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RNS Number : 6918E 88 Energy Limited 18 May 2026
This announcement contains inside information
18 May 2026
88 Energy Limited
SOUTH PRUDHOE PROSPECTIVE RESOURCE UPGRADE CONFIRMS MAJOR MULTI-RESERVOIR OPPORTUNITY
SOUTH PRUDHOE, NORTH SLOPE ALASKA
88 Energy Limited (ASX: 88E, AIM: 88E, OTC: EEENF) (88 Energy or the Company)
is pleased to announce a material update to the Prospective Resource Estimate
for its South Prudhoe Project (100% W.I.), located on Alaska's North Slope
immediately south of the Prudhoe Bay Unit (PBU) and Kuparuk River Unit (KRU).
For the South Prudhoe Project the estimated total gross unrisked 2U
Prospective Resource has been revised to 768.9 million barrels of oil and
NGL's (MMbbls), 640.7 MMbbls net to 88E ¹ ² confirming a substantial,
multi‑reservoir opportunity within one of North America's most prolific and
infrastructure‑rich oil provinces.
The updated estimate follows further geophysical analysis by the Company of
the Schrader Bluff 3D seismic velocity data and includes a maiden Prospective
Resource for the Brookian reservoir interval within the South Prudhoe
North-West Hub and an upgraded Prospective Resource for the Ivishak reservoir,
in particular for the priority Augusta prospect.
Highlights
· South Prudhoe total gross unrisked 2U Prospective Resources increased
~35% to 768.9 MMbbls (gross unrisked, 2U), 640.7 MMbbls net to 88E ¹ ²,
confirming a significant-scale, multi-reservoir oil opportunity immediately
south of the Prudhoe Bay Unit and Kuparuk River Unit.
• North‑West Hub: 301.3 MMbbls (gross unrisked, 2U), 251.1 MMbbls
net to 88E ¹ ²; and
• South‑East Hub: 467.6 MMbbls (gross unrisked, 2U), 389.7 MMbbls
net to 88E¹ ².
· Maiden North-West Hub Brookian Prospective Resource Estimate of 181.5
MMbbls (gross unrisked, 2U), 151.2 MMbbls net to 88E ¹ ² materially
expanding the stacked reservoir opportunity set. New Brookian estimate
comprises two shallow oil-bearing reservoir targets:
• West Sak (WS): 61.2 MMbbls (gross unrisked, 2U), 51.0 MMbbls net
to 88E ¹ ²; and
• Upper Schrader Bluff (USB): 120.3 MMbbls (gross unrisked, 2U),
100.2 MMbbls net to 88E ¹ ².
· Upgraded Ivishak Prospective Resource Estimate for the North-West
Hub, increasing ~44% to 69.9 MMbbls (gross unrisked, 2U), 58.2 MMbbls net to
88E ¹ ² following further geophysical analysis.
· Augusta-1 exploration well will now test up to 133.7 MMbbls
Prospective Resources (gross unrisked 2U), 111.4 MMbbls net to 88E ¹ ²
across the Ivishak, Kuparuk and Brookian reservoir intervals.
· Augusta Prospect now defined across multiple stacked reservoir
intervals, including Brookian, Kuparuk and Ivishak targets, providing multiple
potential pay zones within a single drilling opportunity.
· Ivishak, Kuparuk and West Sak are proven producing reservoirs, with
extensive regional production history, nearby well control and direct
analogues from the adjacent PBU and KRU.
Managing Director, Ashley Gilbert, commented:
"The work conducted by our technical team in preparing this updated
Prospective Resource Estimate represents another major step forward for 88
Energy and confirms our South Prudhoe Project as a significant-scale,
multi-reservoir oil opportunity.
The maiden Brookian resource adds a significant shallow resource component to
the North-West Hub, while the upgraded Ivishak estimate strengthens the scale
and quality of the deeper conventional reservoir targets at Augusta.
Importantly, these reservoirs sit within a proven producing fairway,
immediately adjacent to some of the largest and most productive oilfields in
North America.
The Augusta Prospect is now clearly defined across multiple stacked reservoir
intervals and remains our highest-priority drilling target. With Nordic's
Rig-3 secured for the Augusta-1 well, we have a clear pathway to test up to
134 MMbbls³ of gross unrisked 2U Prospective Resources in the proven Ivishak,
Kuparuk and USB reservoirs.
South Prudhoe combines scale, reservoir diversity, nearby production analogues
and proximity to established infrastructure. This is exactly the type of
opportunity that sits at the centre of our sharpened Alaska North Slope
strategy, and we look forward to advancing Augusta-1 as a potentially
transformational near-term catalyst for shareholders."
Figure 1: South Prudhoe leases located immediately adjacent to the super-giant Prudhoe Bay Unit and Kuparuk River Unit.
South Prudhoe Resource Update
The updated Prospective Resource Estimate further enhances 88 Energy's South
Prudhoe Project, strategically located immediately south of the Prudhoe Bay
Unit and Kuparuk River Unit, the most significant producing onshore oilfields
on Alaska's North Slope.
The estimate incorporates new technical work across the North-West Hub,
including further interpretation of the Schrader Bluff 3D seismic dataset,
updated geophysical velocity analysis, regional calibration, and integration
of nearby well and production data.
This prospective resource estimate has resulted in:
· a maiden Brookian Prospective Resource Estimate across the West Sak
and Upper Schrader Bluff reservoirs;
· an upgraded Ivishak Prospective Resource Estimate for the North-West
Hub, including the Augusta Prospect;
· confirmation of material stacked pay potential across shallow
Brookian targets and deeper proven conventional reservoirs; and
· confirmation of Augusta-1 as the Company's highest-priority South
Prudhoe drilling target.
The South Prudhoe Project now contains 768.9 MMbbls of total gross unrisked 2U Prospective Resources, 640.7 MMbbls 8,9 net to 88E, positioning the project as a major North Slope exploration opportunity with the scale, reservoir diversity and infrastructure proximity required to support a potential future development pathway, subject to exploration success, appraisal and commercial studies.
Maiden Brookian Prospective Resource Estimate - North-West Hub
The maiden Brookian Prospective Resource Estimate for the North-West Hub totals 181.5 MMbbls gross unrisked 2U of oil, equivalent to 151.2 MMbbls net to 88 Energy ¹º.
The Brookian interval includes two shallow reservoir targets, the West Sak and Upper Schrader Bluff reservoirs, which add substantial scale to the North-West Hub and provides additional optionality for future appraisal and development planning in the event of drilling success.
Figure 2: West Sak Oa and Ob reservoirs Augusta West and Lasso (southern) prospects (left), USB M and N reservoirs Augusta and Lasso (southern) prospects (bottom right).
In particular, the West Sak O sand reservoirs are a proven shallow oil system within the adjacent KRU and PBU, where commercial development has been enabled through phased drilling and use of existing infrastructure.
The West Sak Participating Area within the KRU was established in 1997 after the Alaska Department of Natural Resources recognised the reservoir's ability to produce hydrocarbons in paying quantities. The reservoir comprises stacked, shallow Late Cretaceous marine sandstones, typically with high porosity and heavy oil ranging from approximately 15 to 22 degrees API.
The Orion field began production from the O sands in 2002 and the Orion Participating Area was established in 2009 within the PBU.
This provides a strong analogue for 88 Energy's South Prudhoe North-West Hub, and the potential within the West Sak Oa and Ob reservoirs. The nearby West Sak J-pad producers adjacent to the North-West Hub demonstrate that equivalent sands can deliver commercial production. The 1J-115 well has produced approximately 6 million barrels of oil to date, while 1J-135 and 1J-107 have each produced more than 1 million barrels on average (refer to Figure 3).
This combination of local oil shows, analogous reservoir quality and adjacent production provides strong technical support for the maiden West Sak Prospective Resource at South Prudhoe.
Figure 3: Nearby production wells within the Kuparuk River Unit (KRU), demonstrate the producibility of the Oa and Ob sands.
Upgraded Ivishak Prospective Resource - North-West Hub
Further geophysical analysis of the Schrader Bluff 3D seismic velocity data has supported an upgraded Prospective Resource Estimate for the Ivishak reservoir at the Augusta Prospect.
The Ivishak Prospective Resource Estimate has increased ~44% to 69.9 MMbbls gross unrisked 2U oil and natural gas liquids, equivalent to 58.2 MMbbls net to 88 Energy 15,16;
· Augusta:(2U) 57.5 MMbbls (47.9 MMbbls net); (1U 29.2, 3U 110.9, Mean
65.5 MMbbls)15,16;
· Augusta North Cluster:(2U) 7.6 MMbbls (6.3 MMbbls net); (1U 3.7, 3U
15.4, Mean 8.8 MMbbls) 15,16;
· Lasso:(2U) 4.8 MMbbls (4.0 MMbbls net); (1U 2.5, 3U 8.9, Mean 5.4
MMbbls) 15,16.
The Ivishak is a proven, regionally productive reservoir on Alaska's North Slope and is one of the main producing reservoirs within the Prudhoe Bay area. At Augusta, the Ivishak target is supported by integrated seismic interpretation, regional well control and calibration to nearby producing reservoir systems.
Together with the Kuparuk reservoir, the Ivishak forms part of the deeper conventional reservoir target package to be tested by the planned Augusta-1 exploration well.
Augusta-1 Exploration Well
The Augusta‑1 well is the focal point of the Company's Alaska North Slope strategy and remains its highest‑priority near‑term activity. It is the first planned assessment of the South Prudhoe Project's most material prospect and is regarded as a potentially transformational well. The Augusta-1 is designed to test up to 133.7 MMbbls of 2U gross unrisked Prospective Resources (111.4 MMbbls net to 88E)1718,, providing exposure to a substantial, development‑scale oil resource across multiple reservoirs
Primary Target Reservoir Intervals:
· Ivishak: 57.5 MMbbls (gross unrisked, 2U), 47.9 MMbbls net to
88E17,18;
· Kuparuk: 23.5 MMbbls (gross unrisked, 2U), 19.6 MMbbls net to
88E17,18.
Secondary Reservoir Objective:
· USB (M and N sands): 52.7 MMbbls (gross unrisked, 2U), 43.9 MMbbls
net to 88E 17,18
The drilling program aims to deliver a definitive subsurface result while materially advancing the overall value of the South Prudhoe Project's multiple prospects, and accordingly continues to receive primary focus across technical, commercial and operational workstreams.
Operationally, the project is progressing in a disciplined and de‑risked manner. The Nordic-3 drilling rig has been secured, long‑lead services are advancing, and detailed permitting and planning for logistics, road and infrastructure access and site preparation is well developed. With key agreements progressing and winter execution planning ongoing, the Company remains focused on maintaining momentum and schedule certainty ahead of the planned drilling campaign. Success at Augusta‑1 would validate one or more high‑quality reservoirs and materially de‑risk a large, stacked oil opportunity, reinforcing South Prudhoe's potential to emerge as a new core development area adjacent to established North Slope infrastructure.
Augusta-1 well planning, permitting, and long lead procurement activities are advancing, including securing the Nordic Rig-3 to support drilling of the exploration well during the CY2027 Alaskan winter season. Execution of the rig contract marks a significant operational and de-risking milestone as the Company advances toward drilling and 88 Energy continues to progress its farmout-led funding strategy, underpinned by its existing cash.
Updated South Prudhoe Prospective Resource Estimate Approach
88 Energy estimated Prospective Resources using a probabilistic Monte Carlo simulation approach. Gross Rock Volumes (GRV) for each prospect were derived from detailed structural and stratigraphic mapping of the available 3D seismic data and associated geophysical attributes.
Key reservoir parameters, including porosity (ϕ), hydrocarbon saturation (HS), net-to-gross ratio (NTG), recovery factor (RF), and oil formation volume factor (Bo) were defined based on comprehensive petrophysical evaluation of nearby offset well logs (porosity and NTG) and analysis of production data and performance from geologically analogous fields (HS, RF, and Bo).
Each input parameter was represented by an appropriate statistical distribution to reflect the inherent uncertainty associated with subsurface reservoir characterisation. The Prospective Resources estimates are reported on a gross basis and have not been risked for geological chance of success, phase risk, or chance of development. A qualitative assessment indicates a probable development outcome following geological success, supported by the project's proximity to existing infrastructure
.
All Prospective Resource estimates included in this announcement adhere to the definitions and guidelines set forth in the Petroleum Resources Management System (PRMS) as revised in June 2018 by the Society of Petroleum Engineers. The PRMS cautions that Prospective Resources are estimated quantities of petroleum that may be potentially recovered by the application of a future development project and relate to undiscovered accumulations. These estimates have both an associated risk of discovery and a risk of development. Further exploration, appraisal and evaluation are required to determine the existence of a significant quantity of potentially recoverable hydrocarbons.
The evaluation date for the Prospective Resources stated within this document is 18 May 2026. Further details are available in the disclaimers attached as Schedule 1 of this ASX release.
References
1: Cautionary Statement: Estimated quantities of petroleum that may be potentially recovered by the application of a future development project relate to undiscovered accumulations. These estimates have both an associated risk of discovery and a risk of development. Further exploration, appraisal and evaluation are required to determine the existence of a significant quantity of potentially recoverable hydrocarbons.
2: Refer to pages 3, 5 and 6, and Schedules 1,2 and 3 for further details. Summary table includes arithmetic totals for Ivishak (Iv), Kuparuk (Kup), and Schrader bluff which includes the West Sak (WS) and Upper Schrader Bluff (USB) reservoirs.
3: Augusta-1 Net to 88E of 111.4 MMbbls 2U unrisked; NW Hub Net to 88E of 251.1 mmbbls 2U unrisked; SE Hub Net to 88E of 389.7 MMbbls 2U Unrisked; Refer to Cautionary Statement on Page 1. Refer to pages 3, 5 and 6, and Schedules 1,2 and 3 for further details.
4: 88 Energy net resources have been calculated using a 100% working interest and a 16.6667% royalty.
5: GCOS represents the geological chance of success as assessed by 88 Energy and relates to the primary objective, taking into account and risking of such factors as source, timing/migration, estimated reservoir and quality, mapped closures and seal effectiveness. Individual prospect GCOS are noted in the ASX announcement dated 19 February 2026 for the Ivishak, Kuparuk South-East Hub Schrader Bluff prospects, and page 5 for the North-West Hub Brookian prospects (West Sak and USB reservoirs).
6: Prospects are subject to a phase risk (oil vs gas) with the chance of oil assessed as 100% in these prospects. Recovery Factors assume development plans with water reinjection for water disposal and pressure support, and enhanced oil recovery.
7: The Prospective Resources have not been adjusted for the chance of development. Quantifying the chance of development (COD) requires consideration of both economic and other contingencies, such as legal, regulatory, market access, political, social license, internal and external approvals and commitment to project finance and development timing. As many of these factors are not yet known, 88 Energy has qualitatively assessed the chance of development as "probable" upon geological success given the strategic location of the acreage position adjacent to TAPS and key infrastructure.
8: Summary table includes arithmetic totals for Ivishak (Iv), Kuparuk (Kup), West Sak (WS) and Schrader Bluff (SB) which includes Upper, Mid and Lower Schrader Bluff (USB, MSB and LSB respectively).
9: Refer Cautionary Statement on page 1.
10: Refer to pages 3, 5 and 6, and Schedules 1,2 and 3 for further details. Refer to Cautionary Statement on Page 1.
11: Refer to Cautionary Statement on page 1.
12: Refer to page 3, and Schedules 1, 2 and 3 for further details.
13: Gross unrisked Oil and NGL Prospective Resource. 88 Energy net resources have been calculated using a 100% working interest and a 16.6667% royalty. NGLs are converted to oil equivalent volumes on a constant ratio basis of 1:1.
14: Reported totals for each prospect and totals are an arithmetic sum of both Oil and NGL hydrocarbon types within the Upper Schrader Bluff (USB) and West Sak (WS) reservoirs.
15: Refer to Cautionary Statement on page 1. Refer to page 3, and Schedules 1, 2 and 3 for further information and disclosures required by ASX Listing Rules Ivishak (Iv), Kuparuk (Kup), West Sak (WS) and Schrader Bluff (SB) which includes Upper, Mid and Lower Schrader Bluff (USB, MSB & LSB respectively). Gross unrisked Oil and NGL Prospective Resource. 88 Energy net resources have been calculated using a 100% working interest and a 16.6667% royalty.
16: GCOS represents the geological chance of success as assessed by 88 Energy and relates to the primary objective, taking into account and risking of such factors as source, timing/migration, estimated reservoir and quality, mapped closures and seal effectiveness. The GCOS has been assessed as an average of the primary prospects identified within each formation. Individual prospect GCOS are noted on page 5 for the West Sak and USB reservoirs for the North-West Hub. For the Ivishak, Kuparuk and the South-West Hub Schrader Bluff refer to the ASX announcement dated 19 February 2026.
17: Refer to Cautionary Statement on page 1.
18: Refer to page 3, and ASX announcement dated 19 February 2026 for further details.
This announcement has been authorised by the Board.
Media and Investor Relations:
88 Energy Ltd
Ashley Gilbert, Managing Director Tel: +61 (0)8 9485 0990
Email: investor- (mailto:investor-relations@88energy.com)
relations@88energy.com (mailto:investor-relations@88energy.com)
Fivemark Partners,Investor and Media Relations
Michael Vaughan Tel: +61 (0)422 602 720
Euroz Hartleys Ltd
Chelsey Kidner Tel: +61 (0)8 9268 2829
Cavendish Capital Markets Limited
Derrick Lee / Pearl Kellie Tel: +44 (0)131 220 6939
Hannam & Partners
Leif Powis / Neil Passmore Tel: +44 (0) 207 907 8500
Pursuant to the requirements of the ASX Listing Rules Chapter 5 and the AIM
Rules for Companies, the technical information and resource reporting
contained in this announcement was prepared by, or under the supervision of,
Dr Stephen Staley, who is a Non-Executive Director of the Company. Dr Staley
has more than 40 years' experience in the petroleum industry, is a Fellow of
the Geological Society of London, and a qualified Geologist / Geophysicist who
has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style and nature of the oil
prospects under consideration and to the activities discussed in this
document. Dr Staley has reviewed the information and supporting documentation
referred to in this announcement and considers the prospective resource
estimates to be fairly represented and consents to its release in the form and
context in which it appears. His academic qualifications and industry
memberships appear on the Company's website, and both comply with the criteria
for "Competence" under clause 3.1 of the Valmin Code 2015. Terminology and
standards adopted by the Society of Petroleum Engineers "Petroleum Resources
Management System" have been applied in producing this document. 88E is not
aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information
included in the referenced market announcements and that all material
assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates continue to
apply and have not materially changed
SCHEDULE 1
Disclaimers:
Cautionary Statement for Prospective Resource Estimates - With respect to the
Prospective Resource estimates contained within this report, it should be
noted that the estimated quantities of oil and gas that may potentially be
recovered by the future application of a development project relate to
undiscovered accumulations. These estimates have an associated risk of
discovery and risk of development. Further exploration, appraisal and
evaluation is required to determine the existence of a significant quantity of
potentially recoverable hydrocarbons.
Hydrocarbon Resource Estimates - The Prospective Resource estimates for South
Prudhoe (inclusive of the formerly named Project Leonis) presented in this
report are prepared as at 18 May 2026. The Prospective Resource estimates are
quoted on an unrisked basis together with the geological chance of success for
the Ivishak, Kuparuk and Schrader Bluff reservoirs. 88 Energy has considered
the chance of discovering oil over gas to be 100%. Chance of development has
not been estimated. Quantifying the chance of development (COD) requires
consideration of both economic contingencies and other contingencies, such as
legal, regulatory, market access, political, social license, internal and
external approvals and commitment to project finance and development timing.
As many of these factors are outside the knowledge of 88 Energy they must be
used with caution.
Government Royalty and Overriding Royalty Interests - The South Prudhoe leases
(Leases) are situated in the State Lands of the North Slope of Alaska and are
administered by the Alaskan Department of Natural Resources - Oil and Gas
Division (DNR). All leases issued by DNR are subject to a royalty and 88
Energy's Leases are subject to a 16.67% government royalty. The net economic
interest to 88 Energy has therefore been calculated as 83.33% and the Net
Entitlement Prospective Resources have been adjusted to reflect this.
Competent Person Statement Information - In this report information relating
to hydrocarbon resource estimates have been prepared by Matt Fittal, Principal
Subsurface Advisor at 88 Energy Limited, and reviewed by Dr Stephen Staley,
who is a Non-Executive Director of the Company. This information is based on,
and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation compiled by
Matt Fittal, and the company has stated in the Report that it has been
prepared in accordance with the definitions and guidelines set forth in the
Petroleum Resources Management System, 2018, approved by the Society of
Petroleum Engineers and have been prepared using probabilistic methods. Dr
Stephen Staley, has more than 40 years' experience in the petroleum industry,
is a Fellow of the Geological Society of London, and a qualified
Geologist/Geophysicist who has sufficient experience that is relevant to the
style and nature of the oil prospects under consideration and to the
activities discussed in this document. Dr Staley has reviewed the information
and supporting documentation referred to in this announcement and considers
the prospective resource estimates to be fairly represented and consents to
its release in the form and context in which it appears. His academic
qualifications and industry memberships appear on the Company's website and
both comply with the criteria for "Competence" under clause 3.1 of the Valmin
Code 2015. Terminology and standards adopted by the Society of Petroleum
Engineers "Petroleum Resources Management System" have been applied in
producing this document.
Forward looking statements - This document may include forward looking
statements. Forward looking statements include, are not necessarily limited
to, statements concerning 88 Energy's planned operation program and other
statements that are not historic facts. When used in this document, the words
such as "could," "plan," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "potential,"
"should" and similar expressions are forward looking statements. Although 88
Energy believes the expectations reflected in these are reasonable, such
statements involve risks and uncertainties, and no assurance can be given that
actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The
entity confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that
materially affects the information included in this announcement and that all
material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning this announcement
continue to apply and have not materially changed.
SCHEDULE 2
Definitions and Glossary of Key Terms:
SPE definition: Prospective Resource
Prospective Resources are estimated volumes associated with undiscovered
accumulations. These represent quantities of petroleum which are estimated, as
of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from oil and gas deposits
identified on the basis of indirect evidence but which have not yet been
drilled. This class represents a higher risk than contingent resources since
the risk of discovery is also added. For prospective resources to become
classified as contingent resources, hydrocarbons must be discovered, the
accumulations must be further evaluated and an estimate of quantities that
would be recoverable under appropriate development project(s) prepared.
Glossary of Key Terms
1U Denotes the unrisked low estimate qualifying as Prospective Resources.
2U Denotes the unrisked best estimate qualifying as Prospective Resources
3U Denotes the unrisked high estimate qualifying as Prospective Resources
BOE Barrels of oil equivalent
Bnbbl Billion barrels of oil
Chance Chance equals 1-risk. Generally synonymous with likelihood.
Chance of Development The estimated probability that a known accumulation, once discovered, will be
commercially developed.
Entitlement That portion of future production (and thus resources) legally accruing to an
entity under the terms of the development and production contract or license.
Mean The sum of a set of numerical values divided by the number of values in the
set.
MMbbl Million barrels of oil and natural gas liquids (NGLs)
Prospect A project associated with a potential accumulation that is sufficiently well
defined to represent a viable drilling target.
Prospective Resources Those quantities of petroleum that are estimated, as of a given date, to be
potentially recoverable from undiscovered accumulations.
Reservoir A subsurface rock formation that contains an individual and separate natural
accumulation of petroleum that is confined by impermeable barriers, pressure
systems, or fluid regimes (conventional reservoirs), or is confined by
hydraulic fracture barriers or fluid regimes (unconventional reservoirs).
Royalty A type of entitlement interest in a resource that is free and clear of the
costs and expenses of development and production to the royalty interest
owner. A royalty is commonly retained by a resource's owner (lessor/host) when
granting rights to a producer (lessee/contractor) to develop and produce that
resource. Depending on the specific terms defining the royalty, the payment
obligation may be expressed in monetary terms as a portion of the proceeds of
production or as a right to take a portion of production in-kind. The royalty
terms may also provide the option to switch between forms of payment at
discretion of the royalty owner
Working Interest An entity's equity interest in a project before reduction for royalties or
production share owed to others under the applicable fiscal terms.
SCHEDULE 3
South Prudhoe lease information:
South Prudhoe comprises 14 leases covering approximately 35,629 contiguous
acres and a further 7 leases covering approximately 16,640 acres:
On 10 November 2022, the Company announced Captivate Energy Alaska, Inc.
(Captivate) (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company) had been declared the
successful bidder on ten leases covering 25,430 contiguous acres as part of
the North Slope Areawide 2022 Oil and Gas lease sale. On 20 April 2023 the
Company announced that the Alaskan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Oil
and Gas Division, had completed its adjudication process and formally issued
award notices to Captivate Energy Alaska, Inc.
On 12 December 2024, Captivate was declared the successful bidder on four
additional lease blocks immediately adjacent to the existing 2023 acquired
leases. The new leases cover 10,203 acres, expanding the lease footprint of
Project Leonis to fourteen (14) leases covering approximately 35,634
contiguous acres. The DNR formally awarded the leases on 27 June 2025.
On 20 November 2025, Captivate was declared the successful bidder on seven
additional lease blocks adjacent to the 14 existing owned leases covering
16,640 acres. Final lease issuance follows the State's standard adjudication
and administrative process, which includes routine interest and title reviews
conducted by the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. This process is
expected to conclude in 1H 2026 and the final award is pending this standard
procedure. Based on the company's established qualification history and the
leasing history of these tracts, management views the likelihood of any
non-issuance or material acreage adjustment as very low. Prospective resources
have been estimated within the South Prudhoe leases on the basis that
Management expects the issuance to occur without complication.
The leases have an annual rental of $10/acre each year, and a royalty of
16.6667% payable to the State of Alaska. The Project Leonis leases have a
ten-year term. The initial 10 leases expire on 1 May 2033, the four 2025
awarded leases expire on 1 June 2035.
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