UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Form 10-K
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13
OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009
OR
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO
SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
to
Commission File Number 001-16749
GeoPetro Resources Company
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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94-3214487 |
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(State of incorporation) |
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(IRS Employer Identification Number) |
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One Maritime Plaza, |
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94111 |
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(Address of principal executive offices) |
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(Zip Code) |
(415) 398-8186
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of Each Class |
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Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered |
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Common Stock, No Par Value |
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NYSE Amex |
Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No
x
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to
be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on
its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be
submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of
this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that
the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o
Indicate
by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of
Regulation S-K is not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best
of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition
of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act.
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Large accelerated filero |
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Accelerated filero |
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Non-accelerated filer¨ |
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Smaller Reporting Companyx |
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in
Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x
The
aggregate market value of the registrants common stock held by non-affiliates
was approximately $13,102,558 based on the closing sale price of $0.47 per
share as reported by the American Stock Exchange on June 30, 2009.
The
number of shares of the registrants common stock outstanding on March 30,
2010 was 34,284,646.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions
of the registrants Proxy Statement relating to the 2010 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be filed on or before April 30, 2010, are incorporated by
reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.
GEOPETRO RESOURCES COMPANY
Forward-Looking Statements
This
Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act as of 1933, as amended, and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and we
intend that such forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbors
created thereby. These statements are related to future events or our
future financial performance. We have attempted to identify
forward-looking statements with terminology, including anticipate, believe,
can, continue, could, estimate, expect, intend, may, plan, will,
or similar expressions as they relate to us and our business, industry and
markets. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements
that could be deemed forward-looking statements, such as those statements that
address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or
anticipate will or may occur in the future. These statements are based on
certain assumptions and analyses made by us in light of our experience and
perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future
developments and other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances.
Such forward looking statements are subject to change based on factors beyond
our control. Certain factors that may affect our financial condition and
results of operations are discussed in Item 1A Risk Factors
, Item 7 Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations and Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosures About Market Risk of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and may
be discussed from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission subsequent to this report. We assume no obligation,
nor do we intend to update these forward-looking statements, unless required by
law. Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K to GeoPetro, Company, we, us
and our refer to GeoPetro Resources Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries.
We were
incorporated in the State of
Our
principal and registered office is located at
Intercorporate Relationships
We hold
100% of the shares of Redwood Energy Company, a
In
addition, we hold a 12% interest in Continental-GeoPetro
(Bengara II) Ltd., C-G Bengara which is a British Virgin Islands company and
a 50% interest in CG Xploration Inc., CG Xploration
, which is a
We also
hold 100% of the shares of GeoPetro Canada Ltd.,
GeoPetro Canada, an
Our
Company also holds 100% of the shares of GeoPetro
International Ltd., a
GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
During
the past three years, we have conducted leasehold acquisition, exploration and
drilling activities on our North American and Indonesian prospects. These
projects currently encompass approximately 377,506 gross (163,590
net) acres, consisting of mineral leases, production sharing contracts and
exploration permits that give us the right to explore for, develop and produce
oil and natural gas. Most of these properties are in the exploration, appraisal
or development drilling phase and have not begun to produce revenue from the sale
of oil and natural gas. Excluding minor interest and dividend income, our only
cash inflows until 2003 were the recovery of capital invested in projects
through sale or other divestiture of interests in oil and gas prospects to
industry partners.
In
December 2000, we acquired working interests in oil and natural gas leases
in the Madisonville Field in Madison County, Texas, including interests in the Rodessa Formation. Also included in the acquisition was the
Magness Well, an existing well that had been drilled,
cased and production tested in the Rodessa Formation.
In October 2001, we re-completed and tested the Magness
Well over a 12-day period. In October 2002, we drilled, completed and
successfully tested an injection well to dispose of waste products resulting
from the treating process for gas produced from the Rodessa
Formation. The Madisonville Field gas treatment plant and associated pipelines,
which were built specifically for this project, were placed into service in
May 2003, and the Magness Well began production
in late May 2003. Since 2003, substantially all of our revenue has been
generated from natural gas sales derived from the Madisonville Field, and the
Madisonville Project was our primary source of revenue in 2009. The first
development well in the Madisonville Field, the Fannin
Well, was drilled in 2005 and was tested at rates of up to 25.7 MMcf/d. In 2006, we drilled the Wilson and Mitchell wells.
Presently, the Fannin, Mitchell and Magness wells are producing while the
In
February 2010, we sold our entire working interest in our Alaskan Cook
Inlet Project for cash and retained certain royalties. See Properties
Description of the Properties
As of
March 31, 2010, we have 34,284,646 shares of common stock and 7,523,000
shares of Series B convertible preferred stock outstanding.
Growth Strategy
Our
growth strategy is to maximize shareholder value through the exploration and
development drilling of oil and natural gas prospects. To carry out this
philosophy we employ the following business strategies:
· identify and pursue potential projects which individually
have the potential to be company makers which we define as projects which
could generate a minimum unrisked net present value
of $50 million net to our interest using a 10% discount factor;
· perform
geological, engineering and geophysical evaluations;
· gain
control of key acreage;
· generate
high quality drillable exploration and development drilling prospects;
· retain a large working interest in those projects which
involve low risk appraisal or development drilling, exploitation or appraisal
of proved, probable and possible reserves; and
· minimize early investment and exploration risk in higher
risk exploratory prospects through farmouts to other
oil and natural gas companies and maintain meaningful interests with a carry
through the exploration phase.
Risks Associated With Foreign Operations
Our
business activities in Indonesia, Canada and the United States are subject
to political and economic risks, including: loss of revenue, property and
equipment as a result of unforeseen events like expropriation, nationalization,
war, terrorist attacks and insurrection; risks of increases in import, export
and transportation regulations and tariffs, taxes and governmental royalties;
renegotiation of contracts with governmental entities; changes in laws and
policies governing operations of foreign-based companies in Indonesia; exchange
controls, and numerous other factors. While we expect these risks are greater
in
especially political risk, any one or more of such political or
economic conditions could change in the
Financial Information About Geographic Areas
Please
see the notes to the financial statements for information concerning oil and
gas properties located in the
Regulations
Domestic
exploration, production and sale of oil and gas are extensively regulated at
both the federal and state levels. Our business is and will be directly or
indirectly affected by numerous governmental laws and regulations applicable to
the energy industry, including:
· Federal
environmental laws and regulations
· State
environmental laws and regulations
· Local
environmental laws and regulations
· Federal
energy laws and regulations
· Conservation
laws and regulations
· Tax
and other laws and regulations pertaining to the energy industry
Legislation,
rules and regulations affecting the oil and gas industry are under
constant review for amendment or expansion, frequently increasing the
regulatory burden. Any changes in the existing legislation, rules or
regulations could adversely affect our business. The regulatory burdens are
often costly to comply with and carry substantial penalties for failure to
comply.
As of
December 2009, we have re-completed an existing producing well and drilled
three additional wells and an injection well in the Madisonville Project as
operator. In addition, we may drill oil, gas and disposal wells in the future
as the operator and will be required to obtain local government and other
permits to drill such wells. There can be no assurance that such permits will
be available on a timely basis or at all.
Our
operations and activities are subject to numerous federal, state and local
environmental laws and regulations. These laws and regulations:
· Require the acquisition of permits
· Restrict the type, quantities and concentration of various
substances that can be discharged into the environment
· Limit or prohibit drilling and other activities on wetlands
and other designated, protected areas
· Regulate the generation, handling, storage, transportation,
disposal and treatment of waste materials
· Impose criminal or civil liabilities for pollution
resulting from oil and natural gas operations
We
expect that with the increase in our exploratory and development drilling
activities, the impact of environmental laws and regulations on our business
and operations will also increase. We may be required in the future to make
substantial outlays of money to comply with environmental laws and regulations.
Additional changes in operating procedures and expenditures to comply with
future environmental laws cannot be predicted.
Other
than our
As the
operator of the Madisonville Project, among other various environmental laws
and regulations, we are subject to the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation and Liability Act ( CERCLA
) and any comparable legislation adopted by Texas which imposes strict, joint
and several liability on owners and operators of properties and on persons who
dispose or arrange for the disposal of hazardous substances found on or under
the sites of such properties.
Under
CERCLA, one owner, lessee or other party, having responsibility for and an
interest in a site requiring cleanup may, under certain circumstances, be
required to bear a disproportionate share of liability for the cost of such
cleanup if payments cannot be obtained from other responsible parties. The
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ( RCRA )
and comparable rules adopted by
The
Texas Railroad Commission has been delegated the responsibility and authority
to regulate and prevent pollution from oil and gas operations, including the
prevention of pollution of surface or subsurface water resulting from the
drilling of oil and gas wells and the production of oil and gas. In addition to
regulating the generation, management and disposal of hazardous oil and gas
waste, the Texas Railroad Commission has been delegated authority to regulate
underground hydrocarbon storage, saltwater disposal pits and injection wells.
The
drilling of oil and gas wells in Texas requires operators to obtain drilling
permits, file an organization report and a performance bond or other form of
financial security, such as a letter of credit, and obtain a permit to maintain
pits to store and dispose of drilling fluids, saltwater and waste as well as
other types of pits for other purposes. The issuance of such permits is
conditioned upon the Texas Railroad Commissions determination that these pits
will not result in waste or pollution of surface or subsurface water.
Other
states in which we have an interest in oil and gas properties may impose
similar or more stringent regulations than imposed under CERCLA or RCRA.
In
re-completing the existing well on the Madisonville Project, we were required
to drill a well for injection or disposal of produced waste gas from wells.
Injection wells are subject to regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act ( SDWA ) and the regulations and procedures which
have been adopted by the Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) under
that Act. Generally, enforcement procedures under the SDWA are administered by
the EPA unless such authority has been delegated by the EPA to a state which
has primary enforcement responsibility based on the EPAs determination that
the state has adopted drinking water regulations no less stringent than the
national primary drinking water regulations and meets certain other criteria.
Underground injection wells not used for the underground injection of natural
gas for storage are generally unlawful and subject to penalties under the SWDA
unless authorized by:
· permit issued by the EPA or a state having primary
enforcement responsibility, or
· rule pursuant to an underground injection control
program established by a state or the EPA.
To the
extent our pipelines transport natural gas in interstate commerce, the rates,
terms and conditions of that transportation service are subject to regulation
by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, pursuant to
Section 311 of the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978, or NGPA, which
regulates, among other things, the provision of transportation services by an
intrastate natural gas pipeline on behalf of an interstate natural gas
pipeline. Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the FERC has authority to
impose penalties for violations of the Natural Gas Act, up to $1 million per
day for each violation and disgorgement of profits associated with any
violation.
The
regulatory burden on the natural gas and oil industry increases our cost of
doing business. Future developments, such as stricter requirements of
environmental or health and safety laws and regulations affecting our business
or more stringent interpretations of, or enforcement policies with respect to,
such laws and regulations, could adversely affect us. To meet changing
permitting and operational standards, we may be required, over time, to make
site or operational modifications at our facilities, some of which might be
significant and could involve substantial capital expenditures. There can be no
assurance that material costs or liabilities will not arise from these or
additional environmental matters that may be discovered or otherwise may arise
from future requirements of law. See Risk Factors Risks Related
to Our Business
Foreign Regulations
We own
12% of C-G Bengara which in turn owns an interest in
an oil and gas project located in
of
Technology
We
participate in projects utilizing economically feasible exploration technology
in our exploration and development drilling activities to reduce risks, lower
costs, and more efficiently produce oil and gas. We believe that the
availability of cost effective 2-D and 3-D seismic data makes its use in
exploration and development drilling activities attractive from a risk
management perspective in certain areas.
Briefly,
through the use of a seismograph, a seismic survey sends pulses of sound from
the surface down into the earth, and records the echoes reflected back to the
surface. By calculating the speed at which sound travels through the various
layers of rock, it is possible to estimate the depth to the reflecting surface.
It then becomes possible to infer the structure of rock deep below the earths
surface. We evaluate substantially all of our exploratory prospects using 2-D
seismic data. In addition, we own a license as to approximately 12 square
miles of 3-D seismic data covering our leasehold and adjacent lands in the
Madisonville Project.
The use
of seismic technology does not entirely remove the risk of exploration and
development drilling of oil and natural gas deposits. It is important to
consider the following:
· we may not recognize significant geological features due to
errors in interpretation, processing limitations, the presence of certain
geological environments that are out of our control or other factors;
· seismic generally becomes less reliable with increasing
depth of the geological horizon; and
· the use of this technology may increase our finding cost.
Principal Products
Our
principal products are the production of natural gas from properties in which
we own an interest. Since our inception, we have realized only limited
production of natural gas from the properties in which we own an interest. We
have working interests in various undeveloped oil and gas properties. See Properties
for a general description of these properties.
During
the last three fiscal years, 100% of our revenues have been derived from the
sale of natural gas. Substantially all of our natural gas sales have been
generated by three producing wells, the Magness #1,
Fannin #1 and Mitchell #1 wells, located in the
Madisonville Field in
For
financial information regarding our business activities, please see our
Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 of this annual report.
Substantially all of our revenue is produced from natural gas sales in the
Madisonville Field located in
Reserves
The
volume of production from oil and natural gas properties generally declines as
reserves are depleted, with the rate of decline depending on reservoir
characteristics. Our proved reserves will decline as reserves are produced from
our properties unless we are able to acquire or develop new reserves.
Acquisition of Producing Properties
We may
supplement our exploration efforts with acquisitions of producing oil and gas
properties. We may seek to acquire producing properties that are
underperforming relative to their potential.
Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, Franchises and Concessions
Held
Permits
and licenses are important to our operations, since they allow the search for
the extraction of any oil, gas and minerals discovered on the areas covered.
See Properties for a general description of the permits and licenses under
which we operate. Provided we establish a commercial discovery thereon, the Bengara PSC in
Seasonality of Business
Our
business is not seasonal.
Working Capital Items
The
majority of our current assets are in the form of cash received from the sale
of natural gas from our Madisonville Project in
Customers
Substantially
all of our revenues to date have been derived from sales to two customers, Luminant Energy Company, and ETC Katy Pipeline, Ltd., of
natural gas produced from our Madisonville Project in
Competition
The
natural gas and oil industry is intensely competitive and speculative in all of
its phases. We encounter competition from other natural gas and oil companies
in all areas of our operations. In seeking suitable natural gas and oil
properties for acquisition, we compete with other companies operating in our
areas of interest, including large natural gas and oil companies and other
independent operators, which have greater financial resources and in many
instances, have been engaged in the exploration and production business for a
much longer time than we have. Many of our competitors also have substantially
larger operating staffs than we do. Many of these competitors not only explore
for and produce natural gas and oil but also market natural gas and oil and
other products on a regional, national or worldwide basis. These competitors
may be able to pay more for productive natural gas and oil properties and
exploratory prospects and define, evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater
number of properties and prospects than us. In addition, these competitors may
have a greater ability to continue exploration activities during periods of low
market prices. Our ability to acquire additional properties and to discover
reserves in the future will depend on our ability to evaluate and select
suitable properties and to consummate transactions in a highly competitive
environment.
The
prices of our natural gas production are controlled by market forces. However,
competition in the natural gas and oil exploration industry also exists in the
form of competition to acquire leases and obtain favorable transportation
prices. Our Company is relatively small and may have difficulty acquiring
additional acreage and/or projects and may have difficulty arranging for the
transportation of our production. We also face competition in obtaining natural
gas and oil drilling rigs and in sourcing the manpower to run them and provide
related services.
Employees
Currently,
we have 20 employees, all of whom are full time. We use the services of
independent consultants and contractors to perform various professional
services, including geologic, geophysical, petroleum, reservoir &
drilling engineering, land, legal, environmental and tax services. On those
properties where we are not the operator, we rely on outside operators to
drill, produce and market our natural gas and oil.
Available Information
We maintain
a website located at http://www.geopetro.com and electronic copies of our
annual, quarterly and current reports, and any amendments to those reports, as
well as our code of ethics, are available free of charge under the Investor
Relations link on our
website. This information is available on our website, as soon as
practicable after such material is filed with, or furnished to, the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
In
addition to risks and uncertainties in the ordinary course of business that are
common to all businesses, important factors that are specific to our industry
and our company could materially impact our future performance and results of
operations. We have provided below a list of these risk factors that should be
reviewed when considering our securities. These are not all the risks we face
and other factors currently considered immaterial or unknown to us may impact
our future operations.
Risks Related to Our Business
As of December 31,
2009, we have gross capitalized costs totaling $70 million as proved and
unproved oil and gas properties and gas processing plant whereas we have
generated revenues of only $40 million since January 1, 2003 and revenues
of only $4.1 million during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.
Since
inception, our activities have been primarily related to acquiring and
exploring leasehold interests in oil and natural gas properties in
We may be unable to
integrate successfully the operations of the
We
formerly contracted with Madisonville Gas Processing, LP, (MGP) which owned
and operated gathering pipelines and a dedicated natural gas treatment plant
(which we refer to as the Madisonville Gas Treatment Plant), to treat
impurities in the natural gas generated by our Madisonville Project.
Effective December 31, 2008, we acquired the Madisonville Gas Treatment
Plant from MGP through our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, Madisonville
Midstream LLC. We plan to complete the expansion of the Madisonville Gas
Treatment Plants treatment capacity from 18 MMcf/d
to 68 MMcf/d. Operations in the additional
facilities were suspended by MGP in December 2007 in order to deal with
the presence of diamondoids in the gas stream
produced from the Rodessa Formation. During
March 2009, the Fannin,
Magness and Mitchell wells are producing at a
combined restricted rate of approximately 6.5 MMcf/d
while the
Even if we are able to
successfully complete the expansion of the
Third
parties have, and may in the future, seek access to the Madisonville Gas
Treatment Plant through regulatory proceedings, which could restrict our access
to the Plant, disrupt our production operations and negatively impact our
revenues. An example of such a proceeding is the complaint filed by
Crimson Exploration Inc. (Crimson) with the Texas Railroad Commission
described under Properties Description of the Properties Texas The
Madisonville Gas Treatment Plant and Gathering Facilities. On
August 9, 2006, the Texas Railroad Commission issued an order requiring
MGP to ratably process, take, transport or purchase natural gas produced by
Crimson into the Madisonville Gas Treatment Plant. Since Crimson now has
the right to have its natural gas treated at the Plant, our ability to treat
our own natural gas will be reduced to the extent of Crimsons usage. Crimson
is not currently utilizing any of the Plants capacity. Crimsons usage
could increase in the future.
Substantially
all of our revenues have been generated from natural gas sales derived from
wells in the Madisonville Field, and 100% of our natural gas generated from the
Madisonville Field wells is treated at the Madisonville Midstream Gas Treatment
Plant, which is 100% indirectly owned by the Company. If our ability to
treat natural gas at the Madisonville Midstream Gas Treatment Plant is limited
for any reason, including but not limited to increased demands by third
parties, our revenues may be adversely affected.
Substantially all of our current revenues are generated by our interest
in the
Substantially
all of our oil and natural gas revenues for the years ended December 31,
2009 and 2008 were derived from the Madisonville Project. In connection with
that project, we have contracted with Gateway Processing Company, (Gateway)
which operates a sales pipeline for natural gas.
The
failure of Gateway to perform its contractual obligations to us could impose
delays or interruptions in our production operations and prevent us from
generating revenues. In addition, events which are beyond our control, or that
of Gateway, could affect our production operations. Such events include, but
are not limited to:
· events referred to as force majeure, such as an act of God,
act of a public enemy, war, blockade, public riot, lightning, fire, storm,
flood, explosion and any other causes whether of the kind enumerated or
otherwise not reasonably within the control of Gateway.
· the inability to secure raw materials or equipment,
· transportation accidents, and
· labor disputes and equipment failures.
We do not own all of the
land on which our pipelines and facilities are located, and we are therefore
subject to the possibility of not being able to retain necessary land use and
associated increased costs.
We have
the right to operate our pipelines on land owned by third parties for specified
periods of time. Our loss of these rights, through our inability to
renew rights-of-way contracts, leases or otherwise, could result in the
suspension of our operations, or increased costs related to continuing
operations elsewhere, which would have a material adverse effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.
If third-party pipelines and
other facilities interconnected to our natural gas pipelines and processing
facilities become partially or fully unavailable to transport natural gas, our
revenues could be adversely affected.
We
depend upon third party pipelines and other facilities to provide delivery
options from the Madisonville Midstream Gas Treatment Plant to our
customers. If any of these third party pipelines become unavailable to
transport the natural gas produced at the Madisonville Gas Treatment Plant, or
if the gas quality specifications for these pipelines or facilities change, we
would be required to find alternate means to transport our natural gas out of
the Madisonville Gas Treatment Plant, which could increase our costs, reduce
the revenues we might obtain from the sale of our natural gas or reduce our
ability to process natural gas at the Plant.
In excess of 90% of our
revenues to date have been derived from sales by MGP to two customers. The loss
of one or both these customers could have a material adverse impact on our oil
and gas revenues.
100% of
our natural gas sales and revenues for the years ended December 31, 2009
and 2008 were derived from the Madisonville Project. During 2009 and 2008, 100%
of our revenues have been derived from sales by MGP to two customers, Luminant Energy Company, LLC, and ETC Katy Pipeline, Ltd.
The loss of, or material nonpayment by one of these customers could impact the
price we receive for our gas sold due to lessened competition. The loss of, or
material nonpayment by, both customers could result in a
loss of our revenue. Our customers may be subject to their own
operating risks which could increase the risk that they could default on their
obligation to us.
Unless we replace our oil and natural gas reserves, our
reserves and production will decline.
The
volume of production from oil and natural gas properties generally declines as
reserves are depleted, with the rate of decline depending on reservoir characteristics.
Our proved reserves will decline as reserves are produced from our properties
unless we are able to acquire or develop new reserves. The business of
exploring for, developing or acquiring reserves is capital intensive. For
example, as of December 31, 2009 we have capitalized costs totaling $70
million as proved and unproved oil and gas properties and gas processing plant.
To the extent cash flow from operations is reduced and external sources of
capital
become limited or unavailable, our ability to make the necessary
capital investment to maintain or expand our asset base of oil and natural gas
reserves will be impaired. Even if we are able to raise capital to develop or
acquire additional properties, no assurance can be given that our future
exploitation and development drilling activities will result in the discovery
of any reserves.
Our exploration and
development drilling activities may not be commercially successful. The
drilling of exploratory oil and natural gas wells is expensive, highly
speculative and often unproductive.
Exploration
for oil and natural gas on unproven prospects is expensive, highly speculative
and involves a high degree of risk, including the risk that no commercially
productive oil or natural gas reservoirs will be encountered. Reserves are
dependent on our ability to successfully complete drilling activity on proven
prospects.
The
cost of drilling, completing and operating wells is often uncertain, and
drilling operations may be curtailed, delayed or cancelled as a result of a
variety of factors, including:
· unexpected drilling conditions, pressure or irregularities
in formations;
· subsurface conditions or formations encountered during the
drilling of wells, whether natural or mechanical, including but not limited to
blowout, igneous rock, salt, saltwater flow, loss of circulation, loss of hole,
abnormal pressures, or any other impenetrable substance or adverse condition,
which renders further drilling of a well impossible or impractical.
· equipment failures or accidents, adverse weather conditions;
· compliance with governmental requirements; and
· shortages or delays in the availability of drilling rigs,
the delivery of equipment, and availability of qualified manpower.
Our evaluations of the oil
and gas prospects of our properties may be wrong.
With
the exception of the Madisonville Project, the properties in which we have an
interest are prospects in which the presence of oil and natural gas reserves in
commercial quantities has not been established. Any decision to engage in
exploratory drilling or other activities on any of these properties will be
dependent in part on the evaluation of data compiled by petroleum engineers and
geologists and obtained through geophysical testing and geological analysis.
Reservoir
engineering, geophysics and geology are not exact sciences and the results of
studies and tests used to make such evaluations are sometimes inconclusive or
subject to varying interpretations. As such, there is no certain way to know in
advance whether any of our prospects will yield oil and natural gas in
commercial quantities. Further, it is possible that we will participate in the
drilling of more dry holes than productive wells or that all or substantially
all of the wells drilled will be dry holes. The drilling of dry holes on
prospects in which we have an interest could adversely affect their values and
our decision to undertake further exploration and development drilling of such
prospects. It is not certain or predictable whether, and no assurance can be
made that, the wells drilled on the properties in which we have an interest will
be productive or, if productive, that we will recover all or any part of our
investment in the properties. In sum, our participation in future drilling
activities may not be successful and, if unsuccessful, such failure will
negatively impact our revenues and have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations and financial condition. Our natural gas sales and
revenues were $4,077,355 and $6,152,542 for the years ended December 31,
2009 and 2008, respectively. Future revenues could decline from those levels if
our future drilling efforts are not successful. Furthermore, as of
December 31, 2009 we have net capitalized costs totaling $31 million as
proved and unproved oil and gas properties and gas processing plant. Should our
future drilling activities be unsuccessful, we may then be required to record
an impairment charge equal to a portion of, or all, of the capitalized costs
resulting in an immediate adverse impact on our results of operations and
financial position.
Our business may be harmed by failures of third party
operators on which we rely.
Our
ability to manage and mitigate the various risks associated with certain of our
exploration and operations in
operations on that property depends in large measure on whether the
operator of the property properly performs its obligations. The failure of such
operators and their contractors to perform their services in a proper manner
could result in materially adverse consequences to the owners of interests in
that particular property, including us.
Our percentage share of oil
and gas revenues from our Indonesian property is diminished by the terms of our
production sharing contract in the Bengara Block.
C-G Bengara owns 100% of the underlying rights to explore for
and produce oil and natural gas within the Bengara
Block. We have a 12% interest in C-G Bengara.
C-G Bengara is subject to a production sharing
contract, which means generally that C-G Bengara is
entitled to receive, from production proceeds, 100% of expenditures in the
block as cost recovery. Once these costs are recovered, C-G Bengaras production share will be reduced to approximately
26.7% of oil produced and 62.5% of all natural gas produced. We are entitled to
12% of C-G Bengaras reduced share of any such
production. See the discussion under
Drilling and completion
equipment, services, supplies and personnel are scarce and may not be available
when needed, which could significantly disrupt or delay our operations.
From
time to time, there has been a general shortage of drilling rigs, equipment,
supplies and oilfield services in North America and
Our working interest in
properties, and our ability to realize any profits from such properties, will
be diminished to the extent that we enter into farmout
arrangements with unaffiliated third parties.
We have
previously entered into, and may in the future enter into, farmout
arrangements with third parties willing to drill natural gas and oil wells on
leaseholds in which we originally acquired working interests, in exchange for
our assignment of part or all of our leasehold interests. As a consequence of
these arrangements, our retained interests in properties which are subject to farmout arrangements have been or may be diminished.
Our opportunity to realize revenues and profits from properties which are
successfully developed under farmout arrangements
will be diminished to the extent of our reduced interests.
Competition with other oil
and natural gas exploration and development drilling companies for viable oil
and natural gas properties may limit our success.
It is
likely that in seeking future property acquisitions, we will compete with companies
which have substantially greater financial and management resources. Our
competition comes primarily from three sources:
(a) those competitors that are seeking oil and gas fields for
expansion, further drilling, or increased production through improved
engineering techniques;
(b) income-seeking entities purchasing a predictable stream of
earnings based upon historic production from fields being acquired; and
(c) junior companies seeking exploration opportunities in unknown,
unproven territories.
Our
competitors may be able to pay more for productive oil and natural gas
properties and may be able to define, evaluate, bid for and purchase a greater
number of properties and prospects than we can. Our ability to acquire
additional properties in the future will depend upon our ability to conduct
efficient operations, evaluate and select suitable properties, implement
advanced technologies and consummate transactions in a highly competitive
environment.
Estimates of oil and natural
gas reserves are inherently imprecise. Any material inaccuracies in these
reserve estimates or underlying assumptions will affect materially the
quantities and present value of our reserves.
Estimates
of proved oil and natural gas reserves and the future net cash flows
attributable to those reserves are prepared by independent petroleum engineers
and geologists. There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating
quantities of proved oil and natural gas reserves and cash flows attributable
to such reserves, including factors beyond our control and that of our
engineers. Reserve engineering is a subjective process of estimating
underground accumulations of oil and natural gas that cannot be measured in an
exact manner. Different reserve engineers may make different estimates of
reserves and cash flows based on the same available data. The accuracy of an
estimate of quantities of reserves, or of cash flows attributable to such
reserves, is a function of the available data, assumptions regarding future oil
and natural gas prices and expenditures for future development drilling and
exploration activities, and of engineering and geological interpretation and
judgment. Additionally, reserves and future cash flows may be subject to material
downward or upward revisions, based upon production history, development
drilling and exploration activities and prices of oil and natural gas. Actual
future production, revenue, taxes, development drilling expenditures, operating
expenses, underlying information, quantities of recoverable reserves and the
value of cash flows from such reserves may vary significantly from the
assumptions and underlying information set forth herein.
Competitive pressures may
force us to implement new technologies at substantial cost and our limited
financial resources may limit our ability to implement such technologies at the
same rate as our competitors.
The oil
and gas industry is characterized by rapid and significant technological
advancements and introductions of new products and services utilizing new
technologies. Other oil and gas companies may have greater financial, technical
and personnel resources that allow them to enjoy technological advantages and
may in the future allow them to implement new technologies before we do. There
can be no assurance that we will be able to respond to such competitive
pressures and implement such technologies on a timely basis or at all. One or
more of the technologies currently utilized by us or implemented in the future
may become obsolete.
We will require additional
capital to fund our future activities. Our ability to pursue our business plan
may be restricted by our access to additional financing.
Until
such time as the properties in which we own interests are generating sufficient
cash flow to fund planned capital expenditures, we will be required to raise
additional capital through the issuance of additional securities or otherwise
sell or farmout interests in our oil and natural gas
properties to third parties. If and when the properties in which we own
interests become productive and have adequate reserves, we may borrow funds to
finance our future oil and natural gas operations and exploratory and
development drilling activities. We may not be able to raise additional funds
in the future from any source or, if such additional funds are made available
to us, we may not be able to obtain such additional financing on terms
acceptable to us. To the extent such funds are not available from any of those
sources, our operations and activities will be limited to those operations and
activities we can afford with the funds then available to us. Our larger
competitors, by reason of their size and relative financial strength, may be
more easily able to access capital markets than us.
The volatility in crude oil
and natural gas prices could adversely affect our financial results and ability
to raise additional capital.
Our
revenues, cash flows and profitability are substantially dependent on
prevailing prices for both oil and natural gas. Decreases in natural gas prices
will decrease revenues and cash flows from the Madisonville Project and our
other producing properties, if any, and decreases in oil and natural gas prices
could deter potential investors from investing in our company and generally
impede our ability to raise additional financing to fund our exploration and
development drilling activities. Historically, oil and natural gas prices and
markets have been volatile, and they are likely to continue to be volatile in
the future. Prices for oil and natural gas are subject to wide fluctuations in
response to relatively minor changes in the supply of, and demand for, oil and
natural gas, market uncertainty and a variety of additional factors that are
beyond our control. These factors include, but are not limited to, political
conditions in the Middle East and other regions, internal and political
decisions of OPEC and other oil and natural gas producing nations to decrease
or increase production of crude oil, domestic and foreign supplies of oil and
natural gas, consumer demand, weather conditions, domestic and foreign
government regulations and taxation, transportation costs, the price and
availability of alternative fuels, the impact of energy conservation efforts and
overall economic conditions.
Risks associated with recent
economic trends have adversely affected, and could further adversely affect our
financial performance.
As
widely reported, the global financial markets have been experiencing extreme
disruption in the past year, including severely diminished liquidity and credit
availability. Concurrently, we have experienced a global recession. We believe
these conditions have adversely impacted our financial position as of
December 31, 2009 and our liquidity for the twelve months ended
December 31, 2009. Our financial condition and performance could be
further negatively impacted if either of these conditions continues to exist
for a sustained period of time, or if there is further deterioration in financial
markets and major
economies. We are unable to predict the likely duration and severity
of the current disruption in financial markets and adverse economic conditions
in the
We are subject to a number
of operational risks beyond our control against which we may not have, or be
able to obtain insurance.
Our
operations are subject to the many risks and hazards incident to exploring and
drilling for, and producing and transporting, oil and natural gas, including
among other risks:
· blowouts, fires, craterings,
pollution and equipment failures that may result in damage to or destruction of
wells, pipelines, producing formations, production facilities and equipment;
· damage to pipelines, facilities and properties caused by
hurricanes, tornados, floods and other natural disasters
· personal injuries or death due to accidents, human error or
acts of God;
· unavailability of materials and equipment to drill and
complete or re-complete wells; unfavorable weather conditions; engineering and
construction delays;
· fluctuations in product markets and prices; proximity and
capacity of pipeline, and trucking or termination facilities to our oil and
natural gas reserves; hazards resulting from unusual or unexpected geological
or environmental conditions; environmental regulations and requirements;
· accidental leakage of toxic or hazardous materials, such as
petroleum liquids or drilling fluids into the environment, remediation and
clean-up costs; and
· political instability and civil unrest, insurrections or
disruptions in foreign countries in which some of our interests are located.
If one
or more of these events occurs, we could incur substantial liabilities to third
parties or governmental entities, the payment of which could have a material
adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations, or we
could lose properties in which we have invested significant sums (totaling $70
million) which are capitalized as proved and unproved oil and gas properties
and gas processing plant as of December 31, 2009.
A loss not covered by insurance could result in substantial
expenses to us.
We do
not insure fully against all business risks either because such insurance is
not available or because premium costs are prohibitive. We are not
insured against all environmental accidents that might occur which may include
toxic tort claims. If a significant accident or event occurs that is not fully
insured, if we fail to recover all anticipated insurance proceeds for
significant accidents or events for which we are insured, or if we fail to
rebuild facilities damaged by such accidents or events, our operations and
financial condition could be adversely affected. In addition, we may not be
able to maintain or obtain insurance of the type and amount we desire at
reasonable rates. As a result of market conditions, premiums and deductibles for
certain of our insurance policies have increased substantially, and could
escalate further. For example, following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, insurance
premiums, deductibles and co-insurance requirements increased substantially,
and terms generally are less favorable than terms that could be obtained prior
to such hurricanes. In some instances, certain insurance could become
unavailable or available only for reduced amounts of coverage. A loss not
fully covered by insurance could result in expenses to us and could have a
material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.
Uninsured losses in excess of $1.0 million would be materially adverse to our
financial position and results of operations.
We are subject to extensive
government regulations that can change from time to time, compliance with which
are costly and could negatively impact our production, operations and financial
results.
The oil
and gas industry is subject to extensive government regulations in the countries
in which we operate. Matters subject to regulation include discharge permits
for drilling operations, drilling bonds, reports concerning operations,
unitization and pooling of properties and taxation. Historically, our costs of
complying with these regulations have not exceeded $100,000 per year. From time
to time, regulatory agencies have imposed price controls and limitations on
production by restricting the rate of flow of oil and natural gas wells below
actual production capacity in order to conserve supplies of oil and natural
gas. We are also subject to changing and extensive tax laws, the effects of
which cannot be predicted. Legal requirements are frequently changed and
subject to interpretation, and we are unable to predict the ultimate cost of compliance
with these requirements or
their effects on our operations. Future laws, or existing laws
or regulations, as currently interpreted or reinterpreted or changed in the
future, could result in increased operating costs, fines and liabilities, in
amounts which are unknown at this time, any of which could materially adversely
affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Our industry is subject to
extensive environmental regulation that may limit our operations and negatively
impact our production.
Extensive
national, state, provincial and local environmental laws and regulations in the
Environmental
legislation may require that we:
· acquire permits before commencing drilling;
· restrict spills, releases or emissions of various
substances produced in association with our operations;
· limit or prohibit drilling activities on protected areas
such as wetlands or wilderness areas;
· take reclamation measures to prevent pollution from former
operations;
· take remedial measures to mitigate pollution from former
operations, such as plugging abandoned wells and remedying contaminated soil
and groundwater;
· take remedial measures with respect to property designated
as a contaminated site.
There
is inherent risk of incurring environmental costs and liabilities in connection
with our operations due to our handling of natural gas and other petroleum
products, air emissions and water discharges related to our operations, and
historical industry operations and waste disposal practices. The costs of
any of these liabilities are presently unknown but could be significant.
We may not be able to recover all or any of these costs from insurance.
We are
not presently aware of any environmental liabilities or able to predict the
ultimate cost of liabilities not yet recognized. We have not established
a separate reserve fund for the purpose of funding any possible future
environmental liability. As a result, we may not be able to satisfy these
obligations, if they occur. Any such costs incurred will be funded out of
our cash flow from operations. If we are unable to fully fund the cost of
remedying an environmental obligation, we might be required to suspend
operations or enter into interim compliance measures pending satisfaction of
the liability, which could have an adverse affect on our financial condition and
results of operations. We have recorded an asset requirement obligation
in connection with the estimated future costs to plug certain wells at our
Madisonville Project in
The effects
of future environmental legislation on our business is unknown but could
be substantial.
Environmental
legislation is evolving in a manner expected to result in stricter standards
and enforcement, larger fines and liability and potentially increased capital
expenditures and operating costs. Changes in, or enforcement of, environmental
laws may result in a curtailment of our production activities, or a material
increase in the costs of production, development drilling or exploration, any
of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and
results of operations or prospects. In addition, many countries, as well as
several states in the
gases. Methane, a primary component of natural gas, and
carbon dioxide, a byproduct of burning natural gas, are greenhouse gases.
Regulation of greenhouse gases could adversely impact some of our operations
and demand for products in the future. See Business Regulations.
Potential regulations
regarding climate change could alter the way we conduct our business.
Governments
around the world are beginning to address climate change matters. This may
result in new environmental regulations that may unfavorably impact us, our
suppliers and our customers. The cost of meeting these requirements may have an
adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows.
Should we fail to comply
with all applicable FERC administered statutes, rules, regulations and orders,
we could be subject to substantial penalties and fines.
Under
the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or
FERC, has authority to impose penalties for violations of the Natural Gas Act,
up to $1 million per day for each violation and disgorgement of profits
associated with any violation. FERC has recently proposed and adopted
regulations that may subject our facilities to reporting and posting
requirements. Additional rules and legislation pertaining to these
and other matters may be considered or adopted by FERC from time to time.
Failure to comply with FERC regulations could subject us to civil penalties.
We may incur significant
costs and liabilities as a result of pipeline integrity management program
testing and any related pipeline repair or preventative or remedial measures.
The
United States Department of Transportation, or DOT, has adopted regulations
requiring pipeline operators to develop integrity management programs for
transportation pipelines located where a leak or rupture could do the most harm
in high consequence areas. The regulations require operators to:
· Perform ongoing assessments of pipeline integrity;
· Indentify and characterize applicable threats to pipeline
segments that could impact a high consequence area;
· Improve data collection, integration and analysis;
· Repair and remediate the pipeline as necessary; and
· Implement preventive and mitigating actions.
Political and/or economic
conditions in
Our
business activities in Indonesia, Canada and the United States are subject
to political and economic risks, including: loss of revenue, property and
equipment as a result of unforeseen events like expropriation, nationalization,
war, terrorist attacks and insurrection; increases in import, export and
transportation regulations and tariffs, taxes and governmental royalties;
renegotiation of contracts with governmental entities; changes in laws and
policies governing operations of foreign-based companies; exchange controls,
currency fluctuations and other uncertainties arising out of foreign government
sovereignty over international operations; laws and policies affecting foreign
trade, taxation and investment; and the possibility of being subject to the
exclusive jurisdiction of foreign courts in connection with legal disputes and
the possible inability to subject foreign persons to the jurisdiction of courts
in the United States.
Terrorist attacks could have an adverse effect on our oil
and natural gas operations, especially overseas.
To
date, our operations have not been disrupted by terrorist activity. It is
uncertain how terrorist activity will affect us in the future, or what steps,
if any, the Indonesian, Canadian or American government may take in response to
terrorist activities. The attack on the
We could lose our entire
Production Sharing Contract (PSC), if BP Migas
ascertains we have not discovered commercially producible hydrocarbons.
It is
possible that BP Migas could terminate our entire
Production Sharing Contract (PSC) if it is determined that the hydrocarbons
we have discovered are not in commercially producible quantities. Our
Indonesian PSC requires us and our partners to submit to and receive approval
from BP Migas for a Plan of Development by specified dates in order to maintain our oil and
natural gas rights. See PropertiesDescription of the Properties
We may not be able to sell
our natural gas production in
Our
Indonesian operations lack a local market for natural gas, and if we produce
natural gas in
We could lose our ownership interests in our properties due
to a title defect of which we are not presently aware.
As is
customary in the oil and gas industry, only a perfunctory title examination, if
any, is conducted at the time properties believed to be suitable for drilling
operations are first acquired. Before starting drilling operations, a more
thorough title examination is usually conducted and curative work is performed
on known significant title defects. We typically depend upon title opinions
prepared at the request of the operator of the property to be drilled. The
existence of a title defect on one or more of the properties in which we have
an interest could render it worthless and could result in a large expense to
our business. Industry standard forms of operating agreements usually provide that
the operator of an oil and natural gas property is not to be monetarily liable
for loss or impairment of title. The operating agreements to which we are a
party provide that, in the event of a monetary loss arising from title failure,
the loss shall be borne by all parties in proportion to their interest owned.
Our acquisition activities
are subject to uncertainties and may not be successful nor
provide a return to us on our investments.
We have
grown primarily through acquisitions and intend to continue acquiring
undeveloped oil and gas properties. Although we perform a review of the
properties proposed to be acquired, such reviews are subject to uncertainties.
It generally is not feasible to review in detail every individual property
involved in an acquisition. Ordinarily, management review efforts are focused
on the higher-valued properties; however, even a detailed review of all
properties and records may not reveal existing or potential problems; nor will
it permit us to become sufficiently familiar with the properties to assess
fully their deficiencies and capabilities. Inspections are not always performed
on every well, and potential problems, such as mechanical integrity of
equipment and environmental conditions that may require significant remedial
expenditures, are not necessarily observable even when an inspection is
undertaken.
We are dependent upon our
key officers and employees and our inability to retain and attract key
personnel could significantly hinder our growth strategy and cause our business
to fail.
While
no assurances can be given that our current management resources will enable us
to succeed as planned, a loss of one or more of our current directors, officers
or key employees could severely and negatively impact our operations and delay
or preclude us from achieving our business objectives. Stuart Doshi and David
Creel, two members of our senior management team, have a combined experience of
approximately 80 years in the oil and gas industry. We could suffer the
loss of key individuals for one reason or another at any time in the future.
There is no guarantee that we could attract or locate other individuals with
similar skills or experience to carry out our business objectives. We maintain key man
insurance with respect to our Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Doshi.
Some of our directors may
become subject to conflicts of interest which could impair their abilities to
act in our best interest.
Nick DeMare, one of our directors, is a director, officer and/or
significant shareholder of other natural resource companies and
David Anderson, another one of our directors, is a director and officer of
Dundee Securities Corporation, an investment banking firm that was the lead
underwriter of our public offering of common stock in Canada and concurrent
previous private placement of common shares with qualified institutional buyers
in the U.S. Their association with these other companies in the oil and gas
business may give rise to conflicts of interest from time to time. For example,
they could be presented with business opportunities in their capacities as our
directors, which they could, in turn, offer to the other companies for whom they
also serve as directors, rather than to us, whose interests might be
competitive with ours. Our directors are required by law to act honestly and in
good faith with a view to our best interests and to disclose any interest which
they may have in any project or opportunity to us; however, their interests in
the other companies may affect their judgment and cause such directors to act
in a manner that is not necessarily in our best interests.
Our directors and officers
hold significant positions in our shares and their interests may not always be
aligned with those of our other shareholders.
As of
December 31, 2009 our directors and officers beneficially own
approximately 18.7% of our outstanding common stock. This shareholding level
will allow the directors, officers and certain beneficial owners to have a
significant degree of influence on matters that are required to be approved by
shareholders, including the election of directors and the approval of
significant transactions. The short-term interests of our directors, officers
and certain beneficial owners may not always be aligned with the long-term
interests of our public shareholders, and vice versa. Because our directors,
officers and certain beneficial owners have a significant degree of influence
on matters that are required to be approved by our shareholders, they could
influence the approval of transactions.
Our failure to manage
internal or acquisition-based growth may cause operational difficulties and
negatively affect our financial performance.
We
expect to experience internal and/or acquisition-based growth, which may bring
many challenges. Growth in the number of employees, sales and operations will
place additional pressure on already limited resources and infrastructure. No
assurances can be given that we will be able to effectively manage this or
future growth. Our growth may place a significant strain on our managerial,
operational, financial and other resources. Our success will depend upon our
ability to manage our growth effectively which will require that we continue to
implement and improve our operational, administrative and financial and
accounting systems and controls and continue to expand, train and manage our employee
base. Our systems, procedures and controls may not be adequate to support our
operations and our management may not be able to achieve the rapid execution
necessary to exploit the market for our business model. If we are unable to
manage internal and/or acquisition-based growth effectively, our business,
results of operations and financial condition will be materially adversely
affected.
Risks associated with recent
economic trends could adversely affect our financial performance.
In 2010
we will need to raise capital. Due to the tight credit markets and
prolonged downturn in the stock market, funds may not be available, or may be
available only on unfavorable terms. Due to the decrease in our stock price, we
may need to sell more shares to raise the same amount of money than we would
have in the past, resulting in greater dilution to existing shareholders than
would be the case if our stock price was higher and this trend could
continue. We have scheduled exploratory and development well drilling and
workover activity during 2010 and future periods on
our proved and unproved properties. It is anticipated that these activities
together with others that we may undertake will impose financial requirements
which will exceed our existing working capital. We may raise additional equity
and/or debt capital, and we may farmout certain of
our projects to finance our continued participation in planned activities;
however, if additional financing is not available, we may be compelled to
reduce the scope of our business activities. If we are unable to fund planned
expenditures, it may be necessary to:
· farm-out our interest in proposed wells;
· sell a portion of our interest in prospects and use the
sale proceeds to fund our participation for a lesser interest;
· forfeit our interest in wells that we propose to drill; and
· reduce general and administrative expenses.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
The shareholding position of
holders of our common stock could be diluted by future issuances and
conversions of other securities.
If our
options and warrants are exercised for common shares, holders of our common
stock will experience immediate and, depending on the magnitude of the
exercises, substantial dilution. As of March 31, 2010, 34,284,646 shares
of our common stock are outstanding, 7,523,000 shares of our Series B
Preferred stock are outstanding, 1,561,547 shares
of our common stock are issuable upon exercise of warrants and 2,004,000
shares of our common stock are issuable upon exercise of options and 7,523,000
shares of our common stock are issuable upon conversion of the series B
Preferred Stock.
Investors
may be subject to further dilution if we sell additional common shares or issue
additional common shares in connection with future financings. If a significant
number of our common shares are sold in the public market, the market price of
our common shares could be depressed. This could hamper our ability to raise
capital by issuing additional equity securities.
Our results may be affected by fluctuations in currency
exchange rates.
Our
financial statements are reported in U.S. dollars and all of our revenue,
and most of our operating costs, are currently
denominated in U.S. dollars; however, we have operations outside the
Non- U.S. holders of our
common shares may be subject to
Since
we believe that we are a United States real property holding corporation, gain
recognized by a non-U.S. holder on the sale of our common shares will be
subject to U.S. federal income tax at normal graduated rates, and a purchaser
will be required to withhold for the benefit of the IRS 10% of the purchase
price, unless certain trading requirements are met. There is an exemption from
At such
time that it is no longer the case that 100 or fewer persons own 50% or more of
our common shares, under temporary Treasury Regulations, our common shares
would also be regularly traded on an established securities market for a
calendar quarter if: (a) our common shares trade, other than in de minimis quantities, on at least 15 days during the calendar
quarter; (b) the aggregate number of our common shares traded during the
calendar quarter is at least 7.5% of the average number of our common shares
outstanding during such calendar quarter (reduced to 2.5% if there are 2,500 or
more record shareholders); and (c) in the event that our common shares are
traded on an established securities market located outside the United States,
the common shares are registered under Sec. 12 of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934. See Material Income Tax Consequences Dispositions of Common Shares
for a more detailed discussion.
There is a limited public
market for our common shares, and the ability of our shareholders to dispose of
their common shares may be limited.
Our
common shares have been trading on the NYSE Amex (formerly the American Stock
Exchange) since February 15, 2007. We cannot foresee the degree of
liquidity that will be associated with our common shares. A holder of our
common shares may not be able to liquidate his, her or its investment in a
short time period or at the market prices that currently exist at the time the
holder decides to sell. The purchase and sale of relatively small common share
positions may result in disproportionately large increases or decreases in the
price of our common shares. A trade involving a large number of common shares
could have an exaggerated effect on the reported market price of our common
shares.
Our stock price may fluctuate significantly.
The
stock market in general and the market for natural gas and oil exploration
companies have experienced price and volume fluctuations that are often
unrelated or disproportionate to the operating results or asset values of
companies. These broad market and industry factors may seriously impact the
market price and trading volume of our common shares regardless of our actual
operating performance. The market price of our common stock could also
fluctuate significantly as a result of:
· actual or anticipated quarterly variations in our operating
results and our reserve estimates;
· changes in expectations as to our future financial
performance or changes in financial estimates, if any, of public market
analysts;
· announcements relating to our business or the business of
our competitors;
· conditions generally affecting the oil and natural gas
industry, including changes in oil and natural gas prices;
· speculation in the press or investment community;
· general market and economic conditions;
· the success of our operating strategy; and
· the operating and stock price performance of other
comparable companies.
The sale of large numbers of
our common stock may depress the market price of our common stock.
The
sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public
market, or the perception that substantial sales may occur, could cause the
market price of our common stock to decrease. Substantially all of the shares
of our common stock are freely transferable or will be transferable in
compliance with restrictions under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended. In 2010, we will need to raise additional working capital and
investors may be subject to further dilution if we sell additional common
shares or issue additional common shares in connection with future financings.
If a significant number of our common shares are sold in the public market, the
market price of our common shares could be depressed. This could hamper our
ability to raise capital by issuing additional equity securities.
We will continue to incur
significant expenses as a result of being a public company, which may
negatively impact our financial performance.
We have
incurred and will continue to incur significant legal, accounting, insurance
and other expenses as a result of being a public company. The Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002, as well as related rules implemented by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or SEC, and the NYSE Amex, have
required changes in corporate governance practices of public companies.
Compliance with these laws, rules and regulations has increased our
expenses, including our legal and accounting costs, and made some activities
more time-consuming and costly. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to
attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as
officers. Furthermore, any additional increases in legal, accounting, insurance
and certain other expenses that we may experience in the future could
negatively impact our financial performance and have a material adverse effect
on our results of operations and financial condition .
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Our
principal executive office consists of 2,956 square feet and is located at
Description of the Properties
Our
current oil and natural gas exploration, appraisal and development drilling
activities are focused in four distinct project areas as follows:
· United StatesTexas(East
Texas and onshore South Texas regions), Alaska (onshore Cook Inlet area)
and California (onshore San
Joaquin basin);
· CanadaAlberta
(central Alberta basin);
· Indonesiaonshore and
offshore East Kalimantan Province; and
· Australiaonshore in
two permit areas located in the South Perth basin.
We do
not fully insure against all business risks either because such insurance is
not available or because premium costs are prohibitive. This is a common
practice in the oil and gas industry. We believe our property is adequately
insured in view of the nature of our operations and industry practices in this
regard.
We own
and operate the interest in the Madisonville Project in Madison County, Texas.
We own working interests in approximately 4,557 gross and net acres of leases
in the Rodessa Formation interval, as well as
approximately 4,447 gross and net acres of leases as to depths below the Rodessa Formation interval. We also own a license as to
12.5 square miles of 3-D seismic data over the Madisonville
Field.
The
Madisonville Field, located approximately 100 miles north of
UMC
previously production tested the Magness Well in 1994
through perforations in the lower most ten feet of the indicated Rodessa Formation pay interval. The well tested at a rate
of 12 MMcf/d from this limited interval on a
22/64ths inch choke with flowing wellhead pressures increasing from 3,915
to 3,919 pounds per square inch. In 2001, we re-entered and recompleted the Magness Well. A total of 139 feet of interval has been
perforated in the Rodessa Formation at approximately
12,000 feet of depth for this well. The well was production tested over a
12-day period in 2001 on various choke sizes with flowing rates ranging up to
approximately 20.8 MMcf/d. We own a 100% working
interest (75.1333% net revenue interest) in the Magness
Well located in the surrounding production unit consisting of 684 gross and 629
net acres. The Magness Well commenced production in
May of 2003.
The
first development well, the Fannin Well, was drilled
and completed in 2004. We own a 100% working interest (69.9162% net revenue
interest) in the Fannin Well located in the
surrounding production unit consisting of 704 gross and net acres. A total of
146 feet of indicated pay was perforated in the well and a flow test of
the well was completed in December 2004 from the Rodessa
Formation at rates of up to 25.7 MMcf/d. We
commenced production from the Fannin Well in early
2006.
The
Madisonville Field is a geologic feature encompassing approximately
5,800 acres at the Rodessa limestone at about
11,800 feet of depth. A 3-D seismic program shot in early 1998 confirmed the
size of the structure and slightly increased its size over earlier
interpretations.
Our
working interest covers the Rodessa Formation at
approximately 12,000 feet of depth. The Rodessa
reserves are being developed through the recompletion of the Magness Well and the drilling of additional proved
undeveloped locations. Production began in May 2003 and stabilized at a
rate of 18 MMcf/d of raw gas from the Magness Well. In 2006, we drilled the Wilson and Mitchell
wells. We own a 100% working interest (70% net revenue interest) in the Wilson
and Mitchell wells. The Magness, Fannin and Mitchell wells are currently producing at a
combined restricted rate of approximately 6.5 MMcf/d
while the
The
hydrogen sulphide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen
combined comprise about 28% of the gas content. The untreated natural gas is
delivered to the Madisonville Midstream Gas Treatment Plant where all the
natural gas impurities are removed before delivery to the sales pipeline. As a
result of the costs to treat the natural gas, we receive a net price that is
substantially lower than we would otherwise receive if the gas did not contain
the 28% of impurities. In addition, the high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide result in higher capital and
operating costs for our wells. For example, the hydrogen sulphide
and carbon dioxide are corrosive to the wellbores. This means we have to
utilize higher grade specification well tubing and casing which is more
expensive than what we would utilize absent the impurities. In addition, we
continuously treat the wellbores with chemicals designed to inhibit the
corrosive effects of the impurities. We also maintain field personnel at or
near the wellsites who monitor the wells on a twenty
four hour basis and equip the wellsites with
extensive safety equipment systems due to the toxic properties of the hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide. These factors and others
result in higher capital and operating costs for our wells in the Madisonville
Project.
The
In
order to produce the proved gas reserves from the Rodessa
Formation, we developed an onsite plan to treat and remove impurities from the
Madisonville Project natural gas in order to meet pipeline-quality
specifications. On June 15, 2001, we, through our subsidiary Redwood LP,
entered into an agreement, which agreement was subsequently amended and
restated, together with certain related agreements (collectively, the
Hanover Agreement ), with Hanover Compression Limited Partnership pursuant
to which Hanover committed to fund, construct and operate a dedicated natural
gas treatment plant to process our Rodessa Formation
natural gas. The Hanover Agreement also provided for the installation by
Gateway of field gathering pipelines and an approximately nine-mile sales
pipeline with an estimated capacity of approximately 70 MMcf/d to transport the Madisonville Field natural gas to a
major pipeline. By April of 2003, the construction and installation
of
On
July 25, 2005, MGP purchased the natural gas treatment plant from
Originally,
the MGP Agreement required MGP to complete the additional treating facilities
by March 1, 2006. However, due to events of force majeure,
construction of the additional treating facilities was delayed. In early
November 2007, MGP began testing the additional treatment facilities by
accepting 20 MMcf/d at the inlet.
Subsequently in December 2007, MGP suspended the operations of the
additional treatment facilities in order to make modifications to more
effectively deal with the presence of diamondoids in
the gas stream produced from the Rodessa Formation. A
diamondoid is a rare, naturally occurring compound
that can segregate out of the gas stream upon a decrease in temperature and
pressure and as such, could cause operational problems for the nitrogen
rejection portion of the additional treating facilities. MGP obtained a
detailed laboratory composition analysis of the diamondoids
which indicated that removal of the diamondoids will
require flowing the natural gas stream through a diesel contactor after the gas
stream has had the hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide removed. MGP also
conducted a field pilot test which successfully confirmed the laboratory
results. Through this contactor process, the diesel will absorb the diamondoids from the gas stream prior to entry into the
nitrogen removal tower.
During
2008, MGP analyzed various options for removing the diamondoids; however, they did not complete the necessary plant
system modifications. On December 31, 2008, we purchased the gas
treatment plant and related gathering pipelines from MGP in exchange for the
assumption of secured bank debt, payment of certain outstanding payables of MGP
and shares of GeoPetros common stock. The
secured bank debt we incurred as part of the Plant acquisition totaled $6.7
million and is in the form of a 3 year loan with the lender, Bank of Oklahoma,
National Association (BOK). The loan agreement provides for minimum
quarterly principal payments of $150,000 and supplemental principal amounts payable
upon GeoPetro achieving certain cash flow
thresholds. The Company has pledged its
outstanding under the loan. There is no prepayment
penalty. GeoPetro and its wholly owned
subsidiary Redwood Energy Production, LP (Redwood) are guarantors of the
loan.
The
effective date of the acquisition was December 31, 2008 and the current
owner of the Plant is GeoPetros wholly-owned,
indirect subsidiary, Madisonville Midstream LLC (MM). We expect to
complete installation of the system modifications required in the new plant in
2010. In the meantime, the existing, in service portion of the plant
continues to operate with a capacity of approximately 18 million cubic feet per
day of inlet gas.
Our
natural gas deliveries to our gas treatment plant may be affected by third
party demands for access to the plant. On August 9, 2006, the Texas
Railroad Commission issued an order requiring the Plant to ratably process,
take, transport or purchase natural gas produced by Crimson into the
To
date, Crimson has drilled and completed two wells to a depth of approximately
12,635 feet. Crimson has also drilled an injection well for disposal of waste
products resulting from the treatment of their natural gas. Crimson has
not delivered any natural gas to the treatment plant since August 2009.
Other Interests in the
Our
working interest in the Madisonville Project is subject to a net profits
interest in favor of the third party that sold us our working interests in the
Madisonville Project. The net profits interest is 12.5% (proportionately
reduced to our interest) of the net operating profits until payout is achieved.
After payout, the net profits interest increases to 30% (proportionately
reduced to our interest). Payout, for purposes of the net profits interest,
is defined and achieved at such time as we have recouped from net operating
cash flows our total net investment in the Madisonville Project plus a 33% cash on cash return.
The Cook Inlet
Over
the past five years, we acquired a 100% working interest in approximately
123,000 acres onshore in the Cook Inlet region of
On
February 26, 2010, we sold our entire working interest in the Alaskan
Leases to Linc Energy (
Linc will acquire
all of the Alaskan Leases for the following consideration:
a. A cash payment of $1.0 million will be deposited by Linc in an escrow account, to be released to us upon
approval of the assignments of the Alaskan Leases to Linc.
b. In addition, we will receive a $4.0 million payment from
the first 75% of 8/8ths of the proceeds from any oil and gas production from
the Alaskan Leases.
c. After we have received the $4.0 million payment specified
in paragraph (b) above, we will thereafter receive an overriding royalty
interest of 10% of 8/8ths in and to the Alaskan Leases issued by the State of
Alaska and the Alaska Mental Health Trust (which comprise over 99% of the
Alaskan Leases), and an overriding royalty interest of 7% of 8/8ths in and to
the Alaskan Leases issued by Cook Inlet Region, Inc. on conventional oil
and gas production and coal bed methane production.
d. Linc has agreed to pay all of the costs of maintaining the
Alaskan Leases at least through the end of the primary terms thereof.
e. Following the lessors approval
of the assignments of the Alaskan Leases into Linc, Linc will diligently commence and prosecute the drilling of
the Frontier Spirit #1 exploration well to evaluate a conventional oil and gas
prospect identified and developed by us.
The
initial reserve target in the Cook Inlet Project was identified by us after we
reprocessed certain 2-D seismic data acquired from AMOCO on the Point MacKenzie Block. The prospect is estimated to cover
approximately eighteen sections (11,500 acres) under structural closure, and
will target conventional gas reserves in the Middle and Lower Tyonek Formations reaching to a depth of approximately
8,000 feet. We have constructed a drill pad and access road at the
Frontier Spirit #1 location which will be located less than two miles from the Enstar 20 natural gas pipeline. The Frontier Spirit #1
well is expected to be drilled by Linc in 2010.
Preliminary
log analysis and seismic data indicate the Point MacKenzie and Trading Bay
Blocks may contain conventional accumulations of natural gas reserves in
Tertiary sandstones in addition to the prospect identified at the Frontier
Spirit #1 location. Structural anticlines and/or domes occur on the lease
blocks and may contain large undrilled gas reservoirs. Sandstone units also
pinch-out toward the margins of the basin and may have formed stratigraphic traps on the lease blocks. In the past, oil
and gas exploration has focused on oil production and anticlinal
gas traps, but stratigraphic accumulations have been
largely unexplored in the
Additional
potential on the Alaskan Leases may be realized from the development of coal
bed methane reserves. The coals occur in seams which are commonly 20 feet thick
and can be as thick as 70 feet. Accessible onshore areas have 200 to 300 feet
of aggregate coal thickness shallower than 5,000 feet. Estimated gas content
for these coals ranges from 80 to 250 standard cubic feet per ton. Testing for
coal bed methane has been restricted to a very small number of bore holes and is
almost completely unknown for most of the inlet.
Lokern Project
We have
100% working interests in 1,280 lease acreage in the Lokern
Project, located in the southern San Joaquin basin, near
The Lokern Project is being developed in part as a result of
positive results from the Machii-Ross Ackerman show
well drilled in 1979 on acreage currently controlled by us. Based on log
analysis, we believe this well had approximately 240 feet of potential net oil
pay and an additional 150 feet of potential pay in the Stevens zone. The Machii-Ross Ackerman well was drilled to a depth of 15,078
feet by Machii-Ross Petroleum Company and was plugged
and abandoned as a dry hole. We believe, based on our log analysis, that the
well may have been a bypassed producer.
We
expect that a well will be drilled, either by us or through a farmout arrangement with a third party, to a depth of
18,000 feet in 2011.
Based
on our review of title information from public authorities and other publicly
available sources, we believe that we have a 100% working interest in the Lokern Project. As is customary in the
Swan Hills Project
The
Swan Hills Project is located in the Central Alberta Basin, Alberta, Canada.
The primary exploration objective is the Swan Hills Formation at approximately
9,000 feet. Secondary objectives will include the shallower Gilwood,
Nordegg and Falher
formations.
We,
through our wholly-owned subsidiary, GeoPetro
C-G Bengara owns 100% of the underlying rights to explore for
and produce oil and natural gas within the contract area designated as the Bengara II Block, which rights have been granted under
a production sharing contract dated December 4, 1997 (the Bengara II PSC )
with Pertamina. Previously we owned 40% of CG Bengara and Continental Energy Corporation ( Continental ) owned the remaining 60% and, through
it, the rights to the Bengara II PSC. On
September 29, 2006, we executed a definitive agreement to sell 70% of our
interest in C-G Bengara to CNPCHK (
The Bengara Block is located in the
The Makapan Gas Field
Since
1938, only two wells have been drilled in the Bengara
Block prior to 2007, one of which resulted in the discovery of the Makapan Gas Field. The Muara Makapan No. 1 well was drilled in 1988 by P.T. Deminex
Exploration in the Bengara Block
We
believe that the key to successful prospecting in the Bengara
Block will be the identification of traps and understanding sand distribution.
Nearly
2,200 line kilometers of 2-D seismic data available within the Bengara Block appear to be adequate for both detailed and
reconnaissance interpretation purposes. Some localized areas may benefit from
reprocessing. New seismic data is required in places where insufficient data
exists and for prospect confirmation in other locations.
Several
separate and unique geologic plays within the Bengara
Block, as well as a number of prospects and leads, have been identified. Some
well-defined prospects present immediate drilling targets. Exploration within
the Bengara Block is in its formative stages and it
is premature to make meaningful resource or reserve estimates. However, the
existing exploration work to date indicates that there may be potential
petroleum accumulations in the Bengara Block.
Analysis of source rocks indicates a propensity for both oil and natural gas.
Terms of Participation in the Bengara Block
The Bengara II PSC is a standard terms PSC employed by
BP Migas for all oil and natural gas concessions
in
Bengara may designate which areas are to be relinquished subject
to approval by BP Migas. C-G Bengaras
obligation to relinquish parts of the original contract area under these
provisions does not apply to the surface area of any field in which
petroleum has been discovered. To date, acreage has been relinquished by
C-G Bengara in accordance with the terms of the Bengara II PSC such that the remaining acreage within
the Bengara II PSC totals approximately 240,000
acres, or 970 square kilometers. The remaining 240,000 acres is
considered by C-G Bengara to be the most prospective
portion of the original 1.2 million acre block.
C-G Bengara is required to pay to BP Migas
specified amounts based on achieving certain cumulative production quantities
of crude oil from the contract area when and if commercial production is
established. These production bonuses are as follows:
|
Cumulative Production |
|
Cash Bonus Due |
|
|
|
25,000,000 boe |
|
$ |
500,000 |
|
|
60,000,000 boe |
|
$ |
1,500,000 |
|
|
100,000,000 boe |
|
$ |
2,500,000 |
|
In
order to maintain the Bengara II PSC in effect, C-G Bengara was required to complete the work programs and
expenditures totaling $25 million during the first ten years of the
contract. C-G Bengara has fulfilled such
minimum work and cash expenditure requirements.
Upon
establishing commercial production, if ever, C-G Bengara
and BP Migas shall share ratably in the first
20% of oil and natural gas produced in the contract area within a given year
according to the percentages specified below. After the first 20% of
production, C-G Bengara is entitled to receive 100%
of production until cost recovery has been achieved. Cost recovery generally
includes 100% of the operating and drilling costs and depreciation of fixed
assets applicable to oil and natural gas operations within the contract area.
After C-G Bengara has received oil and natural gas
production with a value sufficient to achieve cost recovery in a given year,
C-G Bengara and BP Migas
shall then share ratably in the production according to the percentages
specified below:
|
Description |
|
BP Migas |
|
C-G Bengara |
|
Our net share |
|
|
Oil production |
|
73.2143 |
% |
26.7857 |
% |
3.2143 |
% |
|
Gas production |
|
37.5 |
% |
62.5 |
% |
7.5 |
% |
Upon
the completion of five years after commercial production commences, C-G Bengara is further subject to a domestic market obligation.
This obligation requires C-G Bengara to sell and
deliver to BP Migas, to meet
Upon
the first commercial discovery of oil or natural gas in the contract area,
BP Migas has the right to demand that 10% of C-G
Bengaras undivided interest in the total rights and
obligations under the Bengara II PSC be
offered to itself or an entity owned by Indonesian nationals. The 10% interest
shall be offered at a dollar amount equal to 10% of C-G Bengaras cumulative costs incurred in the contract area.
Current
and Planned Activities in the Bengara Block
In
accordance with the terms of our agreement dated September 29, 2006
pursuant to which we sold 70% of our interest in C-G Bengara
to CNPC, CNPC:
1. Purchased 14,000 and 21,000 shares of C-G Bengara from us and Continental, respectively, at a cost of
$1 per share. As a result of the transaction, we and Continental own 6,000 and
9,000 C-G Bengara shares, respectively,
retaining a 12% and 18% interest in C-G Bengara,
respectively.
2. Paid the sum of $18.7 million (the Earning Obligation)
into a special joint venture account at a
3. Agreed to provide development loans to pay 100%, and
thereby carry our share and Continentals share of all C-G Bengaras exploitation, drilling, and development expenditures
attributable to the Bengara II PSC, after the Earning
Obligation funds are expended and a Plan of Development has been approved by BP
Migas, until an additional amount of U.S. $41.3
million over and above the Earning Obligation funds has been expended.
4. Agreed to pay a cash bonus totaling $5,000,000, in the
proportions of $2,000,000 to us and $3,000,000 to Continental, respectively,
contingent upon and within fourteen business days of the receipt by C-G Bengara of the written approval from governmental
authorities approving the development of the first commercial oil or gas
discovery within the Bengara II PSC contract area.
During
2007, C-G Bengara drilled a total of four wells on
the Bengara II PSC: the Seberaba-1, the Seberaba-3,
the Seberaba-4, and the Punga-1. The technical information provided by drilling
and testing results to date confirm the presence of an
oil accumulation. However the data is not yet adequate to conclusively
demonstrate the extent of the oil accumulation or that it has sufficient size
of oil reserves to economically justify a full commercial development. Further
technical information is required prior to commencing development. C-G Bengara has prepared a preliminary plan of development for
the Seberaba discovery based upon drilling and
testing results from the Seberaba-1 and 3 wells. In addition to these well test
results, C-G Bengara
believes additional technical information is needed prior to finalizing the
formal plan of development and submitting it for approval to Indonesian oil and
gas authorities. Approval of the formal plan of development will automatically
invoke the final 20-year production period of the Bengara-II
PSC through December 4, 2027.
During
2009 C-G Bengara awarded a contract to a seismic
acquisition contractor to conduct a seismic acquisition program in the Bengara-II Block. Work is presently underway to
acquire a total of 120 square kilometers of 3D seismic and 844 line kilometers
of 2D seismic at an estimated acquisition cost of $ 28.5 million. The primary
objective of the 3D seismic program is to further define and delineate the Seberaba oil discovery and the Makapan
gas/condensate discovery. CGB2 is eyeing a joint development of Makapan gas with Seberaba oil to
achieve economies of scale and provide a gas source for fuel, pressure
maintenance, and artificial lift of oil.
A large
part of the 2D seismic program is also intended to provide additional
definition of other exploration prospects in the Bengara-II
Block to firm up new exploration drilling targets for a proposed 2010/2011
drilling program. A large portion of the seismic acquisition program shall be
conducted in the logistically difficult and higher cost transition zone
between a shallow marine offshore and onshore setting. The eastern portion of
the Block is located mostly onshore but partially offshore in the shallow
waters of the
C-G Bengara has received approval of the Indonesian government
for an extension of time under the Bengara-II PSC to
appraise, assess, and justify the economic feasibility of commercial
development of the apparent oil discovery made on the Seberaba
prospects during exploratory drilling in 2007 as noted above. The
extension is valid until December 3, 2011 and may be extended for
subsequent years subject to further approval based on an annual review of
progress and results of appraisal work.
CG Xploration
In
November 2005, we and Continental formed CG Xploration
to pursue new venture oil and gas exploration and production projects and
obtain new exploration concessions in
On
June 20, 2007, the Company agreed to sell and transfer all of its
remaining property interests in
1. Initial cash consideration of $175,000 was received on November 19,
2007;
2. a second cash
payment of $175,000 upon a successful flow test of petroleum from a well
located on the property interests. A successful flow test is defined for
purposes of this agreement to be a test of at least 7 million standard cubic
feet of natural gas for a continuous and uninterrupted 24 hour period (or an
equivalent oil/condensate rate based on a conversion ratio of 6000 cubic feet
of gas to a barrel of oil or condensate); and,
3. a Petroleum Sales
Royalty Payment equal to 25% of the future annual earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization from the property interests up to a total
amount of $2,200,000.
Proved Reserves Disclosures
Recent
SEC Rule-Making Activity In December 2008, the SEC announced that
it had approved revisions designed to modernize the oil and gas company
reserves reporting requirements. The most significant amendments to the
requirements that impact us included the following:
· Commodity Prices Economic producible reserves and
discounted cash flows are now based on a 12-month average net natural gas price
unless contractual arrangements designate the price to be used.
· Disclosure of Unproved Reserves Probable and possible
reserves may be disclosed separately on a voluntary basis. We are not
presently disclosing probable and possible reserves, but may do so in the
future.
· Proved Undeveloped Reserves Guidelines Reserves may be
classified as proved undeveloped if there is a high degree of confidence that
the quantities will be recovered and they are scheduled to be drilled within
the next five years, unless the specific circumstances justify a longer time.
· Reserves Estimation Using New Technologies Reserves may
be estimated through the use of reliable technology in addition to flow tests
and production history.
· Reserves Personnel and Estimation Process Additional
disclosure is required regarding the qualifications of the chief technical
person(s) who oversee the reserves estimation process. We are
also required to provide a general discussion of our internal controls used to
assure the objectivity of the reserves estimate.
· Disclosure by Geographic Area Reserves in foreign
countries or continents must be presented separately if they represent more
than 15% of our total oil and gas proved reserves. We presently do not
report reserves in foreign countries or continents, but may do so in the future
as a result of our exploration activities.
· Non-Traditional Resources The definition of oil and gas
producing activities has expanded and focuses on the marketable product rather
than the method of extraction.
We
adopted the rules effective December 31, 2009.
Effect
of Adoption - Application of the new reserve rules resulted in the use of a
lower natural gas price at December 31, 2009 than would have resulted
under the previous rules. The new pricing methodology rules resulted in a
lower net present value (PV-10) of economically producible reserves. The
prices under the new rules were $3.11 per Mcf
for natural gas adjusted for energy content, quality and basis differentials.
Under the new rules, this resulted in a year-end ceiling test write-down of
$19.8 million associated with the
reserves, less estimated future expenditures to be incurred in
developing and producing the proved reserves assuming the continuation of
existing economic conditions.
Use of
new 12-month average pricing rules at December 31, 2009 also resulted
in a decrease in economically producible proved reserves of approximately 1.03 Bcf. Use of the old year-end prices rules would have
resulted in a decrease in proved reserves of approximately 0.53 Bcf at December 31, 2009. Therefore, the total
impact of the new price methodology rules resulted in negative reserves
revisions of 0.5 Bcf.
The use
of the new pricingmethodology had an insignificant
impact on our depletion expense in the fourth quarter of 2009.
Internal
Controls Over Reserves Estimates Our policies regarding internal controls over the recording of
reserves estimates requires reserves to be in compliance with the SEC
definitions and guidance and prepared in accordance with generally accepted
petroleum engineering principles.
The
Company engaged the independent petroleum engineering firm, MHA Petroleum
Consultants, LLC (MHA) to prepare the Companys reserve estimates at
December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007. MHA is a
Proved
Undeveloped Reserves (PUDs) - As of December 31, 2009, our PUDs
totaled 8.4 Bcf of natural gas.
· PUD Locations - 100%
of our PUDs at year-end 2009 were associated with a
location in the Madisonville Field.
· Changes in PUDS - Changes
in PUDs that occurred during the year were due to two
reasons. The first reason is that one Probable location from the year end
2008 report was moved to a PUD in the year end 2009 report. This change
was based on the overall Proved volumetrics for the
field (which did not change year over year), and a decline in the volumes
assigned for existing Proved Developed locations because of reservoir
geometry. The second reason is that the hydraulic fracture treatment for the existing
· Development Costs - No costs were incurred relating to the
development of PUDs in 2009 and 2008.
· Estimated future development costs relating to the
development of PUDs are projected to be approximately
$6.6 million in 2010 and 2011.
· Drilling Plans - Our
PUD development is scheduled in 2010 and 2011. Initial production
from the PUD reserves is expected to begin in 2010.
For
more information see the following:
· Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Comparison of Results of Operations for
the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 for a discussion of the
financial impact of the SEC revisions;
· Item 7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Critical Accounting Policies and
Estimates Reserves for further discussion of our reserves estimation process;
· Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Supplementary Oil and Gas Information (Unaudited) for additional information
regarding estimates of crude oil and natural gas reserves, including estimates
of proved, proved developed, and proved undeveloped reserves, the standardized
measure of discounted future net cash flows, and the changes in the
standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows.
Other
Reserves Information Since
January 1, 2009, no crude oil or natural gas reserves information has
been filed with, or included in any report to, any federal authority or agency
other than the SEC and the Alberta Securities Commission. We filed
reports with the Alberta Securities Commission in March 2009 that included
total proved reserves using forecasted (escalated) natural gas prices inclusive
of royalties and net profits interests as of December 31, 2008 totaling
46,168 MMcf. The total net proved reserves using
period-end (un-escalated) natural gas prices, excluding royalties and net
profits interests, as of December 31, 2008 was 20,470 MMcf.
The difference between the two numbers represents proved reserves attributable
to royalties and net profits interests as well as the different natural gas
price scenarios.
Our
estimated total net proved reserves of natural gas and oil as of
December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the present values of estimated future net
revenues attributable to those reserves as of those dates, are presented in the
following tables.
Proved
developed oil and gas reserves means
reserves that can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with
existing equipment and operating methods. Additional oil and gas expected to be
obtained through the application of fluid injection or other improved recovery
techniques for supplementing the natural forces and mechanisms of primary
recovery should be included as proved developed reserves only after testing
by a pilot project or after the operation of an installed program has confirmed
through production response that increased recovery will be achieved.
Proved
developed nonproducing reserves means
reserves expected to be recovered from zones behind casing in existing wells.
Proved oil and gas reserves -Proved oil and gas
reserves are those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with
reasonable certainty to be economically produciblefrom a given date forward,
from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating
methods, and government regulationsprior to the time at which contracts
providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal
is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic
methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons
must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will
commence the project within a reasonable time.
(a) The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes:
i. The area identified by drilling and limited by fluid
contacts, if any; and
ii. Adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that can, with
reasonable certainty, be judged to be continuous with it and to contain
economically producible oil or gas on the basis of available geoscience and engineering data.
(b) In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved
quantities in a reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons (LKH) as
seen in a well penetration unless geoscience,
engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establishes a lower
contact with reasonable certainty.
(c) Where direct observation from well penetrations has
defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an
associated gas cap, proved oil reserves may be assigned in the structurally
higher portions of the reservoir only if geoscience,
engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establish the higher
contact with reasonable certainty.
(d) Reserves which can be produced economically through
application of improved recovery techniques (including, but not limited to,
fluid injection) are included in the proved classification when:
i. Successful testing by a pilot project in an area of the
reservoir with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a whole,
the operation of an installed program in the reservoir or an analogous
reservoir, or other evidence using reliable technology establishes the
reasonable certainty of the engineering analysis on which the project or
program was based; and
ii. The project has been approved for development by all
necessary parties and entities, including governmental entities.
(e) Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at
which economic producibility from a reservoir is to
be determined. The price shall be the average price during the 12-month period
prior to the ending date of the period covered by the report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month
price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined by
contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions.
The
2009 and 2008 estimates were prepared by MHA Petroleum Consultants, independent
reservoir engineers, and are part of their reserve reports on our natural gas
and oil properties. MHA Petroleum Consultants estimates were based on a review
of geologic, economic, ownership and engineering data that we provided. In
estimating the reserve quantities that are economically recoverable, MHA
Petroleum Consultants used end-of-period natural gas prices for the 2008
estimates. Prices used for the year ended December 31, 2009 estimates were
the simple arithmetic average of the natural gas price in effect on the first
day of each month in 2009. In accordance with U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission regulations, no price or cost escalation or reduction was
considered. All of our proved reserves are attributable to our Madisonville
Project in Madison County, Texas.
|
|
|
AS OF DECEMBER 31, |
|
||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
(MMcf) |
|
(MMcf) |
|
|
Proved developed |
|
3,650 |
|
17,300 |
|
|
Proved developed non-producing |
|
6,611 |
|
3,170 |
|
|
Proved undeveloped |
|
8,371 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
18,632 |
|
20,470 |
|
In
accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, estimates of
our proved reserves and future net revenues are made using sales prices which
are held constant throughout the life of the properties, except to the extent a
contract specifically provides for escalation. Estimated quantities of proved
reserves and future net revenues are affected by natural gas and oil prices,
which have fluctuated significantly in recent years.
Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows
For
purposes of the following disclosures, estimates were made of quantities of
proved reserves and the periods during which they are expected to be produced.
Future cash flows for the 2008 estimates were computed by applying year-end
prices to estimated annual future production from proved gas reserves. Future
cash flows for the 2009 estimates were computed by applying the simple
arithmetic average of the natural gas price in effect on the first day of each
month in 2009 to estimated annual future production from proved gas reserves.
The price assumptions used for natural gas are indicated below. Future
development drilling and production costs were computed by applying year-end
costs to be incurred in producing and further developing the proved reserves. Future
income tax expenses were computed by applying, generally, year-end statutory
tax rates (adjusted for permanent differences, tax credits and allowances) to
the estimated net future pre-tax cash flows. The discount was computed by
application of a 10% discount factor. The calculations assume the continuation
of existing economic, operating and contractual conditions. However, such
arbitrary assumptions have not proven to be the case in the past. Other
assumptions of equal validity could give rise to substantially different
results.
|
|
|
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, |
|
||||
|
|
|
2009 |
|
2008 |
|
||
|
|
|
(in thousands) |
|
||||
|
Future cash inflows |
|
50,652 |
|
$ |
107,063 |
|
|
|
Future production costs |
|
(17,157 |
) |
(34,414 |
) |
||
|
Future development costs |
|
(7,849 |
) |
(5,075 |
) |
||
|
Future income taxes |
|
|
|
(7,977 |
) |
||
|
Future net cash flows |
|
25,646 |
|
59,597 |
|
||
|
10% annual discount |
|
(6,005 |
) |
(12,282 |
) |
||
|
Standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows |
|
$ |
19,641 |
|
$ |
47,315 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The
standardized measure values shown in the aforementioned table are not intended
to represent the current market value of the estimated proved oil and gas
reserves owned by us.
Pricing Assumptions
SEC
regulations require that the gas prices used in the MHA Petroleum Consultants
reserve reports included herewith are the period-end prices for natural gas at
December 31, 2008. SEC regulations require that the gas price used
for the December 31, 2009 MHA Petroleum Consultants reserve report is the
simple arithmetic average of the natural gas price in effect on the first day
of each month in 2009. These prices are projected without inflation for the
life of the wells included in the reserve reports. The pricing assumptions are
listed below and represent the weighted average price for natural gas at
December 31 st delivered at
the Houston Ship Channel before any reductions for transportation and
processing fees.
|
AVERAGE PRICE |
|
YEAR-END PRICE |
|
||
|
2009 REPORT |
|
2008 REPORT |
|
||
|
Gas ($/MMBtu) |
|
Gas ($/MMBtu) |
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
$ |
3.11 |
|
$ |
5.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Drilling Activities
The
following indicates the number of natural gas wells drilled during the periods
indicated.
|
|
|
Productive |
|
Dry |
|
Total Wells |
|
||||||
|
|
|
Gross |
|
Net |
|
Gross |
|
Net |
|
Gross |
|
Net |
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2009 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exploratory |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
Development |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended December 31, 2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exploratory |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
3 |
|
1.15 |
|
3 |
|
1.15 |
|
|
Development |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
Acreage and Productive Wells
The
following table sets forth our ownership interest in undeveloped acreage,
developed acreage and productive wells in the areas indicated where we own a
working interest as of December 31, 2009. Gross represents the total
number of acres or wells in which we own a working interest. Net represents our
proportionate working interest resulting from our ownership in gross acres or
wells. Productive wells are wells in which we have a working interest and that
are capable of producing natural gas or oil. Wells that are completed in more
than one producing horizon are counted as one well.
|
|
|
Undeveloped acreage |
|
Developed acreage |
|
Producing Wells |
|
Non-Producing Wells |
|
||||||||
|
Acreage
Holdings |
|
Gross Acres |
|
Net Acres |
|
Gross Acres |
|
Net Acres |
|
Gross |
|
Net |
|
Gross |
|
Net |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
239,692 |
|
28,763 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,480 |
|
1,493 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,484 |
|
5,484 |
|
3,520 |
|
3,520 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
|
|
|
1,280 |
|
1,280 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
123,050 |
|
123,050 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
373,986 |
|
160,070 |
|
3,520 |
|
3,520 |
|
3 |
|
3 |
|
1 |
|
1 |
|
The
following table sets forth as of December 31, 2009, the expiration periods
of the gross and net undeveloped acreage:
|
|
|
Undeveloped Acreage |
|
||||||||||
|
|
| ||||||||||||