Each one in plain English, with the numbers worked through for a shareholder.
17 Jan 2007regulatory community update▲ Good
UK authorities confirmed Block 48/1b & 2c can continue into a third year after its first two-year term. This keeps the 50% gas block alive while farmout talks continue; the drill-or-drop date was December 2006.
Norwest says Indian media reports of BPCL agreements are premature: no formal agreement exists, but talks are under way on UK Block 48/1b & 2c and AC/P32. Any deal needs partner and regulatory approval. Follows October's cooperation agreement.
Norwest withdrew from onshore Perth Basin permit EP437 (33.3%), judging the leads too risky for their small potential reserves. Funds will be redirected elsewhere. Ends the permit's seismic work.
AGM results: all resolutions passed on a show of hands, including the remuneration report, re-election of Finance Director Munachen and option issues to the four directors. Proxy votes were overwhelmingly in favour.
After AED's reserve upgrade for Puffin North East (P90 22, P50 40, P10 67 million barrels), Norwest estimates its 1.25% royalty could be worth A$33m. That uses the P50 case and US$50 oil, up from the earlier $10-40m range.
8 Nov 2006asset acquisition disposition▲ GoodMajor
Norwest closed the West Virginia sale to Ascent for about US$1.5m, exiting the project. The price covers leases at a premium and sunk well costs. Kentucky and Tennessee are now under review for sale.
Partner Alto Energy reports closing of the West Virginia sale to Ascent, for about US$1.5m for its 29% share. Mirrors Norwest's own sale terms; no new information for Norwest.
Cash fell from $7.56m to $6.35m in the September 2006 quarter, a net outflow of about $1.2m. Norwest planned about $625k of spending for the next quarter, and 199.85m shares were on issue.
Quarterly report: Norwest estimates its Puffin royalty is worth $10-40m. Jingemia-8 flowed 3,520 bopd, West Virginia sale accepted, BPCL deal signed, and UK farmout drew interest. Moondah dry; Jingemia averaged about 1,750 bopd.
2006 annual report. Chairman cites dry Magnolia-1 and Moondah-1, disappointing US shale results with options under review, and UK block 48 farmout interest. He expects Puffin royalty cash flow from 2007. Truncated text.
Victoria Petroleum reports Jingemia-8 cleaned up at 3,250 bopd after perforation and is being tied in, targeting field output of about 4,500 bopd. Norwest holds 1.278%. Operator Origin reports 3,520 bopd; the figures differ.
Origin reports Jingemia 8 flowed 3,520 bopd on clean-up and is being tied to the facility; Hovea 12 flowed 3,230 bopd. Both will be tested for sustainable rates. Norwest holds 1.278% of Jingemia.
Norwest signed an areas-of-mutual-interest agreement with India's Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) to pursue international upstream opportunities, with Norwest as project leader. It builds on the India office; no specific project or funding is stated yet.
Norwest signed to sell its 29% of the West Virginia shale gas project to operator Ascent, exiting the state, with closing due early November. The price is a significant premium to lease cost and recovers well costs. Kentucky and Tennessee are being assessed after outside interest.
Operator AED says oil in place at Puffin North East has risen from 13 to over 90 million barrels, with a reserves upgrade expected (current P90 10.4 million barrels). First oil is expected early 2007. Norwest's 1.25% royalty benefits.
Wireline logs show Jingemia-8's whole 27m Dongara Sandstone section is oil saturated and not in pressure contact with the rest of the field. The well will be completed as a producer. This confirms the earlier indication; Norwest holds 1.278%.
Operator Origin confirms Jingemia 8 reached 2,565m, with the Dongara Sandstone oil-saturated and separate from the rest of the field. Casing is being run for completion. Repeats the partner announcement; Norwest holds 1.278%.
Victoria Petroleum repeats the Jingemia-8 result: 31m of indicated oil sandstone from 2,478 to 2,509m, needing confirmation by wireline logs. Nothing new for Norwest's 1.278%.
Jingemia 8 reached 2,565m. The Dongara Sandstone is interpreted at 2,478m, about 34m above the original oil-water contact, subject to wireline logs. Norwest holds 1.278%, so this is an encouraging but unconfirmed sign.
Victoria Petroleum reports Jingemia-8 at 2,281m, preparing to drill ahead. It repeats its 4,000 bopd target and 4-8 million barrel potential. No new result.
Partner Victoria Petroleum repeats the Jingemia-8 start, adding its view that the well should lift gross field output to a targeted 4,000 bopd. It sees potential for 4 to 8 million barrels recoverable. Norwest holds 1.278%.
Operator Origin reports Jingemia 8 started on 13 August, planned to about 2,560m in about 20 days, targeting the Dongara Sandstone near the field's crest. Norwest holds 1.278%. This is the development well planned since the June quarter.