Strike to Accelerate Commercial Development of SCB Gas Project in SA

Strike Energy Limited disclosed Wednesday that Orica Limited’s wholly owned subsidiary, Orica International Pte Ltd., has elected to make the first pre-payment of $5.8 million (AUD 7.5 million) under the terms of the 250 petajoules (PJ) Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) for supply from the South Cooper Basin Gas Project in South Australia.

The decision by Orica to proceed follows the completion of an Independent Review of the project by DeGolyer and MacNaughton, a leading Petroleum industry consultant. The Independent Review defined a significant contingent gas resource and a clear pathway towards commercial development. It also validated the significant progress Strike has made in de-risking the Southern Cooper Basin Gas Project since July 2013.

As previously announced, Strike has accelerated Phase 3 of the flow testing program -- the Klebb Pilot test, including the fracture stimulation and flow testing of the Klebb 2 and Klebb 3 wells. The fracture stimulation of the wells will be undertaken in June with flow testing of the upgraded wells continuing through the September quarter. The objectives of this phase of testing are to accelerate achievement of commercial gas flow rates and initial gas reserve certification.

The Company will now progress to Phase 4 of the program -- the drilling, fracture stimulation and completion of additional wells at the Le Chiffre location. These activities are planned to follow completion of the Phase 3 program.

Strike has been able to significantly reduce the overall cost of the Phase 3 and 4 programs through a series of operational, procurement and logistics initiatives. The Company’s current cash position (including the Orica and Orora prepayments) and the expected R&D tax refund will now comfortably fund these activities. Orica and Strike have agreed that Orica will not subscribe for any further shares in the Company at this time.

Managing Director's Comment

“Orica’s positive election to proceed with this pre-payment of $5.8 million (AUD 7.5 million) is a validation of our strategy and the significant progress we have made in de-risking the project.

The commercialization of our Southern Cooper Basin Gas Project will now accelerate given the company has the operational and funding capacity to achieve commercial gas flow rates at the Klebb and Le Chiffre pilots and undertake pre-development activities into 2016.


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