Last checked at 12 Jan 2011 07:00
Immediate Release 12 January 2011
Roxi Petroleum plc
Operational and Business Update
Roxi Petroleum ("Roxi" or "the Company"), the Central Asian oil and gas company with a focus on Kazakhstan, announces the following update:
·; Final Consideration for Galaz sale received from LGI.
·; Grant of Galaz Contract Area extension update.
Galaz Sale
Roxi is pleased to announce that, following recent approval from the Anti-Monopoly Agency of Kazakhstan, it has now received the full consideration of US$15.6 million for the sale of 40% interest in Galaz and Company LLP, through its subsidiary Galaz Energy BV (GEBV), to LG International Corp. (LGI). Furthermore, under the terms of the transaction, Roxi will now receive access to further funding of US$ 17.5 million loan financing from LGI for the further development of the NW Konys field.
GEBV now holds a 58 per cent. direct interest in Galaz, LGI holds a 40 per cent. interest and local partners hold a 2 per cent. interest. Roxi holds an indirect 34.22 per cent. participating interest in Galaz through its holding in GEBV.
The preparations for the 2011 Pilot Production drilling Programme is now under way, under the operational control of LGI, based from Almaty. There are already five wells drilled and completed on the field with standalone facilities ready to start pilot production. Initially two wells will be put into production with the remaining three wells to be brought on as the pilot development progresses.
Galaz Contract Area extension
During 2010, Galaz and Company LLP applied for an extension of the Contract Area to the South and East of the block to explore the eastern side of the Karatau fault. The company has received preliminary confirmation of the extension and amendment of the Sub-Soil User Contract, increasing the total Contract Area six fold to approximately 180 square kilometres.
David Wilkes CEO commented:
" The conclusion of this deal represents the beginning of our new partnership with LGI and we look forward to working alongside them on developing this exciting asset.
The deal also provides Roxi with sufficient funds to focus on its two principal assets, being Galaz and BNG, and will enable us to better develop these core assets into production going forward.
The application for the extension area gives significant exploration upside to the Galaz Contract."
Enquiries
Roxi Petroleum plc
David Wilkes CEO +7 727 244 0920
Matrix Corporate Capital LLP (NOMAD and broker)
Alastair Stratton / Louis Castro +44 203 206 7000
Buchanan Communications (Financial PR)
Tim Thompson / Ben Romney / Chris McMahon +44 207 466 5000