Ascent Resources plc, the AIM-traded oil and gas exploration and production company, has conditionally agreed to farm-out up to 40% of its 90% interest in the Seeland-Frienisberg Permit in the Canton of Berne in Switzerland, to AIM listed Leni Gas and Oil Plc (‘LGO’).
Schweizerisches Erdöl AG (‘SEAG’) is the concession holder with a 10% interest. Under the terms of the farm-out, LGO will fund the costs of the drilling and testing of the first well in the exploration permit. Expenditure on subsequent exploration and production activities in this permit will be funded on a working interest basis. If LGO takes up its full 40% interest, it will additionally have the right of first refusal to participate in Ascent’s other two Swiss projects on the same terms.
The 363.5 square kilometre surface prospecting permit was awarded in July 2005, and the first exploration phase expires on December 31st 2007 with a three year extension pending. The first phase work commitments which have been completed, includes a spectral acoustic seismic trial, geochemical field studies and integration of the existing geological and geophysical data.
In 1982, Elf drilled the Hermrigen-1 well within the area of the permit to a total depth of 2,425m in Triassic salt. Gas shows were encountered in the lower carbonate section of the Keuper and a test in the section of the well flowed gas at an initial rate of 1.5MMscfd decreasing to 0.62MMscfd after 15 hours.
The Competent Persons Report commissioned by LGO, states that Gross Contingent Resources associated with the Hermrigen-1 discovery well are between 10.7 Bcf and 21.2 Bcf and that six other prospects in the permit have Prospective Resources totalling between 347.7 Bcf and 676.5 Bcf. The partner group will choose the location of a well designed to prove commercial gas reserves in this permit. Subject to regulatory approval, it is planned to drill this well using the new build, low environmental impact hydraulic rig of Perazzoli Drilling, a drilling contractor in which Ascent has acquired a 22.5% interest.
Ascent Managing Director Jeremy Eng said, “The Swiss farm out allows us to progress this project and build our confidence in what we believe has the potential to be a major central European gas play. Both of Ascent’s exploration permits in Berne have proven gas discoveries and the third party report confirms substantial appraisal and exploration prospects. We look forward to working with LGO in an exploration programme to quantify the Prospective Resources estimates, which in only the first of three permits, stands at between 348 Bcf and 676 Bcf of gas.”
