根据具有约束力的买卖协议，Hancock 将获得珀斯盆地 MinRes 勘探许可证 368 和 426 的 100% 所有权，同时还针对剩余的陆上珀斯盆地和卡那封盆地勘探面积签订了两份合资协议。自 2021 年 9 月在 Mingenew 附近的 Lockyer Deep-1 首次发现常规天然气以来，MinRes 已在勘探许可证 368 和 426 中发现了数个重要的天然气和石油。

MinRes 最近公布了 Lockyer 天然气项目和 Erregulla 石油项目的首次资源量，这表明该项目是西澳大利亚最大的陆上天然气和石油发现之一，该公司一直在审查从其天然气勘探区释放最大价值的方案。根据协议条款，Hancock 将向 MinRes 支付 8.04 亿澳元的预付款和 3.27 亿澳元的额外价格调整，但前提是满足 Moriary Deep Prospect 和 Lockyer 天然气和 Erregulla 石油发现的某些资源门槛和分类。

交易完成后，Hancock 将收购 MinRes 运营的 EP 368 和 EP 426 的 100% 权益，以及剩余珀斯盆地和卡那封盆地勘探许可证的 50% 权益。

这还将涉及 Hancock 对 Carnarvon Basin 勘探活动的投资，近期目标包括高优先级钻探和 3D 地震勘测。MinRes 将运营勘探合资资产并提供勘探和钻探服务，而 Hancock 将购买 MinRes Explorer 钻机、移动村、辅助工厂和设备的 50%。合资管理委员会将由双方平等代表组成。

MinRes 能源首席执行官 Darren Hardy 强调了与 Hancock 组建合资企业的战略优势，包括能够提前钻探、降低运营成本并提供资金支持。“MinRes 和 Hancock 有着悠久的历史和牢固的关系，我很高兴我们再次深化合作，这次是在能源领域，”Darren 表示。

“此次交易将为股东实现勘探成功的价值最大化，并再次展示了我们从 MinRes 资产组合中释放大量资本的能力。与 Hancock 在珀斯和卡那封盆地建立的新勘探合资企业立即降低了风险，并加速了我们未来在这一极具前景的陆上石油勘探区开展勘探计划。”此次交易预计将于 2024 年底完成，但须遵守包括部长同意在内的条件。

在线阅读文章：https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/exploration/04112024/minres-announces-aus11-billion-gas-deal-with-hancock/

A binding Sale and Purchase Agreement will see Hancock acquire 100% ownership of MinRes Exploration Permits 368 and 426 in the Perth Basin, with two Joint Venture Agreements also established for the remaining onshore Perth Basin and Carnarvon Basin exploration acreage. MinRes has made several significant gas and oil discoveries in Exploration Permits 368 and 426 since its first conventional gas discovery at Lockyer Deep-1, near Mingenew, in September 2021.

MinRes recently published maiden resources for the Lockyer Gas Project and Erregulla oil Project which indicated one of the largest onshore gas and oil discoveries in Western Australia, and has been reviewing options to best release value from its gas exploration ground. In line with agreement terms, Hancock will pay MinRes an upfront consideration of AUS$804 million and an additional price adjustment of AUS$327 million, subject to meeting certain resource thresholds and classifications for Moriary Deep Prospect and Lockyer Gas and Erregulla Oil discoveries.

Upon completion of the transaction, Hancock will acquire 100% of EP 368 and EP 426, and a 50% interest in remaining Perth Basin and Carnarvon Basin exploration permits operated by MinRes.

This will also involve Hancock investment in Carnarvon Basin exploration activities, with near-term objectives including high-priority drilling and 3D seismic surveying. MinRes will operate exploration joint venture assets and provide exploration and drilling services, while Hancock will purchase 50% of the MinRes Explorer drill rig, mobile village, ancillary plant and equipment. Joint venture management committees will comprise equal representation between the parties.

MinRes Chief Executive Energy Darren Hardy highlighted the strategic merit in forming a joint venture with Hancock, including the ability to bring forward drilling, reduce operating costs and provide funding support. “MinRes and Hancock have a long history built on a strong relationship and I’m excited that we are again deepening our ties, this time in energy," Darren said.

“This transaction maximises the value of our exploration success for shareholders and again showcases our ability to unlock significant capital from MinRes’ portfolio of assets. “The new exploration joint ventures with Hancock in the Perth and Carnarvon basins immediately derisk and accelerate our future exploration programs across this highly prospective onshore petroleum acreage.” Completion of the transaction is expected by the end of 2024, subject to conditions including ministerial consents.

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/exploration/04112024/minres-announces-aus11-billion-gas-deal-with-hancock/