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First Helium Inc. ("First Helium" or the "Company") (TSXV: HELI) (OTCQB: FHELF) (FRA: 2MC) today announced two discoveries at its Worsley Project:
Shallow Heavy Oil Discovery
Operating in Kazakhstan since 2008, Jupiter Energy (ASX:JPR) is an established oil exploration and production company producing approximately 600 to 700 barrels of oil per day. The company's operations are fully compliant, with its three commercial production licenses secured until 2045/46/49. Jupiter Energy’s reserve base has been independently confirmed by a Sproule International competent person’s report (CPR), effective 31 December 2023, detailing significant recoverable reserves.
Jupiter has successfully transitioned its oilfields through the various regulatory phases required to reach full commercial production. Its three oilfields – Akkar East, Akkar North (East Block) and West Zhetybai – all operate under their respective 25-year full commercial licences. The company’s established compliance and operational framework underline its commitment to long-term sustainable production in Kazakhstan.
Block 31 is Jupiter Energy’s flagship project located in the Mangistau Basin of West Kazakhstan. Covering an area of approximately 123 sq km, it lies in a highly prospective region with proven oil reserves. The company acquired extensive 3D seismic data over the entire block and surrounding areas, totaling 235 sq km, which then enabled the identification of multiple drilling targets.
Company Highlights
- Operating in Kazakhstan since 2008, with three oilfields under licence.
- Holds commercial production licenses for all three oilfields, valid until 2045/2046/2049.
- Current production is approximately 640 barrels per day from four wells, with plans to increase to approximately 1,000 barrels per day by the end of 2024.
- After-tax NPS (20 percent discount) of US$180 million, with an EV of approximately AU$54 million (~US$36 million) – based on a share price of AU$0.025 per share.
- Operates in West Kazakhstan in the Mangistau region, a proven area for Kazakhstan’s oil reserves.
- The company is cash flow positive at the operational level.
- Key shareholders include Waterford (60.5 percent) and Blackbird Trust (21 percent), aligning interests and providing stability.
- Jupiter’s strategic investment in gas utilisation infrastructure, signifies its commitment to sustainable operations and its contribution to the welfare of the local community.
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Jupiter Energy
Investor Insight
Jupiter Energy’s cash-flow positive standing, substantial proven recoverable reserves and long-term strategic positioning in resource-rich Kazakhstan, make a compelling investment value proposition. Its commitment to sustainable operations, backed by its recent strategic investment in developing its 100 percent gas utilisation infrastructure, adds to the company’s investor appeal.
Overview
Jupiter Energy (ASX:JPR) is an established oil exploration and production company that operates three oilfields in Kazakhstan. The company has been producing approximately 600 to 700 barrels of oil per day from its licensed fields and has successfully navigated Kazakhstan’s regulatory and operational landscape since 2008. Its operations are fully compliant, with its three commercial production licenses secured until 2045/46/49. Jupiter Energy’s reserve base has been independently confirmed by a Sproule International competent person’s report (CPR), effective 31 December 2023, detailing significant recoverable reserves.
Jupiter Energy has a reputation as a reliable operator in the region. The company holds 100 percent ownership of its licenses, which cover a total area of approximately 123 sq km in the oil-rich Mangistau region. The license area is close to the port city of Aktau and strategically located in an area with established oil processing facilities and substantial oil and gas infrastructure, including pipelines to the country’s major oil refineries.
Jupiter has successfully transitioned its oilfields through the various regulatory phases required to reach full commercial production. Its three oilfields – Akkar East, Akkar North (East Block) and West Zhetybai – all operate under their respective 25-year full commercial licences. The company’s established compliance and operational framework underline its commitment to long-term sustainable production in Kazakhstan.
According to the Sproule International CPR, released in January 2024, Jupiter Energy’s recoverable reserves under the SPE/PRMS classification are as follows:
- 1P Reserves: 14.691 million barrels (mmbbls)
- 2P Reserves: 36.487 mmbbls
- 3P Reserves: 46.796 mmbbls
These figures confirm Jupiter’s substantial reserve base, with its Kazakh State Approved Reserves recorded at approximately 52 mmbbls (GOST C1 + C2 classification).
The company is also building the necessary pipelines to enable its current and future production wells to be connected into its larger neighbour’s existing gas utilisation infrastructure. This development will allow for the processing and utilisation of associated gas generated during oil production, not only complying with Kazakhstan’s legislation that is focussed on carbon-free operations but also benefiting the local community and contributing to Kazakhstan’s objective of reaching carbon neutrality over the coming decades. This project has seen close collaboration between Jupiter Energy, its larger oil producing neighbour and the Kazakh Ministry of Energy, thereby strengthening its relations with the Kazakh government and its people.
At the helm of Jupiter Energy is a highly experienced corporate and technical leadership team, driving the company towards achieving its goals and increasing shareholder value.
Company Highlights
- Operating in Kazakhstan since 2008, with three oilfields under licence.
- Holds commercial production licenses for all three oilfields, valid until 2045/2046/2049.
- Current production is approximately 640 barrels per day from four wells, with plans to increase to approximately 1,000 barrels per day by the end of 2024.
- After-tax NPS (20 percent discount) of US$180 million, with an EV of approximately AU$54 million (~US$36 million) – based on a share price of AU$0.025 per share.
- Operates in West Kazakhstan in the Mangistau region, a proven area for Kazakhstan’s oil reserves.
- The company is cash flow positive at the operational level.
- Key shareholders include Waterford (60.5 percent) and Blackbird Trust (21 percent), aligning interests and providing stability.
- Jupiter’s strategic investment in gas utilisation infrastructure, signifies its commitment to sustainable operations and its contribution to the welfare of the local community.
Key Project: Block 31
Block 31 is Jupiter Energy’s flagship project located in the Mangistau Basin of West Kazakhstan. Covering an area of approximately 123 sq km, it lies in a highly prospective region with proven oil reserves. The company acquired extensive 3D seismic data over the entire block and surrounding areas, totaling 235 sq km, which then enabled the identification of multiple drilling targets.
Jupiter has since drilled nine wells on Block 31, targeting the Akkar North (East Block), Akkar East, and West Zhetybai oilfields. The current production from Block 31 is approximately 640 barrels of oil per day, with plans to increase output to around 1,000 barrels per day with the drilling of a new well, with the spud data of this well expected in late November 2024. Further increases in production will come via the workovers of existing wells and the drilling of further new wells, planned from 2025 to 2030.
Gas Utilisation
Block 31's strategic significance is bolstered by its newly constructed gas utilization infrastructure, which will allow for the processing and management of associated gas produced during oil production, ensuring this gas is 100 percent utilised by the company, its larger oil producing neighbour and/or by local communities. Kazakhstan has imposed stringent regulations against gas flaring, the practice of burning gas by-products that are generated during oil production. This means that 100 percent gas utilisation is a mandatory requirement for oil producers with full commercial licences in Kazakhstan.
Jupiter’s gas utilisation infrastructure, currently under construction, is expected to be approved for operation in November 2024. This will enable its oilfields to connect to a larger neighbouring producer’s existing gas utilisation facility, which will in turn process and manage the oilfields’ gas by-product. The strategic investment in gas utilisation infrastructure strengthens Jupiter’s relations with the local community and signifies its commitment to sustainable production and helping Kazakhstan reach carbon neutrality in the coming decades.
Management Team
Geoff Gander - Chairman and CEO
Geoff Gander graduated from the University of Western Australia in 1984, where he completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree. He has been involved in the listing and running of public companies since 1994. He was appointed as a director of Jupiter Energy in January 2005 and he is currently responsible for the overall operational leadership of the company, as well as investor relations and group corporate development.
Baltabek Kuandykov - Non-executive Director
Baltabek Kuandykov is currently the president of Meridian Petroleum, a privately held Kazakh oil & gas company. He was formerly the president of Nelson Resources, an oil development and production company operating in Kazakhstan which was listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange until its acquisition by Lukoil in 2005. Kuandykov has considerable experience in the oil and gas industry in the region, having served as president of Kazakhoil (predecessor of the Kazakh State oil company KazMunaiGas), and is a well-respected consultant to Chevron Overseas Petroleum on CIS projects. He also worked in a senior capacity for Kazneftegazrazvedka and was president of Kazakhstancaspishelf. Kuandykov has extensive government experience in Kazakhstan, having served as deputy minister of geology, head of the oil and gas directorate at the Ministry of Geology, and was deputy minister of energy and fuel resources.
Alexey Kruzhkov - Non-executive Director
Alexey Kruzhkov holds an engineering degree and an MBA with over 10 years’ experience working in the investment industry, focusing primarily on the oil & gas, mining and real estate sectors. He has served as a director on the boards of companies listed in Canada and Norway. He is a member of the executive team of Waterford Finance and Investment Limited. He holds British and Russian citizenships.
Alexander Kuzev - Non-executive Director
Alexander Kuzev is an oil industry professional with over 26 years of experience. Most of his career has been spent working in the Former Soviet Union with much of that time responsible for the overall management of field operations with a focus on production sustainability, technology and field maintenance. He brings an important technical advisory skill set to the Jupiter Energy board, as well as in-country experience, having been involved with various Kazakhstan-based oil and gas operations since the late 1990s.
Keith Martens - Non-executive Director
Keith Martens has over 40 years’ experience as an oil finder and manager around the world. He has served as a technical advisor and consultant to a number of Australian oil & gas companies, and was instrumental in the discovery of Jupiter’s Akkar East and West Zhetybai oil fields when he was consulting to Jupiter Energy between 2007 and 2014. More recently, Martens has been working on the Eastern Margin of the Permian Basin in Texas with Winchester Energy and in the Paradox Basin in Utah and Colorado, as both lead explorationist and non-executive chairman of ASX listed Grand Gulf Energy (ASX:GGE).
Sustainable, long-term and profitable oil exploration and production in Kazakhstan
QIMC Announces Transformative Expansion with Launch of New Hydrogen Exploration Camp in Nova Scotia
Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. (CSE: QIMC) (OTCQB: QIMCF) (FSE: 7FJ) ("QIMC") is pleased to announce a major expansion of its natural clean renewable hydrogen exploration activities with the establishment of a new exploration camp in the Cumberland Basin, Nova Scotia, QIMC has staked 2,645 exploration claims. This strategic initiative significantly expands QIMC's natural clean renewable hydrogen and helium exploration portfolio into Canada's Atlantic region, positioning the company to access international hydrogen export markets via existing Atlantic port infrastructure.
John Karagiannidis CEO of QIMC stated: "Our expansion into Nova Scotia marks a transformative step forward, building upon our unparalleled exploration success in Quebec. By harnessing the favorable geological features of the Cumberland Basin and utilizing our proven exploration methodologies, we are poised to unlock substantial new natural clean hydrogen and helium resources, fueling a cleaner energy future and creating significant value for shareholders."
Covering approximately 428.49 km² with 2,645 exploration claims, the Cumberland project strategically targets geological structures conducive for their natural hydrogen and helium potential. Characterized by a thick sedimentary sequence exceeding 7 kilometers, deep-seated faults, and prominent geothermal gradients, the Cumberland Basin offers optimal conditions for hydrogen generation, accumulation, and potential storage.
Leveraging the exceptional exploration model developed at QIMC's St-Bruno-de-Guigues property in Quebec, where groundbreaking exploration has yielded outstanding natural renewable hydrogen results, QIMC intends to replicate its proven approach in the geologically favorable Cumberland Basin area. Nova Scotia's geological environment, marked by significant structural similarities to renowned global hydrogen-rich regions such as the Lorraine Basin in France, offers an ideal opportunity for transformative discoveries.
Specifically, the Cobequid-Chedabucto fault system, an extensive and deep-reaching geological structure, provides pathways for natural hydrogen production through water-mineral interactions involving biotite-rich granitoids and olivine-bearing mafic rocks. Recent scientific modeling in analogous geological environments, such as France's Rhine graben, demonstrates substantial hydrogen generation from biotite-rich granites, confirming the significant hydrogen potential awaiting discovery in Nova Scotia.
In addition, Nova Scotia's geological setting provides robust potential for helium co-production and hydrogen storage, particularly due to abundant salt diapirs within the Windsor Formation. This integrated exploration strategy strengthens QIMC's leading role in natural hydrogen exploration and positions it prominently as the North American leader in natural renewable hydrogen.
Prof. Marc Richer-Laflèche explains: "Nova Scotia frequently hosts biotite-rich potassic granitoids, notably within Neoproterozoic geological complexes such as the Frog Lake pluton (Murphy et al., 2001), as well as within several significant Carboniferous plutons including the North River and Hanna Farm plutons in the Cobequid Highlands (Pe-Piper, 1991). Additionally, lamprophyric intrusions, which are notably abundant throughout the region, also exhibit high biotite concentrations. Within our exploration model for natural hydrogen in Nova Scotia, biotite plays a pivotal role. Analogous to the process involving olivine in mafic and ultramafic rocks, biotite in these granitoids is known to readily react with groundwater, facilitating substantial hydrogen generation under appropriate geothermal conditions. This reaction underscores the strategic geological significance of Nova Scotia's biotite-rich granitoids for natural hydrogen exploration and potential production. This process has been demonstrated and modelled in the Rhine graben (Alsace, France) where, for moderate temperatures of around 130-200oC, biotite produces good quantities of hydrogen (e.g. 102 KT of H2 per km3 of granite: Murray et al., 2020). Given the favorable geothermal gradient in Cumberland, these temperatures could easily be reached, enabling hydrogen production by oxidation of the Fe2+ contained in biotite."
Cumberland sector:
The geological context of Nova Scotia includes lithological, structural and geophysical features conducive to the formation of hydrogen or helium. The Cumberland Basin area (Fig. 1), in particular, is a convergence zone bringing together several critical elements conducive to the formation and accumulation of natural hydrogen in a context showing certain similarities with the geological context of the hydrogen discovery in the Lorraine region of France. This area is characterized by the presence of the Cobequid Highlands.
Figure 1: Location map of the Cumberland project in Nova Scotia and other hydrogen exploration properties of QIMC and its partners. Figure modified from Google Map.
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The sedimentary geology of the Cumberland area, adjacent to the Cobequid Highlands, is characterized at surface by the presence of Late Carboniferous geological units of the Cumberland Group (Ragged Reef Fm, Polly Brook Fm) and stratigraphically underlying rocks of the Windsor and Mabou Groups. Rock units in the basin include continental detrital sedimentary rocks, coal formations (e.g. Springhill) and evaporites (Windsor Group). These rocks are underlain by older bedrock rich in Neoproterozoic potassic granitoids, mafic volcanics and intrusives, diorites and Carboniferous potassic granites (Pe-Piper et al., 1989; Pe-Piper and Piper, 2002). These rocks are cut by local or regional faults. The Cobequid-Chedaducto fault zone, south of the Cobequid Highlands, cuts across much of Nova Scotia and separates the Avalon terrain to the north and the Meguma terrain to the south (Fig. 2). The latter are components of the Northern Appalachians. This structural zone is thought to be the upper part of a larger structure known as the Minas Geofracture. This geological structure, reactivated several times in the Paleozoic, is thought to have been involved, among other things, in the emplacement of basaltic magmas that support the hypothesis of the presence of a transcrustal fault that could reach the peridotitic lithospheric mantle. This mafic magmatism, associated with the effusion of 1,500 m of volcanic rocks (continental tholeiites) (Dessureau et al., 2000), is of great importance for the production of natural renewable hydrogen through the interaction of groundwater and minerals such as olivine, pyroxenes and magnetite.
Figure 2: Simplified geological map of Nova Scotia's Carboniferous and Triassic sedimentary basins. Source: NSDNR, 2006.
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The presence of an imposing succession of sedimentary rocks (over 7 km) in the Cumberland Basin is a favorable feature for natural hydrogen exploration, given the presence of porous, permeable rocks interbedded with impermeable rocks such as shales and evaporites (salt formations of the Windsor Fm). The formation of anticlinal structures by the rise of salt diapirs is, among other things, conducive to the formation of hydrogen and helium gas deposits. The presence of salt formations offers the potential for gas storage in the Cumberland Basin.
With its thick succession of sedimentary rocks and relatively high geothermal gradient, the Cumberland Basin is also recognized for its geothermal potential (Comeau et al., 2020). In a context of hydrogen production, through reactions between groundwater and minerals such as olivine, magnetite and biotite, the presence of relatively warm water, at realistic depths, is one of the characteristics sought for natural hydrogen production. The presence of a granitic basement rich in K, Th and U is also conducive to the production of radiolytic hydrogen and crustal radiogenic helium.
References :
Comeau et al., 2020. Assessment of geothermal resources in onshore Nova Scotia. Offshore Energy Research Association (OERA). Open File Report ME 2021-003, 216 pages.
Dessureau, G., Piper, D.J.W., and Pe-Piper, G., 2000. Geochemical evolution of earliest Carboniferous continental tholeiitic basalts along a crustal-scale shear zone, southwestern Maritimes basin, eastern Canada. Lithos, Volume 50, Issues 1-3, Pages 27-50.
Murray, J., Clément, A., Fritz, B., Schmittbuhl, J., Bordmann, V., Fleury, J.M., 2020. Abiotic hydrogen generation from biotite-rich granite: A case study of the Soultz-sous-Forêts geothermal site, France. Applied Geochemistry.
Murphy, G.B., Pe-Piper, G., Piper, D.J.W, Nance, R.D. and Doig, R., 2001. Geology of the Eastern Cobequid Highlands, Nova-Scotia. Geological Survey of Canada, Bulletin 556, 62 pages. NSDNR, 2006. Geological map of the province of Nova Scotia, Scale 1:500 000, Compiled by J. D. Keppie, 2000. Digital Version of Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources Map ME 2000-1. DP ME 43, Version 2.
Pe-Piper, G., 1991. Granite and associated mafic phases, North River pluton, Cobequid Highlands, Nova Scotia. Atlantic Geology, 27, 15-28.
Pe-Piper, G., Murphy, J.B. and Turner, D.S., 1989. Petrology, geochemistry, and tectonic setting of some Carboniferous plutons of the eastern Cobequid Hills. Atlantic Geology, 25, 37-49.
Pe-Piper, G. and Piper, D. J.W., 2002. A synopsis of the geology of the Cobequid Highlands, Nova Scotia. Atlantic Geology, 38, 145-160.
White, C. E., Archibald, D. B. MacHattie, T. G and Escarraga, E. A. 2011. Preliminary Geology of the Southern Antigonish Highlands, Northern Mainland Nova Scotiain Mineral Resources Branch, Report of Activities 2010; Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, Report ME 2011-1, p. 145-164.
M. Richer-LaFlèche is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical information contained in this news release and has read the information contained herein. He is a professional geologist registered with the Ordre des géologues du Québec and is the Qualified Person responsible for the technical information contained in this news release and has read the information contained herein and approves the press release.
For more information about Quebec Innovative Materials Corp. and its products, please visit www.qimaterials.com.
About Québec Innovative Materials Corp.
Québec Innovative Materials Corp. is a mineral exploration and development company dedicated to exploring and harnessing the potential of Canada's abundant resources. With properties in Ontario and Québec, QIMC is focused on specializing in the exploration of white (natural) hydrogen and high-grade silica deposits. QIMC is committed to sustainable practices and innovation. With a focus on environmental stewardship and cutting-edge extraction technology, we aim to unlock the full potential of these materials to drive forward clean energy solutions to power the AI and carbon-neutral economy and contribute to a more sustainable future.
QUÉBEC INNOVATIVE MATERIALS CORP.
John Karagiannidis
Chief Executive Officer
For further information, please contact:
Email: info@qimaterials.com
Tel: +1 514-726-7058
Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the CSE policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Québec Innovative Materials' actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur.
Although Québec Innovative Materials believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by their nature, forward-looking statements involve assumptions, known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions in Canada and abroad; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments in the natural resources sector, in particular as regards the regulation of white (natural) hydrogen exploration, development and exploitation; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; natural resources industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of Québec Innovative Materials to implement its business strategies; competition; and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties.
The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws.
Cautionary Statements This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections as of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements, as no assurance can be provided regarding future outcomes.
First Helium Announces Shallow Heavy Oil Discovery
- In the recently completed 7-30 well, approximately 50 barrels of 15-degree API oil was recovered in the two calendar days following an acid stimulation, demonstrating vertical well, cold flow heavy oil capability.
- The 7-15 well, without stimulation, also produced small quantities of heavy oil from the same formation and was shut-in for further evaluation following spring breakup.
- This discovery confirms the Company's ongoing evaluation of this zone ("Heavy Oil Zone"), which occurs repeatedly over the Company's 53,000-acre (~83 square miles) Worsley land base as a potential shallow heavy oil development play. The Company is now proceeding to prepare a plan to develop this potentially large, repeatable play.
Helium Enriched Natural Gas Play
- Successfully tested the Blue Ridge Formation in its 7-15 well, which flowed natural gas with helium content of 1.0%.
- Results confirm the eastern extension of the Blue Ridge helium enriched natural gas regional play concept established on the Company's West Worsley lands.
"Our recent drilling program has validated what we've long understood about the multi-zone potential of our Worsley property," said Ed Bereznicki, President & CEO of First Helium. "While our primary oil target in the Leduc formation did not test as commercially viable, our secondary target for heavy oil has exceeded our expectations for inflow of cold flow heavy oil from a vertical well bore. We are very excited to proceed with the development of this potentially large, shallow heavy oil play utilizing contemporary horizontal drilling methods. Our initial economic analyses indicate attractive rate of return estimates for a large, lower risk development play," added Mr. Bereznicki.
"In addition to the heavy oil play, we are pleased to confirm the extension of our Blue Ridge helium enriched natural gas play to the eastern block of First Helium's land base. This has the potential to significantly increase the size of this regional play at Worsley, making it attractive to potential partners for large scale development", concluded Mr. Bereznicki.
The Company provides additional details on these two development opportunities:
Shallow Heavy Oil Opportunity
The Heavy Oil Zone has been recognized by the Company in numerous existing wellbores across the Worsley land base, representing the potential for a large, attractive, lower-risk oil development opportunity utilizing contemporary horizontal drilling technology. Based on the Company's evaluation, including results of the 7-15 and 7-30 wells, potential project highlights would include:
- Large volumes of oil in place, with management's initial estimate of approximately 5 million barrels of original oil in place per square mile.
- Application of contemporary, proven horizontal drilling techniques to maximize oil recovery.
- Management analyses indicate attractive rate of return estimates and payback periods for a lower risk, cold flow heavy oil development play.
- Company owned oil battery and water disposal facilities nearby to reduce operating costs.
- Evaluation work has begun to prepare a plan for an area development project across Worsley.
- Next steps include bringing the 7-30 heavy oil zone into production and preparing to drill a horizontal test well into the shallow formation to kickstart the development plan – both activities are being planned for early Q3.
Blue Ridge Opportunity
The Company has confirmed the extension of the Blue Ridge Formation from West Worsley to the eastern portion of its property through recent drilling. Highlights include:
- Blue Ridge first identified at West Worsley, where two historical vertical wells produced natural gas with ~0.8% helium content.
- 5-27 Blue Ridge horizontal well (100% owned by First Helium) at West Worsley is cased and ready for completion.
- 7-15 well gas sample analysis returned an average helium content of 1.0%, which is notably higher than the 0.8% results at West Worsley - confirming the observed trend of increasing helium content from west to east across the Company's Worsley land base.
- Based on results from drilling the 7-30 and 7-15 wells, the Company confirmed that the Blue Ridge play extends to East Worsley.
- Company-owned pipeline network provides an infrastructure advantage for development across Worsley.
- Next steps include completing and testing the 5-27 horizontal well and preparing an area development plan in collaboration with potential project partners.
Leduc Formation Targets Update
The Company's recent drilling program also continues to advance its Leduc Formation targets:
- Higher risk play for light oil, natural gas and helium.
- Individual vertical exploration wells target discrete structures, complementing the lower-risk, more expansive, overlying horizontal development plays represented by the Heavy Oil Zone and the Blue Ridge Formation.
- While the Leduc Formation structure target was reached as planned in each of 7-30 and 7-15, neither opportunity demonstrated commercial potential during testing, though valuable geological data was obtained to refine future targeting. The Company will incorporate the data into a fresh evaluation of the Leduc play, incorporating the prior successes at the15-25, 1-30, and 4-29 wells.
- Interpretation of the Company's proprietary 3D Seismic, incorporating the recent wells 7-15 and 7-30, validates the Company's technical approach, reducing risk on future locations.
"Our multi-formation approach at Worsley represents a balanced portfolio of opportunities," noted Mr. Bereznicki. "The combination of higher-impact Leduc targets along with more systematic development opportunities in the Heavy Oil Zone and Blue Ridge Formation provides both near-term potential and longer-term, scalable growth across our extensive land base."
The Company will be providing more detail regarding its development plans for each opportunity over the course of the next quarter.
ABOUT First Helium
Led by a core Senior Executive Team with diverse and extensive backgrounds in Oil & Gas Exploration and Operations, Mining, Finance, and Capital Markets, First Helium seeks to be one of the leading independent providers of helium gas in North America.
First Helium holds over 53,000 acres along the highly prospective Worsley Trend in Northern Alberta which has been the core of its exploration and development drilling activities to date.
Building on its successful 15-25 helium discovery well, and 1-30 and 4-29 oil wells at the Worsley project, the Company has identified numerous follow-up drill locations and acquired an expansive infrastructure system to facilitate future exploration and development across its Worsley land base. Cash flow from its successful oil wells at Worsley has helped support First Helium's ongoing exploration and development growth strategy. Further potential oil drilling locations have also been identified on the Company's Worsley land base.
For more information about the Company, please visit www.firsthelium.com .
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Edward J. Bereznicki
President, CEO and Director
CONTACT INFORMATION
First Helium Inc.
Investor Relations
Email: ir@firsthelium.com
Phone: 1-833-HELIUM1 (1-833-435-4861)
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward looking statements concerning the completion of future planned activities. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with the state of the equity financing markets and regulatory approval.
Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward looking statements in this press release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.
SOURCE: First Helium Inc.
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Alvopetro Announces Year End 2024 Financial Results, Q1 2025 Dividend of US$0.10/share and Filing of our AIF
Alvopetro Energy Ltd. (TSXV: ALV) (OTCQX: ALVOF) announces an operational update, our financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024 a quarterly dividend of US$0.10 per common share and filing of our annual information form. We will be hosting a live webcast to discuss our Q4 2024 results on Wednesday March 19, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. Mountain time .
All references herein to $ refer to United States dollars, unless otherwise stated and all tabular amounts are in thousands of United States dollars, except as otherwise noted.
President & CEO, Corey C. Ruttan commented:
"Through 2024 we increased our productive capacity both at the Caburé Unit and on our 100% interest Murucututu project. This allowed us to increase our firm natural gas sales volumes for 2025 resulting in a strong start to the year with a 37% increase in our sales volumes. We are increasing our base dividend to US$0.10 per share, consistent with our long-standing commitment to a more disciplined capital allocation model, balancing returns to stakeholders and organic growth."
Operational Update
As announced on December 17, 2024 , our updated long-term gas sales agreement came into effect on January 1, 2025 increasing Alvopetro's contracted firm reference volumes by 33%. As a result, Alvopetro's daily sales in January and February increased 37% from Q4 2024 sales to an average of 2,375 boepd, including 13.4 MMcfpd of natural gas, natural gas liquids sales from condensate of 129 bopd and oil sales of 10 bopd. Effective February 1, 2025 , our natural gas price under our long-term gas sales agreement with Bahiagás has been adjusted to BRL1.95 /m 3 , a 7% increase from the January 2025 price of BRL1.83 /m 3 and consistent with the Q4 2024 price of BRL1.94 /m 3 . All natural gas sales from February 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025 will be sold at BRL1.95 /m 3 ( $10.55 /Mcf, net of applicable sales taxes, based on average heat content to date and the January 31, 2025 BRL/USD exchange rate of 5.83).
On February 5, 2025 , we announced the terms of a farmin agreement in Canada , pursuant to which Alvopetro agreed to fund 100% of two earning wells in exchange for a 50% non-operated working interest in 12,243 acres (6,122 net acres) of land in Western Saskatchewan . The first two earning wells have now been drilled and are being completed and equipped. Both wells are expected to be on production within the next 30 days. Alvopetro's estimated total costs for the two earning wells is expected to be approximately C$4.0 million ( $2.8 million ). After these initial two earning wells Alvopetro's working interest will be 50%.
On the Company's Murucututu natural gas field, we spud the first of two development wells planned for 2025 in February. Drilling is underway. On the unitized area (the "Unit") which includes the Caburé natural gas field, Alvopetro has five development wells planned for 2025, with the first well expected to be drilled in April.
On February 26, 2025 , we announced our December 31, 2024 reserves based on the independent reserve assessment and evaluation prepared by GLJ Ltd. ("GLJ") dated February 26, 2025 with an effective date of December 31, 2024 (the "GLJ Reserves and Resources Report"). Highlights include:
- After 2024 production of 0.7 MMboe, 1P reserves increased 65% to 4.5 MMboe, representing a 1P production replacement ratio (1) of 372%. The increase was mainly due to the successful working interest redetermination at the Caburé field and increases of Caruaçu assigned reserves on our 100% Murucututu field following success on the 183-A3 well completion, somewhat offset by technical revisions related to the Gomo Formation.
- 2P reserve volumes increased 5% to 9.1 MMboe, representing a 2P production replacement ratio of 167% (1) . The increase in 2P volumes was due to the higher working interest on the Caburé field following the redetermination, partially offset by 2024 production of 0.7 MMboe. At Murucututu, additional reserves associated with the Caruaçu reservoir were offset by technical revisions reducing reserves assigned to the Gomo Formation.
- With increased reserve volumes, 1P net present value before tax, discounted at 10% ("NPV10") increased 53% to $177.7 million and 2P NPV10 increased 6% to $327.8 million .
- Risked best estimate contingent resources decreased by 0.8 MMboe from 5.4 MMboe to 4.5 MMboe at December 31, 2024 with a NPV10 of $110.0 million , decreases from December 31, 2023 of 15% and 13% respectively. The decreases were associated with the migration of volumes to reserves for the Caruaçu Formation.
- Risked best estimate prospective resources increased from 9.6 MMboe to 10.2 MMboe with a NPV10 of $208.9 million , increases of 6% and 13% respectively from December 31, 2023 .
Financial and Operating Highlights – Fourth Quarter of 2024
- Our average daily sales decreased to 1,738 boepd in Q4 2024 (-19% from Q4 2023 and -17% from Q3 2024) with reduced natural gas demand as well as shutdowns during the month of November for planned facility turnarounds and inspections.
- Our average realized natural gas price decreased to $10.51 /Mcf in Q4 2024 (-18% from Q4 2023 and -4% from Q3 2024), due mainly to the devaluation of the BRL relative to the USD, which depreciated 18% compared to the average rate in Q4 2023. Our overall averaged realized sales price was $63.88 per boe (-18% from Q4 2023 and -4% from Q3 2024).
- With lower sales volumes and lower prices, our natural gas, oil and condensate revenue decreased to $10.2 million (-33% from Q4 2023 and -21% from Q3 2024).
- Our operating netback (1) in the quarter was $55.09 per boe (- $14.60 per boe from Q4 2023) due mainly to the reduction in our realized sales price per boe as well as higher production expenses per boe with lower overall production.
- We generated funds flows from operations (1) of $7.0 million ( $0.19 per basic share and per diluted share), decreases of $5.4 million compared to Q4 2023 and $2.9 million compared to Q3 2024 due mainly to lower sales volumes and lower realized prices.
- We reported net income of $2.2 million in Q4 2024, an increase of $1.6 million compared to Q4 2023 despite lower sales volumes and realized prices due to impairment losses recognized in Q4 2023, offset by foreign exchange losses in Q4 2024 compared to foreign exchange gains in Q4 2023.
- Capital expenditures totaled $4.7 million , including costs to re-enter the 183-B1 well on our exploratory Block 183 and costs associated with the facilities upgrade at our Caburé field.
- Our working capital surplus was $13.2 million as of December 31, 2024 , increasing $0.1 million from December 31, 2023 and decreasing $2.7 million from September 30, 2024 .
Financial and Operating Highlights – Year Ended December 31, 2024
- Our annual sales volumes averaged 1,794 boepd (93% natural gas, 6% NGLs from condensate and 1% from crude oil production), a decrease of 16% compared to 2023.
- We reported net income of $16.3 million , compared to $28.5 million in 2023 (-43%).
- We generated funds flow from operations (1) of $33.3 million ( $0.89 per basic share and per diluted share), a decrease of $14.8 million compared to 2023.
- Capital expenditures totaled $15.3 million in 2024.
- Dividends declared totaled $0.36 per share in 2024 compared to $0.56 per share in 2023 (-36%).
(1) Refer to the sections entitled " Oil and Natural Gas Advisories – Other Metrics " and " Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures ". |
The following table provides a summary of Alvopetro's financial and operating results for the periods noted. The consolidated financial statements with the Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") are available on our website at www.alvopetro.com and will be available on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca .
As at and Three Months Ended December 31 | As at and Year Ended December 31, | ||||||
2024 | 2023 | Change (%) | 2024 | 2023 | Change (%) | ||
Financial | |||||||
($000s, except where noted) | |||||||
Natural gas, oil and condensate sales | 10,214 | 15,300 | (33) | 45,517 | 59,687 | (24) | |
Net income | 2,243 | 652 | 244 | 16,295 | 28,525 | (43) | |
Per share – basic ($) (1) | 0.06 | 0.02 | 200 | 0.44 | 0.77 | (43) | |
Per share – diluted ($) (1) | 0.06 | 0.02 | 200 | 0.43 | 0.76 | (43) | |
Cash flows from operating activities | 7,114 | 7,904 | (10) | 34,901 | 47,702 | (27) | |
Per share – basic ($) (1) | 0.19 | 0.21 | (10) | 0.94 | 1.29 | (27) | |
Per share – diluted ($) (1) | 0.19 | 0.21 | (10) | 0.93 | 1.26 | (26) | |
Funds flow from operations (2) | 6,966 | 12,393 | (44) | 33,275 | 48,030 | (31) | |
Per share – basic ($) (1) | 0.19 | 0.33 | (42) | 0.89 | 1.29 | (31) | |
Per share – diluted ($) (1) | 0.19 | 0.33 | (42) | 0.89 | 1.27 | (30) | |
Dividends declared | 3,283 | 5,127 | (36) | 13,170 | 20,462 | (36) | |
Per share (1) (2) | 0.09 | 0.14 | (36) | 0.36 | 0.56 | (36) | |
Capital expenditures | 4,682 | 4,934 | (5) | 15,305 | 27,449 | (44) | |
Cash and cash equivalents | 21,697 | 18,326 | 18 | 21,697 | 18,326 | 18 | |
Net working capital (2) | 13,181 | 13,117 | - | 13,181 | 13,117 | - | |
Weighted average shares outstanding | |||||||
Basic (000s) (1) | 37,315 | 37,262 | - | 37,289 | 37,121 | - | |
Diluted (000s) (1) | 37,566 | 37,963 | (1) | 37,558 | 37,770 | (1) | |
Operations | |||||||
Average daily sales volumes: | |||||||
Natural gas (Mcfpd), by field: | |||||||
Caburé (Mcfpd) | 7,476 | 11,699 | (36) | 9,228 | 11,742 | (21) | |
Murucututu (Mcfpd) | 2,231 | 546 | 309 | 928 | 487 | 91 | |
Total natural gas (Mcfpd) | 9,707 | 12,245 | (21) | 10,156 | 12,229 | (17) | |
NGLs – condensate (bopd) | 109 | 92 | 18 | 90 | 99 | (9) | |
Oil (bopd) | 11 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 6 | 100 | |
Total (boepd) | 1,738 | 2,143 | (19) | 1,794 | 2,142 | (16) | |
Average realized prices (2) : | |||||||
Natural gas ($/Mcf) | 10.51 | 12.85 | (18) | 11.42 | 12.64 | (10) | |
NGLs – condensate ($/bbl) | 75.95 | 89.45 | (15) | 84.84 | 86.29 | (2) | |
Oil ($/bbl) | 61.74 | 73.67 | (16) | 66.94 | 71.22 | (6) | |
Total ($/boe) | 63.88 | 77.60 | (18) | 69.31 | 76.33 | (9) | |
Operating netback ($/boe) (2) | |||||||
Realized sales price | 63.88 | 77.60 | (18) | 69.31 | 76.33 | (9) | |
Royalties | (2.15) | (2.07) | 4 | (1.99) | (2.13) | (7) | |
Production expenses | (6.64) | (5.84) | 14 | (6.33) | (5.38) | 18 | |
Operating netback | 55.09 | 69.69 | (21) | 60.99 | 68.82 | (11) | |
Operating netback margin (2) | 86 % | 90 % | (4) | 88 % | 90 % | (2) | |
Notes: | |
(1) | Per share amounts are based on weighted average shares outstanding other than dividends per share, which is based on the number of common shares outstanding at each dividend record date. The weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding in the computation of funds flow from operations and cash flows from operating activities per share is the same as for net income per share. |
(2) | See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section within this news release. |
Quarterly Dividend of US$0.10 per Share
With our updated gas sales agreement in effect as of January 1, 2025 and higher production levels forecasted in the first quarter of 2025 our Board of Directors determined it was appropriate to increase the declared quarterly dividend to US$0.10 per common share, payable in cash on April 15, 2025, to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 31, 2025. This dividend is designated as an "eligible dividend" for Canadian income tax purposes.
Dividend payments to non-residents of Canada will be subject to withholding taxes at the Canadian statutory rate of 25%. Shareholders may be entitled to a reduced withholding tax rate under a tax treaty between their country of residence and Canada. For further information, see Alvopetro's website at https://alvopetro.com/Dividends-Non-resident-Shareholders .
Annual Information Form
Alvopetro has filed its annual information form ("AIF") with the Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+. The AIF
includes the disclosure and reports relating to oil and gas reserves data and other oil and gas information required
pursuant to National Instrument 51-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. The AIF may be accessed
electronically at www.sedarplus.ca and on our website at www.alvopetro.com .
2024 Results Webcast
Alvopetro will host a live webcast to discuss our 2024 financial results at 8:00 am Mountain time on Wednesday March 19, 2025. Details for joining the event are as follows:
DATE: March 19, 2025
TIME : 8:00 AM Mountain/ 10:00 AM Eastern
LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84540021301
DIAL-IN NUMBERS: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kBRCh4fgE
WEBINAR ID : 845 4002 1301
The webcast will include a question-and-answer period. Online participants will be able to ask questions through the Zoom portal. Dial-in participants can email questions directly to socialmedia@alvopetro.com .
Corporate Presentation
Alvopetro's updated corporate presentation is available on our website at:
http://www.alvopetro.com/corporate-presentation .
Social Media
Follow Alvopetro on our social media channels at the following links:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/AlvopetroEnergy
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alvopetro/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alvopetro-energy-ltd
Alvopetro Energy Ltd. is deploying a balanced capital allocation model where we seek to reinvest roughly half our cash flows into organic growth opportunities and return the other half to stakeholders. Alvopetro's organic growth strategy is to focus on the best combinations of geologic prospectivity and fiscal regime. Alvopetro is balancing capital investment opportunities in Canada and Brazil where we are building off the strength of our Caburé and Murucututu natural gas fields and the related strategic midstream infrastructure.
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 news release.
Abbreviations:
$000s | = | thousands of U.S. dollars |
1P | = | proved reserves |
2P | = | proved plus probable reserves |
boepd | = | barrels of oil equivalent ("boe") per day |
bopd | = | barrels of oil and/or natural gas liquids (condensate) per day |
BRL | = | Brazilian Real |
Mcf | = | thousand cubic feet |
Mcfpd | = | thousand cubic feet per day |
MMcf | = | million cubic feet |
MMcfpd | = | million cubic feet per day |
NGLs | = | natural gas liquids (condensate) |
NPV10 | = | net present value before tax, discounted at 10% |
Q3 2024 | = | three months ended September 30, 2024 |
Q4 2023 | = | three months ended December 31, 2023 |
Q4 2024 | = | three months ended December 31, 2024 |
USD | = | United States dollars |
GAAP or IFRS | = | IFRS Accounting Standards |
Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures
This news release contains references to various non-GAAP financial measures, non-GAAP ratios, capital management measures and supplementary financial measures as such terms are defined in National Instrument 52-112 Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure . Such measures are not recognized measures under GAAP and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. While these measures may be common in the oil and gas industry, the Company's use of these terms may not be comparable to similarly defined measures presented by other companies. The non-GAAP and other financial measures referred to in this report should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than measures prescribed by IFRS and they are not meant to enhance the Company's reported financial performance or position. These are complementary measures that are used by management in assessing the Company's financial performance, efficiency and liquidity and they may be used by investors or other users of this document for the same purpose. Below is a description of the non-GAAP financial measures, non-GAAP ratios, capital management measures and supplementary financial measures used in this news release. For more information with respect to financial measures which have not been defined by GAAP, including reconciliations to the closest comparable GAAP measure, see the " Non-GAAP Measures and Other Financial Measures " section of the Company's MD&A which may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca .
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Operating netback
Operating netback is calculated as natural gas, oil and condensate revenues less royalties and production expenses. This calculation is provided in the " Operating Netback " section of the Company's MD&A using our IFRS measures. The Company's MD&A may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca . Operating netback is a common metric used in the oil and gas industry used to demonstrate profitability from operations.
Non-GAAP Financial Ratios
Operating netback per boe
Operating netback is calculated on a per unit basis, which is per barrel of oil equivalent ("boe"). It is a common non-GAAP measure used in the oil and gas industry and management believes this measurement assists in evaluating the operating performance of the Company. It is a measure of the economic quality of the Company's producing assets and is useful for evaluating variable costs as it provides a reliable measure regardless of fluctuations in production. Alvopetro calculated operating netback per boe as operating netback divided by total sales volumes (boe). This calculation is provided in the " Operating Netback " section of the Company's MD&A using our IFRS measures. The Company's MD&A may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca . Operating netback is a common metric used in the oil and gas industry used to demonstrate profitability from operations on a per boe basis.
Operating netback margin
Operating netback margin is calculated as operating netback per boe divided by the realized sales price per boe. Operating netback margin is a measure of the profitability per boe relative to natural gas, oil and condensate sales revenues per boe and is calculated as follows:
Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
Operating netback - $ per boe | 55.09 | 69.69 | 60.99 | 68.82 |
Average realized price - $ per boe | 63.88 | 77.60 | 69.31 | 76.33 |
Operating netback margin | 86 % | 90 % | 88 % | 90 % |
Funds Flow from Operations Per Share
Funds flow from operations per share is a non-GAAP ratio that includes all cash generated from operating activities and is calculated before changes in non-cash working capital, divided by the weighted average shares outstanding for the respective period. For the periods reported in this news release the cash flows from operating activities per share and funds flow from operations per share is as follows:
Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||
$ per share | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 |
Per basic share: | ||||
Cash flows from operating activities | 0.19 | 0.21 | 0.94 | 1.29 |
Funds flow from operations | 0.19 | 0.33 | 0.89 | 1.29 |
Per diluted share: | ||||
Cash flows from operating activities | 0.19 | 0.21 | 0.93 | 1.26 |
Funds flow from operations | 0.19 | 0.33 | 0.89 | 1.27 |
Capital Management Measures
Funds Flow from Operations
Funds flow from operations is a non-GAAP capital management measure that includes all cash generated from operating activities and is calculated before changes in non-cash working capital. The most comparable GAAP measure to funds flow from operations is cash flows from operating activities. Management considers funds flow from operations important as it helps evaluate financial performance and demonstrates the Company's ability to generate sufficient cash to fund future growth opportunities. Funds flow from operations should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, cash flows from operating activities however management finds that the impact of working capital items on the cash flows reduces the comparability of the metric from period to period. A reconciliation of funds flow from operations to cash flows from operating activities is as follows:
Three Months Ended December 31, | Year Ended December 31, | |||
2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |
Cash flows from operating activities | 7,114 | 7,904 | 34,901 | 47,702 |
Changes in non-cash working capital | (148) | 4,489 | (1,626) | 328 |
Funds flow from operations | 6,966 | 12,393 | 33,275 | 48,030 |
Net Working Capital
Net working capital is computed as current assets less current liabilities. Net working capital is a measure of liquidity, is used to evaluate financial resources, and is calculated as follows:
As at December 31 | |||
2024 | 2023 | ||
Total current assets | 26,984 | 25,995 | |
Total current liabilities | (13,803) | (12,878) | |
Net working capital | 13,181 | 13,117 | |
Supplementary Financial Measures
" Average realized natural gas price - $/Mcf " is comprised of natural gas sales as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company's natural gas sales volumes.
" Average realized NGL – condensate price - $/bbl " is comprised of condensate sales as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company's NGL sales volumes from condensate.
" Average realized oil price - $/bbl " is comprised of oil sales as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company's oil sales volumes.
" Average realized price - $/boe " is comprised of natural gas, condensate and oil sales as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company's total natural gas, NGL and oil sales volumes (barrels of oil equivalent).
" Dividends per share " is comprised of dividends declared, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the number of shares outstanding at the dividend record date.
" Royalties per boe " is comprised of royalties, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the total natural gas, NGL and oil sales volumes (barrels of oil equivalent).
" Production expenses per boe " is comprised of production expenses, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the total natural gas, NGL and oil sales volumes (barrels of oil equivalent).
Oil and Natural Gas Advisories
Oil and Natural Gas Reserves
The disclosure in this news release summarizes certain information contained in the GLJ Reserves and Resources Report but represents only a portion of the disclosure required under National Instrument 51-101 ("NI 51-101"). Full disclosure with respect to the Company's reserves as at December 31, 2024 is included in the Company's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024 which has been filed on SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca ). The GLJ Reserves and Resources Report has been prepared in accordance with the standards contained in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook (the "COGE Handbook" or "COGEH") that are consistent with the standards of NI 51-101. GLJ is a qualified reserves evaluator as defined in NI 51-101.
All net present values in this press release are based on estimates of future operating and capital costs and GLJ's forecast prices as of December 31, 2024 . The reserves definitions used in this evaluation are the standards defined by COGEH reserve definitions and are consistent with NI 51-101 and used by GLJ. The net present values of future net revenue attributable to Alvopetro's reserves estimated by GLJ do not represent the fair market value of those reserves. Other assumptions and qualifications relating to costs, prices for future production and other matters are summarized herein. The recovery and reserve estimates of the Company's reserves provided herein are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves will be recovered. Actual reserves may be greater than or less than the estimates provided herein. Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of proved plus probable plus possible reserves.
Cabur é Working Interest
Alvopetro's working interest in the Caburé natural gas field is 56.2% as of December 31, 2024 and the date hereof. This working interest is subject to redetermination, the first of which was completed in April 2024 . An independent expert (the "Expert") was engaged in connection with the first redetermination to evaluate the redetermination and the impact to each party's working interest. Following the Expert's decision, Alvopetro's working interest was increased from 49.1% to 56.2%. Alvopetro's partner filed a notice of dispute with respect to the Expert's decision, seeking to stay the redetermination procedure. Alvopetro subsequently filed a request for emergency arbitration before the International Chamber of Commerce ("ICC") seeking to make the Expert decision effective starting on June 1, 2024 . In May 2024 , Alvopetro received the decision of the emergency arbitrator ("the Order") wherein the arbitrator found in favour of Alvopetro, making the Expert decision effective June 1, 2024 until such time as the dispute is reviewed by and decided upon by an arbitral tribunal pursuant to the Rules of Arbitration of the ICC. The redetermination dispute has proceeded to a full arbitration under the Rules of the ICC, however the timing and outcome of the full arbitration is uncertain and the resulting impact on the reserves and the net present value of future net revenue attributable to such reserves as presented herein may be material. In addition, future redeterminations may also have a material impact on Alvopetro's reserves and future cash flows.
Contingent Resources
This news release discloses estimates of Alvopetro's contingent resources and the net present value associated with net revenues associated with the production of such contingent resources as included in the GLJ Reserves and Resources Report. There is no certainty that it will be commercially viable to produce any portion of such contingent resources and the estimated future net revenues do not necessarily represent the fair market value of such contingent resources. Estimates of contingent resources involve additional risks over estimates of reserves. Full disclosure with respect to the Company's contingent resources as at December 31, 2024 is included in the Company's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024 which has been filed on SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca ).
Prospective Resources
This news release discloses estimates of Alvopetro's prospective resources included in the GLJ Reserves and Resources Report. There is no certainty that any portion of the prospective resources will be discovered and even if discovered, there is no certainty that it will be commercially viable to produce any portion. Estimates of prospective resources involve additional risks over estimates of reserves. The accuracy of any resources estimate is a function of the quality and quantity of available data and of engineering interpretation and judgment. While resources presented herein are considered reasonable, the estimates should be accepted with the understanding that reservoir performance subsequent to the date of the estimate may justify revision, either upward or downward. Full disclosure with respect to the Company's prospective resources as at December 31, 2024 is included in the Company's annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024 which has been filed on SEDAR+ ( www.sedarplus.ca ).
Other Metrics
This new release contains references to "production replacement ratio", a metric commonly used in the oil and natural gas industry, which has been calculated by management. This term does not have a standardized meaning and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies, and therefore should not be used to make such comparisons.
"Production replacement ratio" is calculated by dividing the change in reserve volumes plus current year production by current year production. Alvopetro's 1P production replacement ratio and 2P production replacement ratio in 2024 is calculated as:
1P | 2P | |
Reserve volumes as at December 31, 2024 – Mboe | 4,512 | 9,148 |
Reserve volumes as at December 31, 2023 – Mboe | 2,727 | 8,711 |
Reserve additions – Mboe | 1,785 | 437 |
2024 production – Mboe | 657 | 657 |
Change in reserves before 2024 production - Mboe | 2,442 | 1,094 |
2024 production replacement ratio | 372 % | 167 % |
BOE Disclosure
The term barrels of oil equivalent ("boe") may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet per barrel (6 Mcf/bbl) of natural gas to barrels of oil equivalence is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. All boe conversions in this news release are derived from converting gas to oil in the ratio mix of six thousand cubic feet of gas to one barrel of oil.
Contracted Natural Gas Volumes
The 2025 contracted daily firm volumes under Alvopetro's long-term gas sales agreement of 400 e 3 m 3 /d (before any provisions for take or pay allowances) represents contracted volumes based on contract referenced natural gas heating value. Alvopetro's reported natural gas sales volumes are prior to any adjustments for heating value of Alvopetro natural gas. Alvopetro's natural gas is approximately 7.8% higher than the contract reference heating value. Therefore, to satisfy the contractual firm deliveries Alvopetro would be required to deliver approximately 371e 3 m 3 /d (13.1MMcfpd).
Forward-Looking Statements and Cautionary Language
This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "may", "believe", "estimate", "forecast", "anticipate", "should" and other similar words or expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward‐looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to vary significantly from the expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect current assumptions and expectations regarding future events. Accordingly, when relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, Alvopetro cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements concerning the expected natural gas price, gas sales and gas deliveries under Alvopetro's long-term gas sales agreement, the timing and taxation of dividends and plans for dividends in the future, plans relating to the Company's operational activities, proposed exploration and development activities and the timing for such activities, capital spending levels, future capital and operating costs, future production and sales volumes, the expected timing of production commencement in Canada , arbitration procedures associated with the redetermination of working interests of the Caburé natural gas field, anticipated timing for upcoming drilling and testing of other wells, and projected financial results. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon assumptions and judgments with respect to the future including, but not limited to the success of future drilling, completion, testing, recompletion and development activities and the timing of such activities, the performance of producing wells and reservoirs, well development and operating performance, expectations and assumptions concerning the timing of regulatory licenses and approvals, equipment availability, environmental regulation, including regulation relating to hydraulic fracturing and stimulation, the ability to monetize hydrocarbons discovered, the outlook for commodity markets and ability to access capital markets, foreign exchange rates, the outcome of any disputes, the outcome of redeterminations, general economic and business conditions, forecasted demand for oil and natural gas, the impact of global pandemics, weather and access to drilling locations, the availability and cost of labour and services, and the regulatory and legal environment and other risks associated with oil and gas operations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect. Actual results achieved during the forecast period will vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. Current and forecasted natural gas nominations are subject to change on a daily basis and such changes may be material. In addition, the declaration, timing, amount and payment of future dividends remain at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Although we believe that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because we can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general (e.g., operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of reserve estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, reliance on industry partners, availability of equipment and personnel, uncertainty surrounding timing for drilling and completion activities resulting from weather and other factors, changes in applicable regulatory regimes and health, safety and environmental risks), commodity price and foreign exchange rate fluctuations, market uncertainty associated with trade or tariff disputes, and general economic conditions. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect. Although Alvopetro believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Alvopetro can give no assurance that it will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on factors that could affect the operations or financial results of Alvopetro are included in our AIF which may be accessed on Alvopetro's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca . The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and Alvopetro undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.
SOURCE Alvopetro Energy Ltd.
View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2025/18/c2211.html
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