway
Golf	60	115	210	128	99
Hotel	10	18	31	19.8	15.3
India	61	116	212	129	100
Juliet	52	99	181	110	85
Western Play Fairway
Bravo	129	245	449	273	212
Oscar	14.5	26.6	47	29.2	22.6
Papa	7.6	13.9	24.6	15.3	11.9
Charlie*	147	257	432	277	215
Delta*	74.7	131	219	141	109
Foxtrot*	40.9	71.5	120	77	60
Mike*	50	87.5	147	94	73
November*	24.8	45.6	80.4	50.1	39
FINAL TOTAL				1,468	1,137

Prospective resources classified in accordance with SPE-PRMS as at 13^th January 2017 using probabilistic and deterministic methods on an unrisked basis. Leads identified from interpretation of modern 2D seismic acquired in 2015/2016 across Project Icewine, which comprises 271,119** gross acres on the Central North Slope of Alaska. 88 Energy is Operator of record at Project Icewine (through its wholly owned subsidiary Accumulate Energy Alaska, Inc) with a 77.5% working interest.

Cautionary Statement: The estimated quantities of petroleum that may be potentially recovered by the application of a future development project relate to undiscovered accumulations. These estimates have both an associated risk of discovery and a risk of development. Further exploration, appraisal and evaluation are required to determine the existence of a significant quantity of potentially movable hydrocarbons.

*Conceptual leads extend into previously open acreage to the west of Icewine Project, which was successfully bid on by 88 Energy in the recent State of Alaska Licensing round, December 2016. Currently delineated on Icewine 2D seismic data and extending onto sparse vintage 2D. Further technical work is required to define the full potential of the Western Play Fairway conceptual leads.

** An additional ~420,000 gross acres (~190,000 net to 88E) is subject to formal award, which is expected in 2017.

The conventional leads mapped are predominantly stratigraphic and the majority are considered to be associated with slope apron, turbidites and basin floor fan development. The Tarn Oil Pool, Kuparuk River Unit to the norwest of Project Icewine is considered a proven and productive analogue. The Tarn Oil Pool comprises multiple stacked sands within the Seabee Formation.

Project Icewine: Conventional Leads Prospectivity Map and Acreage Position     (please see the the pdf version of the announcement which is available on the Company's website www.88energy.com)

The ASX Appendix 5B attached to this report contains the Company's cash flow statement for the quarter.  The significant elements for the period were:

·     exploration and evaluation expenditure of A$1.45m, related to the processing and interpretation of 2D seismic data, well design and permitting work for Icewine#2 as well as US$600k deposit for winning bid on increased acreage position (September 2016 A$0.9m):

·     administration and other operating costs A$0.9m (September 2016 of A$0.9m);

·     proceeds from issue of shares A$10.2m (net of costs);

·     a net cash inflow of A$8.0m recorded by the Company.

At the end of the quarter, the Company had cash reserves of A$26.5 million.

Pursuant to the requirements of the ASX Listing Rules Chapter 5 and the AIM Rules for Companies, the technical information and resource reporting contained in this announcement was prepared by, or under the supervision of, Mr Brent Villemarette, who is a Non Executive Director of the Company. Mr Villemarette has more than 30 years' experience in the petroleum industry, is a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, and a qualified Reservoir Engineer who has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style and nature of the oil prospects under consideration and to the activities discussed in this document. Mr Villemarette has reviewed the information and supporting documentation referred to in this announcement and considers the prospective resource estimates to be fairly represented and consents to its release in the form and context in which it appears. His academic qualifications and industry memberships appear on the Company's website and both comply with the criteria for "Competence" under clause 3.1 of the Valmin Code 2015. Terminology and standards adopted by the Society of Petroleum Engineers "Petroleum Resources Management System" have been applied in producing this document.

Media and Investor Relations:

88 Energy Ltd

Dave Wall, Managing Director                                                    Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail] 

Finlay Thomson, Investor Relations                                         Tel: [phone]

Hartleys Ltd

Dale Bryan                                                                                  Tel: + 61 8 9268 2829

Cenkos Securities

Neil McDonald/Derrick Lee                                                         Tel: [phone]

This announcement contains inside information.

Project Icewine Overview

In November 2014, the Company entered into a binding agreement with Burgundy Xploration (BEX) to acquire a significant working interest (87.5%, reducing to 77.5% on spud of the first well on the project) in a large acreage position on a multiple objective, liquids rich exploration opportunity onshore Alaska, North America, referred to as Project Icewine. In June 2016, the gross acreage position was expanded to 271,119 contiguous acres (210,250 acres net to the Company). In December 2016 the Company successfully bid on additional acres. On award the Project Icewine gross acreage position will be further expanded to ~690,000 contiguous acres (~400,000 acres net to the Company assuming all rights are taken up). 

The Project is located on an all year operational access road with both conventional and unconventional oil potential. The primary term for the State leases is 10 years with no mandatory relinquishment and a low 16.5% royalty.

The HRZ liquids-rich resource play has been successfully evaluated based on core obtained in the Icewine #1 exploration well (2015), marking the completion of Phase I of Project Icewine. Phase II has now commenced, with a followup appraisal well, Icewine#2, scheduled for spud in late 1Q2017. Icewine#2 has been designed as a vertical well with a multi-stage stimulation and flow test, to assess the production potential of the HRZ.

Significant conventional prospectivity has also been identified on recently acquired 2D seismic across the project acreage.

Project Icewine Acreage map (please see the the pdf version of the announcement which is available on the Company's website www.88energy.com)

Cautionary Statement: The estimated quantities of petroleum that may be potentially recovered by the application of a future development project relate to undiscovered accumulations. These estimates have both an associated risk of discovery and a risk of development. Further exploration, appraisal and evaluation are required to determine the existence of a significant quantity of potentially movable hydrocarbons.

Generous exploration incentives are provided by the State of Alaska with up to 35% of net operating loss refundable in cash.

The  primary objective is an untested, unconventional liquids-rich shale play in a prolific source rock, the HRZ shale (Brookian Sequence), that co-sourced the largest oil field in North America; the giant Prudhoe Bay Oil Field Complex. Internal modelling and analysis indicates that Project Icewine is located in a high liquids vapour phase sweetspot analogous to those encountered in other Tier 1 shale plays e.g. the Eagle Ford, Texas.

A Prospective Resources Report, by DeGolyer and MacNaughton, was commissioned by 88 Energy to evaluate the unconventional resource potential of Project Icewine in February 2016 and was released to the market on 6^th April 2016.

Recently acquired 2D seismic has identified large conventional leads at Project Icewine within the same Brookian petroleum system and shallow to the HRZ shale, including potential high porosity channel and  turbiditic sands associated with slope apron and deepwater fan plays. Additional conventional potential may be matured in the Brookian delta topset play, deeper Kuparuk sands and the Ivishak Formation.

The Brookian conventional play is proven on the North Slope; the USGS (2013) estimated the remaining oil potential to be 2.1 billion barrels within the Brookian sequence alone. Three recent discoveries in the Brookian have already exceeded these estimates, with Armstrong/Repsol discovering 1.4 billion barrels in 2015 (Pikka); Caelus announcing a 2.5 billion barrel discovery in 2016 (Smith Bay) and ConocoPhillip, in January 2017, announcing an estimated 300 million barrel discovery (Willow).  

About 88 Energy: 88 Energy has a 77.5% working interest and operatorship in ~271,000 acres onshore the prolific North Slope of Alaska ("Project Icewine"). Gross contiguous acreage position will expand on award of additional leases successfully bid on in the December 2016 State of Alaska North Slope Licensing Round.The North Slope is the host to the 15 billion barrel Prudhoe Bay oilfield complex, the largest conventional oil pool in North America. The Company, with its Joint Venture partner Burgundy Xploration, has identified  highly prospective play types that are likely to exist on the Project Icewine acreage - two conventional and one unconventional. The large unconventional resource potential of Project Icewine was independently verified by leading international petroleum resource consultant DeGolyer and MacNaughton. In addition to the interpreted high prospectivity, the project is strategically located on a year-round operational access road and only 35 miles south of Pump Station 1 where Prudhoe Bay feeds into the Trans Alaska Pipeline System. The Company acquired 2D seismic in early 2016, benefitting from the globally unique fiscal system in Alaska, which allowed for up to 75% of 1H2016 exploration expenditure to be rebated in cash. Results from the seismic mapping and prospectivity review are encouraging, and form the basis of a conventional prospectivity portfolio for Project Icewine. In late 2015, the Company completed its maiden well at the project, Icewine#1, to evaluate an unconventional source rock reservoir play which yielded excellent results from analysis of core obtained from the HRZ shale. A follow-up well with a multi-stage stimulation and test of the HRZ shale, Icewine#2, is planned for 1Q2017.

Click on, or paste the following link into your web browser, to view the associated PDF document.

http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/0176V_-2017-1-24.pdf 

 

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