VMM3 ConfusionOk, so I previously posted a bunch of rambling stuff about Carrao, etc...but I'd like to focus on one particular block that CNE is allegedly getting - VMM-3 in the middle magdelena.
According to CNE's release:
VMM 3 is associated with a major oil producer, a world-class partner that is consolidating its position in the area. Under the terms of the agreement executed between Carrao and the major oil producer in September 2011, Carrao sold 100% of its working interest in the block to the major oil producer for a cash consideration. Under the terms of the agreement, the major oil producer will assume all of the work program commitments including the acquisition of 3D seismic and the drilling of up to 3 exploration wells. The major oil producer also granted Carrao the right to back in for a 20% working interest in the block at no additional cost after the expiry of the first 2 year period. The transaction is subject to approval by the ANH, which is expected before current year end.
The release doesn't tell us very much. Who is the major oil producer? What was Carrao's working interest in the block to begin with?
As per the ANH website Carrao does not appear to be linked at all to VMM3. It looks like it's owned by Monterrico. This is from a presentation from Monterrico:
CONTRACT ANH
OPERATOR INTEGRAL DE SERVICIOS TECNICOS
PARTICIPATION 39%
AREA 33.714 Ha.
EFECTTIVE DATE 02-06-2009
CURRENT PHASE Phase 1 To june 2012
PROSPECTIVE
RESOURCES
115.86 MMBBLS OOIP
18.42 MMBBLS Primary Recoverable
I have no idea what is meant by Operator, Participation, and Working Interest. From the above info it looks like Monterrico (or Green Power - or whatever they call themselves) was not the operator, nor did they have majority participation in this particular block. Who did?
From CNE's release, Carrao apparently sold 100% of it's interest to this "major oil producer" back in September.
The only record I can find relating at all to the sale of so much as dirt from VMM-3 is this release from PetroAmerica (one of yoplait's favorites!):
Under the terms of the agreement to acquire Petroamerica's 50% contractual rights, Shell E&P Colombia will commit to the following: 1) pay Petroamerica a cash fee of US$7.0 million, and 2) replace the current US$1.8 million bank guarantee for the minimum commitments with the Colombian National Hydrocarbon Agency ("ANH"), under the terms required per the VMM-3 E&P Contract ("Contract"). Petroamerica's contractual obligations amounting to a carry of the first phase exploration program of 2D seismic and one exploratory well to a cap of US$10.7 million would be cancelled upon closing of the transaction with Shell.
So PTA had 50% of the contractual rights to VMM3? What does that mean - and it seems odd considering the next sentence:
The VMM-3 block covers an area of 83,311 acres and the cash component of the transaction translates into a unit value of US$168 per acre.
This sentence seems to suggest that PTA owned the entire plot of land, but that seems odd.
The sale is subject to a number of conditions, including regulatory approval by the ANH of the 100% participating interest transfer and approval of Shell E&P Colombia as operator of the Contract. Petroamerica will receive payment following the ANH approval of the Contract assignment to Shell E&P Colombia and in the event that any of the conditions are not satisfied, Shell E&P Colombia has the right to terminate the agreement.
This seems to suggest that with the sale, Shell would have 100% participating interest in VMM3. Where does that leave Carrao, or even Monterrico?
What exactly did CNE get, and from whom?
In any event, it does appear that the "major oil producer" mentioned by CNE is in fact Shell.
Any theories (other than the one that I have that involves a beuarocratic nightmarish spider-web of crap)