What value pre-drill?23 Mar 2026 11:51
If I work on the assumption that 80M will dispose of its 30% of its stake, post exploration wells (OPW-1 and OPW-2) then I would have two questions.
i) what will the SP be pre-drill
ii) what are post drill outcomes
To get to pre-drill valuation, I need to understand best possible post drill.
For simplicity, I will discount any news from other assets.
Post Drill - Potential of 3.9bb for two drills. Four scenarios
1) No commercial oil - SP will likely fall to below 0.3p because for further drills either 80M would need to give up 25% of Jameson or find $8m (30% of costs) to help fund drill of OPW-9
2) Not commercial / but potential - SP will fall, then possible recovery as 80M would receive buy-out but not substantial - anything from $10-30m depending on potential. Extra 0.5p on SP.
3) Commercial discovery - not enough to justify development, but enough to move to appraisal. SP rise would likely rise based on two things.
3.1 recoverable amounts of two wells
3.2 Uplift of unexplored basin
Let’s say potential to recover 500m barrels using industry formula ($1-3 per barrel) would give valuation of 80M 30% approx £225m. The remaining basin not explored doesn't get same treatment, but would get a slight uplift in valuation, let’s say additional $130m. Round that up to £325m or 6.5p.
4) Huge basin discovered of recoverable oil - Let’s say 2B recoverable, plus extrapolate the rest of basin. Industry standard would be to value this more highly. Let’s say 2B recoverable, 600m for 80m at sale price $6 barrel = £3.2B valuation or £0.65p
Now let’s look at likelihood of each scenario based on industry analysis of frontier basins
1) 60-75%
2) 20-30%
3) 5-10%
4) 1-3%
By nature, we are optimistic and hopeful, - we hope for 4 but are happy to accept 3 – both unlikely but based on above. PELI rated OPW-1 CoS at 20% and OPW-6 at 10%. FYI
IMO the price isn’t going to go anywhere near (3) pre-drill.
I believe, with a good wind, some ramping up to drilling, and favourable markets, maximum 2p pre-drill. After that, it’s a lottery.