BHP Focused on Liquids Production in Black Hawk Region for Remainder of 2014

Petrohawk Eagle Ford Shale Map
Petrohawk Eagle Ford Shale Map

BHP Billiton's Eagle Ford production accelerated at the end of the first quarter of 2014. The company expects continued growth in U.S. onshore liquids production of approximately 75% for the year, with a priority focus on the Black Hawk region of the Eagle Ford in Karnes and Dewitt counties.

A the end of March 2014, BHP completed scheduled well remediation activities in its Hawkville acreage. That contributed in part to a 71% increase in liquids production for the company's U.S. onshore production over a nine-month time period, ending March 2014. Across the company's portfolio, liquids production increased 16% to ~210,958 boe/d or 77 MMboe/d over the same time frame.

In February 2014, the company was forced to close portions of its Eagle Ford gathering line system due to corrosion. According to BHP officials, production continued in the play, despite the interruption from the line closure, as trucking escalated to deliver the company's product to market.

Read more: Portions of BHP's Eagle Ford Gathering Line System Closed Due to Corrosion

Across BHP's portfolio, production guidance decreased 2% to ~671,233 boe/d or 245 MMboe. Company officials say the reduction is due partially to lower gas and natural gas liquids production in the Hawkville area of the Eagle Ford. BHP's total U.S. Natural gas production for a nine-month period, ending in March 2014, declined by 5% to 624 bcf across the company's portfolio. Onshore production is expected to be ~293,151 boe/d or 107 MMboe.

BHP Eagle Ford Operations at a Glance

  • BHP Billiton has a priority focus on its Black Hawk acreage in Karnes and DeWitt counties
  • Hawkville well remediation activities completed in March 2014 - contributes to a 71% increase in liquids production across company portfolio for 9-month time period
  • Lower gas and natural gas liquids production in Hawkville acreage contributed to an overall production guidance decrease of 2% to ~671,233 boe/d for 2014
  • Onshore U.S production is expected to be ~293,151 boe/d or 107 MMboe for 2014