Lucas Energy Announces Eagle Ford Joint Venture

August 28, 2014 Kirk Eggleston

Houston-based Lucas Energy Inc. has signed a joint venture agreement to develop its Eagle Ford Karnes County acreage with Oak Valley Resources, LLC.

Lucas, which is in financial trouble, recently received an extension from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) through October to avoid delisting. Lucas management indicates the joint venture meets the company's objective to focus on Eagle Ford drilling and development, therefore maximizing production and cash flow.

“We are pleased to finalize this joint venture agreement with a respected and experienced independent operator to begin to develop our Eagle Ford reserves in south Texas. Our objective is to continue to focus on drilling our most valuable asset, our Eagle Ford shale acreage, in order to maximize production and grow cash flow. We will continue to seek appropriate opportunities to work with Oak Valley Resources on future drilling projects.”

— CEO, Anthony Schnur

At closing, Lucas will receive $444,000 for a 50% working interest on approximately 400 acres. Oak Valley will manage the drilling of the wells and each company will bear 50% of the drilling and completion costs. Once the wells are on production and initial oil sales begin, all revenues and operating costs will also be split between the parties on a 50%-50% basis. The first well is expected to be spudded no later than December 2014. The joint venture expects to drill a minimum of four wells on the property.

SM Energy-Mitsui Eagle Ford Carry Ends

July 30, 2014 Kirk Eggleston

In SM Energy's second quarter earnings report released this week, the termination of the drilling and completion carry with its joint venture (JV) partner, Mitsui, was confirmed.

SM Energy is now responsible for funding its proportionate share of drilling and completion costs in the area. An increase in SM Energy's capital guidance for 2014 was announced in the company's first quarter earnings report to accommodate for the additional costs.

Mitsui's $680-million carry commitment in the Eagle Ford provided needed capital funding to accelerate SM's development in the play. SM Energy and Mitsui entered their Eagle Ford joint venture agreement in 2011.

SM Energy Eagle Ford Non-Operated Acreage Update

Net production in SM Energy's non-operated portion of its Eagle Ford shale program for the second quarter of 2014 averaged 23,800 boe/d. That's a 2% sequential increase over the first quarter of 2014 and a 37% increase year-over-year.

The operator made approximately 95 flowing completions during the second quarter.

SM Energy Eagle Ford Update in Operated Acreage

During the second quarter, SM Energy made 23 flowing completions in its operated Eagle Ford Shale program. The company's operated net production in the Eagle Ford shale averaged 83, 200 boe/d in the second quarter of 2014. That's a 9% sequential increase from the previous quarter and a 26% increase year-over-year.

SM Energy Sand Loading Tests Yield Positive Results

SM Energy has been shifting its Eagle Ford drilling and completion program toward longer lateral wells and completions with higher sand loading. Company officials say longer lateral testing is ongoing, but sufficient data on SM's increased sand loading tests is now available from wells in Area 2 of SM's operated Eagle Ford shale position to conclude that wells completed with higher sand loadings are more productive and have improved initial condensate yields.

Swift Energy - PT Saka Energi Close Eagle Ford JV Deal

July 18, 2014 Kirk Eggleston

Houston-based Swift Energy and PT Saka Energi Indonesia (Saka) have closed on their Eagle Ford joint venture to develop ~8,300 acres of the Fasken field in Webb County, TX.

The $175-million agreement was previously announced in May of 2014. At closing, Swift received approximately $147-million, which included an agreed upon $125-million in cash consideration. Approximately $38-million of Saka’s original $50 million drilling carry obligation remains; however, Swift officials indicate that commitment should be fulfilled during the 2016 calendar year.

Under the agreement, Saka gains a 36% interest in Swift's Fasken acreage. Swift will remain the operator for the area.

“Both parties have worked diligently towards the conclusion of this transaction, and we look forward to working alongside Saka to optimize this asset’s value through an advanced technology development program,”

— Swift Energy CEO ,Terry Swift

In related news, Swift Energy also announced in May of 2014, that it expanded a long term agreement for natural gas gathering services in Webb County with Howard Energy Partners and its affiliates. Under the terms of the agreement, Swift Energy will have up to 160-million cubic feet of gas per day of firm capacity for its Fasken field natural gas production.