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.
Resources investor The Niche Group sees ‘immediate cash generation’ and ‘significant upside’ from the Turkish operations of Oman Resources, a company guided by Niche’s consultant and prime mover, Irish entrepreneur John McKeon. AIM-quoted Niche, whose chairman, Nigel Little, was vice-chairman of stockbroker Canaccord, has loan notes convertible into a 35 per cent stake in Oman Resources, which has 50 per cent of four promising licences in Turkey.
In one, Konya, testing is starting on a gas and oil discovery well, Gulhanim-2, containing potential hydrocarbon-bearing zones. The company says a pilot bottling plant there should be ready to start selling gas in a few weeks, with pipeline construction expected to begin later this year.
Niche reports that drilling at the Hamam-1 well in the Hatay Block 4396 has confirmed a ‘commercial discovery’, while drilling proceeds apace at Hatay Block 4395 and testing begins towards the end of 2011 at Hatay Block 4394. The well-connected McKeon, a founder of Moroccan gas producer Circle Oil and chairman of Mozambique titanium play Pathfinder Minerals, has played a key role in opening the doors needed for access to these licences.
Shares in Niche Group surged from 0.6p to 8.08p last year, but have more recently settled back to 5.93p, valuing the company at £41 million. If Oman Resources does generate the hoped-for cash, they could have more mileage left, while the sector stays in vogue.
Gain instant access to some of the best-performing and fastest growing companies in the small cap arenaClick here
Advertisement
Gain instant access to some of the best-performing and fastest growing companies in the small cap arena. Sign up NOW!
This unique study analyses the shareholdings of companies listed on AIM, extracting trends including rankings of the value and number of their investments.
Please click here to order your copy of the report or call 0207 250 7056.
Informative features and research on fast-growing companies, small-cap and growth stocks, penny shares, stock market tips and share recommendations, directors' dealings, company news and analysis, new issues and upcoming IPOs.
If you're interested in business tax updates visit our specialist tax guide website.
Daily coverage of small-cap company stocks on London's junior markets AIM and PLUS, breaking news, stock research and latest share price information for investors. Full sector coverage with all the latest news on smaller listed companies, updated several times a day with financial reports, trading statements and links to further web resources.
Advertisement
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.
Steered by sector veteran Algy Cluff, North-Sea focused cash shell Cluff Natural Resources (CNR) has joined AIM.
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.