Thursday, November 10, 2011

Preston County, WV Marcellus Shale


November 10, 2011 - Gastar Exploration Ltd (GST) recently reported on their Preston County, WV acreage in the Marcellus Shale.

On our Marcellus East position in Preston County, West Virginia, we have drilled one horizontal well to test this acreage, which is 100% owned by Gastar. In August 2011, we completed the Hickory Ridge 2H horizontal Marcellus well, a 2,500-foot lateral completed with a 10-stage fracture stimulation, and we are currently flowing back completion fluids. First sales from the Hickory Ridge 2H are anticipated by year end. Our focus for the remainder of 2011 and through 2012 in the Marcellus East acquisition area is to perform a 3-D seismic survey over a portion of the acreage, with no additional wells currently planned during that time frame.

PDC Energy (PETD) - Utica Shale Ohio News


November 10, 2011 - Petroleum Development Corporation (dba PDC Energy) (Nasdaq:PETD) recently announced that they are involved in the Utica Shale. The Utica Shale is really heating up in the oil window of the field which is located in Ohio.

PDC has acquired the rights for up to 40,000 net acres in the Utica shale play in southeastern Ohio for approximately $70 million. The Company plans to fund $14 million in 2011 and expects the remaining $56 million to be funded in 2012.

James Trimble, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Our third quarter results were strong, and from a business development perspective we were particularly pleased. We acquired the rights of up to 40,000 net acres in the Utica Shale play in southeastern Ohio, we announced PDCM's acquisition of 90,000 acres prospective for the Marcellus Shale in West Virginia, and we announced the planned divestitures of our NECO, Permian basin and certain non-core assets. We engaged in a process to secure a joint venture partner in the Utica Shale play. Proceeds generated from the anticipated asset divestitures and the successful conscription of a joint venture partner will be utilized to strengthen our balance sheet, improve our liquidity position, and fund a portion of our 2012 developmental capital program. We expect our divestitures to occur in the fourth quarter of 2011 and the first quarter 2012."


Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Vaca Muerta Shale - Argentina Oil Shale Discovery


November 9, 2011 - There was a huge oil discovery this week in Argentina in the Vaca Muerta Shale. The Vaca Muerta Shale is said to have some of the same characteristics as the Eagle Ford Shale in Texas. EOG Resources (EOG) recently provided an update on this formation play.

"Before I close out the oil play discussion, I'll mentioned timing regarding our Argentina Vaca Muerta shale play, where we have approximately 100,000 net acres. We'll start our first well in the first quarter 2012, though we should have some results by late 2012." "We've got a well planned in the first part of next year. And the section we're targeting there, we've got data that shows that it's relatively thick, about 900 feet thick, and it's got about 150 million barrels per section of oil in place. So it's certainly a world-class potential rock.

Earlier this week, Repsol YPF SA said they plan to produce 50,000 barrels of oil from the Vaca Muerta Shale starting in 2014-2015. YPF announced Monday the potential of 927 million barrels of unconventional oil in Argentina's Neuquen Province, where the Vaca Muerta shale is located.



McKenzie County, ND - Bakken Shale


November 9, 2011 - Kodiak Oil & Gas (KOG) recently gave an update on their
McKenzie County North Dakota Bakken Shale and Three Forks Play. Kodiak Oil & Gas (KOG) is one of the up and coming exploration companies in the Bakken Shale due to their aggressive mineral rights leasing binge.

Kodiak’s five operated drilling rigs are presently drilling ahead on multi-well drilling pads. Three rigs are drilling in McKenzie County, and two rigs are drilling in Dunn County.

For the remainder of the fourth quarter 2011, Kodiak expects to complete or commence completion operations on an additional nine gross (6.1 net) operated wells, including two gross (0.8 net) wells from the recent acquisition. These operated wells are located on four drilling pads consisting of three, two-well pads and one, three-well pad. Drilling has been completed and operations are underway to construct surface equipment and pipelines on each of the pads. Currently, two gross (0.8 net) wells have been completed and are in flow-back operations. The remaining seven gross (6.6 net) wells are expected to commence completion operations during the remainder of the fourth quarter.

“We continue to make excellent wells in both Dunn and McKenzie Counties, which are integral to our production and cash flow growth trajectory we intend to provide our shareholders. One particularly positive development is the continued strong production profile from our first Three Forks well located in the McKenzie County Koala Project area. As shown above through the first 90 days of production, the well averaged nearly 1,000 BOE/d and is mirroring the offsetting Bakken well drilled just 700 feet away. With additional Three Forks production data, we can provide more accurate estimated ultimate recoveries for the Three Forks in the Koala area. We will also closely monitor the production profile from our two recent Dunn County Three Forks completions which have generated encouraging results.





Range Resources (RRC) - Utica Shale


November 9, 2011 - Range Resources (RRC) recently gave some comments about It's Utica Shale . The Utica Shale has been one of the top shale plays in North America lately as Oil & Gas companies scramble to acquire mineral rights in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

"In the Utica Shale, we'll spud our next well in the second quarter of 2012. Industry has drilled and will be drilling several Utica wells. Results of some of these wells will help us to delineate Range's acreage. A lot of our acreage is perspective for both the Upper Devonian and Utica shale. We hold all depth rights on our fairway acreage, so as we focus on driving up reserves and production in the low-risk highly economic Marcellus play, we'll hold the Upper Devonian and Utica potential both above and below the Marcellus. As we better understand the other 2 horizons with time, we'll then determine the optimum plan for each horizon."



Kodiak Oil & Gas Corp (KOG) - Bakken Shale

By Tim - http://oilshalegas.com

November 9, 2011 - Kodiak Oil & Gas (KOG) recently announced an update on the Bakken Shale. Kodiak Oil & Gas (KOG) drilling for oil in McKenzie County, ND & Dunn County North Dakota. I have a 2012 price target on KOG stock located at $9-$11 per share.

Kodiak Oil & Gas (KOG) took delivery of its fifth operated rig in early October. Kodiak's five operated drilling rigs are presently drilling ahead on multi-well drilling pads, with three rigs in McKenzie County, N.D. and two in Dunn County, N.D.

During September and continuing into early October, Kodiak completed five gross (four net) operated wells, bringing total third quarter completions on operated wells to seven gross (five net) wells. Initial production results from the wells completed in September and October are included in the table below. The results from wells completed earlier in the third quarter have previously been released.

For the remainder of the fourth quarter 2011, Kodiak expects to complete or commence completion operations on an additional seven gross (six net) operated wells in the Williston Basin. These operated wells are located on three drilling pads consisting of two, two-well pads and one, three-well pad. Drilling has been completed and operations are underway to construct surface equipment, with completion operations scheduled within the next thirty days.

In addition to its operated wells, the Company has participated in completion of five gross (2.5 net) non-operated wells under its area of mutual interest (AMI) with its partner in Dunn County, N.D. Initial production results from the completed wells are included below. Drilling activity continues with three gross (1.5 net) wells drilled and waiting on completion and two gross (1.0 net) wells drilling. Non-operated drilling and completion activities within the AMI are expected to continue throughout the fourth quarter and into 2012.



Marshall County, West Virginia - Marcellus Shale


November 9, 2011 - Gastar Exploration Ltd (GST) recently reported on their Marshall County, WV acreage in the Marcellus Shale.

In Marshall County, West Virginia, we currently have two drilling rigs working in our Marcellus West area. By year-end 2011, we expect to have nine horizontal Marcellus wells on sales and 10 horizontal Marcellus wells drilled and awaiting completion. All of our Marcellus Shale wells drilled in Marshall County are part of our joint venture with Atinum Partners Co, Ltd. (the "Atinum Joint Venture"). After all drilling and completion costs have been incurred, our working interest in these wells will range from 40% to 50%.

In mid-August 2011, we began producing the Wengerd 1H and 7H horizontal wells at an initial combined 30-day average gross sales rate of approximately 7.1 MMcf per day of natural gas, 176 barrels of condensate and 347 barrels of natural gas liquids (“NGLs”). On September 23, 2011, the pipeline operator shut in the pipeline due to weather-related damage to the natural gas and condensate gathering system. While the pipeline was being repaired, we installed tubing into the two Wengerd wells that would enable us to improve NGLs and condensate recovery and returned them to production on October 21, 2011. Initially, production was restricted due to excessively high line pressures following the pipeline repair, but this matter was recently resolved. The two wells’ most recent combined four day average gross sales rate is 8.1 MMcf per day of natural gas, 200 barrels of condensate per day and 490 barrels of NGLs per day.

Also in Marshall County, we have completed fracture stimulation operations on the Corley pad (four horizontal wells), with first sales anticipated in mid-November 2011. Currently, we are commencing fracture stimulation operations on the three-well Simms pad with first production anticipated mid-December 2011. As of September 30, 2011, drilling operations have been completed on the Hendrickson 1H, 2H and 4H wells, and we completed drilling operations on the Hendrickson 3H and 5H wells in late October 2011. Fracture stimulation operations on all five Hendrickson wells are anticipated to commence in March 2012, and first sales are anticipated in the second quarter of 2012. Currently, we have commenced drilling operations from the Hall pad (three wells) and the Burch Ridge pad (five wells), and we expect to commence drilling operations on the Accettolo pad (three wells) prior to year end.



Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Dunn County, North Dakota Bakken Shale


November 8, 2011 - Kodiak Oil & Gas (KOG) recently gave an update on their Dunn County, North Dakota Bakken Shale and Three Forks Play. Kodiak Oil & Gas (KOG) is one of the up and coming exploration companies in the Bakken Shale due to their aggressive mineral rights leasing binge.

Kodiak’s five operated drilling rigs are presently drilling ahead on multi-well drilling pads. Three rigs are drilling in McKenzie County, and two rigs are drilling in Dunn County.

For the remainder of the fourth quarter 2011, Kodiak expects to complete or commence completion operations on an additional nine gross (6.1 net) operated wells, including two gross (0.8 net) wells from the recent acquisition. These operated wells are located on four drilling pads consisting of three, two-well pads and one, three-well pad. Drilling has been completed and operations are underway to construct surface equipment and pipelines on each of the pads. Currently, two gross (0.8 net) wells have been completed and are in flow-back operations. The remaining seven gross (6.6 net) wells are expected to commence completion operations during the remainder of the fourth quarter.

“We continue to make excellent wells in both Dunn and McKenzie Counties, which are integral to our production and cash flow growth trajectory we intend to provide our shareholders. One particularly positive development is the continued strong production profile from our first Three Forks well located in the McKenzie County Koala Project area. As shown above through the first 90 days of production, the well averaged nearly 1,000 BOE/d and is mirroring the offsetting Bakken well drilled just 700 feet away. With additional Three Forks production data, we can provide more accurate estimated ultimate recoveries for the Three Forks in the Koala area. We will also closely monitor the production profile from our two recent Dunn County Three Forks completions which have generated encouraging results.



Rex Energy (REXX) - Utica Shale


November 8, 2011 - Rex Energy (REXX) recently gave some comments about It's Utica Shale Oil Field located in Ohio, specifically, Carroll County. It appears the Carroll County area in Ohio is the "sweet spot" of the Utica Oil Shale window.

"On Slide 14, we have our Utica Shale overview. To date, we have a total of approximately 85,300 gross, 58,700 net acres perspective in this area for the Utica Shale. Chesapeake Energy has recently disclosed well results for 4 wells in their Utica Shale program, 3 of which are in close proximity to our Carroll County, Ohio acreage position. Locations and production rates for these wells are shown on the graph. As more production rates are disclosed, we feel confident that our Butler County acreage will be in the dry gas window and that all of our acreage in Carroll County, Ohio will be at ground 0 for the liquids rich condensate window."



Butler County, PA - Utica Shale - Rex Energy (REXX)


November 8, 2011 - Rex Energy (REXX) recently gave an update on their Butler County, PA Utica Shale acreage. The Utica Shale is an oil field in Ohio and a Natural Gas Field in Pennsylvania.

In Butler County, we have also completed our first horizontal Utica Shale test well, the Cheeseman #1H. The well flowed at a 24-hour test rate of 9.2 million cubic feet of dry gas per day. The well is currently shut in and is expected to be placed in service in January of 2012


Chesapeake Energy (CHK) -Tuscaloosa Marine Shale


November 8, 2011 - Chesapeake Energy (CHK) said in their last conference call that they will not be chasing land acreage in the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale. Chesapeake Energy (CHK) said that based on what they are seeing, mineral rights are to expensive in the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale. They also stated that they will not be chasing anything in California such as the Elm County Field or the Monterey Shale.

The Tuscaloosa Marine Shale has been hitting the news lately on some nice oil wells being drilled. The Tuscaloosa Marine Shale is located in south Louisiana and Mississippi.



Monday, November 7, 2011

Bakken Shale Record Oil Well - McKenzie County, ND


November 7, 2011 - Whiting Petroleum (WLL) recently announced a new Bakken Shale record on a recent well that they've drilled. This Bakken Shale gusher was drilled in McKenzie County, North Dakota.

New Discovery at Tarpon Prospect Flows at Williston Basin Bakken Record Initial Rate of 7,009 BOE/D (4,815 BO/D and 13,163 MCF/D) on Full 24-Hour Test.

Tarpon Prospect. "Whiting has set a new initial production record for all Bakken wells drilled in the Williston Basin. The Tarpon Federal 21-4H well was completed in the Middle Bakken (after a 30 stage sliding sleeve frac job) flowing 4,815 barrels of oil and 13,163 Mcf of gas (7,009 BOE) per day on October 17, 2011. The Company owns a 56% working interest and a 45% net revenue interest in the Tarpon well. Whiting drilling engineers also set a new Tarpon Prospect area record by drilling this well to total depth in 13.3 days. We expect the completed well cost to be $6.35 million. Whiting holds 8,125 gross (6,265 net) acres at the Tarpon prospect, which is located in McKenzie County, North Dakota. Whiting has controlling interests in four 1,280-acre Tarpon prospect spacing units. We have the potential to drill a total of 12 Middle Bakken and eight Three Forks wells in these units. Based on our drilling to date, we believe 100% of the prospect is now drillable for the Middle Bakken and de-risked. Please see the Tarpon map in our corporate presentation."


Eagle Ford Shale - Price Cost Per Acre - Mineral Rights Leases


November 7, 2011 - Whiting Petroleum (WLL) recently announced some good Eagle Ford Shale mineral rights leasing data. They sold 3,532 Eagle Ford Shale acres in Karnes County, Live Oak County, and DeWitt County Texas for a total of $66.4 Million.

Prospective Eagle Ford Acreage Sold for $66.4 Million, $12,542 per Net Acre

"During the third quarter, Whiting sold approximately 3,532 net leasehold acres prospective for oil and gas production from the Eagle Ford formation in Karnes, Live Oak and Dewitt Counties, Texas for a total cash consideration of $66.4 million before closing adjustments. The transaction, which was effective July 1, 2011, closed on September 29, 2011. Whiting used the net proceeds from the property sale to reduce the amount drawn under its Credit Agreement.

The non-core acreage sold is located in Kawitt, Nordheim and Three Rivers Fields, which produce from the Speary, Edwards, Wilcox and Eagle Ford formations. Recent net daily production was approximately 4.0 MMcfe from 33 producing wells. The property sale also included 16 shut-in and temporarily abandoned wells. The estimated proved net reserves associated with the producing properties were 1.1 MMBOE. Whiting valued the existing production in the transaction at $22.1 million net of plugging liabilities and the acreage at $44.3 million net of the production value, or approximately $12,542 per net acre."



Columbia County Arkansas - Smackover Brown Dense Shale


November 7, 2011 - Southwestern Energy (SWN) provided a drilling update on the Smackover Brown Dense Formation located in Arkansas and North Louisiana. The lower Smackover and Brown Dense formations have been a hot topic lately due to the huge oil potential. There are multiple zones that have a chance to produce both oil and natural gas. The Smackover Brown Dense play will be a hot shale field in 2012 so stay tuned. Southwestern Energy (SWN) had this to say about the find.

"Included in the approximately 948,000 net acres are 487,000 net acres located in the Lower Smackover Brown Dense formation, an unconventional oil reservoir found in southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana. The company spud its first well in September, the Roberson 18-19 #1-15H located in Columbia County, Arkansas, and is currently drilling the lateral portion of the well. This well has a vertical depth of approximately 9,200 feet and a planned horizontal lateral length of 4,000 feet. The well is expected to be completed in November. The company will spud its second well, the Garrett 7-23-5H #1 located in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana in November. This well has a planned total vertical depth of approximately 10,700 feet and a planned 7,900-foot horizontal lateral. The company plans to drill up to 8 additional wells as we continue to test the concept in 2012. If the company's drilling program yields positive results, it expects that activity in the play could increase significantly over the next several years."


Sunday, November 6, 2011

Alberta Canada Oil Shale - Exshaw Shale


November 7, 2011 - Murphy Oil (MUR) recently gave an update on the Exshaw Shale Oil Field located in Southern Alberta Canada. The Exshaw Shale is an emerging oil field in Canada which also extends down into Montana.

"In Southern Alberta, our Exshaw Bakken appraisal program has completed the first phase. We have drilled a total of 6 wells, the last well is awaiting completion, 2 wells are showing productive capability in line with expectations, 1 well is producing at very low rates and 2 wells are shut in to evaluate. Overall, production results from the first phase of wells have been mixed, and we continue to evaluate the play to identify sweet spots and areas for improvement.


Utica Shale - Anadarko Petroleum (APC) - Ohio


November 7, 2011 - The Utica Shale continues to heat up! Anadarko Petroleum (APC) recently announced in their earnings report that they've added 300,000 acres of mineral rights in the Utica Shale (Ohio). Anadarko Petroleum (APC) is after the oil in this shale play.

"Additionally, in the U.S. onshore, we've been assembling a position in Ohio's Utica Shale, and over time, we have acquired interests in approximately 300,000 gross acres in the prospective liquids-rich window at attractive entry costs. We've recently spud our first well in the play and look forward to an active drilling program in this emerging area."


Bakken Shale - Kodiak Oil & Gas (KOG)


November 6, 2011 - Kodiak Oil & Gas (KOG) recently gave an update on the Bakken Shale and Three Forks Play. Kodiak Oil & Gas (KOG) is one of the up and coming exploration companies in the Bakken Shale due to their aggressive mineral rights leasing binge.

Kodiak’s five operated drilling rigs are presently drilling ahead on multi-well drilling pads. Three rigs are drilling in McKenzie County, and two rigs are drilling in Dunn County.

For the remainder of the fourth quarter 2011, Kodiak expects to complete or commence completion operations on an additional nine gross (6.1 net) operated wells, including two gross (0.8 net) wells from the recent acquisition. These operated wells are located on four drilling pads consisting of three, two-well pads and one, three-well pad. Drilling has been completed and operations are underway to construct surface equipment and pipelines on each of the pads. Currently, two gross (0.8 net) wells have been completed and are in flow-back operations. The remaining seven gross (6.6 net) wells are expected to commence completion operations during the remainder of the fourth quarter.

“We continue to make excellent wells in both Dunn and McKenzie Counties, which are integral to our production and cash flow growth trajectory we intend to provide our shareholders. One particularly positive development is the continued strong production profile from our first Three Forks well located in the McKenzie County Koala Project area. As shown above through the first 90 days of production, the well averaged nearly 1,000 BOE/d and is mirroring the offsetting Bakken well drilled just 700 feet away. With additional Three Forks production data, we can provide more accurate estimated ultimate recoveries for the Three Forks in the Koala area. We will also closely monitor the production profile from our two recent Dunn County Three Forks completions which have generated encouraging results.



Eagle Ford Shale - LaSalle Frio County Texas Oil Wells


November 6, 2011 - The Eagle Ford Shale continues to produce some nice oil wells as we head into 2012. Goodrich Petroleum (GDP) recently reported some of their oil well data which you will see below. These Eagle Ford Shale wells are located in LaSalle County, TX & Frio County, TX.

Eagle Ford Shale, LaSalle and Frio Counties, Texas

The Company completed the following five Eagle Ford Shale wells during the quarter, with an average 24-hour peak production rate of 907 BOE per day:

  • Burns Ranch 20H (67% WI), a 5,960 foot lateral with 21 frac stages, at a 24-hour peak production rate of 1,080 barrels oil equivalent ("BOE") per day;
  • Burns Ranch 2H (67% WI), an 8,320 foot lateral with 29 frac stages, at a 24-hour peak production rate of 1,004 BOE per day;
  • Burns Ranch 3H (67% WI), a 5,160 foot lateral with 19 frac stages, at a 24-hour peak production rate of 953 BOE per day;
  • Burns Ranch 18H (67% WI), a 5,060 foot lateral with 19 frac stages, at a 24-hour peak production rate of 883 BOE per day;
  • Burns Ranch 19H (67% WI), a 5,940 foot lateral with 21 frac stages, at a 24-hour peak production rate of 613 BOE per day.

The Company completed two additional Buda Lime wells in the quarter:

  • Carnes 7H (65% WI), an un-stimulated 4,215 foot lateral, at a 24-hour peak production rate of 1,167 BOE per day and a 30-day average of 871 BOE per day (762 BO and 655 Mcf per day);
  • Burns Ranch 30H (67% WI), a 5,060 foot lateral with 19 frac stages, at a 24-hour peak production rate of 500 BOE per day.

The Company is in completion phase on the following wells:

  • Burns Ranch 35H (67% WI), an 8,880 foot lateral with 32 planned frac stages;
  • Burns Ranch 16H (67% WI), a 5,710 foot lateral with 20 planned frac stages;
  • Burns Ranch 22H (67% WI), a 5,520 foot lateral with 20 planned frac stages;
  • Shiner G-1 (67% WI), a 4,190 foot lateral in the Buda Lime;
  • Shiner G-4 (67% WI), a 4,130 foot lateral in the Buda Lime;


Cardium Shale - Devon Energy (DVN) Hits Oil in Canada


November 6, 2011 - Devon Energy (DVN) has released an update on drilling in the Cardium Shale located in Canada. The Cardium Shale is an emerging oil shale play which we will start to hear more about in the coming years, especially if oil prices hit record highs.

Cardium Shale wells produce 770 BOE per day

"Also in Canada, Devon completed 19 exploration wells targeting oil and liquids-rich opportunities across its more than 4 million net acres in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. The company tied in 10 of these wells to production in the third quarter. This activity was highlighted by results in the Ferrier area where the company commenced production on three Cardium wells with initial production averaging 770 Boe per day per well."


Continental Resources (CLR) - Bakken Shale


November 6, 2011 - Continental Resources, Inc. (NYSE:CLR) recently gave an update on the Bakken Shale and Three Forks Play. Continental Resources, Inc. (CLR) is the leader in the Bakken Formation with over 900,000 acres of mineral rights leases.

The Company successfully completed the Charlotte 2-22H (91% WI) in McKenzie County, North Dakota, in October 2011, with the well producing 1,140 gross Boepd in its initial one-day test period. This is the Company's first horizontal test of a deeper bench in the Three Forks formation.

In terms of Company-operated wells, Continental completed 46 gross (24.5 net) wells in the Bakken in the third quarter. Average initial one-day test period production was 1,096 Boepd for the Company's operated wells in the third quarter. The Company currently has 45 gross operated wells in various stages of completion. Of these, 20 are scheduled to be fracture-stimulated, and 25 have been fracked and are being readied to go into production.



Saturday, November 5, 2011

Woodford Shale - Exxon Mobil (XOM)


November 5, 2011 - Exxon Mobile (XOM) is now heavily involved in the Woodford Shale as of late 2011. The Woodford Shale and Cana Woodford Shale have been explored by many companies for oil in 2011. Oklahoma residents have been signing away mineral rights leases at a record pace. Exxon Mobile (XOM) had this to say about the Woodford Formation.

"We are also involved in multiple emerging liquids-rich shale plays, the most active of which is the Woodford shale in the southern Oklahoma Ardmore Basin area. To date, we have amassed more than 150,000 net acres in this play through an aggressive leasing and acquisitions program. This leadership position has been built at an attractive cost. As we acquired resources for approximately $0.30 per 1,000 cubic feet equivalent and added the leasehold for under $600 per acre.Our activity in the Woodford Ardmore play has ramped up significantly in 2011, with our operated rig count increasing from 3 to 7 rigs and gross operated production more than tripling since year-end 2010.

In our core development area, peak 7-day gross production rates have averaged 325 barrels per day of crude oil and 3.7 million cubic feet per day of natural gas, with a rich 1,275 BTU gas also yielding significant natural gas liquids, providing an average liquids rate per well of over 750 barrels per day and 2.9 million cubic feet per day of sales gas. We are continuing to ramp up drilling activity and are progressing both marketing and infrastructure plans for the play.




Smackover Brown Dense Formation - Lower Smackover Shale


November 5, 2011 - Southwestern Energy (SWN) provided a drilling update on the Smackover Brown Dense Formation located in Arkansas and North Louisiana. The lower Smackover and Brown Dense formations have been a hot topic lately due to the huge oil potential. There are multiple zones that have a chance to produce both oil and natural gas. The Smackover Brown Dense play will be a hot shale field in 2012 so stay tuned. Southwestern Energy (SWN) had this to say about the find.

"Included in the approximately 948,000 net acres are 487,000 net acres located in the Lower Smackover Brown Dense formation, an unconventional oil reservoir found in southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana. The company spud its first well in September, the Roberson 18-19 #1-15H located in Columbia County, Arkansas, and is currently drilling the lateral portion of the well. This well has a vertical depth of approximately 9,200 feet and a planned horizontal lateral length of 4,000 feet. The well is expected to be completed in November. The company will spud its second well, the Garrett 7-23-5H #1 located in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana in November. This well has a planned total vertical depth of approximately 10,700 feet and a planned 7,900-foot horizontal lateral. The company plans to drill up to 8 additional wells as we continue to test the concept in 2012. If the company's drilling program yields positive results, it expects that activity in the play could increase significantly over the next several years."


Exxon Mobil (XOM) - Utica Shale


November 5, 2011 - Exxon Mobile (XOM) recently disclosed that they are involved in the Utica Shale. The Utica Shale, located mainly in Ohio, is an oil & natural gas field that has been moving up on the Top 5 shale plays. Exxon Mobile (XOM) said this about their Utica Shale acreage.

"Exxon Mobil is also actively exploring several other early stage liquids-rich play in the United States, including the Utica Shale play in eastern Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Our position in the Utica stems from our recently completed acquisition of the Phillips companies and represents incremental upside to the Phillips acquisition, which was focused on the Marcellus. The Phillips acquisition included 45,000 net acres prospective for the Utica in Ohio, and we have increased our position now to over 75,000 net acres. We anticipate drilling our first Utica well in early 2012."

Shale News

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Friday, November 4, 2011

Utica Shale - Chesapeake Energy (CHK) Joint Venture


November 4, 2011 - Chesapeake Energy (CHK) announced major Utica Shale news last night in the form of a joint venture (JV). Chesapeake Energy (CHK) Announces Utica Shale Joint Venture and Utica Shale Financial Investment with Potential Combined Proceeds Net to Chesapeake of Approximately $3.4 Billion. This is the largest deal to date in the Utica Shale and is a sign of things to come!

JV Transaction Values 570,000 Net Acres of Chesapeake Utica Shale Leasehold at $8.55 Billion, or $15,000 Per Net Acre

Financial Transaction Provides up to $1.25 Billion to Accelerate Drilling Across All Phases of Chesapeake’s Utica Acreage, Including Dry Gas and Oil Areas

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHK) today announced two transactions to monetize a portion of its 1.5 million net acres of leasehold in the Utica Shale play primarily in eastern Ohio. Fully implemented, the transactions would result in consideration to Chesapeake of approximately $3.4 billion.

Chesapeake has entered into a letter of intent (“LOI”) with an undisclosed international major energy company for an industry joint venture (“JV”) through which the JV partner will acquire an undivided 25% interest in approximately 650,000 net acres of leasehold in the wet natural gas area of the Utica Shale play. Of this acreage, approximately 570,000 net acres are owned by Chesapeake, and approximately 80,000 net acres are owned by Houston-based EnerVest, Ltd. and its affiliates (“EnerVest”). The JV area covers all or a portion of 10 counties in eastern Ohio (the “JV AMI”). The consideration for the transaction will be $15,000 per net acre, or approximately $2.14 billion to Chesapeake and approximately $300 million to EnerVest. Approximately $640 million of the consideration to Chesapeake will be paid in cash at closing, and approximately $1.5 billion will be paid in the form of a drilling and completion cost carry, which Chesapeake anticipates fully receiving by year-end 2014.

Chesapeake will serve as the operator of the JV and will conduct all leasing, drilling, completion, operations and marketing activities for the project. The LOI provides that the JV partner will have the option to acquire a 25% share of all additional acreage acquired by Chesapeake in the JV AMI and the option to participate with Chesapeake for a 25% interest in midstream infrastructure related to production generated from the assets. The LOI provides for the execution of definitive transaction documents and closing by mid-December 2011.

Additionally, as a first step in a financial transaction led by EIG Global Energy Partners (“EIG”), Chesapeake has completed the sale to EIG of $500 million of perpetual preferred shares of a newly formed entity, CHK Utica, L.L.C. Chesapeake expects to sell up to $750 million of additional CHK Utica preferred shares to other investors, including limited partners of EIG, by November 30, 2011. CHK Utica is a wholly owned, unrestricted subsidiary of Chesapeake that owns approximately 700,000 net leasehold acres within an area of mutual interest in the Utica Shale play in 13 counties primarily in eastern Ohio (the “CHKU AMI”) that encompasses the JV AMI. Chesapeake has retained all the common interests in CHK Utica.

The CHK Utica preferred shares are entitled to receive an initial annual distribution of 7%, payable quarterly. Chesapeake retains an option exercisable prior to October 31, 2018 to repurchase the preferred shares for cash in whole or in part at any time at a valuation expected to equal the greater of a 10% internal rate of return or a return on investment of 1.4x. Assuming a total of $1.25 billion of CHK Utica preferred shares are purchased, investors in CHK Utica preferred shares will also receive a 3% overriding royalty interest in the first 1,500 net wells drilled on CHK Utica’s leasehold, which is the equivalent of an approximate 0.45% overriding royalty interest across Chesapeake’s projected 10,000 net well inventory. Chesapeake’s average net revenue interest on its Utica Shale leasehold is approximately 83%, which compares favorably to net revenue interests in the Haynesville, Barnett and Eagle Ford shale plays of approximately 75%.

As part of the financial transaction, Chesapeake has committed to drill a minimum of 50 net wells per year through 2016 in the CHKU AMI, up to a minimum cumulative total of 250 net wells, for the benefit of CHK Utica. Chesapeake believes it will have considerable operating and financial flexibility in fulfilling the drilling commitment because the company’s planned Utica Shale drilling program for the years ahead involves a significantly higher rig count than the approximate 10-rig drilling program required by the terms of the CHK Utica preferred shares investment.




Thursday, November 3, 2011

Tuscaloosa Marine Shale - Encana (ECA) - Amite County, MS

By Tim - http://oilshalegas.com

The Tuscaloosa Marine Shale is located in southern Louisiana as well as southwestern Mississippi. This emerging shale play is catching the eye of drilling companies due to the oil potential there. Could the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale find be a mini Eagle Ford Shale ? Only time will tell! One thing I like to do is to buy the stocks in these new shale fields, especially when they have a huge stake in the discovery. Encana (ECA) is the stock you will want to watch. Encana has over 270,000 acres in the Tuscaloosa Marine Trend and they have already hit a 30 day initial rate of 310 barrels of oil in Amite County, MS. Stay Tuned for more details!

http://www.oilshalegas.com/tuscaloosamarineshale.html

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Carroll County, Ohio (OH) Utica Shale

By Tim - http://oilshalegas.com

Rex Energy (REXX) has come out and updated investors on their Utica Shale Acreage located in Carroll County, Ohio. Mineral Rights land leasing has ramped up in Ohio due to the potential for a huge oil discovery in the region. Price Per acre is surging over $3,500 in the sweet spots.

http://oilshalegas.com/uticashale.html

Rex Energy has acquired the rights to lease approximately 11,000 net acres in Carroll County, Ohio (subject to title review) where the company intends to conduct exploratory operations for oil and natural gas within the Utica Shale. The company is continuing to lease acreage in this area and is planning its first well in 2012. The company expects to pay approximately $40 million or an average of $3,600 per acre.

For additional information on the Warrior Prospect, please visit the company's website at www.rexenergy.com and refer to the updated corporate presentation.


Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Chevron (CVX) Utica Shale - Oil & Gas Update

By Tim - http://oilshalegas.com

Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) recently updated investors on It's Utica Shale prospective acreage. Chevron (CVX) has a large position in the Utica Shale but has not started drilling yet.

Evan Calio - Morgan Stanley

Okay. And a second question for George and maybe more pointed than Paul's. I mean, clearly, excitement's been building on the Utica shale opportunity. And then something that's a bit of a focus this morning with Chesapeake's release and conference call. I know and I believe Chevron has 600,000 acres that you disclosed that has Utica oil shale exposure. But you didn't call that out in Slide 17. Maybe you could discuss how you're thinking about activity there and play potential into 2012?

George Kirkland

Okay. Well, let me first say we believe it's a little bit too soon to conclude on the potential of the Utica. We've got a good acreage position in the Utica from the Atlas acquisition. We're going to do what we do everywhere in the world. We're going to evaluate that. And the only the way we can evaluate it is we're going to have to drill some wells and test performance. So it's something for the future, but it's, like you say, too early at this point in time to, I think, hype it.

The Utica Shale holds both Oil & Natural Gas and extends down from Canada into the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Chesapeake Energy (CHK) recently announced a major oil discovery in the Utica Shale Field and is excited about the prospects in Ohio. Could Utica Shale be as big as the Eagle Ford Shale? Only time will tell!

http://oilshalegas.com/uticashale.html

Monday, August 1, 2011

Utica Shale - Ohio Oil Field

By Tim - http://oilshalegas.com

Utica Shale minerals rights are heating up after Chesapeake Energy (CHK) came out with news about estimates related to their acreage position. Drilling for oil in the Utica Shale Ohio area is set to ramp up towards the end of 2011 and into 2012.

Chesapeake Announces a Major New Liquids-Rich Discovery in the Utica Shale in Eastern Ohio

Having achieved successful results from recent drilling activities in eastern Ohio, Chesapeake is announcing the discovery of a major new liquids-rich play in the Utica Shale. Based on its proprietary geoscientific, petrophysical and engineering research during the past two years and the results of six horizontal and nine vertical wells it has drilled, Chesapeake believes that its industry-leading 1.25 million net leasehold acres in the Utica Shale play could be worth $15 - $20 billion in increased value to the company. Chesapeake’s dataset on the Utica Shale includes approximately 2,000 well logs, full-suite petrophysical data on approximately 200 wells, 3,200 feet of proprietary core samples from nine wells and production results from three wells. As a result of its analysis, the company believes the Utica Shale will be characterized by a western oil phase, a central wet gas phase and an eastern dry gas phase and is likely most analogous, but economically superior to, the Eagle Ford Shale in South Texas.

Chesapeake is currently drilling in the Utica Shale with five operated rigs to further evaluate and develop its leasehold and anticipates increasing its rig count to eight by the end of 2011 and reaching at least a range of 16-20 rigs by year-end 2012. Also, the company believes that its leasehold position in the Utica Shale will support a drilling effort of at least 40 rigs by year-end 2014. Chesapeake is currently conducting a competitive process to monetize a portion of its Utica Shale leasehold position, which will be through an industry joint venture process or through a number of other monetization alternatives. The company anticipates completing a Utica Shale transaction in the 2011 fourth quarter.

See Also:

http://oilshalegas.com/uticashale.html

http://oilshalegas.com/eaglefordshale.html

http://oilshalegas.com/bakkenshale.html


Saturday, July 30, 2011

Big Tex Horizontal Well - Bissett 9701 - Producing 788 BOED

By Tim - http://oilshalegas.com

Whiting Petroleum (WLL) has released data on one if their Big Tex well today, Bissett 9701, which is located in the Permian Basin. Whiting Petroleum (WLL) is an oil driller that focuses on the Bakken Shale & Niobrara Shale but has recently tested the Big Tex.

Big Tex First Horizontal Well, Bissett 9701, Producing 788 BOE/D After Fracture Stimulation

Big Tex Prospect. Whiting fraced its first horizontal well at the Big Tex prospect the first week of July 2011. The Bissett 9701, located in the Delaware Basin in Pecos County, Texas, produced 788 BOE per day (92% oil) from the Wolfbone on July 25, 2011. The well is still cleaning up after frac. The well's 3,610-foot lateral was fracture stimulated in a total of 16 stages, all using sliding sleeves.

As of July 15, 2011, Whiting had accumulated 116,494 gross (88,062 net) acres in our Big Tex prospect area in Pecos, Reeves and Ward Counties, Texas in the Delaware Basin. Our average acreage cost to date is $540 per net acre, and we have an average working interest of 76% and an average net revenue interest of 57%.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

SM Energy Company (SM): Eagle Ford Shale Update

By Andrea: http://oilshalegas.com

SM Energy Company (SM) recently released an update on its position in the Eagle Ford Shale located in LaSalle County and Dimmit County, TX.

SM Energy Company has entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. concerning a 12.5% working interest in its non-operated Eagle Ford shale position. The Company will be carried on 90% of its drilling and completion costs (excluding costs associated with construction of mid-stream gathering assets) in this acreage until $680 million has been expended for the benefit of SM Energy. The purchaser will also reimburse SM Energy for the purchaser's share of capital expenditures and other costs, net of revenues, related to the period between the effective date of March 1, 2011, and the closing date. These reimbursed costs (net of revenues), estimated to range between $20 and $40 million, will be payable to SM Energy at closing and the Company will apply these funds to the remaining 10% of SM Energy's drilling and completion costs in this acreage. As a result, the Company will effectively be 100% carried until this reimbursement amount is exhausted. Once the reimbursement dollars have been expended, the Company will remain 90% carried until the remaining portion of the $680 million carry has been spent. The purchaser will also reimburse SM Energy for 50% of the Company's total capital investment expenditures in the related mid-stream assets in which the purchaser is acquiring an interest. This reimbursement is estimated to range between $20 and $30 million. The use of the reimbursement proceeds related to the mid-stream assets is not restricted and the proceeds will be treated as proceeds from divestitures in the Company's consolidated financial statements. Closing is anticipated to occur during the third quarter of 2011 and is subject to customary closing conditions and transaction fees.

After the closing of this transaction, SM Energy will have approximately 46,000 net acres in the non-operated portion of its Eagle Ford shale position, down from roughly 85,000 net acres. The Company's average working interest in this acreage will be reduced from approximately 27% to 14.5%. Reported average daily production from the Company's total non-operated Eagle Ford shale position at the end of the first quarter was 43.5 MMCFE/D (42% oil, 36% natural gas, and 22% NGLs). Proved reserves associated with the Company's total non-operated Eagle Ford shale position as of December 31, 2010 were 52 BCFE (52% proved undeveloped).

SM Energy will have roughly 196,000 net acres in the Eagle Ford shale, of which approximately 75% will be operated by the Company, after this transaction and the previously announced divestiture of Eagle Ford assets in LaSalle and Dimmit Counties, Texas are consummated. The size and timing of these transactions vary from the assumptions made in the Company's issued guidance, as these transactions are expected to close later in the year than originally anticipated and SM Energy is retaining a larger position in the Eagle Ford than was originally assumed. As a result, reported production and capital expenditures for the year will exceed the Company's currently published guidance. The Company will provide full capital, production, and cost guidance updates for the remainder of 2011, as well as preliminary capital and production guidance for 2012 in its second quarter earnings release.

SM Energy was advised on the transaction by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Tony Best, President and CEO, remarked, "I am pleased to announce the final phase of our planned Eagle Ford sell down effort. Combined with our previously announced LaSalle and Dimmit Counties Eagle Ford divestiture, we are generating nearly $1 billion in funds that will allow us to further develop our Eagle Ford assets while locking in some solid returns and maintaining a strong balance sheet. This specific transaction allows us to continue participating in the development of high value Eagle Ford assets, while providing us more control over our capital investment decisions."

For more shale updates, visit: http://blackberrystocks.blogspot.com

For more stock updates, visit: http://daytradingstockblog.blogspot.com


Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Dimmit County, TX: Eagle Ford Shale Update

By Andrea: http://oilshalegas.com

SM Energy Company (SM) recently released an update on its position in the Eagle Ford Shale located in LaSalle County and Dimmit County, TX.

SM Energy Company has entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. concerning a 12.5% working interest in its non-operated Eagle Ford shale position. The Company will be carried on 90% of its drilling and completion costs (excluding costs associated with construction of mid-stream gathering assets) in this acreage until $680 million has been expended for the benefit of SM Energy. The purchaser will also reimburse SM Energy for the purchaser's share of capital expenditures and other costs, net of revenues, related to the period between the effective date of March 1, 2011, and the closing date. These reimbursed costs (net of revenues), estimated to range between $20 and $40 million, will be payable to SM Energy at closing and the Company will apply these funds to the remaining 10% of SM Energy's drilling and completion costs in this acreage. As a result, the Company will effectively be 100% carried until this reimbursement amount is exhausted. Once the reimbursement dollars have been expended, the Company will remain 90% carried until the remaining portion of the $680 million carry has been spent. The purchaser will also reimburse SM Energy for 50% of the Company's total capital investment expenditures in the related mid-stream assets in which the purchaser is acquiring an interest. This reimbursement is estimated to range between $20 and $30 million. The use of the reimbursement proceeds related to the mid-stream assets is not restricted and the proceeds will be treated as proceeds from divestitures in the Company's consolidated financial statements. Closing is anticipated to occur during the third quarter of 2011 and is subject to customary closing conditions and transaction fees.

After the closing of this transaction, SM Energy will have approximately 46,000 net acres in the non-operated portion of its Eagle Ford shale position, down from roughly 85,000 net acres. The Company's average working interest in this acreage will be reduced from approximately 27% to 14.5%. Reported average daily production from the Company's total non-operated Eagle Ford shale position at the end of the first quarter was 43.5 MMCFE/D (42% oil, 36% natural gas, and 22% NGLs). Proved reserves associated with the Company's total non-operated Eagle Ford shale position as of December 31, 2010 were 52 BCFE (52% proved undeveloped).

SM Energy will have roughly 196,000 net acres in the Eagle Ford shale, of which approximately 75% will be operated by the Company, after this transaction and the previously announced divestiture of Eagle Ford assets in LaSalle and Dimmit Counties, Texas are consummated. The size and timing of these transactions vary from the assumptions made in the Company's issued guidance, as these transactions are expected to close later in the year than originally anticipated and SM Energy is retaining a larger position in the Eagle Ford than was originally assumed. As a result, reported production and capital expenditures for the year will exceed the Company's currently published guidance. The Company will provide full capital, production, and cost guidance updates for the remainder of 2011, as well as preliminary capital and production guidance for 2012 in its second quarter earnings release.

SM Energy was advised on the transaction by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Tony Best, President and CEO, remarked, "I am pleased to announce the final phase of our planned Eagle Ford sell down effort. Combined with our previously announced LaSalle and Dimmit Counties Eagle Ford divestiture, we are generating nearly $1 billion in funds that will allow us to further develop our Eagle Ford assets while locking in some solid returns and maintaining a strong balance sheet. This specific transaction allows us to continue participating in the development of high value Eagle Ford assets, while providing us more control over our capital investment decisions."

For more shale updates, visit: http://blackberrystocks.blogspot.com

For more stock updates, visit: http://daytradingstockblog.blogspot.com


Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Eagle Ford Shale Training Classes July 9, 2011

By Andrea: http://oilshalegas.com

American Right of Way Associates announced today that due to the demands of the oil & gas companies currently drilling south of San Antonio Texas, ARWA will hold two more Eagle Ford Shale Training Classes on Saturday, July 9th, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza San Antonio Airport Hotel. The classes are titled Right of Way Acquisitions Training and Land Title Research Training. These Classes were developed to teach the skills necessary for new right of way agents and title agents to serve the various oil and gas companies working in the Eagle Ford Shale play counties, between San Antonio and Corpus Christie Texas.

There is a need for trained right of way agents and title agents to assist with acquiring right of way for pipelines to carry natural gas and crude oil from individual well sites to existing pipeline infrastructure located Southwest of San Antonio, Texas. It is anticipated the development of the Eagle Ford Shale will continue for the next twenty years.

With the increase need for alternative energy, right of way would be the next opportunity for a career in the Oil & Gas Shale Plays. According to local professionals, right of way agents and title agents working in the Energy Industry typically earn between $45,000 and $90,000 annually depending upon experience and personal initiative.

"We have had successful training classes in the Barnett Shale, the Haynesville Shale and the Eagle Ford Shale plays for over six years," said Don Valden, CEO of American Right of Way Associates. "Our training has allowed hundreds of men & women to break into an industry that was once based on who you know, not what you know. It has been our experience with our clients that those days are behind us."

A one day training class work shop for both Right of Way acquisitions and Land Title Research are being offered at the Crowne Plaza San Antonio Airport Hotel located at 1111 NE 410 Loop.

San Antonio, Texas which is near the intersection of NE 410 Loop and Broadway Street. These training classes are exciting new training classes designed to train local individuals in the skills necessary to meet the demands for pipeline right of way agents and title agents created by the Eagle Ford Shale Oil & Gas drilling.

These classes will be taught by Don Valden, oil & gas industry expert and title expert Charlie Finley on Saturday, July 9th, 2011 from 8:30am to 12:30pm & 1:30pm to 5:30pm at the Crown Plaza San Antonio Airport Hotel and will provide training in the areas of Pipeline Right of Way Easement Acquisitions, Land Owner Negotiations, Real Estate Evaluation, Plats & Engineering, Route Selections, Pipeline Construction as well as Title Research, Title Runs Sheets, Plat & Deed Records. People who successfully complete the Training Program will receive a Certificate of Completion.

For more information, call 855-737-ARWA or go to the website www.AmericanRightofWay.com.


For more shale updates, visit: http://blackberrystocks.blogspot.com

For more stock updates, visit: http://daytradingstockblog.blogspot.com



LaSalle County, TX: Eagle Ford Shale update

By Andrea: http://oilshalegas.com

SM Energy Company (SM) recently released an update on its position in the Eagle Ford Shale located in LaSalle County and Dimmit County, TX.

SM Energy Company has entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. concerning a 12.5% working interest in its non-operated Eagle Ford shale position. The Company will be carried on 90% of its drilling and completion costs (excluding costs associated with construction of mid-stream gathering assets) in this acreage until $680 million has been expended for the benefit of SM Energy. The purchaser will also reimburse SM Energy for the purchaser's share of capital expenditures and other costs, net of revenues, related to the period between the effective date of March 1, 2011, and the closing date. These reimbursed costs (net of revenues), estimated to range between $20 and $40 million, will be payable to SM Energy at closing and the Company will apply these funds to the remaining 10% of SM Energy's drilling and completion costs in this acreage. As a result, the Company will effectively be 100% carried until this reimbursement amount is exhausted. Once the reimbursement dollars have been expended, the Company will remain 90% carried until the remaining portion of the $680 million carry has been spent. The purchaser will also reimburse SM Energy for 50% of the Company's total capital investment expenditures in the related mid-stream assets in which the purchaser is acquiring an interest. This reimbursement is estimated to range between $20 and $30 million. The use of the reimbursement proceeds related to the mid-stream assets is not restricted and the proceeds will be treated as proceeds from divestitures in the Company's consolidated financial statements. Closing is anticipated to occur during the third quarter of 2011 and is subject to customary closing conditions and transaction fees.

After the closing of this transaction, SM Energy will have approximately 46,000 net acres in the non-operated portion of its Eagle Ford shale position, down from roughly 85,000 net acres. The Company's average working interest in this acreage will be reduced from approximately 27% to 14.5%. Reported average daily production from the Company's total non-operated Eagle Ford shale position at the end of the first quarter was 43.5 MMCFE/D (42% oil, 36% natural gas, and 22% NGLs). Proved reserves associated with the Company's total non-operated Eagle Ford shale position as of December 31, 2010 were 52 BCFE (52% proved undeveloped).

SM Energy will have roughly 196,000 net acres in the Eagle Ford shale, of which approximately 75% will be operated by the Company, after this transaction and the previously announced divestiture of Eagle Ford assets in LaSalle and Dimmit Counties, Texas are consummated. The size and timing of these transactions vary from the assumptions made in the Company's issued guidance, as these transactions are expected to close later in the year than originally anticipated and SM Energy is retaining a larger position in the Eagle Ford than was originally assumed. As a result, reported production and capital expenditures for the year will exceed the Company's currently published guidance. The Company will provide full capital, production, and cost guidance updates for the remainder of 2011, as well as preliminary capital and production guidance for 2012 in its second quarter earnings release.

SM Energy was advised on the transaction by Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Tony Best, President and CEO, remarked, "I am pleased to announce the final phase of our planned Eagle Ford sell down effort. Combined with our previously announced LaSalle and Dimmit Counties Eagle Ford divestiture, we are generating nearly $1 billion in funds that will allow us to further develop our Eagle Ford assets while locking in some solid returns and maintaining a strong balance sheet. This specific transaction allows us to continue participating in the development of high value Eagle Ford assets, while providing us more control over our capital investment decisions."

For more shale updates, visit: http://blackberrystocks.blogspot.com

For more stock updates, visit: http://daytradingstockblog.blogspot.com

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Dunn County, North Dakota: Bakken Shale update

By Andrea: http://oilshalegas.com

ENSERVCO Corp. (ENSV.OB) recently released an update on the Bakken Shale in Dunn County, North Dakota.

ENSERVCO purchased several acres in Killdeer, North Dakota, and has entered into a construction contract on a new operations center. The facility is expected to be operational in September and will be located in the heart of the Williston Basin's Bakken Shale formation, one of the largest and most active oil fields in the continental United States.

ENSERVCO expects to break ground on the site later this week. At full operation, the facility will support 30 to 35 employees and a comparable number of service and construction vehicles. The facility will feature a maintenance shop and equipment yard, multiple offices and living quarters for up to 16 employees.

"Many of our current customers have established large acreage positions and extensive drilling programs in the Bakken," said Mike Herman, chairman and CEO. "ENSERVCO is an approved service provider to these companies in other major fields, and they have encouraged us to expand our operations into North Dakota."

Initial customers in the Bakken are expected to include EOG Resources and Hess Corporation (two of the largest oil producers in the Basin), Whiting Petroleum, Brigham Exploration and Chesapeake Energy.

Low average annual temperatures in North Dakota result in frac-fluid heating requirements that can extend eight to 10 months out of the year, according to ENSERVCO's customers. Many of these companies also have expressed a need for year-round well maintenance services such as hot oiling and acidizing, as well as well-site construction services.

"We believe our move into the Bakken could be as strategically significant as our successful expansion last year into the Marcellus Shale," Herman said.

ENSERVCO's North Dakota location will commence operations less than a month after the scheduled opening of its Niobrara Shale facility in Cheyenne, WY.

For more shale updates, visit: http://blackberrystocks.blogspot.com

For more stock updates, visit: http://daytradingstockblog.blogspot.com



Arenal Energy Corp. - Austin Chalk Update

By Andrea: http://oilshalegas.com

Arenal Energy Corporation recently released an update on the Austin Chalk Formation. The company is seeking oil reclamation and production opportunities in the Austin Chalk geologic formation, which extends through Texas into Louisiana and overlays the Eagle Ford shale formation.

For more shale updates, visit: http://blackberrystocks.blogspot.com

For more stock updates, visit: http://daytradingstockblog.blogspot.com




Pryme Energy Limited: Austin Chalk Formation Update

By Andrea: http://oilshalegas.com

Pryme Energy Limited (PYM.AX, POGLY.PK) recently provided an update on its operations in Louisiana, on the Turner Bayou project in the Austin Chalk Formation:

The Turner Bayou project comprises approximately 80 square miles (50,000 acres) which have been imaged by a proprietary 3D seismic survey. Primary targets are the Austin Chalk formation at 15,300 feet and the Eagle Ford formation at 16,000 feet.

Deshotels 13H No.1 (40% Working Interest / 30% NRI)

Drilling of the second well in the Turner Bayou Chalk project, the Deshotels 13H No.1 well in North Bayou Jack Field, has resumed and is currently at a depth of 7,640 feet (2,328 metres). The well will be drilled to a vertical depth of approximately 15,000 feet (4,570 metres) with a 4,000 foot (1,220 metre) lateral through the Austin Chalk formation. The total measured depth of the well will be 19,000 feet (5,790 metres). It is expected that it will take approximately 2 months to reach target depth (early August). Following completion the well will be connected to the Deshotels 20H No.1 production facilities.

This is the second well to be drilled in the Turner Bayou Chalk project. The first well, the Deshotels 20H No.1, encountered significant major phase oil fractures interpreted from the 3D seismic survey resulting in oil being produced to the surface and natural gas flared while drilling. Mechanical problems during the completion of the Deshotels 20H No.1 hindered the effective completion of the well and it is currently producing below expectations at 150 barrels per day of oil and approximately 130 mcf per day of natural gas. Pryme and its partners plan to rectify the Deshotels 20H No.1 following the drilling and bringing into production the current well.

The drilling procedure for the Deshotels 13H No.1 well involved a small rig to drill the surface hole and running casing to a depth of 4,500 feet (1,370 metres.) The surface hole was drilled on a fixed fee contract basis and was completed on 17 May. A larger rig has been mobilized to site to drill the remainder of the vertical section of the well and the lateral.

For more shale updates, visit: http://blackberrystocks.blogspot.com

For more stock updates, visit: http://daytradingstockblog.blogspot.com





Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Sharewell Energy Services: Green River Formation

By Andrea: http://oilshalegas.com

Sharewell Energy Services recently announced the completion of a 13,000 ft well located in the Green River Formation.

Sharewell Energy Services, a division of Sharewell L.P. announced that it just completed the drilling of a well in the Rocky Mountain area with its proprietary Electro-Magnetic Measurement While Drilling System (EM MWD) (Electro-Trac(TM)) to a depth in excess of thirteen thousand feet (13,000 feet). This is a record depth for Sharewell's state-of-the-art EM MWD technology.

Electro-Trac(TM) successfully steered and surveyed the above well to a measured depth of 13,065 feet (12,902 feet TVD) accumulating 700+ circulating hours without failure. This was accomplished without the use of repeaters or hard wiring. The Electro-Trac EM MWD was developed with initial funding from a Department of Energy (DOE) grant as part of the Deep Trek Initiative. Part of the Deep Trek Initiative's focus was to develop lower cost methods of developing deep gas via development of a unique Electro Magnetic transmission system.

Conventional EM MWD systems have depth limitations due to their inability to generate the required amplitude necessary to penetrate the increasing overburden of the surrounding geology, and/or detect and adequately filter the ambient noise. EM MWD technology is preferred over traditional, "mud pulse" MWD systems which require generation and subsequent acquisition of fluid pressure changes to transmit the required data. EM MWD saves operators substantial survey time which translates into cost savings for oil and gas operators.

Sharewell L.P. is successfully operating the Electro-Trac(TM) MWD system in multiple reservoirs/basins including Eagleford Shale, Barnett Shale, Marcellus Shale, New Albany Shale, Fayetteville Shale, Antrim Basin, San Juan Basin, Piceance Basin, and Uinta Basin.

For more shale updates, visit: http://blackberrystocks.blogspot.com

For more stock updates, visit: http://daytradingstockblog.blogspot.com







Contango Oil and Gas Co. (MCF): Fayetteville Shale Update

By Andrea: http://oilshalegas.com

Contango Oil & Gas Company (MCF) announced today that it has committed to invest up to $20 million over the next two years, in a joint venture that will acquire, operate, explore, and develop onshore unconventional shale operated and non-operated oil and natural gas assets (including undeveloped oil and gas leasehold interests), as well as produce and sell any hydrocarbons produced from such assets. Other participants include Alta Resources, LLC and Blackstone Capital Partners.

Kenneth R. Peak, Contango's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are pleased about the opportunity to be partners once again with Joe Greenberg and Alta Resources. Alta was our partner in our very successful Fayetteville Shale investment and they have been leaders in recognizing and capturing value in shale plays. We also look forward to being partners with Blackstone with their financial acumen and expertise."

For more shale updates, visit: http://blackberrystocks.blogspot.com

For more stock updates, visit: http://daytradingstockblog.blogspot.com

Magnum Hunter Resources (MHR): Marcellus Shale Update

By Andrea: http://oilshalegas.com

Magnum Hunter Resources Corporation (MHR) announced this afternoon that the Supreme Court of British Columbia today issued a final order approving the acquisition by Magnum Hunter of NGAS Resources, Inc. in an all-stock transaction structured as a statutory arrangement under British Columbia law, where NGAS is organized. NGAS Resources' primary function is in the Appalachian Basin where Marcellus Shale can be found.

Additionally, the NGAS shareholders approved the acquisition of NGAS by Magnum Hunter on April 8, 2011. The transaction, which is subject to additional closing conditions, is expected to close tomorrow, April 13, 2011. Upon closing of the transaction, each outstanding common share of NGAS will be transferred to Magnum Hunter for the right to receive 0.0846 shares of Magnum Hunter common stock, and NGAS will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Magnum Hunter.

For more shale updates, visit: http://blackberrystocks.blogspot.com

For more stock updates, visit: http://daytradingstockblog.blogspot.com