Benchmark Energy Corp has provided an update to when the Company had entered into a Letter Agreement with Infinity Oil Limited whereby Benchmark could earn up to a 35% participating interest in the Buena Vista Block in Colombia.
Previously, the intent was for Benchmark to invest an estimated US$7.7 million to earn the 35% interest. However, with Benchmark's consent, Infinity has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with a third party who is prepared to invest an estimated US$12.3 million to cover 100% of the costs of a proposed 3D seismic program, plus 100% of the costs of drilling a development well and an exploration well, in return for a 30% interest in the Block.
As a result of this MoU, Benchmark is discussing with Infinity and its partners in the Block an amended Agreement whereby Benchmark would earn up to a 10% participating interest by investing up to US$2 million to undertake paying 100% of the cost of a radial drilling operation to be performed on the Bolivar-1 well, such operation to include a remedial cement squeeze, up to a maximum of US$1 million, in order for Benchmark to earn a 5% participating interest in the Block if the operation is successful.
Also to pay 100% of the cost of a radial drilling operation to be performed on the Bethel 1 well, such operation to include a remedial cement squeeze, up to a maximum of US$1 million, in order for Benchmark to earn a 5% participating interest in the Block if the operation is successful.
Therefore, Benchmark's financial exposure would be greatly reduced, while potentially benefiting by the estimated US$12.3 million investment to be made by the third party. Benchmark's potential investment would equate to US$200,000 per percentage point earned, whereas the third party will be investing an estimated US$410,000 per percentage point earned.
The Buena Vista Block lies 150 km north of the capital city of Bogota, in the Eastern Cordillera Basin, on good roads and near oil infrastructure. Oilfield supplies and services are readily available both in Bogota and in Yopal to the east. There are 2 existing wells that have been drilled on the Block, the Bolivar-1 and the Bethel-1, the Bolivar-1 well is currently producing about 95 barrels of oil per day, and the Bethel-1 well is shut-in awaiting a workover.
The 3D seismic program has commenced. The radial drilling of the Bolivar-1 and Bethel-1 wells would likely commence during September of this year.
The Company will now provide a further update on the status of the potential farm-in to the Buena Vista Block when practicable.