Samson Oil & Gas Limited (ASX: SSN; NYSE MKT: SSN):
NORTH STOCKYARD PROJECT
Samson Oil & Gas Limited (ASX: SSN; NYSE MKT: SSN) advises that it has
commenced the necessary preparatory work to begin drilling operations on
the Billabong 2-13-14HBK, which are expected to commence in the next 24
hours.
This well will be drilled into the Middle Bakken horizon. The surface
casing on this well had previously been set at 2,300 feet. The well will
be drilled vertically to a kick off point at 10,824 feet (TVD) and 7
inch casing landed at 11,300 feet (TVD) in preparation to drill the
6,100 foot lateral in the Middle Bakken.
The directional plan has been modified based on the lessons learned from
drilling the previously reported Sail and Anchor well to manage the
difficult drilling conditions experienced in that well. These
modifications have included elimination of the deviation in the vertical
part of the hole and the employment of a directional drilling contractor
with the ability to use a rotary steerable bottom hole assembly. A
rotary steerable bottom hole assembly has superior capabilities to
control directional drilling compared to conventional steerable
equipment. In addition a lighter mud weight will be utilized in the
lateral wellbore, which should increase the rate of penetration.
The decision to drill this second Middle Bakken well rather than
fracture stimulating Sail and Anchor was taken for several reasons,
including the significant cost savings that can be made by stimulating
the Sail and Anchor and Billabong wells simultaneously with a hydraulic
fracturing treatment. These cost reductions come from a single rather
than multiple mobilization costs of the fracture stimulation and
ancillary equipment as well as the ability to conduct a single work over
in the offset wells to place bridge plugs to protect those wellbores.
These savings are estimated to exceed $1 million.
Accordingly, the forward plan now is to drill and complete the Billabong
well and then fracture stimulate the two wells together. In addition to
the cost savings, this plan will also allow the fracture systems in both
wells to be introduced to a similar pressure regime. This means it is
more likely that a more uniform fracture network and stimulated
reservoir volume is established between the two well bores rather than a
pressure regime influenced by production from the Sail and Anchor well.
As a result of this increased stimulated reservoir volume, the ultimate
volume of oil recovered should increase from both wells compared to the
situation where each well is stimulated independently with a time gap
between the two fracture treatments.
SOUTH PRAIRIE
The Matson #3-1 well has been drilled to a depth of 4,670 feet and is
undertaking a short trip to condition the hole ahead of penetrating the
main target zone. This is being undertaken now such that if warranted
the zone can be drill stem tested.
The Matson #3-1 well will be drilled to a total depth of 4,900 feet to
test a 420 acre 4-way structural closure in the Glenburn zone of the
Mississippian Mission Canyon Formation. The Glenburn zone has produced
over 2.5 million barrels of oil just 2 miles to the northeast from a
similar type of trap at South Glenburn Field.
About Samson Oil & Gas Limited
Samson’s Ordinary Shares are traded on the Australian Securities
Exchange under the symbol "SSN". Samson's American Depository Shares
(ADSs) are traded on the New York Stock Exchange MKT under the symbol
"SSN". Each ADS represents 20 fully paid Ordinary Shares of Samson.
Samson has a total of 2,326 million ordinary shares issued and
outstanding (including 97,307,525 million options exercisable at AUD 3.8
cents), which would be the equivalent of 116 million ADSs. Accordingly,
based on the NYSE MKT closing price of US$0.45 per ADS on July 16th,
2013 the Company has a current market capitalization of approximately
US$52.87 million (the options have been valued at an exchange rate of
0.92). Correspondingly, based on the ASX closing price of A$0.025 for
ordinary shares and an indicated price of A$0.0075 for the 2017 options,
on July 16th, 2013, the Company has a current market capitalization of
approximately A$58.87 million.
SAMSON OIL & GAS LIMITED
TERRY BARR
Managing Director
Statements made in this press release that are not historical facts may
be forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements
using words like “may”, “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “should” or
“will.”
Actual results may differ materially from those projected in any
forward-looking statement. There are a number of important factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated
or estimated by any forward looking information, including uncertainties
inherent in estimating the methods, timing and results of exploration
activities. A description of the risks and uncertainties that are
generally attendant to Samson and its industry, as well as other factors
that could affect Samson’s financial results, are included in the
prospectus and prospectus supplement for its recent Rights Offering as
well as the Company's report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission on Form 10-K, which are available at www.sec.gov/edgar/searchedgar/webusers.htm.
Copyright Business Wire 2013