Papua New Guinea: Oil Search Buys 50 Pct in PPL 277

March 7, 2012

Oil Search said that it has acquired a 50% interest in PPL 277 from Kingsbury Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of New Guinea Energy (NGE).

The consideration for the purchase comprises a cash payment of US$7.5 million.

Subject to further conditions, NGE may be entitled to an additional US$10 million from Oil Search if a Petroleum Development Licence (PDL) is granted and a royalty if commercial production occurs.

Esso PNG Exploration Limited, an ExxonMobil affiliate, has agreed with NGE to acquire the remaining 50% interest in the licence.

Commenting on the transaction, Peter Botten, Oil Search’s Managing Director said:

“PPL 277 is located in the PNG Highlands and adjoins several licences in which Oil Search holds interests. These include the PDL 8 licence, which contains the Angore PNG LNG Project gas field and PRL 11, which contains the Trapia prospect, due to be drilled following the P’nyang South well.

Based on the regional study that was undertaken as part of the 2010 Strategic Review, we believe the licence is prospective for gas and in an optimal location for future developments.”

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LNG World News Staff, March 7, 2012