syd443s
- 26 May 2005 13:18
Just bought into this share, I think its cheap at the current price. I think in time this could be another BUR.
Anyone else holding this and what are other peoples opinions on it?
Thanks
rob308
- 03 Apr 2006 14:29
- 228 of 472
Strange run of 5,000 lot trades today, strannge to me any way .. can anybody explain??????/ thanks, Rob
DFGO
- 03 Apr 2006 17:48
- 229 of 472
up 15.25p today
DFGO
- 03 Apr 2006 19:42
- 230 of 472
From Emerald website www.emeraldenergy.com
http://www.emeraldenergy.com/OnP-Syria.htm
Operations & Production
SYRIA
Emerald, though its 100% owned subsidiary SNG Overseas Ltd, holds a 50% working interest in Block 26. Gulfsands Petroleum Ltd is operator and holder of the remaining 50% interest. The Block is located in northeast Syria and covers approximately 11,000 square kilometres. The rights to explore for, develop and produce oil and gas are granted under a contract with production sharing terms (PSA).
Within Block 26 boundary there are several discovered fields owned and operated by Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) where current production is over 100,000 barrels of oil per day. Included in these SPC fields is Souedieh which is the largest oil field in Syria. These fields produce medium gravity oil from Cretaceous limestone reservoirs. The oil is transported via existing infrastructure for domestic refining or export; produced gas is treated locally and used as fuel for local needs and power generation
The rights to these existing discovered Cretaceous fields are excluded from the PSA for Block 26. The PSA does grant the right to explore for new Cretaceous fields and all the deeper rights within Block 26 boundary where there is significant potential for hydrocarbons in Palaeozoic reservoirs.
A portfolio of 31 prospects and leads has been identified with total mean potential in both Cretaceous and Palaeozoic reservoirs of more than 1 billion barrels of recoverable oil. Plans are progressing to drill a minimum of two exploration wells this year, initially to test a Cretaceous prospect on the flank of the Souedieh field (Souedieh North prospect) and a deep Palaeozoic target underlying the Souedieh field (Tigris Prospect).
Emerald announced in January 2006 the results of an independent reserves study by Rider Scott Company on the Tigris prospect based on the results on a previous well drilled by SPC to test the deep potential below the Souedieh field. There is insufficient data to identify whether the potential is primarily for oil or for gas, and Rider Scott therefore developed two cases involving recoverable Probable and Possible Reserves and Prospective Resources as follows:
Either
For a gas accumulation, Rider Scott classified 442 billion cubic feet of gas (bcf) as Probable Reserves, 442 bcf as Possible Reserves, and an additional 3,447 bcf as a Prospective Resource, giving a total Probable, Possible and Prospective Resource of 4,330 bcf (equivalent to 722 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe)
Or
For an oil accumulation, Rider Scott classified 104 million barrels of oil (mmbbl) and 64 bcf as Possible Reserves and an additional 408 mmbbl and 245 bcf as an Prospective Resource, giving a total Possible and Prospective Resource of 512 mmbbl plus 308 bcf (equivalent to 563 mmboe)
Onshore Syria Block 26, Activity Map
Onshore Syria - Block 26, Geoseismic Line: Souedieh Field and Deep Palaeozoic Prospect
Onshore Syria - Block 26, Geoseismic Line: Souedieh Field and North Souedieh Prospect
DFGO
- 03 Apr 2006 19:54
- 231 of 472
16/3/06
Centauro Sur prospect:
The Centauro Sur prospect is located to the south of the Campo Rico field. Pride
Rig No 14 commenced drilling the Centauro Sur No.1 exploration well on 14 March
2006.
28/3/06
Centauro Sur prospect:
Pride Rig 14, drilling the Centauro Sur No.1 exploration well, is currently
drilling ahead at 7,401ft.
Not far from target now imo
DFGO
- 03 Apr 2006 19:54
- 232 of 472
28/3/06
Saxon Rig 223 is now moving to the Campo Rico block to drill the Las Acacias prospect located south west of the Vigia field.
niceonecyril
- 04 Apr 2006 07:36
- 233 of 472
EEN have an RNS out today, news of drilling rig contracts. The 1st to start
drilling early May, and the 2nd to drill the deeper well in August.
cyril
jimward9
- 04 Apr 2006 09:52
- 234 of 472
EEN+
Gulfsands Petroleum PLC
04 April 2006
4 April 2006
Gulfsands Petroleum PLC
('Gulfsands' or 'the Group')
Gulfsands Signs Rig Contracts for Block 26, Syria
First Exploration Well Expected to Spud by May 2006
Gulfsands Petroleum PLC (symbol GPX), the AIM listed oil and gas exploration,
development and production company with activities in the USA, Syria and Iraq,
announced today that the Company has executed definitive agreements for the
drilling of three exploration wells with the option to drill a further two wells
within Block 26, Syria.
Gulfsands, the operator and 50% working interest owner in Block 26, has taken
assignment under an existing contract from another operator in Syria, for a
drilling rig owned and operated by Crosco, a drilling company based in Croatia.
Gulfsands will use this rig to drill and evaluate the Souedieh North well
commencing in late April or early May 2006 with the option to drill another well
within the block under this same agreement. Furthermore, the Company signed a
definitive agreement with MB Drilling Overseas Limited for the drilling of two
firm wells with a one well option. This rig will be used to drill to the deeper
Palaeozoic prospects identified in Block 26, such as the Tigris structure which
is scheduled for drilling in August 2006.
The Souedieh North well will be located in the northeast region of Block 26.
This vertical well will be drilled to an approximate total depth of 7,216 feet
with the primary objective being Cretaceous aged reservoirs similar to those
producing in the adjacent Souedieh and Karachok oil fields. This prospect has
the potential to contain in excess of 100 million barrels of recoverable oil
(Gulfsands' internal estimate of potential). Gulfsands has commenced site
preparations for the well, and expects a spud date on or about 1 May 2006. The
net cost to Gulfsands for drilling and evaluating this well is approximately
$800,000.
The Tigris well will also be located in the northeast region of the Block and is
expected to spud in August 2006. The net cost to Gulfsands for drilling and
evaluating this well is approximately $3.25 million. This vertical well will be
drilled to a total depth of nearly 15,000 feet with the primary objectives being
a series of Palaeozoic (Carboniferous and Devonian) sandstone reservoirs. The
Tigris structure is directly underlying the Souedieh oil field (the largest
known oil field in Syria), where oil is produced from the shallower Cretaceous
reservoirs. Wireline log evaluation of an existing well on the structure
drilled some years ago has identified pay zones within the objective reservoirs,
and the Tigris-1 well is designed to evaluate these reservoirs and appraise this
probable hydrocarbon accumulation. Gulfsands announced on 30 January 2006 the
results of a reserves study by Ryder Scott Company, L.P. (Ryder Scott), an
independent petroleum engineering firm, on the Tigris structure. Ryder Scott
developed two cases for this evaluation, an oil case and a gas case, as there
was not sufficient data available at the time to determine the expected
hydrocarbon fluid contained within the Tigris structure. This reserves study
as of 1 January 2006 classified recoverable Probable and Possible Reserves and
Prospective Resource as follows:
For primarily a natural gas accumulation, Ryder Scott has classified 442
BCFG as Probable Reserves, 442 BCFG as Possible Reserves, and a further 3447
BCFG as a Prospective Resource. In summary total reserves potential among
Probable, Possible and Prospective Resource is 4330 BCFG (722 MMBOE).
For primarily an oil accumulation, Ryder Scott has classified 104 million
barrels of oil and 64 BCFG as Possible Reserves and a further 408 MMBO and
245 BCFG as a Prospective Resource. In summary total reserves potential
among Possible and Prospective Resource is 512 MMBO and 308 BCFG (combined
563 MMBOE).
Gulfsands' CEO, John Dorrier, said:
'Gulfsands is constantly seeking ways of accelerating its schedules and
controlling the costs of exploration drilling. These drilling arrangements
represent an important achievement in the current market. The relatively
low-cost and high potential of these two drilling projects remains a very
attractive exploitation of the Company's significant inventory of drilling
opportunities.'
DFGO
- 05 Apr 2006 09:16
- 235 of 472
http://www.oilbarrel.com/email_index.html?page=/news/article.html?body=1&key=oilbarrel_en:1144202415&feed=oilbarrel_en
05.04.2006
Gulfsands Petroleum And Emerald Energy Within Weeks Of First Well In Syria
Less than one year after taking over operatorship of Block 26 in Syria and London-listed Gulfsands Petroleum is gearing up to spud its first exploration well on the block. Rig contracts are in place to drill three wells with the option for a further two with the first hole set to sink within weeks - not bad given available rig slots are like gold dust in the current booming natural resources market.
Gulfsands has identified some 31 leads and prospects on the 11,000 sq km block, which surrounds existing oilfields that are currently pumping some 85,000 barrels per day of 20-26-degree API oil crude. Importantly, the block partners (fellow London-listed oil firm Emerald Energy has a 50 per cent stake) have access rights to that nearby network of production infrastructure. The sulphurous crude is produced from Cretaceous limestone reservoirs but its thought the deeper Palaeozoic horizons also hold potential.
As yet the potential of Block 26 has yet to be proved through the drillbit. A number of wells have been sunk in the past but without commercial success. However, Houston-headquartered operator Gulfsands has plans to change this. It has subcontracted a Croatian rig from another operator in Syria and will use this to drill the Souedieh North prospect, with an option to follow-on with a second well. Site work is already underway and the well should spud in late April or early May.
Gulfsands has also signed an agreement with MB Drilling Overseas to drill two firm wells and one well option. This drilling unit will be used to probe deeper Palaeozoic prospects, such as the Tigris structure which is scheduled for drilling in August.
This promises to be an exciting run of months for followers of the companies and will mark Emerald Energys first project outside its core area of Colombia. Souedieh North lies in the northeast of the block and will be drilled to a depth of 7,216 ft to test Cretaceous-aged reservoirs similar to the producing Souedieh and Karachok oilfields. Gulfsands reckons the US$1.6 million well could tap into a structure with the potential to hold more than 100 million barrels of recoverable oil.
The Tigris prospect also lies in the northeast of the block and will be drilled to nearly 15,000 ft at an estimated cost of US$6.5 million. It will test a series of Palaeozoic sandstone reservoirs that lie directly underneath the Souedieh oilfield (the largest known oilfield in Syria), which produces from the shallower Cretaceous reservoirs.
This wont be the first well on the structure: an existing well identified pay zones within the objective reservoirs. According to independent petroleum engineering firm Ryder Scott, the Tigris structure, if gas prone, could hold a 442 bcf of probable reserves with a total prospective resource of 4.3 tcf. If the reservoirs are found to be oil charged, the total prospective resource base in 512 million barrels of oil and 308 bcf of gas. These numbers will remain theoretical, however, until proved by the drillbit - and happily for impatient investors the countdown to the first well is now well underway.
< back
DFGO
- 06 Apr 2006 09:30
- 236 of 472
copied from advfn
The announcement this week on Block 26 has been timed to coincide with the 5th Syrian International Oil and Gas Exhibition held in Damascus this week from 3rd April until 6th April. This exhibition is held every 2 years and is a major focus for the Mid-east O&G industry.
I would expect that the Gulfsands announcement would have been a major boost for the Government, Oil Ministry, and exhibitors as it comes in the face of US attempts to isolate the country and place a political and commercial squeeze on them. Much is made of the fact that Gulfsands and Emerald are US and UK companies operating in the country in spite of US sanctions. (Gulfsands is represented as being US on the basis that its headquarters are in Houston.)
http://www.syroil.com/
News:
◙ Oil Reserve in Syria is Rich, Gulfsands Petroleum Says
◙ Petro-Canada closes sale of its Syrian-producing assets
◙ Tanganyika Oil Company Provides Update On Egypt And Syria Operations
◙ Syria Receives Bids for Oil Exploration In Nine Announced Sectors
◙ Syria strikes deals with 14 Kuwaiti, foreign firms to develop oil fields
◙ Petroleum investments in Syria promising, CEO of APICORP says
◙ Russian oil company to establish a refinery in Syria
◙ Syria-Croatia sign gas agreement
◙ Syrian signs oil and gas exploration contract with Canada and Kuwait
◙ Oil exploration agreement in Palmyra
◙ Syria , Egypt to carry out 3rd step of Arab natural gas pipeline
◙ Syrian oil company comes first among Shell partners
◙ The ratification of TAT NAFT contract
◙ Dr. Ibrahim Haddad said " Syria has given the sector of gas a special interest
◙ Syria, Egypt hold talks on gas cooperation project
◙ The ratification of Dublin contract
◙ The ratification of HBS contract
◙ New contract approval
Oil Reserve in Syria is Rich, Gulfsands Petroleum Says
Deputy Executive Director of the American-British Gulfsands Petroleum Company Mehdi Sajjad said that the company is insisting to continue drilling in Syria, denying that it is exposed to any pressures regarding work in Syria .
In a phone call with al-Thawra daily published Wednesday, Sajjad added Syria has transparently announced that her reserve of petrol has decreased, but the report of the company assures that the discovered reserve is rich, particularly in the deep areas.
He pointed out that the company announced that oil "reserve in Dijla field at the 26 sector increased from 500 million to 700 million barrel of oil as well its gas equivalent".
Sajjad underlined that the study prepared by Ryder Scott Petroleum Company pointed out that the "possible reserve of Dijla field is 722 million barrel if it was basically natural gas accumulation and 563 million barrel if it was mainly oil reserve".
He continued that the Ryder Scott Company adopted the data of the seismological survey I its evaluations. The company discovered a hydro-carbon compounds in three of the six wells that were digged earlier.
He asserted that the company is using a very advanced technology in exploration actions in the deep areas, stressing that it will start digging next April.
He indicated that "Syria has attracted many world companies in spite of the difficult situation the region is passing through", pointing out that the company is looking for expanding its exploration in the Syrian fields and developing cooperation with the Syrian government.
DFGO
- 11 Apr 2006 12:26
- 237 of 472
Found this on website yesterday it was there 8.21 this morning
it as been removed now
This map shows the location of the 3 Vigia wells also the Centauro Sur and Las Acacias.
http://www.emeraldenergy.com/OnP-CampRico_Vigia.htm
Vigia Field
In February 2005 the Parker 222 drilling rig spudded exploration well Vigia #1 within the Campo Rico block about 11 km from the Campo Rico Field (see Location Map below). Total depth of 11,120 ft was reached in March and two zones successfully tested and produced 16 degrees API oil.
Rig 222 then moved and drilled 2 further wells on the Vigia structure. Vigia #2 was drilled to 11,680 ft and Vigia #3 to 11,070 ft.
Vigia #1, #2 and #3 have been completed with downhole jet pumps. In July 2005 Vigia #1 was put on production followed by Vigia #3 in November 2005 and Vigia#2 in February 2006.
Cumulative oil production from Vigia field at the end of 2005 was 0.11 million barrels of 16 degree API oil.
In December 2005 Ecopetrol has advised the Company that it has granted commercial status to the Campo Rico fields and exercised its right to back-in for 50% of the discovery. Under the terms of the Campo Rico Association Contract, Ecopetrol will now receive 50% of production after the deduction of 8% royalty oil and will reimburse Emerald for 50% of the cost.
Vigia, field and wells.
Map of Vigia showing the 3 Vigia wells also site of proposed Vigia4 also The Las Acacias prospect and The Centauro Sur prospect.
Exploration
In the second half of 2005, Emerald completed the processing and interpretation of the 3D survey that covers some 172 sq km of the Campo Rico block. In addition to appraising the development potential of the existing fields, the survey was designed to identify new prospects in the block. As a result of this programme, Emerald has identified two prospects for immediate drilling: Centauro Sur and Las Acacias.
The Centauro Sur prospect lies to the southwest of Campo Rico field. The Centauro Sur #1 exploration well was spud on 14 March 2006 and is drilling ahead.
The Las Acacias prospect lies to the southwest of Vigia field. The Acacias #1 exploration well will spud in late April 2006.
DFGO
- 11 Apr 2006 14:56
- 238 of 472
Website www.emeraldenergy.com
now showing Vigia wells and rest of update.
The New map shows the location of the 3 Vigia wells and Vigia4,also the Centauro Sur-1 and Las Acacias-1
Greyhound
- 11 Apr 2006 15:13
- 239 of 472
This is looking incredibly good value to me with very little factored in for Syria, which is all about to kick-off. Considering increasing my holding.
DFGO
- 11 Apr 2006 15:22
- 240 of 472
http://www.emeraldenergy.com/OnP-CampRico_Vigia.htm
Operations & Production
COLOMBIA : CAMPO RICO ASSOCIATION CONTRACT
503 sq km
Contract awarded in May 2002
Exploration period of up to six years
Exploitation period of up to 22 years
The Campo Rico contract area is in the productive Llanos basin and is adjacent to producing oil fields.
Campo Rico Field
The Campo Rico #1 exploration well was located near the crest of the Campo Rico structure (see the "Campo Rico Field Structure " map below) and was drilled to a depth of 11,795 feet. The well was declared an oil discovery in the Mirador sands in March 2004 and was completed for production. A jet pump was installed in the well and a long-term production test commenced in May 2004.
Two further production wells have now been completed in the field, both drilled directionally from the Campo Rico #1 well site.
Initial testing with downhole jet pumps indicated that both #2 and #3 Campo Rico wells required remedial cementation to eliminate water production from adjacent reservoirs. The workovers were completed in July 2005 and since then all 3 Campo Rico wells have been on production utilising downhole jet pumps.
Cumulative production from Campo Rico field at the end of 2005 was 1.07 million barrels of 16 degrees API oil.
In December 2005 Ecopetrol has advised the Company that it has granted commercial status to the Campo Rico fields and exercised its right to back-in for 50% of the discovery. Under the terms of the Campo Rico Association Contract, Ecopetrol will now receive 50% of production after the deduction of 8% royalty oil and will reimburse Emerald for 50% of the cost.
Campo Rico Location Map
The Campo Rico
Field Structure
Campo Rico Play Schematic
Vigia Field
In February 2005 the Parker 222 drilling rig spudded exploration well Vigia #1 within the Campo Rico block about 11 km from the Campo Rico Field (see Location Map below). Total depth of 11,120 ft was reached in March and two zones successfully tested and produced 16 degrees API oil.
Rig 222 then moved and drilled 2 further wells on the Vigia structure. Vigia #2 was drilled to 11,680 ft and Vigia #3 to 11,070 ft.
Vigia #1, #2 and #3 have been completed with downhole jet pumps. In July 2005 Vigia #1 was put on production followed by Vigia #3 in November 2005 and Vigia#2 in February 2006.
Cumulative oil production from Vigia field at the end of 2005 was 0.11 million barrels of 16 degree API oil.
Vigia, field and wells.
Exploration
In the second half of 2005, Emerald completed the processing and interpretation of the 3D survey that covers some 172 sq km of the Campo Rico block. In addition to appraising the development potential of the existing fields, the survey was designed to identify new prospects in the block. As a result of this programme, Emerald has identified two prospects for immediate drilling: Centauro Sur and Las Acacias.
The Centauro Sur prospect lies to the southwest of Campo Rico field. The Centauro Sur #1 exploration well was spud on 14 March 2006 and is drilling ahead.
The Las Acacias prospect lies to the southwest of Vigia field. The Acacias #1 exploration well will spud in late April 2006.
Campo Rico, new wells.
niceonecyril
- 11 Apr 2006 20:27
- 241 of 472
Agree greyhound, drilling could begin in 3 weeks time, and that might cause some
excitement. Can't find how long it will take, but i believe i read somewhere that the 7200ft deep well should be take in the region of 1 month? If so we could get a
result early June.
cyril
DFGO
- 18 Apr 2006 09:26
- 242 of 472
Emerald Energy PLC
18 April 2006
EMERALD ENERGY Plc
18 April 2006
Final results
EMERALD ENERGY Plc, a United Kingdom based company engaged in exploration and
production of hydrocarbons in South America and the Middle East, announces its
final results for the year ended 31 December 2005.
Highlights for 2005
Added five new production wells, achieving 100% drilling success
rate;
Achieved gross production of 1.2 million barrels, 149% higher than
in 2004;
Achieved 199% reserves replacement ratio;
Generated profit before tax of $8 million, 267% higher than in
2004;
Purchased 50% interest in Block 26, Syria.
DFGO
- 18 Apr 2006 09:29
- 243 of 472
Centauro Sur #1, spud in March 2006,
has been drilled to a total depth of 11,265 feet using Pride Rig 14. The well
logs identified a zone with potential hydrocarbons
Utilising the results of the 3D seismic survey acquired in 2005, covering some
172 sq km or one third of the Campo Rico block, Emerald is planning to drill at
least five new wells in 2006; including exploration wells on at least two new
prospects, Centauro Sur and Las Acacias. Centauro Sur #1, spud in March 2006,
has been drilled to a total depth of 11,265 feet using Pride Rig 14. The well
logs identified a zone with potential hydrocarbons; and production casing is
being run so that a flow test of the zone can be conducted. Saxon Rig 223 is
rigging up on the location for Las Acacias #1 and the well will spud at the end
of April or in early May.
DFGO
- 18 Apr 2006 09:43
- 244 of 472
every 50bopd @ $60 over the 676average for 2005 adds $1,095,000 per year to
Emerald turnover, less royalties and Ecopetrol 50 % share of which 50% will be reimbursed to Emerald.
In December 2005,the Gigante #1A well developed a tubing leak after producing
two million barrels of crude oil over a five-year period. A workover rig was
mobilised in early 2006 and, simultaneously with the tubing repair, the field
staff installed an electric submersible pump to replace the smaller capacity
hydraulic jet pump. Following an initial clean-up period, the well produces in
excess of 900 bopd (2005 average of 676 bopd) with the potential to increase
production rate further when a larger electric generator is fully commissioned.
DFGO
- 18 Apr 2006 09:52
- 245 of 472
Obviously the power supply could not cope with the power needed to operate the
new pump and when the new larger electric generator is fully commissioned. I can
see output being increased considerably
But as always do your own reseach.
In December 2005,the Gigante #1A well developed a tubing leak after producing
two million barrels of crude oil over a five-year period. A workover rig was
mobilised in early 2006 and, simultaneously with the tubing repair, the field
staff installed an electric submersible pump to replace the smaller capacity
hydraulic jet pump. Following an initial clean-up period, the well produces in
excess of 900 bopd (2005 average of 676 bopd) with the potential to increase
production rate further when a larger electric generator is fully commissioned.
DFGO
- 18 Apr 2006 09:57
- 246 of 472
Gigante field may create an opportunity to drill a second well at Gigante jointly with Ecopetrol, sharing the associated costs and risks, if the required agreement with Ecopetrol is reached. However, the drilling of the Gigante #2 well will not take place earlier than 2007.
The exploitation phase of the Gigante field started on 1 February 2003 under the
sole risk provision of the Matambo Association Contract. Once the sole risks
status was granted, Emerald became entitled to 100% of production (before
royalties) from the Gigante field for as long as it had a balance of
reimbursable costs outstanding in its favour.
In March 2006, Ecopetrol exercised its right to participate in the exploitation of the Gigante field. Joint operation of the Gigante field may create an opportunity to drill a second well at Gigante jointly with Ecopetrol, sharing the associated costs and risks, if the required agreement with Ecopetrol is reached. However, the drilling of the Gigante #2 well will not take place earlier than 2007.
DFGO
- 18 Apr 2006 10:00
- 247 of 472
Emerald Energy PLC
18 April 2006
EMERALD ENERGY Plc
18 April 2006
Final results
EMERALD ENERGY Plc, a United Kingdom based company engaged in exploration and
production of hydrocarbons in South America and the Middle East, announces its
final results for the year ended 31 December 2005.
Highlights for 2005
Added five new production wells, achieving 100% drilling success
rate;
Achieved gross production of 1.2 million barrels, 149% higher than
in 2004;
Achieved 199% reserves replacement ratio;
Generated profit before tax of $8 million, 267% higher than in
2004;
Purchased 50% interest in Block 26, Syria.
Chairman's statement
2005 was another important year for Emerald and its shareholders. The Group has
continued its growth in Colombia and purchased new interests in the Middle East.
Colombia
During 2005, Emerald added five new production wells to its production
portfolio, achieving a 100% drilling success rate since resumption of drilling
in 2004. Successful drilling at the Vigia field has added 2.4 million barrels of
Proved plus Probable reserves, achieving a reserves replacement ratio of 199%.
Emerald has constructed new and enlarged facilites at the Vigia and Campo Rico
fields to gather, process and dispatch the increasing volumes of crude from the
additional production wells. As the fields mature these facilities will be
altered to handle the increasing volumes of water production in order to sustain
the oil production rates at the highest possible level.
The upturn seen in the oil and gas industry in the last 12 months has had an
adverse effect on rig availability as well as supplier costs and on their
ability to deliver and meet schedules; Emerald's Colombian management and staff
have handled these additional pressures very well, implementing alternative
drilling and production solutions, minimising delays and fulfilling the
Company's capital programme as planned.
Successful development of the Campo Rico field in the Campo Rico block resulted
in the grant of commerciality status to the field by Ecopetrol, the Colombian
state oil company, in December 2005. A similar decision on the status of the
Vigia field is expected in the near future. Under the terms of the Campo Rico
Association Contract, once commerciality status is granted, Ecopetrol
participates in the exploitation phase of the project, reimbursing Emerald 50%
of the allowable past costs from its share of production and sharing with
Emerald ongoing costs and production on a 50/50 basis with Emerald.
Utilising the results of the 3D seismic survey acquired in 2005, covering some
172 sq km or one third of the Campo Rico block, Emerald is planning to drill at
least five new wells in 2006; including exploration wells on at least two new
prospects, Centauro Sur and Las Acacias. Centauro Sur #1, spud in March 2006,
has been drilled to a total depth of 11,265 feet using Pride Rig 14. The well
logs identified a zone with potential hydrocarbons; and production casing is
being run so that a flow test of the zone can be conducted. Saxon Rig 223 is
rigging up on the location for Las Acacias #1 and the well will spud at the end
of April or in early May.
In December 2005,the Gigante #1A well developed a tubing leak after producing
two million barrels of crude oil over a five-year period. A workover rig was
mobilised in early 2006 and, simultaneously with the tubing repair, the field
staff installed an electric submersible pump to replace the smaller capacity
hydraulic jet pump. Following an initial clean-up period, the well produces in
excess of 900 bopd (2005 average of 676 bopd) with the potential to increase
production rate further when a larger electric generator is fully commissioned.
The exploitation phase of the Gigante field started on 1 February 2003 under the
sole risk provision of the Matambo Association Contract. Once the sole risks
status was granted, Emerald became entitled to 100% of production (before
royalties) from the Gigante field for as long as it had a balance of
reimbursable costs outstanding in its favour. In March 2006, Ecopetrol exercised
its right to participate in the exploitation of the Gigante field. Joint
operation of the Gigante field may create an opportunity to drill a second well
at Gigante jointly with Ecopetrol, sharing the associated costs and risks, if
the required agreement with Ecopetrol is reached. However, the drilling of the
Gigante #2 well will not take place earlier than 2007.
The Silfide #1 exploration well, drilled on the Fortuna block in October 2005,
discovered hydrocarbons that are currently being produced at an average daily
rate of some 30 bopd. In addition to the potential of the Silfide discovery,
Emerald is evaluating the feasibility to drill a horizontal well to produce the
reserves of the Totumal field, also situated in the Fortuna block. The Totumal
field, which is deeper than the Lisama reservoir, targeted by the Silfide #1
well, was produced by Ecopetrol until 1993, when it was abandoned after
producing over 800,000 barrels of oil. Ecopetrol has granted Emerald a
three-month extension to the current exploration period to evaluate the options
before Emerald either commits to drilling a further well on the block, applies
for commerciality for Silfide, or returns the block to Ecopetrol.
The Agueda #1 exploration well, drilled on the El Algarrobo block in March 2006,
recovered no hydrocarbons during a flow test and was plugged and abandoned. As
Agueda was the only prospect identified on the block, the Company expects to
return the block to Ecopetrol and terminate the Association Contract.
In the reporting period, all of Emerald's production came from the Campo Rico
block (the Campo Rico and the Vigia fields) and the Matambo block (the Gigante
field) in Colombia. In 2005, Emerald achieved an average gross production rate
of 3,301 bopd, a 150% increase on 1,322 bopd achieved in 2004. On the
entitlement basis, in 2005, Emerald achieved 2,293 bopd compared to 1,128 bopd
achieved in 2004.
In the first quarter of 2006, Emerald's gross production averaged 4,336 bopd,
compared to 4,451 bopd achieved in the fourth quarter of 2005. This 2.5% decline
in production is a result of failures of the rented hydraulic pumping equipment
at the Campo Rico and Vigia fields as well as constrained production from the
Gigante #1A well in the period leading up to, during and immediately after its
workover. As the surface facilities at the producing fields are upgraded, higher
production levels will be achieved.
Syria
In November 2005, Emerald purchased a 50% participating interest in the contract
to explore and produce hydrocarbons from Block 26, Syria; the consideration was
$7.2 million, plus the issue of 3.5 million ordinary shares, deferred to May
2007. Gulfsands Petroleum Plc ('Gulfsands') is the operator and holder of the
remaining 50% participating interest in the block. The block is situated in the
northeast of Syria in a proven hydrocarbon system evidenced by existing
discovered fields within the blocks boundaries, some of which have been
developed and currently produce in excess of 100,000 bopd.
In January 2006, a 2D seismic acquisition programme covering 1,155 km in the
block was completed. Once the newly acquired seismic data is processed and
integrated with the older existing seismic data, it will be interpreted and
subsequently used to enhance the understanding of the many leads and prospects
that have been identified in the block.
Emerald and Gulfsands are on track to exceed the minimum work obligations under
the Block 26 contract of drilling four wells by August 2007. In April 2006 two
rigs were contracted to drill three wells with options to drill a further two
wells.
Two prospects have been selected to commence the drilling programme:
Souedieh North prospect is a Cretaceous target situated within the
northeast part of the block, located between the existing Souedieh and
Karatchok fields. It is planned to spud the North Souedieh #1 exploration
well in the second quarter of 2006.
Tigris structure is also located in the northeast part of the block and
is directly underlying the Souedieh oil field that produces from the
shallower Cretaceous reservoirs. Using data from a well drilled into the
structure in 1994 and the extensive 3D seismic data available for the
Souedieh field, Ryder Scott Company LP has prepared an independent reserves
study for the Tigris structure, the details of which can be found in the
Review of Operations. The Ryder Scott study has concluded that there are
potentially productive zones contained within Palaeozoic age reservoirs
penetrated by the earlier well bore. It is planned to spud the Tigris #1
exploration well in third quarter of 2006 with the primary objectives being
a series of Carboniferous and Devonian sandstone reservoirs.
Russia
In 2005, Emerald terminated the conditional Sale and Purchase Agreement,
announced on 11 November 2004, to acquire a 25% interest in JSC
Krasnoyarskgazprom. The termination was without penalty and resulted from
Emerald being unable to fully satisfy itself with regard to the security of the
title to the exploration and production licenses held by JSC Krasnoyarskgazprom.
Financial results
The results for the year ended 31 December 2005 show a profit before tax of $8.0
million achieved on the revenue of $32.1 million compared with a profit before
tax of $2.2 million achieved on the revenue of $12.5 million in the year ended
31 December 2004. Through continued production growth and helped by further
strengthening of the oil prices, in the reporting period, Emerald generated an
adjusted EBITDA* of $16.7 million compared to $3.8 million achieved in 2004
(adjusted EBITDA is earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, depletion,
amortisation and write-offs of oil & gas assets, excluding other income,
non-operating items and cost recovery adjustments). Cash at 31 December 2005
totalled $20.7 million compared with $23.6 million at 31 December 2004. The
Company does not propose to declare a dividend for 2005 as it intends to use its
cash reserves and strong cash flow to finance the growth of the Group and its
operations.
Outlook
Emerald's objectives are to grow its reserve base and increase its net
production through exploration and development of existing and new acreage.
The five-well drilling programme in Colombia will explore for, and add to,
reserves and production. The drilling programme for 2006 in Syria, which
continues into 2007, is designed for exploration and will test the potential of
some substantial prospects; success on any one of which will greatly enhance
Emerald's reserve base.
The exploration department in Colombia has been strengthened and given a wider
remit to look both in Colombia and in the surrounding countries of South
America. At the same time, UK based management and staff are reviewing further
opportunities to acquire new exploration acreage, farm-in to existing acreage
with established partners and acquire established assets in new international
locations.
The Company's year-on-year production growth and the current world oil price
will continue to generate strong positive cashflow, which with the Company's
current cash resources, will be used to explore to create a substantial reserve
base.
Alastair Beardsall
Chairman
18 April 2006