Termination20 Feb 2016 20:23
Media Release
Contract Terminations
Mitchell Drilling International Pty Ltd (MDI) today announced publically its decision to terminate the Joint Venture Agreement between MDI and PACE Drilling Ltd (a subsidiary of Greka Drilling Ltd (Greka)) effective 4 October 2011.
Greka was demerged from Green Dragon Gas Limited (Green Dragon) in March 2011. Pace Drilling Limited is 100% owned by Greka Technical Services Limited, which in turn is 100% owned by Greka. Discussions between the relevant parties since 4 October 2011 have been unable to successfully resolve the issues between them.
Under the Joint Venture Agreement, the parties agreed to market and operate one or more drilling rigs in the People’s Republic of China, by forming Pace Mitchell Drilling Corp and an operating subsidiary in China. MDI was obliged to firstly, construct a drilling rig capable of surface to in-seam horizontal drilling using its rights in the Dymaxion technology, secondly, contribute management expertise and lastly, perform certain other obligations. PACE Drilling Ltd was obliged to contribute funding, management expertise and perform certain other obligations.
As a consequence of the termination of the Joint Venture Agreement, a number of related contracts between affiliates of MDI and Greka have also been terminated, including the Licence Agreement allowing Greka subsidiaries (directly or indirectly wholly owned) to use the Dymaxion surface to in-seam methodology in China and the supply by Mitchell of specialist drilling personnel to Greka’s drilling operations in China.
In its Admission to AIM disclosure document, the independent accounting report commissioned by Green Dragon/Greka identified the Joint Venture Agreement with MDI and the Licence Agreement as being “Significant Trading Agreements” for the demerged company.
The Greka subsidiaries are disputing the terminations.
MDI and Mitchell Energy Services Pty Ltd (MES) and their affiliates continue to look at worldwide opportunities in relation to surface to in-seam drilling. MDI and MES are international specialist production and exploration drilling contractors with over 40 years experience in the resource industry and are recognized internationally for our expertise in Coal Bed Methane, Coal Mine Methane and Underground Coal Gasification.