Fortune Oil announced two significant developments relating to the Liulin Coal Bed Methane (CBM) business:
Dart Energy increases Equity Stake in Liulin
On 22nd December 2011 Dart Energy exercised its option to increase its equity stake in Fortune Liulin Gas Ltd (FLG) from 45% to 50% for a cash consideration of US$ 4 million.
This cash inflow will be used to fund part of the ongoing work program on Liulin during 2012. Dart Energy’s involvement with the Liulin CBM business began in December 2009 when Arrow Energy International, the former owner of Dart Energy acquired a 3.7% stake in FLG which was subsequently increased to 35% in March 2010.
The Liulin CBM project is one of the most advanced CBM projects in China using advanced drilling technologies needed to commercialize China’s CBM. Liulin CBM is also a designated “State Pilot Project”. Hence further development of this project and commercialization of the gas production is an important step towards achieving “modus operandi” for Fortune’s CBM business in China.
The Liulin CBM business represents a significant step for Fortune Oil towards developing an integrated gas business across the gas value chain. The company’s gas operations span from unconventional CBM, LNG production to downstream gas distribution and supply.
The partnership with Dart Energy strengthens the company’s position as an integrated gas business by combining Fortune Oil’s downstream gas distribution and operations capability with Dart Energy’s technical capability and CBM expertise. Dart Energy also contributes their most advanced drilling technologies to China. This unique combination provides a powerful platform to grow Fortune’s CBM business and explore further natural gas opportunities in China
First gas sale in 2012 and Overall Development Plan (ODP) submission
Fortune Oil continues to make significant progress at its Liulin CBM operations and the project remains on track for first gas sales in 2012
Mr. Tee Kiam Poon, Chief Executive of Fortune Oil , commented:
“ We are extremely pleased with the progress we have made in 2011 as we continue to expand across all of our core businesses, oil and natural gas including our CBM business.
The partnership with Dart represents a transformational step for our gas business and is bringing us a step closer to our aspiration of becoming a leading integrated gas operator in China. Our focus is to accelerate the development of Liulin to position the Company as a significant developer of unconventional gas, in line with China’s resource strategy.
Liulin is our flagship project, offering the prospect of additional reserve certifications, first gas sales and potentially first ODP application and approval. This should pave the way for large scale development and commercial sales in 2012 and beyond and more importantly revenue generation for the Company. ”
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LNG World News Staff, December 22, 2011