Energy News ; Weekly Geopolitical Summary
- Russia Makes Major Headway with South Stream Pipeline
- Pakistani Supply Route Blockade Puts ISAF Forces at Risk
- US Drones Kill Five German Nationals, Amid Europe-Wide Terror Alert
- Bosnian Elections See Moderate Gains, but Little Hope for Change
- Nigeria Attacks May Show Dangerous Rift in MEND
- UK Diplomats Targeted in Yemen Attack
Russia Makes Major Headway with South Stream Pipeline
Russia's South Stream pipeline plans have increased momentum, netting formal agreements in the Balkans, most recently with Bosnia's Serb-dominated entity of Republika Srpska and Macedonia. The president of Bosnia's Republika Srpska entity, Milorad Dodik, and Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko signed an agreement on 15 September in Moscow formally expressing interest in the construction of a branch of the South Stream pipeline through Republika Srpska.
If a feasibility study carried out by Russia's state-owned gas giant Gazprom over the next couple of months proves positive, Republika Srpska would build a 480-kilometer branch of the South Stream pipeline through northern Bosnia, carrying up to 1.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually. Dodik told news agencies after the signing of the agreement that he expected the feasibility study to be completed and the green light given for the project within a couple of months.
Then, on 1 October, officials in Macedonia met with a Russian delegation from Gazprom to discuss the feasibility of participating in the South Stream pipeline. Macedonia is interested in joining the project, with Macedonian Finance Minister Zoran Stavrevski telling local media on 2 October that the country's involvement would lead to long-term gas supply stability that is of "crucial importance for the country's economic development ... and foreign investment."
Gazprom Project Director Leonid Chungov said that the Russian state-owned gas giant was now considering the feasibility of Macedonia's involvement in the pipeline, telling reporters that "we have come to a joint conclusion that, due to rising gas demand, we need to consider the option of a gas pipeline transiting Macedonia." Slovenia signed on to the project in November 2009, and Croatia signed on in March 2010.
Analytical Note:
Macedonia's involvement in the South Stream gas pipeline is still unclear. Gazprom officials say that it will take at least a year to determine the feasibility and type of role Macedonia could play. At the same time, the Macedonian finance minister told reporters that constructing a branch of the pipeline through the country might not be an option as it would necessarily automatically involve neighboring countries Albania and Kosovo.
Unlike its main competitor, the Nabucco pipeline - a Western endeavor seeking to transport Middle Eastern, Central Asia, and Caucasian gas to Europe, bypassing Russia - Russia's South Stream pipeline has met with fewer political and logistical obstacles. The South Stream pipeline, which should be operational by 2015, will transport Russian gas to the Black Sea and then on to Europe.
Serbia, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Greece are all formal participants, while Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia having formally expressed interest pending further discussions and feasibility studies. The race to complete both pipelines will largely determine the balance of power in the Balkans and the wider region.
While Nabucco has the support of Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, and Austria, the South Stream has the support of Italy, Serbia, Macedonia, Slovenia and Greece. Presently, Russia's South Stream pipeline plans are more concrete, though in recent months, Nabucco has made some progress.
That said, the back-and-forth between Turkey and the European Union over the former's membership in the bloc could set more obstacles in the way of the pipeline's progress. The South Stream pipeline has not been plagued with such disagreements. Serbia stands to become a key regional hub in the South Stream energy setup. Republika Srpska's participation in the South Stream pipeline became inevitable in 2009 when Serbia's state-run Srbijagas acquired a 40% share in Republika Srpska's Gaspromet.
Once the South Stream pipeline is fully operational, Serbia will, as such, control much of Bosnia's natural gas supplies. In Bosnia, Federation entity gas authorities have criticized the Republika Srpska plan to join the South Stream pipeline as being politically motivated and financially unsound because there is not a large enough consumer base to support the project.
Now, delivery of Federation gas comes only from Serbia, but plans are underway for a pipeline connection to Croatia, according to Federation authorities. According to the director of BH-Gas - the Federation's gas distributor - Almir Becarevic, European institutions marked the feasibility study for the construction of a 250-kilometer pipeline connecting the Federation with Croatia as the most profitable, and a large share of the financing for that project has already been arranged with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
By Jen Alic for the Global Intelligence Report. http://www.globalintelligencereport.com/
Pakistani Supply Route Blockade Puts ISAF Forces at Risk
Last week, in apparent retaliation for NATO's cross-border air strikes on Pakistani territory, which were conducted without advance discussions with Pakistani officials, Islamabad imposed a blockade on NATO's Afghan supply route. On 5 October, a NATO container truck was damaged by a small blast near the border after a bomb was placed underneath the truck, which was waiting in a convoy of thousands of tankers and trucks stuck on the border. On 6 October, insurgents burned 22 tankers carrying fuel for NATO's forces in Afghanistan, killing one truck driver on the outskirts of Pakistan's southwestern city of Quetta. In the past week, Taliban forces have taken advantage of the blockade, destroying over 40 NATO supply trucks. The Taliban have vowed more attacks on the NATO supply route if Islamabad continues to allow NATO supplies through. NATO and Pakistani officials met in Brussels on 4 October, but no agreement was reached. On 6 October, NATO officials said Pakistan may soon re-open the supply route, following the release of the Alliance's investigation into the 30 September helicopter strikes on Pakistani territory (three Pakistani soldiers were killed in the strikes).
Analytical Note: Some 40% of NATO's supplies for the war in Afghanistan come through Chaman in southwest Balochistan province and through Torkham in northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Islamabad's blockade of NATO's Afghan supply route is largely a reflection of the tenuous position of the government and President Asif Ali Zardari, who is under pressure over his failure to adequately deal with the massive floods in the face of a strong military that is pushing for his removal. Blocking the Afghan supply route should score him some points among the public, which is outraged over what it views as US incursions on its territory and the violation of its sovereignty. Lifting the blockade will require a strongly worded public apology from Washington, and guarantees that future air strikes will not be conducted without communications from Pakistani security forces. What will not ease the situation is a report released by Washington on 6 October criticizing Pakistan's efforts to fight militants on its territory. The White House report strongly criticizes President Zardari, and could result in Congress cutting support for billions in aid to Pakistan. This report will make it difficult for Zardari to save public face and re-open the Afghan supply route.
US Drones Kill Five German Nationals, Amid Europe-Wide Terror Alert
Five to eight German nationals were killed on 5 October in a CIA drone strike in Pakistan's tribal region bordering Afghanistan. The strikes were apparently part of a stepped-up CIA campaign said to be targeting credible threats of attacks on Europe by al-Qaeda. The strikes coincide with the US issuance of a Europe-wide terror alert said to be linked to intelligence that came from an Afghan-born German militant. The German nationals killed were reportedly of Arab and Pakistani origin. Washington reportedly has given Germany precise information on potential terrorist targets, including the central railway station and the television tower, as well as the Brandenburg Gate. While Washington is flooding the press with serious terror alerts for Europe, European officials are more sober.
Analytical Note: The drone attacks spiked in September, mostly in Pakistan's tribal North Waziristan, and have continued their momentum since. Pakistani officials refute Washington's claims of the numbers of 'foreign' fighters operating in the region. The timing of the US terror alert could be suspect: terror attack fears could boost the case for increased defense budgets. But it could also be a move designed to force Pakistan to take swifter action against militants in its own backyard. Europe should take the warnings seriously, but reactions should be sober and with precedents in mind.
Bosnian Elections See Moderate Gains, but Little Hope for Change
More than 8,000 candidates from 39 political parties and 11 coalitions competed for seats in Bosnia-Herzegovina's central parliament and tripartite presidency during 3 October elections. The Bosnian Croat and Bosniak seats look set to go to supporters of a unified Bosnia, while the Bosnian Serb representative is vowing more strength for entities - a situation that has created deadlock in the work of the presidency over the past four years. The moderate Social Democrat Party's (SDP) Zeljko Komsic won the presidency's Croat seat, beating ethno-nationalist Croat Democratic Union (HDZ) candidate Borjana Kristo. The Bosniak front-runner was Bakir Izetbegovic, of the predominantly ethno-nationalist Bosniak Party for Democratic Action (SDA). Komsic's victory was disputed by Croat nationalists who said he earned it thanks to Bosniak, not Croat voters, and vowed to press for an early election in two years. In the lead for Bosnian Serb post was the incumbent Nebojsa Radmanovic, of the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats (SNSD), the party which during the election campaign raised the possibility of seceding from the country. While Komsic and Radmanovic hold on to their presidential seats, Izetbegovic will replace Haris Silajdzic, who came in third, and whose Party for Bosnia and Herzegovina (SBiH), burdened with several corruption affairs, failed in the 3 October poll. Even though Izetbegovic is seen as more moderate than Silajdzic, it is hard to expect any major progress. Preliminary results for the central parliament are showing that the only change from the last elections in 2006 will happen in the areas where Bosniaks are the majority, gaining mostly at the expense of Bosniak ethno-nationalist parties. Most of the SBiH and SDA votes were taken by the newly founded Party for Better Future (SBB), led by media mogul Fahrudin Radoncic, who came up as the main surprise of the elections. With some 70% of votes counted, SDP is slightly ahead of SDA. But in the areas where Bosnian Serbs and Bosnian Croats are the majority, the elections were swept by Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik's SNSD and
HDZ. SNSD's leader Milorad Dodik, who is leading in the presidential elections in Republika Srpska, and whose party won most of the Bosnian Serb votes on all levels.
Analytical Note: According to the results, the deep ethnic divisions will be maintained and offer no solution to the ongoing political stalemate. There is also little hope that the election results will introduce new leaders that could launch badly needed political reforms set by the EU. Most of the same political personalities and parties were voted into power. Aside from an increase of votes for the moderate party among the Bosniak voters, ethno-nationalists remain popular in the Bosnian Serb-dominated Republika Srpska entity and areas dominated by Bosnian Croats. Given the differences among the sides, it is hard to expect any progressive cooperation on the state level. The results of the elections could actually further entrench ethnic divisions as many candidates have put ethno-nationalist slogans at the heart of their electoral campaigns, which voters recognized and supported. Even though Bosniak voters recognized the need for change and voted for the SDP, which doubled its performance compared with the 2006 elections, overall, this is not as significant as it may appear, since the party will have to ally with other parties, which very well may not share their moderate views.
Nigeria Attacks May Show Dangerous Rift in MEND
Two suspects have been named in car bombings that killed more than a dozen people in the Nigerian capital of Abuja on 1 October on the occasion of the country's 50th independence anniversary. The suspects are said to be Nigerian, though President Goodluck Jonathan had earlier suggested that the group behind the attack was from outside the country. Also earlier, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) had allegedly claimed responsibility for the attack. Hours before the attack, MEND allegedly dispatched emails to various media houses, threatening that they would bomb the anniversary venue. MEND spokesman Jomo Gbomo had claimed that several explosive devices had been "successfully planted" in and around the venue, warning guests to leave the area by 10:30 a.m. The warning, which some newspapers published online, was not heeded by security forces. MEND leader Henry Okah was arrested in Johannesburg on 4 October. Okah told reporters that his group was not responsible for the attack.
Analytical Note: The original alleged statement from MEND claiming responsibility for the attack signifies possible internal complications. Okah has denied responsibility and even condemned the attacks. Last year, the group signed a ceasefire agreement with the government. That deal also called for amnesty and cash settlements for former fighters who turned in their weapons. This has apparently caused an internal rift within MEND, splitting it into factions. As such, the statement of responsibility could have come from one faction of MEND. MEND seeks to redistribute the massive oil wealth of the Niger Delta and ensure that the local population reaps some of the benefits from their natural resources. If MEND, or a faction of the group, was indeed behind the attacks in Abuja, it would be the first time the capital was targeted in such a way by the group and would signify major changes within the original group's repertoire.
UK Diplomats Targeted in Yemen Attack
On 6 October, the British deputy ambassador and four other embassy personnel were targeted in a rocket-propelled grenade attack in the capital Sana'a. One of the embassy personnel was slightly injured from shrapnel as were two civilian bystanders. Al-Qaida is being blamed for the attack. It was the second attack on British diplomats in Yemen this year. In April, militants targeted British Ambassador Tim Torlot in a suicide bombing that injured three bystanders. British forces have a fairly high profile in Yemen, playing a key role in economic and political development. Ambassador Torlot, targeted in April's assassination attempt, is due to be replaced in the coming weeks by Jon Wilks. Wednesday's attack came after Yemeni authorities boosted security around embassies in the capital city based on intelligence that al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) was planning new attacks. The group on 25 December 2009 is believed to have been behind the Nigerian 'underpants bomber', who attempted to blow up a commercial airplane en route from Chicago to Amsterdam.
Analytical Note: According to Dr Dominic Moran, an expert with The Global Intelligence Report and ISAIntel, al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has become emboldened of late, with its Yemen-based claiming responsibility for the April assassination attempt against the British ambassador, the December 2009 commercial jet bombing attempt. Wednesday's attack is most probably a continuation of al-Qaeda attacks on foreign legations and representatives, which picked up pace over the last couple of years, following the collapse of alleged al-Qaeda understandings with the government after US pressure on Sana'a to step up the fight against the group. The group has also been emboldened by the arrival of al-Qaeda fighters from neighboring Saudi Arabia, following a major crack down there. In the past, the government of Yemen has used al-Qaeda to help fight Houthi rebels - al-Qaeda's sectarian rivals - in the south. Since late 2009, however, the government, under US pressure, has allegedly severed those links and begun targeting al-Qaeda. But the situation is a complex one, and the government's relationship with al-Qaeda was an important tool in the al-Houthi rebellion. As such, it is impossible to confirm with any real accuracy whether the government has indeed severed ties with al-Qaeda, or whether its new security sweeps have simply netted low-profile al-Qaeda figures in an attempt to ease US pressure. The increased number of attacks, likely by al-Qaeda forces, however, could signal that the government has indeed been working to sever those ties, which in turns means that more attacks can be expected in the near future.
Analysis by Global Intelligence Report staff
The global Intelligence Report is a Private news & Intelligence service for sophisticated news consumers, investors and energy market participants. Our breaking stories are often ahead of the mainstream media and our reports do a lot more than just deliver the news. To find out more please visit: www.GlobalintelligenceReport.com
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Saturday, October 9, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Oil and Gas Stocks; American Petro-Hunter, Inc. (OTCBB: AAPH) on Investorideas.com and our oil, gas and energy portals
Oil and Gas Stocks; American Petro-Hunter, Inc. (OTCBB: AAPH) on Investorideas.com and our oil, gas and energy portals
American Petro-Hunter, Inc.
American Petro-Hunter, Inc. (OTCBB: AAPH) is a goal-oriented exploration and production (E&P) Company aiming to become an intermediate level oil and gas producer within 12 months. The Company is in production at the Poston Project in Trego County Kansas with new drilling activity and production underway at the North Oklahoma Oil Project. With the achievable target of becoming a 1000 BOE producer as our goal, American Petro-Hunter is actively on the "hunt" for domestic petroleum assets
American Petro-Hunter, Inc.
American Petro-Hunter, Inc. (OTCBB: AAPH) is a goal-oriented exploration and production (E&P) Company aiming to become an intermediate level oil and gas producer within 12 months. The Company is in production at the Poston Project in Trego County Kansas with new drilling activity and production underway at the North Oklahoma Oil Project. With the achievable target of becoming a 1000 BOE producer as our goal, American Petro-Hunter is actively on the "hunt" for domestic petroleum assets
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Oil and Gas Stocks; Hemiwedge Industries, Inc. (OTCPK: HWEG) Marketing and Operations Update
Oil and Gas Stocks; Hemiwedge Industries, Inc. (OTCPK: HWEG) Marketing and Operations Update
Revenues Increase 270% for the Nine Months Ending September 30, 2010 vs. Same Period in 2009
Subscribe to Investor Ideas NewswireVisit this company: http://www.hemiwedge.com/
CONROE, Texas - October 7, 2010 (Investorideas.com energy stocks newswire) - Hemiwedge Industries, Inc. (OTCPK :HWEG), a global supplier of engineered valves focusing in oil/gas production, refining, mining, process, pipeline, power, mid-stream and petro-chemical markets, issued the following marketing and operations update of the Company's progress today. Since the Company's update release in July 2010, the Company has acquired six new customers domestically and internationally and continued to grow operations.
Revenues for the Third Quarter and Nine Months ending September 30, 2010
Unaudited revenues for the third quarter ending September 30, 2010 were approximately $946,000, or an increase of 201%, as compared to the third quarter 2009. Revenues for the first nine months ending September 30, 2010 were approximately $2.53 million, or an increase of 270%, compared to the first nine months ending September 2009. Based on third quarter 2010 customer indications, company quotation activity and industry feedback, the Company currently anticipates some customer capital projects to be forthcoming in early 2011 that could bring sizable orders for its Hemiwedge® Cartridge valve product line.
Backlog and sales pipeline and overseas growth
Current backlog of purchase orders received, not yet shipped, totaled approximately $355,000 on September 30, 2010. The customers associated with this backlog include a domestic oilfield tool rental company, an energy services customer, a chemical process company and a products pipeline company. Quote activity has increased this year as compared to a year ago and the Company anticipates increasing future backlogs and orders.
New Customers and New Applications for Hemiwedge® Cartridge valve.
The Company's patented Hemiwedge® Cartridge valve product line continued to grow in the third quarter of 2010 with new customers in Canadian oil sands applications, oil production manifolds in South America
, gas compressor applications domestically and a titanium dioxide process application with a European customer.
Public filing status
The Company currently anticipates these filings brought current by the end of this fiscal year possibly in two waves. The first, 2009 filings including the Company's annual report on Form 10-K completed and filed, then, the 2010 quarterly reports on Form 10-Q completed and filed. Getting the SEC filings current continues to be a priority for the Company.
About Hemiwedge Industries, Inc.
Hemiwedge Valve Corporation ("HVC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hemiwedge Industries, operates as a global supplier of engineered valve products. In its 60,000 square foot ISO 9001 and API Q1 approved facility in Conroe, Texas, the Company manufactures and markets worldwide a patented proprietary valve technology known as the Hemiwedge® Cartridge valve product line. The Hemiwedge® Cartridge valve is a proven innovative design that incorporates a hemispherical wedge to provide a mechanically sealing, tight shutoff valve with a simple quarter-turn operation that provides outstanding longevity and performance in a broad range of applications. Unlike ball valves, the stationary core of the Hemiwedge® Cartridge valve directs flow away from the seat surfaces which allows longer service life. The "Cartridge" feature reduces expensive downtime during valve maintenance as all of the internal parts of the valve are attached to the bonnet, as a Cartridge, which allows a quick exchange of all the internals of the valve while the valve body remains in the line. This feature is especially relevant in weld-in line valve bodies and severe service applications. Hemiwedge® Cartridge valve has been successfully used by reference customers in applications including refining, mining, process, pipeline, power, mid-stream and petro-chemical markets. The product line currently ranges in bore sizes from one inch to twenty inches, API 6D monogram, and ANSI class 150 through 900. For additional information on the Company and its products, please visit http://www.hemiwedge.com/.
Forward-Looking Statements
This document contains discussion of items that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurances that its expectations will be achieved. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from expectations include, but are not limited to, customer concentration risk, difficulties in refinancing or restructuring its debt, difficulties in accelerating internal sales growth, volatility of the energy business and its effects on the Company's business, difficulties in new technology acceptance within the energy and process industries, restrictive covenants in our existing credit facilities, fluctuations in metals prices, an inability to perform customer contracts at anticipated cost levels, political and economic global supply chain risk, general economic conditions in markets in which we do business, extensive environmental and workplace regulation by federal and state agencies, and other general risks related to its common stock, and other uncertainties and business issues that are detailed in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this release and in the attachments is as of May 11, 2010 and the Company undertakes no duty to update this information.
Disclosure: HWEG is a paid advertising client on Investorideas.com and our energy, natural gas, and oil and gas portals.
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Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Energy News; The Gas Cartel Idea: On the Road to Another OPEC?
Energy News; The Gas Cartel Idea: On the Road to Another OPEC?
(http://www.investorideas.com/ energy stocks blog )
As oil sees its image tarnished from the disastrous oil spills that took place off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of Dalian , China
Gas is present in large quantities and in many countries of less questionable reputation such as in the United States Russia and Iran are strongly advocating for a gas cartel to regulate the industry, which can explain the reluctance of Russia to adopt sanctions towards Iran
When the 156th Meeting of the OPEC Conference ended in Vienna
Its members are Algeria , Angola , Ecuador , Iran , Iraq , Kuwait , Libya , Nigeria , Qatar , Saudi Arabia , United Arab Emirates , and Venezuela
In 2001 The Gas Exporting Countries Forum was established in Tehran , Iran Algeria , Bolivia , Egypt , Equatorial Guinea , Iran , Libya , Nigeria , Qatar , Russia , Trinidad and Tobago and Venezuela Algeria , Iran , Nigeria , Qatar and Venezuela
Interestingly, Russia Russia Russia exports rose to 7.4 million barrels per day against 7 billion barrels per day for Saudi Arabia
What Benefits for Gas Users?
When the price of oil went skyrocketing OPEC did not react too promptly to alleviate the burden on oil consumers despite its stated commitment to economic supply to consumers. After all, every additional dollar to the price of a barrel results in billions in the bank at the end of the year for many oil-producing countries.
Few countries had excess capacity to offer to increase the offer in order to alleviate the out of control price escalation. Saudi Arabia, the only country that had then an excess capacity of about 2 million barrels per day and sufficient enough to cool down the market, dragged its feet when oil prices spiked out of control to reach almost $150 per barrel in the summer of 2008 and only released about 250,000 more barrels per day which did little at the time to put an end to this price inflation. In this context, one can wonder what gain end-users would get from the creation of a gas cartel operating in similar ways to OPEC.
Russia’s bad habits of cutting off gas when having disputes with its Ukrainian and Belarusian neighbors - through which transits respectively 80% and 20% of the gas going to Europe – has shown that Russia has no qualms about using energy as a political and economic pressure tool irrespective of the damage to its long-term public image.
Many member countries of OPEC are often the first ones to break the quotas such as Angola and Nigeria
It is also questionable to think that some countries would want any interference with what is for them a critical life supply of hard currency. For instance, Libya Italy to supply Europe via a Southern route that is very appealing to counterbalance the unpredictable Eastern route controlled by Russia
Another country like Turkmenistan, said to hold the 4th or 5th largest world gas reserves has repeatedly put forward its neutrality status and would not want to get caught in political games that would undermine its status. Also, after having been heavily dependent on the goodwill of Russia and on the Gazprom pipelines for the transit of its gas to Europe, which was interrupted for nearly nine months in 2009, it is doubtful Turkmenistan would want to be told how much it could supply China, which became a leading client after the opening in 2010 of a new pipeline linking Turkmenistan to China via Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Another factor to take into consideration is the huge infrastructure and equipment investments made by some countries to become leaders in the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) industry. LNG is a revolution in the energy industry as long pipelines are no longer part of the equation, except to bring LNG to the tankers. Some countries have become leaders such as Algeria , Libya and Qatar Australia , Egypt , Nigeria and Norway
Gas Cartel coming soon to town?
In light of the above it is very doubtful that a gas cartel as structured as OPEC will become a reality. The inability to strictly enforce quotas and to sanction wrongdoers is little incentive for any rule-abiding country to become a member. The prevalence of individual interests with some of its members not abiding by the rules and decisions of the cartel has weakened the organization.
Furthermore, though OPEC members hold two thirds of world reserves, they only account for less than 40% of world oil, enabling a lot of other players to have an impact on the oil scene outside the framework of OPEC. The Gas Exporting Countries Forum will remain, as it name states it a forum, but the creation of a legal structure is most doubtful and so is the ability of the existing members of the Forum to structure it into a well-operating international organization.
Source: http://www.globalintelligencereport.com/articles/The-Gas-Cartel-Idea-on-the-Road-to-Another-OPEC
Analysis by Global Intelligence Report staff
The global Intelligence Report is a Private news & Intelligence service for sophisticated news consumers, investors and energy market participants. Our breaking stories are often ahead of the mainstream media and our reports do a lot more than just deliver the news. To find out more please visit: http://www.globalintelligencereport.com/
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Monday, October 4, 2010
TSX Venture Exchange Closing Summary for October 4, 2010; Energy Stocks Most Active by Volume
TSX Venture Exchange Closing Summary for October 4, 2010; Energy Stocks Most Active by Volume
- The following report is available on tsx.com at the following web page:
http://www.tsx.com/en/news_events/media_kit.html
TSX Venture Exchange Closing Summary for October 4, 2010
Trading was very heavy on a volume of 297.7 million shares worth 156.3 million dollars.
There were 381 advances, 511 declines and 530 issues unchanged.
The S&P/TSX Venture Composite Index closed down 5.23 at 1739.56
Most Active Issues by Volume Volume Name Symbol Close Change 12,961,253 Alange Energy Corp ALE $0.500 $0.035 4,786,525 Ithaca Energy Inc IAE $2.170 $0.100 4,586,153 Sonoro Energy Ltd SNV $0.320 -$0.065 4,425,736 Beaufield Resources Inc. (Ressources Be BFD $0.400 -$0.050 4,120,010 Monarch Energy Limited MNL $0.020 $0.015 3,851,986 Advanced Explorations Inc. AXI $0.740 $0.250 3,778,479 Knight Resources Ltd. KNP $0.110 $0.020 3,274,806 Diamond International Exploration Inc DIX $0.030 $0.000 2,824,733 Canadian Imperial Venture Corp. CQV $0.055 $0.010 2,490,206 Woulfe Mining Corp. WOF $0.110 -$0.005 Most Active Securities by Value Value Security Name Symbol Close Change $10,256,568 Ithaca Energy Inc IAE $2.170 $0.100 $7,793,233 Sterling Resources Ltd SLG $3.620 $0.330 $7,518,638 San Gold Corporation SGR $3.250 -$0.100 $6,544,686 Alange Energy Corp ALE $0.500 $0.035 $3,373,527 Rainy River Resources Ltd. RR $8.310 -$0.110 $2,937,378 GASFRAC Energy Services Inc GFS $7.110 $0.230 $2,478,362 Romarco Minerals Inc. R $2.320 -$0.040 $2,425,416 Advanced Explorations Inc. AXI $0.740 $0.250 $2,180,210 Bear Creek Mining Corporation BCM $6.100 -$0.120 $1,892,699 Beaufield Resources Inc. (Ressources Be BFD $0.400 -$0.050
NEX Closing Summary for October 4, 2010
Trading was moderate on a volume of 1.25 million shares worth 0.09 million dollars.
There were 6 advances, 2 declines and 17 issues unchanged.
Most Active Issues by Volume Volume Name Symbol Close Change 285,000 EcoMax Energy Services Ltd. EES.H $0.020 $0.000 281,000 Zaruma Resources Inc ZMR.H $0.055 -$0.010 252,000 Atlantis Systems Corp AIQ.H $0.025 $0.005 101,190 First Metals Inc FMA.H $0.005 $0.000 71,500 Cheetah Ventures Ltd CHV.H $0.270 -$0.040 50,000 Ava Resources Corp AVS.H $0.105 $0.000 44,704 Balto Resources Ltd BAL.H $0.090 $0.030 40,000 Cadomin Capital Corporation CDK.H $0.030 $0.005 27,015 Chantrell Ventures Corp CV.H $0.450 $0.050 20,000 Citadel Gold Mines Inc CGM.H $0.125 $0.000 Most Active Securities by Value Value Security Name Symbol Close Change $20,455 Cheetah Ventures Ltd CHV.H $0.270 -$0.040 $15,455 Zaruma Resources Inc ZMR.H $0.055 -$0.010 $12,005 Chantrell Ventures Corp CV.H $0.450 $0.050 $6,080 Atlantis Systems Corp AIQ.H $0.025 $0.005 $5,700 EcoMax Energy Services Ltd. EES.H $0.020 $0.000 $5,625 Ava Resources Corp AVS.H $0.105 $0.000 $4,655 Cobre Exploration Corp. CKB.H $0.245 -$0.005 $3,953 Balto Resources Ltd BAL.H $0.090 $0.030 $3,217 Windamere Ventures Ltd WV.H $0.290 $0.070 $2,500 Citadel Gold Mines Inc CGM.H $0.125 $0.000
NOTE: This document is for information purposes only and is not an invitation to purchase any securities listed on TSX Venture Exchange and/or NEX. While the information herein is collected and compiled with care, neither TSX Venture Exchange Inc., TSX Inc. nor any of their respective affiliated companies represents, warrants or guarantees the accuracy or the completeness of the information. This information is provided with the express condition, to which by purchasing or making use thereof you expressly consent, that no liability shall be incurred by TSX Venture Exchange Inc., TSX Inc. and/or any of its affiliates as a result of any use or reliance upon this information.
"S&P" is a trade-mark of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and is used under licence by TSX Inc. and "TSX" is a trade-mark of TSX Inc.
For more information, please contact
TSX Venture Exchange - Closing Market Report
TSX Datalinx
(416) 947-4452
Email: marketdata@tsxdatalinx.com
TSX Venture Exchange - Closing Market Report
TSX Datalinx
(416) 947-4452
Email: marketdata@tsxdatalinx.com
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Energy Stocks; Magnum Hunter Resources (NYSE Amex: MHR) Declares Cash Dividend on Series C Perpetual Preferred Stock
Energy Stocks; Magnum Hunter Resources (NYSE Amex : MHR) Declares Cash Dividend on Series C Perpetual Preferred Stock
The dividend on the Series C Preferred Stock is payable on October 28, 2010, to holders of record on October 14, 2010. The payment will be an annualized 10.25% per share, which is equivalent to approximately $0.6406 per share, based on the $25.00 per share liquidation preference of the Series C Preferred Stock. The Series C Preferred Stock is currently listed on the NYSE Amex and trades under the ticker symbol "MHR-PC".
About Magnum Hunter Resources CorporationMagnum Hunter Resources Corporation and subsidiaries are a Houston, Texas based independent exploration and production company engaged in the acquisition of exploratory leases and producing properties, secondary enhanced oil recovery projects, exploratory drilling, and production of oil and natural gas in the United States. The Company is presently active in three of the "big four" emerging shale plays in the United States.
For more information, please view our website at http://www.magnumhunterresources.com/
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains statements concerning Magnum Hunter Resources Corporation's expectations, beliefs, plans, intentions, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements and others contained in this presentation that are not historical are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Litigation Reform Act"). Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these statements. You can generally identify our forward-looking statements by the words "anticipate", "believe" ,"continue", "could", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "goal", "intend", "may", "objective", "plan", "potential", "predict", "projection", "should", "will", or other similar words. Such forward-looking statements relate to, among other things: (1) the Company's proposed exploration and drilling operations on its various properties, (2) the expected production and revenue from its various properties, (3) the Company's proposed redirection as an operator of certain properties and (4) estimates regarding the reserve potential of its various properties. These statements are qualified by important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those reflected by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include but are not limited to: (1) the Company's ability to finance the continued exploration, drilling and operation of its various properties, (2) positive confirmation of the reserves, production and operating expenses associated with its various properties, (3) the general risks associated with oil and gas exploration, development and operations, including those risks and factors described from time to time in the Company's reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2009 filed on March 31, 2010, and the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ending September 30, 2009, March 31, 2010, and June 30, 2010, filed on November 16, 2009, May 17, 2010, and August 12,2010, respectively. Magnum Hunter Resources Corporation cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Magnum Hunter Resources Corporation does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to update or revise such statements to reflect new circumstances or unanticipated events as they occur.Contact:
M. Bradley Davis
Senior Vice President of Capital Markets
bdavis@magnumhunterresources.com
(832) 203-4545
M. Bradley Davis
Senior Vice President of Capital Markets
bdavis@magnumhunterresources.com
(832) 203-4545
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Bakken Stocks; Brigham Exploration Announces State 36-1 #2H Rough Rider Three Forks Well Early Production Rate of 2,356 BOEPD, Three High Rate Bakken Completions, Additional Acreage Acquisitions and Provides Operational Update
Bakken Stocks; Brigham Exploration Announces State 36-1 #2H Rough Rider Three Forks Well Early Production Rate of 2,356 BOEPD, Three High Rate Bakken Completions, Additional Acreage Acquisitions and Provides Operational Update
Rough Rider Three Forks High Rate Completion
In its Rough Rider project area in Williams County, North Dakota, Brigham announced the completion of the State 36-1 #2H Three Forks well, which was completed with 31 frac stages, at an early 24-hour peak flow back rate of approximately 2,356 barrels of oil equivalent (1,872 barrels of oil and 2.91 MMcf). The State 36-1 #2H represents Brigham's first Three Forks well completed west of the Nesson Anticline and based on publicly available information appears to represent a record Three Forks initial production rate west of the Nesson Anticline. The State 36-1 #2H represents Brigham's third Three Forks long lateral high frac stage completion. The two prior completions were east of the Nesson Anticline in Brigham's Ross project area and together averaged an early 24-hour peak flow back rate of 2,249 barrels of oil equivalent. Continued Three Forks success across its entire Rough Rider project area has the potential to add as many as 362 net drilling locations to Brigham's significantly de-risked development drilling inventory and could result in Brigham having an inventory of up to 933 net de-risked drilling locations within its current core acreage position. Brigham maintains an approximate 30% working interest in the State 36-1 #2H, which was completed with U.S. Energy Corp. (
High Rate Ross Completion
In Mountrail County, North Dakota, Brigham announced the completion of the Domaskin 30-31 #1H, which was completed with 38 fracture stimulation stages, at an early 24-hour peak flow back rate of approximately 4,675 barrels of oil equivalent (4,106 barrels of oil and 3.42 MMcf). The Domaskin is located one mile to the west of the highest initial production rate Bakken well in the Williston Basin, the Brigham operated Sorenson 29-32 #1H, which was completed in April 2010 at an early 24-hour peak rate of 5,133 barrels of oil equivalent. Based on publicly available information, the Domaskin represents the fourth highest initial production rate Bakken well in the Williston Basin. Brigham has completed seven long lateral high frac stage Bakken wells in Ross at an average early 24-hour peak flow back rate of approximately 3,835 barrels of oil equivalent. Brigham maintains an approximate 65% working interest in the Domaskin. Also participating in the Domaskin is Lario Oil & Gas Company with a 12% working interest.
Acreage Acquisitions
Since early August 2010, Brigham has expanded its acreage position in the Williston Basin by approximately 10,200 net acres to an estimated 368,400 net acres. In its core Rough Rider project area, Brigham has expanded its acreage position by approximately 7,600 net acres, including a large acreage position obtained as a result of a transaction entered into with Zavanna, LLC. Inclusive of the acreage acquisitions, Brigham now has total core acreage of approximately 205,600 net acres.
Williston Basin Drilling and Completion Update
In its Rough Rider project area, Brigham announced the completion of the Larsen 3-10 #1H and the Boots 13-24 #1H Bakken wells, which produced at early 24-hour peak flow back rates of approximately 3,090 (2,631 barrels of oil and 2.75 MMcf) and 1,946 (1,773 barrels of oil and 1.04 MMcf) barrels of oil equivalent, respectively. The Larsen and Boots are located in Williams County and were both completed with 31 fracture stimulation stages. Brigham's working interests in the Larsen and Boots are approximately 72% and 74%, respectively. Brigham has completed 26 long lateral high frac stage Bakken wells in Rough Rider with an average early 24-hour peak rate of approximately 2,421 barrels of oil equivalent.
Brigham's accelerated development of its core operated acreage in its Rough Rider and Ross project areas is proceeding with four operated rigs drilling in Rough Rider and one operated rig drilling in Ross. Another operated rig is expected to arrive in early October and additional rigs are expected to arrive in January and May 2011, respectively, at which time Brigham will be continuously drilling with eight operated rigs.
Brigham currently has two wells fracing and nine wells waiting on completion. In the first quarter 2011, Brigham expects to add additional fracture stimulation capacity. At that time, Brigham estimates that approximately eight wells per month will be fracture stimulated and brought on line to production.
Management Comments
Bud Brigham, the Chairman, President and CEO, commented, "We're extremely excited by the results from our State 36-1 #2H Rough Rider Three Forks well. This well has generated an apparent record early 24-hour production rate for a Three Forks well west of the Nesson Anticline, and begins to potentially de-risk as many as 362 net Rough Rider Three Forks drilling locations. Combining our 571 drilling locations that are already significantly de-risked with as many as 362 net Rough Rider Three Forks drilling locations could result in our de-risked drilling inventory growing to up to 933 potential net locations. We believe success in the Three Forks in our Rough Rider project area represents a significant net asset valuation accretion event for our stockholders and other stakeholders."
Bud Brigham continued, "Our staff continues to manufacture oil wells on our current core acreage and deliver exceptional results. We've now completed 36 consecutive high frac stage long lateral Bakken and Three Forks wells in North Dakota with an average early 24-hour peak production rate of approximately 2,684 barrels of oil equivalent. Furthermore, with our Domaskin completion, we now have three of the four highest initial production rate Bakken wells in the Williston Basin."
Bud Brigham continued, "The results from our four recently completed wells should have a significant positive effect on our fourth quarter 2010 production volumes and our year-end proved reserves. In addition, our production volumes and proved reserves should be further enhanced by our two additional wells that are currently fracing, one of which is located in our Ross project area proximate to our record Bakken wells."
Bud Brigham concluded, "Our land department continues to actively acquire quality acreage in and adjacent to our core areas at attractive costs. We closed on an additional large acreage acquisition in Rough Rider representing approximately 6,000 net acres, all of which is core, and a significant portion of which is held by production. We believe that our track record of 36 consecutive strong producers provides us with a competitive advantage while leasing and we hope to continue to capitalize on that advantage."
About Brigham Exploration
Brigham Exploration Company is an independent exploration, development and production company that utilizes advanced exploration, drilling and completion technologies to systematically explore for, develop and produce domestic onshore oil and natural gas reserves. For more information about Brigham Exploration, please visit our website at www.bexp3d.com or contact Investor Relations at 512-427-3444.
Forward-Looking Statement Disclosure
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements early initial production rates which decline steeply over the early life of wells, particularly our Williston basin horizontal wells for which we estimate the average monthly production rates may decline by approximately 70% in the first twelve months of production, our growth strategies, our ability to successfully and economically explore for and develop oil and gas resources, anticipated trends in our business‚ our liquidity and ability to finance our exploration and development activities‚ market conditions in the oil and gas industry‚ our ability to make and integrate acquisitions, the impact of governmental regulation and other risks more fully described in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by use of terms such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate" and similar words, although some forward-looking statements may be expressed differently. All forward-looking statements contained in this release, including any forecasts and estimates, are based on management's outlook only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of subsequent developments or otherwise.
Contact:
Rob Roosa
Finance Manager
(512) 427-3300
Rob Roosa
Finance Manager
(512) 427-3300
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