Gulf starts at Sheikh Adi-2 25/05/2012
Iraq-focused oil explorer Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) has begun drilling at the Sheikh Adi-2 well in the Sheikh Adi block.
Fiji-focused Vatukoula Gold Mines has raised £7.4 million at a 10 per cent premium to the market for further exploration.
The AIM-quoted company, steered by entrepreneurial chief executive officer David Paxton, secured the money through broker WH Ireland at 1.85p a share and now says it has cash and cash equivalents of about £12 million.
Canadian investor Sprott Asset Management, a major Vatukoula shareholder, has backed the placing, most of which London-based Vatukoula indicates it will spend on drilling at its existing mine in Fiji between now and 2012 and on prospects in the South Pacific island's mineral-rich Tavua Cladera region. That will leave £1.6 million 'to strengthen the company's balance sheet'.
Lately, Vatukoula has been exceeding its production forecasts for the financial year to August, with 51,491 oz of gold recovered so far, against a 50,000-oz target for the whole year. The company says underground mining rates and gold grades have improved of late, with 12,940 oz recovered between 1 June and 21 July at an average grade of 9.45 grammes of gold per tonne of ore.
Vatukoula shares have swung between 2.59p and 1.05p over the past 12 months and now stand at 1.38p, valuing the company at £67.4 million. They have speculative appeal for the strong-nerved.
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Iraq-focused oil explorer Gulf Keystone Petroleum (GKP) has begun drilling at the Sheikh Adi-2 well in the Sheikh Adi block.
Oil giant Shell is extending its offer period for Mozambique-focused Cove Energy (COV) after having its bid trumped by Thai government-owned PTT Exploration & Production.
Kazakhstan-focused Roxi Petroleum (RXP) has declared that its NK7 well in the Galaz aea has drilled to a depth of 1,360 metres.
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Somalia-focused oil explorer Red Emperor Resources (RMP) has exercised its option to take part in the drilling of the Shabeel North well.
Oil concern Heritage Oil (HOIL) has reported its Miran West-3 well in Iraq could deliver 1,000 barrels per day of condensate.