RE: MATD value26 Jun 2024 19:23
Equity raise for Block XX drilling
Petro Matad has raised US$8.9m through an issue of 350m shares at 2.0p. The company is currently preparing to bring onstream the existing Heron-1 well on its field in Mongolia, and the raise is planned to fund the subsequent drilling of the Heron-2 development well. The raise is also planned to fund drilling of the high impact Gobi Bear-1 exploration well, on the same Block XX as Heron. All this activity is expected in 2024.
Heron is a significant asset now moving to development. Petro Matad discovered its Heron field in 2019 (Petro Matad 100% ), which is expected to contain 33-60mmbbl of recoverable oil. The field is now moving to development, with plans to bring the existing Heron-1 well onstream and drill the Heron-2 development well in H2 2024. Each well is expected to have initial production of around 300bbl/d, and the 2024 programme will establish first revenues for the company.
Heron land access clearances achieved for initial programme. Petro Matad recently secured the important land access clearances for Heron-1, several additional Heron development wells, and the Gobi Bear-1 exploration well. The company is also making progress towards getting full, permanent land access clearances for the entire Block XX.
Heron services and offtake being secured. Petro Matad has already secured the kit required for Heron-1 production and is in final contract negotiations for a rig for Heron development drilling. The company is also progressing discussions for Heron oil processing and offtake with local operator Petro China, with the support of the Mongolian government.
Initial Heron production data to underpin ongoing development. Production data from Heron-1 and Heron-2 should help Petro Matad further refine its interpretation and well design for the field, targeting higher recovery. We then expect further Heron development drilling from 2025 onwards.
Higher Heron potential on improved recovery. While the existing base case recovery expectation for the Heron field is 33mmbbl, Petro Matad believes updated interpretation of existing data, alongside the application of modern drilling/completion techniques, could drive improved recovery of 60mmbbl. This provides significant upside potential, with the initial Heron production data potentially helping to confirm higher recovery expectations.
Gobi Bear-1 exploration well provides large upside catalyst. In addition to the 2024 Heron programme, Petro Matad is also planning the high impact Gobi Bear-1 exploration well (Petro Matad 100%). This is interpreted to contain mean oil in place of 307mmbbl, implying a 55- 92mmbbl recoverable number. Geological chance of success for the well is 15%, and on success the proximity to Heron could significantly assist further drilling and development.