QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - May 30, 2014) - Junex (TSX VENTURE:JNX) is pleased by the Quebec Government's announcement this morning confirming that it will maintain the partnership agreements signed between Ressources Quebec and the oil companies active on Anticosti Island.
In parallel with the exploration operations that would be conducted on Anticosti Island, the Quebec government announces the establishment of a Strategic Environmental Assessment that will cover the entire hydrocarbon sector, thus complementing the existing studies on shale gas.
Junex finally welcomes the clearly-expressed will of the Government of Quebec to conduct these studies on a sound scientific basis in order to ensure that oil and gas development in Quebec can be done, if the case arises, in the largest respect of the principles of sustainable development.
All documents in connection with the Government's announcement are available at the following address : http://www.mddelcc.gouv.qc.ca/communiques/2014/Plan-action-hydrocarbure-briefing-technique-final.pdf
LOI between Ressources Québec and Junex
In February 2014, Junex signed a Letter of Intent with Ressources Québec which could lead to a two-phase exploration program with a maximum of $90 million funded in whole by RQ and a third unidentified partner from the industry. In return for their investments, Ressources Québec and the industry partner will gain a working interest of 80% in a Limited Partnership in a project company who will control 100% of Junex's permits.
Per this agreement, a total of nine (9) wells totalling $50 million will be drilled during Phase 1 of the exploration program. The second phase will be determined by the results of the first phase. The costs for the second phase are estimated at $40 milion. This agreement is subject to the conclusion of an agreement with a third partner of the industry before October 31, 2014.
In parallel to this agreement with Junex, Ressources Québec has also signed a partnership agreement with the group of companies holding the other permits on Anticosti Island. This second agreement provides that drilling will be completed in 2014. If this is the case, Junex anticipates that this work will be carried out close to the permits held by Junex. The value of our licenses could fluctuate depending on the results that will be obtained during this work.
About Junex
Junex is a junior oil and gas exploration company that holds exploration rights on approximately 5.2 million acres of land located in the Appalachian basin in the Province of Quebec. The company is in the heart of the Utica Shale gas discovery located in the St. Lawrence Lowlands and holds a significant land-package on the Anticosti Island where an independent report has provided their Best Estimate of the undiscovered shale oil initially-in-place ("OIIP") volume for the Macasty Shale on all five of Junex's permits on Anticosti Island at 12.2 billion barrels. In parallel to its exploration efforts in Quebec and expansion of its exploration activities elsewhere, the company operates a drilling services division.
Forward-Looking Statements and Disclaimer
Certain statements in this press release may be forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are based on the best estimates available to Junex at the time and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Junex's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. A description of the risks affecting Junex's business and activities appears under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" on pages 8 to 11 of Junex's 2013 annual management's discussion and analysis, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information in this press release will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits that Junex will derive therefrom. In particular, no assurance can be given as to the future financial performance of Junex. Junex disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements in order to account for any new information or any other event. The reader is warned against undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
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