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.
An agreement with mining giant Rio Tinto entitles Ncondezi Coal (NCCL) to export 10 million tonnes from Mozambique for no capital contribution.
The British Virgin Islands-based company, which hopes to be exporting a planned 10 million tonnes a year from its Ncondezi project in the southern African country's Tete Province from 2015, has signed the infrastructure agreement with Rio and another local coal developer Minas de Revuboe (where Nippon Steel has 33 per cent) to study the options for greenfield rail and port development.
AIM-quoted Ncondezi, steered by the redoubtable Graham Mascall, is entitled to an export allocation on what is called the 'integrated transport development project', but will not be required to contribute capital to the project's feasibility study or to its development costs, even if it will have to pay a tariff to use the facilities. Since fears about infrastructure challenges have contributed to Ncondezi's hitherto persistent stockmarket weakness, it is not surprising Mascall hails this agreement as 'a tremendous step forward'.
There remain the challenges of producing enough high quality coal and securing advantageous offtake deals. But the market has reacted by sending the shares, which had fallen from 230.5p to 46.5p over the past year, up 10p to 59p, valuing the company at £71.5 million.
They could be worth a speculative recovery punt, despite the obvious risks.
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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.
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.