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Houston’s Far East Energy Joins with Chinese Officials at Well Site to Commemorate Commencement of Horizontal Drilling
Houston, Texas - June 20, 2005 – Officials from Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) of Houston have returned from China, where they attended an historic “red carpet” ceremony held last week at their first horizontal drilling site in China’s Shanxi Province.
The ceremony marked the commencement of drilling of the first of two horizontal coalbed methane (CBM) wells that Far East will drill in the Shouyang Block of Far East’s 1,057,650-acre CBM project area in Shanxi Province. This CBM project is held by virtue of a farmout agreement from ConocoPhillips.
Colorful banners and decorations dressed an impressive drilling platform that served as the backdrop for the multi-national group of executives who delivered speeches to a gallery of Chinese officials at the FCC-HZ01 well site, the first of two long-reach, underbalanced horizontal wells that Far East plans to drill in the Shouyang Block in 2005.
The speakers highlighted growing demand for natural gas resources in China and the positive impact that a successful drilling effort would have on the future prospects for accelerated CBM development in China. The ceremony was attended by Michael R. McElwrath, CEO and President of Far East Energy, along with other key officers of the company and, by Lin Jianhao, Vice President, and other senior officials of China United Coalbed Methane Ltd. (CUCBM), the Chinese partner of Far East Energy in the Shanxi project. Officials from Shanxi Province and local governments were also in attendance.
“We believe that commencement of drilling of our first horizontal well in China represents a significant milestone in bringing commercial levels of CBM gas to the surface in an innovative manner that has the potential to generate substantial quantities of gas for the strong market in China,” McElwrath commented.
The highly publicized West-East Pipeline to Shanghai runs approximately ten kilometers (6 miles) south of the southern border of Far East Energy’s Shanxi Project, and, the Shanjing II Pipeline to Beijing, which is scheduled for completion in September 2005, is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the northern border of the Shouyang Block. The Shanxi Province also has several local projects planned that will potentially be seeking gas supplies in the future.
Based in Houston, Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy Corporation is focused on the acquisition of, and exploration for, coalbed methane through its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company (CUCBM).
Statements contained in this press release that state the intentions, hopes, beliefs, anticipations, expectations or predictions of the future of Far East Energy Corporation and its management are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1993, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. It is important to note that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements include: our lack of operating history; limited and potentially inadequate cash resources; risk and uncertainties associated with exploration, development and production of oil and gas; expropriation and other risks associated with foreign operations; matters affecting the oil and gas industry generally; lack of availability of oil and gas field goods and services; environmental risks; drilling and production risks; changes in laws or regulations affecting our operations, as well as other risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Far East Energy Corporation Announces Spudding of its First Horizontal Well in China
Houston, Texas - June 8, 2005 - Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) announced today it has commenced the first of two horizontal wells to be drilled in the Shouyang Block of Far East’s 4,280 square kilometers (1,057,650 acres) coalbed methane (CBM) project in Shanxi Province, which it holds by virtue of a farmout agreement from ConocoPhillips. Far East Energy will drill its first two long-reach, underbalanced horizontal wells in the Shanxi Province of China beginning with the spudding of the (FCC-HZ01) well.
These two wells will be drilled to a depth of approximately 550 meters (1,800 feet), and will be large horizontal wells drilling to the Numbers 15 and 3 coal seams, respectively. Laterals will then be drilled with a goal of completing over 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) of horizontal drilling inside the coal seam for each well. Far East Energy anticipates that the two wells will each require 35 to 60 days to drill and complete, with additional time required to dewater and test the wells for sustainable production of CBM.
“We are extremely pleased to begin the drilling operations on our first horizontal well in Shanxi Province,” said Michael R. McElwrath, CEO and President of Far East Energy. “The spudding of our first horizontal well is a very important moment for Far East Energy,” said Mr. McElwrath. “In a few months, at most, we should begin to get a read on the commercial potential of these wells. As long-reach horizontal wells they certainly have the potential to produce a large quantity of gas and, if successful, would demonstrate that the enormous energy potential of China’s coalbed methane can be realized by applying the technologies that have worked so well in the United States.”
The highly publicized West-East Pipeline to Shanghai runs approximately ten kilometers (6 miles) south of the southern border of Far East Energy’s Shanxi Project, and, the Shanjing II Pipeline to Beijing, which is scheduled for completion in September 2005, is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the northern border of the Shouyang Block. Additionally, the Shanxi Province has several local projects planned that are also seeking gas supplies.
Based in Houston, Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy Corporation is focused on the acquisition of, and exploration for, coalbed methane through its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company (CUCBM).
Statements contained in this press release that state the intentions, hopes, beliefs, anticipations, expectations or predictions of the future of Far East Energy Corporation and its management are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1993, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. It is important to note that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements include: our lack of operating history; limited and potentially inadequate cash resources; risk and uncertainties associated with exploration, development and production of oil and gas; expropriation and other risks associated with foreign operations; matters affecting the oil and gas industry generally; lack of availability of oil and gas field goods and services; environmental risks; drilling and production risks; changes in laws or regulations affecting our operations, as well as other risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Far East Energy Corporation Signs Contracts for First Horizontal Wells
Houston, Texas – May 25, 2005 - Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) announced today it signed contracts with the No. 1 Drilling Company of Zhongyuan Petroleum Exploration Bureau (ZPEB) to drill its first two long-reach, underbalanced horizontal wells in the Shanxi Province of China beginning in June 2005. ZPEB, a subsidiary of Sinopec, is one of China’s premier drilling companies and utilizes Western equivalent technology.
Far East Energy anticipates spudding the first of two horizontal wells the first week of June. The wells will be drilled in the Shouyang Block of Far East’s 4,280 square kilometers (1,057,650 acres) coalbed methane (CBM) project in Shanxi Province, which it holds by virtue of a farmout agreement from ConocoPhillips. Drilling to a depth of approximately 550 meters (1,800 feet), these two wells will be large horizontal wells drilling to the Numbers 15 and 3 coal seams, respectively. Laterals will then be drilled with a goal of completing over 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) of horizontal drilling inside the coal seam for each well.
Far East Energy anticipates that the two wells will each require 35 to 60 days to drill and complete, with additional time required to dewater and test the wells for sustainable production of CBM. Far East Energy will have additional contracts with NQL Energy Services/Black Max Downhole Tools for the provision of directional drilling equipment and with another Western company for compressor services.
According to Michael R. McElwrath, CEO and President of Far East Energy, “These first wells represent a careful blending of Chinese and Western experience and technology. ZPEB is a top-notch, ISO 9001 certified drilling company with excellent equipment and personnel. We have overlaid that expertise with a carefully selected combination of seasoned underbalanced horizontal drilling and/or CBM experienced personnel from the West to provide the greatest possible likelihood of success on these initial wells.”
“The drilling of these wells clearly represents a significant milestone in the history of Far East Energy,” said Mr. McElwrath. He continued, “Not only are these long-reach, horizontal wells with potential to produce large quantities of gas, but, if successful, they will go a long way toward validating our theory that the key to unlocking the commercial potential of China’s enormous CBM resources is the application of underbalanced horizontal drilling.”
The highly publicized West-East Pipeline to Shanghai runs approximately ten kilometers (6 miles) south of the southern border of Far East Energy’s Shanxi Project, and, the Shanjing II Pipeline to Beijing, which is scheduled for completion in September 2005, is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the northern border of the Shouyang Block. Additionally, the Shanxi Province has several local projects planned that are also seeking gas supplies.
Far East Energy expects to drill its third horizontal well in late 2005 in southern China under its Production Sharing Contract for Yunnan Province, which covers roughly 265,000 acres. Far East Energy will solicit bids for its horizontal well project in Yunnan Province early this summer.
Based in Houston, Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy Corporation is focused on the acquisition of, and exploration for, coalbed methane through its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company (CUCBM).
Statements contained in this press release that state the intentions, hopes, beliefs, anticipations, expectations or predictions of the future of Far East Energy Corporation and its management are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1993, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. It is important to note that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements include: our lack of operating history; limited and potentially inadequate cash resources; risk and uncertainties associated with exploration, development and production of oil and gas; expropriation and other risks associated with foreign operations; matters affecting the oil and gas industry generally; lack of availability of oil and gas field goods and services; environmental risks; drilling and production risks; changes in laws or regulations affecting our operations, as well as other risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Far East Energy Corporation Reschedules Annual Meeting of Stockholders to May 27, 2005
Houston, Texas – May 13, 2005 - Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) announced today that its 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders has been rescheduled to be held on Friday, May 27, 2005, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Company’s offices at 400 N. Sam Houston Parkway East, Suite 205, Houston, Texas. The Board of Directors has previously fixed the close of business on Thursday, March 31, 2005, as the record date for determining stockholders of record entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or any adjournment thereof.
Based in Houston, Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy Corporation is focused on the acquisition of and exploration for, coalbed methane through its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company (CUCBM).
Statements contained in this press release that state the intentions, hopes, beliefs, anticipations, expectations or predictions of the future of Far East Energy Corporation and its management are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1993, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. It is important to note that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements include: our lack of operating history; limited and potentially inadequate cash resources; risk and uncertainties associated with exploration, development and production of oil and gas; expropriation and other risks associated with foreign operations; matters affecting the oil and gas industry generally; lack of availability of oil and gas field goods and services; environmental risks; drilling and production risks; changes in laws or regulations affecting our operations, as well as other risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Far East Energy Corporation Plans to Spud First Horizontal Wells
Houston, Texas – April 18, 2005 - Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) announced today it expects to commence drilling horizontal wells in China by late June 2005. The Company has requested bids from China’s leading drilling companies for the drilling of its first two horizontal wells in Shanxi Province. Contracts are expected to be signed with the winning bidder in early May, and the first of the two horizontal wells is anticipated to be spudded by late June. These wells will be drilled in the Shouyang Block of Far East’s 1,058,000 acre coalbed methane project in Shanxi Province, which it holds by virtue of a farmout agreement from ConocoPhillips.
Since January 2005, Far East Energy has been designing its drilling plan for these two wells, along with another horizontal well that Far East expects to drill in southern China under its Production Sharing Contract for Yunnan Province, which covers roughly 265,000 acres.
“We are committed to applying advanced underbalanced horizontal drilling technology to our China Projects because the coals there are analogous to those found in the Arkoma and Appalachian Basins of North America, where horizontal drilling has produced impressive results,” said Michael McElwrath, President and CEO of Far East Energy.
The two wells in the Shouyang Block of Shanxi Province are expected to be drilled to approximately 550 meters, and then laterals will be drilled along the coal seam with a goal of completing over 4000 meters of horizontal drilling inside the coal seam for each well.
The highly publicized West-East Pipeline to Shanghai runs approximately five kilometers south from the southern border of Far East’s Shanxi Project, and the Shanjing II Pipeline to Beijing, scheduled for completion in September 2005 is approximately 40 kilometers north of the northern border of the Shouyang Block.
McElwrath said, “The two wells in Shouyang are expected to each take approximately 35 to 60 days to drill. Far East will drill the wells sequentially, with the first well scheduled to commence in June.”
Based in Houston, Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy Corporation is focused on the acquisition of and exploration for, coalbed methane through its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company (CUCBM).
Statements contained in this press release that state the intentions, hopes, beliefs, anticipations, expectations or predictions of the future of Far East Energy Corporation and its management are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1993, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. It is important to note that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements include: our lack of operating history; limited and potentially inadequate cash resources; risk and uncertainties associated with exploration, development and production of oil and gas; expropriation and other risks associated with foreign operations; matters affecting the oil and gas industry generally; lack of availability of oil and gas field goods and services; environmental risks; drilling and production risks; changes in laws or regulations affecting our operations, as well as other risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Far East Energy Corporation Sets Annual Meeting of Stockholders for May 24, 2005
Houston, Texas – March 16, 2005 - Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) announced today that its 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2005, at 10:00 a.m., local time, at Hotel Sofitel, Houston, Texas. The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on Thursday, March 31, 2005, as the record date for determining stockholders of record entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or any adjournment thereof.
Based in Houston, Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy Corporation is focused on the acquisition of and exploration for, coalbed methane through its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company (CUCBM).
Statements contained in this press release that state the intentions, hopes, beliefs, anticipations, expectations or predictions of the future of Far East Energy Corporation and its management are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1993, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. It is important to note that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements include: our lack of operating history; limited and potentially inadequate cash resources; risk and uncertainties associated with exploration, development and production of oil and gas; expropriation and other risks associated with foreign operations; matters affecting the oil and gas industry generally; lack of availability of oil and gas field goods and services; environmental risks; drilling and production risks; changes in laws or regulations affecting our operations, as well as other risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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FAR EAST ENERGY UPDATES OPERATIONS IN CHINA
HOUSTON, Texas – Feb. 24, 2005 – Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) today released updated information on progress made in its coalbed methane projects in China. Far East has begun several components of the work programs required under its Production Sharing Contracts for its projects in Yunnan and in Shanxi Provinces, China.
Enhong No. 1 Well Stimulation – Yunnan Province Project
Far East has hydraulically fractured the Enhong No. 1 well in the #9 and #16 coal seams as part of the work program for Phase I of the Yunnan project. Far East is presently flowing the #9 coal seam, with gas flowing to the surface at a pressure of 30 psi. The #16 seam was stimulated separately from the #9 coal seam, with the intention of commingling both zones after gathering information on the #9 coal seam. Its current plan is to produce both zones for at least three months. This test is designed to measure reservoir permeability and pressure. Through this testing Far East will gain a greater knowledge of the prospective coal seams that will be targeted for horizontal drilling in the fourth quarter of 2005 in Yunnan Province.
Slim Holes Being Drilled in Yunnan Province Project
Far East has completed its first slim hole, designed to test the coal seams in the Enhong Block, and has collected coal samples from the #9, #14, #16 and #19 coal seams. These samples are currently undergoing lab analysis for gas content, gas composition and coal composition.
The second slim hole is currently drilling and should be completed to a depth of approximately 500 meters by the end of February 2005. Results of the two slim holes will be used to assess the quality of the gas content and further confirm the characteristics of the coal seams in the Yunnan Province project in preparation for the drilling of a horizontal well in late 2005.
QN-002 Well Stimulation and Test – Shanxi Province Project
Far East expects dewatering of the QN-002 well to be completed in late March 2005. Far East has gathered information on the reservoir pressure and permeability around the wellbore, and both permeability and pressure are in the range it anticipated. Thus, when this test is completed, Far East will be able to use that data in the next phase of drilling in its million-plus acre Shanxi Project.
Horizontal Drilling Plans for 2005 for Shanxi and Yunnan Province Projects
Far East has selected locations for the drilling of two horizontal wells in Shanxi and one in Yunnan and is currently evaluating several companies that bring state-of-the-art horizontal and underbalanced drilling technology to the table. The overall drilling package will be assembled over the next few months.
Yunnan Project Work Obligation
On February 23, 2005, Far East elected to enter Phase Two of its Production Sharing Contract for the Yunnan Province. In conjunction with the work program for Phase Two, Far East expects to spud a horizontal well in the Yunnan Province by November 2005.
Proceeds Raised to Provide Funds for Work Program
As previously announced, Far East has recently raised approximately $12.2 million in gross proceeds in private equity placements and another $1 million from the sale of leased acreage in Montana. These proceeds will be applied toward the work plans for Far East Energy’s projects in China for 2005.
“Now the real work begins,” said Michael R. McElwrath, President and CEO of Far East Energy. “With the necessary funding in the bank, we can embark upon underbalanced horizontal drilling, which we believe holds the key to unlocking the full potential of coalbed methane in China.”
Based in Houston, Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is focused on the acquisition of, and exploration for, coalbed methane through its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company (CUCBM).
Statements contained in this press release that state the intentions, hopes, beliefs, anticipations, expectations or predictions of the future of Far East Energy Corporation and its management are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1993, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. It is important to note that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements include: our lack of operating history; limited and potentially inadequate cash resources; risk and uncertainties associated with exploration, development and production of oil and gas; expropriation and other risks associated with foreign operations; matters affecting the oil and gas industry generally; lack of availability of oil and gas field goods and services; environmental risks; drilling and production risks; changes in laws or regulations affecting our operations, as well as other risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Director Resigns from Far East Energy Board
Houston, Texas - January 4, 2005 - Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) has accepted the resignation of Jawaharlal Gondi, a director of the company, so that Mr. Gondi may pursue other opportunities. All other members of the Board of Directors will continue to serve as directors of the company.
Based in Houston, Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is focused on the acquisition of and exploration for, coalbed methane through its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company (CUCBM).
Statements contained in this press release that state the intentions, hopes, beliefs, anticipations, expectations or predictions of the future of Far East Energy Corporation and its management are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1993, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. It is important to note that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements include: our lack of operating history; limited and potentially inadequate cash resources; risk and uncertainties associated with exploration, development and production of oil and gas; expropriation and other risks associated with foreign operations; matters affecting the oil and gas industry generally; lack of availability of oil and gas field goods and services; environmental risks; drilling and production risks; changes in laws or regulations affecting our operations, as well as other risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Far
East Energy Announces the Closing of $10.25 Million Equity Financing for
China Operations
Houston, TX, December
27, 2004 - Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) announced today
that it has received total gross proceeds of $10.25 million in a private
placement of shares of its common stock with investors located outside
the United States. The Company intends to use the proceeds to finance
a portion of its operations in China, including planned horizontal drilling
for coalbed methane in 2005, and for working capital purposes.
The Company issued,
at a price of $1.60 per unit, a total of 6,406,250 units. Each unit consisted
of two shares of common stock and one warrant with a term of three years
and an exercise price of $2.50 per share, for a total of 12,812,500 shares
of common stock and 6,406,250 warrants. The Company will pay commissions
of $820,000 and will issue placement agent warrants to purchase 1,537,500
shares of common stock in connection with this transaction.
The securities have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933
or under any state securities laws, and, unless so registered, may not
be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption
from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements
of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This press
release does not constitute an offer, offer to sell, or solicitation of
an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction in which such offering,
solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
Based in Houston,
Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is
focused on the acquisition of and exploration for, coalbed methane through
its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company
(CUCBM).
Statements contained in this press release that state
the intentions, hopes, beliefs, anticipations, expectations or predictions
of the future of Far East Energy Corporation and its management are forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of
1993, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended. It is important to note that any such forward-looking statements
are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks
and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected
in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results
to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements
include: our lack of operating history; limited and potentially inadequate
cash resources; risk and uncertainties associated with exploration, development
and production of oil and gas; expropriation and other risks associated
with foreign operations; matters affecting the oil and gas industry generally;
lack of availability of oil and gas field goods and services; environmental
risks; drilling and production risks; changes in laws or regulations affecting
our operations, as well as other risks described in our Annual Report
on Form 10-KSB and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
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Far
East Energy Announces Status of Hydraulic Fracture Process
Houston, TX, September
27, 2004 — Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) announced today
that the hydraulic fracture stimulation test was successfully completed
on the QN-002 well drilled previously by ConocoPhillips on its acreage
in the Qinnan Block located in the Shanxi Province of China. The test
was performed on the #3 coal seam at a depth of 550 meters (1,800 feet).
The well is in the process of being dewatered. Initial gas production
from the coal seam would be possible in the next 30 to 60 days.
The #3 coal seam is
extensively mined in Shanxi Province and has an average gas content of
600 scf/ton and thickness of 4 to 7 meters (i.e. 13 to 23 feet). The production
from this well will be monitored for a period of 90 to 180 days. The test
of the QN-002 well is the first fracture stimulation of a vertical well
performed by Far East in China on its acreage, which amounts to over 1.3
million acres.
“We are extremely
pleased with the successful fracture process on the first of the stimulation
jobs on our projects in China,” said Michael McElwrath, Chairman and CEO
of Far East Energy. “We continue planning to use the best technical methods
to unlock the potential value of these coalbed methane projects for our
shareholders. We are continuing our plans to drill horizontally in the
two projects we have in China in the coming months and will announce those
plans as they are finalized.”
Based in Houston,
Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is
focused on the acquisition of and exploration for, coalbed methane through
its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company
(CUCBM).
Statements contained in this press release that state
the intentions, hopes, beliefs, anticipations, expectations or predictions
of the future of Far East Energy Corporation and its management are forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of
1993, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended. It is important to note that any such forward-looking statements
are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks
and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected
in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results
to differ materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements
include: our lack of operating history; limited and potentially inadequate
cash resources; risk and uncertainties associated with exploration, development
and production of oil and gas; expropriation and other risks associated
with foreign operations; matters affecting the oil and gas industry generally;
lack of availability of oil and gas field goods and services; environmental
risks; drilling and production risks; changes in laws or regulations affecting
our operations, as well as other risks described in our Annual Report
on Form 10-KSB and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
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Far
East Energy Provides Progress Update on China; $6.0 million in New Capital
Raised in First Half of 2004; Contract Signed for First Hydraulic Fracture
Test at Shanxi Province in September
Houston, TX‚ September
8, 2004 - Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) announced today the
following updates on its progress in China.
$6.0 Million in New
Capital Raised in First Half of 2004
Far East Energy has brought into the company during the first half of
2004 approximately $6.0 million in net cash proceeds from equity placements
and the exercise of outstanding warrants. These proceeds are being used
in the performance of Phase 1 work requirements on Far East Energy's Yunnan
and Shanxi Province projects.
Contract Signed for
Hydraulic Fracture Test of Shanxi Well for September
Far East Energy signed a contract with a service company on September
4, 2004 to perform a hydraulic fracture test in September on one of the
wells drilled previously by ConocoPhillips on its acreage in the Qinnan
Block located in the Shanxi Province of China. The Shanxi contract area
covers approximately 1,058,000 acres and comprises the acreage under the
farmout agreement between the company and ConocoPhillips with partner,
CUCBM. This test of a vertical well drilled by ConocoPhillips will be
accomplished by fracturing one of the coal seams encountered in the initial
drilling. The dewatering process on this well should last several months
with the company monitoring for gas and water production generated after
the fracture process.
Contracts Revised
to Drill First Horizontal Wells
Discussions with Far East Energyís partner, CUCBM, have resulted in a
revised plan to utilize horizontal drilling to explore and develop the
coalbed methane resources in the companyís two project areas in the Yunnan
and Shanxi Provinces. These horizontal wells will be among the first horizontal
wells drilled in China for coalbed methane exploration. The revised terms
of the project in the Yunnan Province allow the company to drill one horizontal
well after testing two of its three vertical wells to satisfy the Phase
1 work program. The revised Shanxi Province project, under farmout from
ConocoPhillips, requires the company to satisfy the Phase 1 requirements
to test two of the three wells previously drilled by ConocoPhillips, and
then to enter Phase 2 with the commitment to drill one horizontal well
in that project acreage.
"As in any oil
or gas project, selection of the best location for drilling, and application
of the most efficient technology can be the keys to success," said
Michael McElwrath, Chairman and CEO of Far East Energy.
"In selecting
our well locations, drilling and completion technologies, Garry Ward,
our Sr. VP Engineering, and Alex Yang, the Sr. VP Exploration & Production,
have applied not only their own considerable acumen, but have also been
able to actively engage the expertise of our Board, among whom are numbered
a former Sr. VP of ConocoPhillips, a former Senior Exploration Geophysicist
for Exxon and Saudi Aramco, a VP of drilling technology leader Maurer
Technology, and a former U.S. Department of Energy Deputy Assistant Secretary
of Energy for Natural Gas and Petroleum Technology. The independent board
members are serving as a critical planning resource as we determine the
best technical methods to unlock the potential value for these coalbed
methane projects."
Based in Houston,
Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is
focused on the acquisition of, and exploration for, coalbed methane through
its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company
(CUCBM).
Statements contained in this press release
that state the intentions, hopes, beliefs, anticipations, expectations
or predictions of the future of Far East Energy Corporation and its management
are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1993, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. It is important to note that any such
forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and
involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ
materially from those projected in such forward-looking statements. Factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected
in such forward-looking statements include: our lack of operating history;
limited and potentially inadequate cash resources; risk and uncertainties
associated with exploration, development and production of oil and gas;
expropriation and other risks associated with foreign operations; matters
affecting the oil and gas industry generally; lack of availability of
oil and gas field goods and services; environmental risks; drilling and
production risks; changes in laws or regulations affecting our operations,
as well as other risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB and
subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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Note: The interview for this article was in early 2004. Please refer to
recent company filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for
the most current status of developments and operations in China.
Far East Energy Pressing Big CBM
Schemes in China
By Judy Clark, Associate
Editor, September 6, 2004
China, where personal
incomes have quadrupled in recent years while the country's burgeoning
economy has grown fivefold, currently is consuming energy at a pace surpassed
only by the US. Holding the world's largest coal reserves, China burns
it in abundance, with the result being that it also has one of the highest
rates of pollution in the world. Because the Chinese government wants
to clean up its air and increase the use of cleaner natural gas, it has
budgeted more than $9 billion to boost gas usage to 8% by 2010 from 2%
today. Part of that plan calls for natural gas to replace coal as the
major source of electric power generation in Beijing by the 2008 Olympics.
Consequently, one
of the fastest-growing sectors of China's energy industry is coalbed methane
(CBM) extraction from its vast coal reserves. Among Western companies
working with China in this pursuit are supermajors ChevronTexaco Corp.,
ConocoPhillips, and BP PLC. And then there is the 21/2-year-old, Houston-based
independent, Far East Energy Corp., that currently holds a major interest
in leases totaling more than 250,000 acres, making Far East Energy the
third-largest holder of CBM acreage in China. Its holdings in northern
and southern China could contain as much as 13 tcf of recoverable CBM.
Infant dragon moves
Despite its fairly new status as a corporation, Far East is governed by
personnel having a wealth of experience in the energy industry, particularly
in CBM production, said Mike McElwrath, the company's chairman and CEO,
and they recognized an opportunity to promptly put that expertise to work
in China. Far East personnel were aware that the Chinese government had
created China United Coal Bed Methane Co. (CUCBM), giving it sole rights
to develop China's CBM, McElwrath said. "It is also charged with
contracting with foreign companies for the joint development of that resource
base," he added. "And we were aware, through contacts in China,
that CUCBM was actively seeking out American companies and American technology
to develop the CUCBM potential, primarily because the United States is
way out front in technology in the development of coalbed methane."
Still, how did a start-up
company with few assets and no production or cash flow secure such contracts?
"That's a good question," McElwrath said, citing three factors
that drove that decision: "First of all, CUCBM was looking for a
company in South China that was willing to come in, recognizing that there
was not a fully developed pipeline infrastructure incentive. There's an
enormous estimated CBM gas in place, but there's not an existing major
pipeline in place," he said. "We were willing to go in and take
a risk on the basis of what we saw to be a readily expanding demand for
gas in the south that was fostered in part by the central government.
"And there was the factor that we were an American company that could
bring American technology to bear." The third factor was Far East's
leadership and board of advisors that included a former vice-chairman
of Bechtel Group, Don Gunther, and McElwrath himself, a former acting
assistant secretary of energy in the administration of President George
H.W. Bush, among other experience, all of which lent the company substance
and leadership. "Our senior vice-president [of China operations],
Tun Aye Sai, was the one who led the primary negotiations. But Americans
such as former [Far East] CEO Bill Jackson were involved in that as well,
he said. McElwrath, who has been on the company's board of advisors since
its inception at yearend 2001, became chairman and CEO Oct. 13, 2003.
He said the company
"started out [in partnership] with CUCBM in the eastern sector of
China's Yunnan Province seeking concessions in South China." Far
East was successful in securing a 30-year production-sharing contract
covering three blocks, in which it holds 60% interest while CUCBM holds
40%: Enhong has an estimated 1.1 tcf of recoverable CBM, Laochang has
1.55 tcf, and Zhaotong has 0.55 tcf¿all estimates of Yunnan Provincial
Coal Geology Bureau. Drilling is already under way under the program,
with the first well having been spudded last October and at least two
more wells completed as of mid-April. The program calls for production
to start in late 2005 or early 2006, at which time new industrial development
slotted for the area may be completed.
"We're not even
sure a full-fledged [new transmission] pipeline will end up being necessary"
for the South China production, McElwrath said. "Tun Aye Sai and
Senior Vice-Pres. Alex Yang have been on the ground recently having discussions
with some of the cities. We believe that the landscape is changing. It
appears to us that more industry is about to locate in some of the nearby
cities, which are within a few kilometers to 50 km of our field. And we
also believe that the demand is getting strong enough that we will have.
. . [those industrial] facilities coming in as well as [other] cities
in the area who, for their industries or maybe for their populace, are
beginning to look at the utilization of natural gas. "It appears
to us that we may be in a very fortunate convergence of market demand,
industry growth, and the proving up of our gas, but all of those things,
obviously are speculative. We first have to prove up the gas¿reserves.
The plants have yet to be built, and until the reserves are proved up,
no one will build a pipeline. But, frankly, we're optimistic on all three
points."
Right place, right
time
The second major contract Far East secured was a farmout of ConocoPhillips's
1,058,000 acre CBM Dragon project in Shanxi Province in northern China.
That transaction came about because Far East personnel were "at the
right place at the right time," McElwrath said. In Beijing, at a
gathering of all companies involved in China's CBM projects, a ConocoPhillips
employee was overheard mentioning that the company might be interested
in divesting the property as a result of the merger of predecessor companies
Conoco Inc. and Phillips Petroleum Co. "ConocoPhillips wanted to
focus all their dollars and their intellectual capital in China on [their
$2 billion investment in] Bohai Bay, because Bohai Bay has the critical
mantra of the majors these days, which is replacement of reserves,"
commented McElwrath. Former Phillips unit Phillips China Inc. discovered
oil and gas in Bohai Bay in 1999. "We immediately at that signing
ceremony approached [the ConocoPhillips representative] with the fact
that we would be interested in [the CBM Dragon project]," said McElwrath.
ConocoPhillips farmed out the property to Far East. "We really were
very fortunate, because normally that's the kind of project that has probably
been farmed out to [companies] much, much more established and bigger
than Far East Energy," he added.
"The Dragon project
has the potential to become a megaproject of the type normally found only
in the portfolio of the majors," the Far East CEO said. "Essentially,
the real thing that we're excited about is that the size of these projects
is just enormous. They compare favorably to the biggest basins of the
US. Although we're farmed out to ConocoPhillipsFar East holds 40%and
certainly they have an interest [30%], and CUCBM has a retained interest
[30%], but it's just us in this enormous concession under our belts; that's
what I'm excited about." The Chinese government in April approved
the farmout for Far East, which has placed $1 million in escrow as security
to guarantee performance of its initial obligations covering the Dragon
development. The company will first perform an evaluation-and-work program
to test the two existing wells on the acreage. Fracturing and testing
were scheduled for this summer. If the two-well test program is successful,
Far East will drill and test a horizontal well in the second phase of
the PSC. That well, to be drilled later this year, would be the first
horizontal well ever drilled in China for the production of CBM, according
to Far East.
Far East utilizes
the services of Chinese drilling firm Huabei Petroleum Administration
Bureau from North China and well service company Xian Coal Research Institute.
CBM wells are drilled much closer to each other than conventional gas
wells; they cost less$250,000 vs. $5-20 million; and they are much
shallower than conventional wells2,000-3,000 ft deep vs. 10,000-15,000
ft. After drilling 18 wells by the end of 2005, Far East will have satisfied
its obligations in northern China with CUCBM. "And then the fun begins,"
said McElwrath. "We could then drill at our own pace, which would
be fast and aggressive. "If all goes well, we would really push.
We'd use four rigs, maybe six or more, with each rig drilling perhaps
as many as two wells per month because these would be relatively shallow
wells. And we hope that by the end of 2006, we'd have 80-100 wells in
the north. You'd be seeing a similar development program in the south.
Again, all this presumes that we have favorable test results and favorable
pilot production results, and if we do, we intend to develop extremely
aggressively," he added.
Business with China
Far East does not anticipate any major challenges in doing business with
China or in China. "We're very confident about doing business in
China in the sense that, historically speaking, for many years nowat
least 2 decadesChina has had an exemplary track record in the energy
sector of honoring all its commitments," McElwrath said. "Some
of the reasons behind that are that China is interested in attracting
and gaining exposure to overseas technology, particularly American technology,
in the development of its resource base. So China wants to be a good partner,
particularly with American companies, in these early stages of development.
"For us, Phillips was one of the earliest overseas companies to operate
in China, and we are very, very pleased to be partners with ConocoPhillips
because Phillips is well-known to the Chinese government. The Chinese
and Phillips have functioned well as partners for more than 2 decades
now," he added.
Finally, of course,
China is now in the World Trade Organization, and the government is committed
to the normal business regime of the WTO and its member countries, he
said. In addition, McElwrath sees China becoming ever more capitalistic,
and he is particularly impressed with the energy the country is exhibiting
at this time. "When I was in Beijing a year ago in December, I commented
that I've never seen anything as dynamic. You could just feel a sense
of entrepreneurship and a bustling economy unlike anything I've ever felt,
except in the days of the oil boom in Houston or in Midland in West Texas
in the early 1980s. It just was an incredible feeling," he said.
"I think they have a nice combination now, a definite freeing up
of private enterprise and at the same time enough state control to marshal
resources for some very huge infrastructure projects, like the [3,800
km] West-East pipeline. So you get a combination of the best of both worlds."
Career Highlights
Michael R. McElwrath is chairman and CEO of Far East Energy, Houston.
Public service
McElwrath previously has served as an international negotiator and policy
advisor in the administration of former President Ronald Reagan. Later
he was acting assistant secretary of energy in the administration of former
President George H.W. Bush, charged with development of the nation's coal,
oil, and gas policies. In this capacity he managed $2.1 billion in programs,
including the clean-coal program, the national oil and gas research program,
and the strategic petroleum reserve.
Other employment
Prior to joining Far East, McElwrath was vice-president of TMP/Hudson
Global Resources, the parent company of Monster.com. Previously, he also
served as director of the National Institute for Petroleum and Energy
Research and as director of BP PLC's outsourced exploration and production
lab for the Americas. He has held a number of other senior executive positions
in his 26 years in the energy industry and spent 10 years as an oil and
gas and corporate attorney in Midland, Tex., during the oil boom and bust
of the 1980s.
Education
McElwrath holds a JD from the University of Texas School of Law, as well
as a BA from UT.
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China Looking at Coalbed Methane to
Ease Transition to Natural Gas
By Ken White and Anne
Leonard, July 26, 2004
China by far and away
has the worlds largest supply of coal, so it seems logical that
it may also boast the largest reserves of coalbed methane (CBM). At present
the country is largely fueled by coal, which accounts for the sobering
statistic that respiratory disease is Chinas number one killer.
Therefore, the Chinese government is pushing for a four-fold increase
in natural gas usage by 2010, and adding extra incentives to international
companies interested in CBM exploration. Among those that have taken the
bait are ChevronTexaco and two small US-based companies, Far East Energy
and Greka Energy. All three are in the early stages of exploration.
ChevronTexaco was
the first international company to sign a contract with China United Coal
Bed Methane Corporation (CUCBM), acquiring, a 2,663 sq km block (since
relinquished) in Anhui Province in January 1998. Today, the company has
interests in PSCAs totaling 11,680 sq. km in northern Chinas
Ordos Basin. The adjoining blocks are Zhungeer (2,800 sq km), Baode (1~000
sq km), Shenfu (3,000 sq km), Linxing (3,300 sq km), San Jiao (480 sq
km) and San Jiao Bei (1,100) Zhungeer is in Inner Mongolia, while the
other five blocks are in Shanxi Province. ChevronTexaco has just completed
a seismic acquisition program in the area and field operations are planned
prior to year end. Linxing and Zhungeer PSCAS were recently renewed until
31 August 2005.
The other early entrant
into the field was Greka Energy, a New York-based company that currently
has 6,620 sq km under lease. In August 1998, the company acquired a 1,541
sq km CBM block named Fengcheng in Jiangxi. Last year the company added
another four blocks, three in the Qinshui Basin of the Shanxi Province
and one in the Hefel Basin of the Anhui Province. The contracts in the
Qinshui Basin are the 3,664.5 sq km PSCA Qinyuañ CBM, the 445.1
sq km PSCA Shizhuang North CBM and the 374.92 sq km PSCA Shizhuang South
CBM. In the Hefei Basin, Greka has been awarded the 583.78 sq km PSCA
Panxie East CBM. Greka says it will begin drilling on the Shizhuang South
and Fengcheng blocks in 2005.
Houston-based Far
East is the third largest leaseholder in China in terms of CBM blocks.
The company was formed in late 2001 expressly for the purpose of pursuing
CBM in China. In early 2002, Far East acquired two blocks in the Hunan
Province in southern China: Laochang and Echoing PSCAs. Between
October 2003 and April 2004, the company drilled three wells on the acreage,
one on Laochang and two on adjacent Enhong. The first well, FCY-LC.01,
reached a total depth of 825m, penetrating 15 mineable coal seams 29.4m
thick, and four targeted major coal seams 16.3m thick. All were within
an interval of 110m, which is favorable for fracturing and production.
Far East said coring of the coal samples showed an unusually high
recovery rate of 94.8%. The second and third wells, at total depths of
420m and 435m, respectively, also had very good preliminary
gas content estimates.
It was at the signing ceremony for the Hunan PSCAs that Far East
first heard ConocoPhillips was looking to farm out its vast CBM Dragon
Project in Shanxi Province. In April 2004, Far East received Chinese Ministry
of Commerce approval for a 70% farm in of PSCA Shouyang (1,963 sq km)
and PSCA Qinnan (2,317 sq km). Depending on how CUCBM and ConocoPhillips
eventually elect to take their participating interests, Far East will
have a working interest anywhere from 40% to 100%. The company expects
to begin fracturing and testing the two existing wells on this acreage
no later than late summer 2004. Meanwhile, the company has decided horizontal
drilling is the best approach and plans to drill a total of five horizontal
wells between the Shanxi and Yunnan projects. This drilling, which could
mark the first horizontal CBM drilling in China, is expected to begin
late in 2004 or early
2005.
The potential for
CBM in China is huge. CUCBM estimates the 20 PSCA's awarded at the end
of 2003 alone have estimated reserves of 120 Tcf of gas in place. Established
in 1996 to have exclusive authority over all CBM in China, the state company
began the first commercial production of CBM in China in late 2002. However,
at the end of 2003 there were only about 240 producing CBM wells in the
country. Government studies have concluded more technical expertise is
needed and is proposing a CBM development master plan that will include
further fiscal incentives.
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China's
Energy Appetite Fuels Record Prices
BY KEVIN MORRISON
720 words
20 May 2004
Financial Times (FT.Com)
English
(c) 2004 The Financial Times Limited. All rights reserved
Nowhere is China's
dramatic effect on global commodity prices over the past two years more
visible than on the oil price, which recently jumped to more than $40
a barrel, stirring concerns of higher inflation and lower world economic
growth.
Although India's fast-growing
economy has also boosted energy consumption, it is the scale of China's
demand that has helped propel energy prices, including crude oil, coal,
diesel and jet fuel, to record highs this year. The mainland's increasing
affluence has stoked a surge in car sales, road haulage and air travel,
while the country's rapid industrialisation is straining the limits of
China's power generation capacity.
China has invested
in energy-intensive industries, such as steel and aluminium production,
and plastics, which use naphtha, a product derived from crude oil. The
combination of heavy industrial expansion and rapidly-growing car usage
has doubled Chinese oil consumption over the past 10 years to around 6m
barrels a day, causing the country to leapfrog Japan to become the second-largest
oil consumer behind the US. Having become a net importer of oil only in
1994, China now imports half its daily oil requirements.
Goran Trapp, a managing
director at Morgan Stanley, says the additional 3m b/d of oil China now
consumes compared with 10 years ago does not sound like much. But when
global production capacity has not risen much over the same period, the
increase represents a significant narrowing of global spare capacity.
China was responsible
for a third of the rise in daily global oil consumption in 2003, and is
expected to account for another third of this year's projected 2m b/d
increase in daily world oil demand, says the International Energy Agency.
This represents the single largest increase by any country during those
two years.
Higher Chinese oil
consumption has been a boon for oil refineries in the region, which spent
much of the 1990s suffering from low returns after a massive expansion
of capacity that ground to a halt during the 1997-98 Asian crisis.
"It has taken
until now for Asian refineries to operate anywhere near capacity,"
says Graham Sharp, director of Trafigura, the commodities trader. Mr Sharp
says until 18 months ago, Singapore oil refineries were operating at 65
per cent capacity, compared with more than 90 per cent at present. But
with Asian gasoline, jet-fuel and naphtha prices all up by 60-70 per cent
over the same period, refiners are again enjoying healthy margins.
Plans by China, India,
South Korea and Taiwan to build government-owned emergency stockpiles
could boost oil demand further. Barclays Capital estimates that these
four countries could boost global strategic stocks by a hefty 215m barrels
over the next two years.
China has also had a big effect on coal prices. Although it is the world's
largest thermal coal producer, traders are now worried that the country's
growing power demands will require more coal for internal use and less
for export. China's power consumption rose by 15 per cent last year, sharply
higher than its 9 per cent economic growth.
And while China last
year exported 15m tonnes of coal, exports are down by as much as 30 per
cent so far this year, says Erik Verhaar, director of coal and natural
gas trading at Deutsche Bank. This has triggered a jump in coal prices
of more than 80 per cent in 2004, to around $55 a tonne before shipping
costs, a level unseen since the early 1980s.
Mr Verhaar says the
coal market is like the oil market in that there are limited resources
to boost supply in the short term, suggesting prices for both will remain
relatively high.
Asia's big economies - China, India and Korea - are embracing other forms
of energy, particularly nuclear and natural gas, to enhance energy self-sufficiency,
but their economic success means they are likely to remain dependent on
coal and oil for a long while yet.
Their growing middle-classes, with a voracious appetite for bigger houses,
their first cars and overseas travel, are certainly going to consume more
energy. "When people have enough money they are going to buy a car,"
says Mr Sharp. "It's human nature."
Document FTCOM00020040521e05k0001h
© 2004 Dow Jones
Reuters Business Interactive LLC (trading as Factiva). All rights reserved.
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ConocoPhillips
Retired Sr. VP Joins Far East Energy’s Board of Directors
Houston, TX - June
3, 2004 – Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) has named J. C. (John)
Mihm, retired Senior Vice President of ConocoPhillips, to its Board of
Directors. Mihm is the fourth energy industry leader to join Far East’s
board as an independent director in 2004.
John Mihm was the Senior Vice President of Technology and Project Development
for Phillips Petroleum Company (later ConocoPhillips) until his retirement
in February 2003. He was named to this position in 2000 when the company
combined the downstream and upstream technology and project development
positions. Prior to that, Mihm served Phillips in the positions of Senior
Vice President of Corporate Technology, Vice President of Research and
Development and Vice President of Corporate Engineering.
“John Mihm has been
one of the most respected executives in the oil and gas industry for years,”
said Michael McElwrath, Chairman and CEO of Far East Energy. “John will
be of inestimable value to our company and its efforts in China. He has
worked on Phillips’ projects in China since the early 80s and, in fact,
he was involved in supplying technical support for the ConocoPhillips
Shanxi project prior to its farmout to Far East. As is the case in the
American industry, John is held in high esteem by the leadership of the
Chinese petroleum industry; and his relationships in China, managerial
insights, and unsurpassed technical knowledge are representative of the
team being built at Far East.”
Mihm is a registered
professional engineer, a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers
(SPE), the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the American Society
of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), both the Oklahoma and the National Society
of Professional Engineers, and he is a past member of the American Petroleum
Institute. Mihm also serves on the Board of SPE, the Foundation Board
of ASME, the Advisory Board for ePM, LLC, and the Southern Region Board
of Boy Scouts of America. He has been published in both engineering and
petroleum journals.
“With John Mihm joining
Tom Cavanagh, Don Juckett, and Tom Williams as outside directors, we have
built a Board with vast experience made up of individuals of the highest
integrity and reputation in the oil and gas industry,” said McElwrath.
“And we are not through. When fully filled out, I expect our Board to
compare favorably with any in the industry.”
Based in Houston,
Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is
focused on the acquisition of, and exploration for, coalbed methane through
its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company
(CUCBM). For more information, go to www.fareastenergy.com.
This
News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
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Far
East Energy Adds Two International Oil and Gas Industry Leaders
as Outside Director
Houston, TX - May
27, 2004 – Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) has named two new
outside Directors to its Board. Thomas Cavanagh, an experienced executive
in the international oil and gas industry, and Donald A. Juckett, former
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the United States Department of Energy,
join Far East as independent Directors.
Tom Cavanagh has had
a distinguished twenty-three -year career as an executive and exploration
geophysicist with major international oil and gas companies including
Ocean Energy International, Saudi Aramco, and Exxon. Cavanagh held numerous
senior executive positions at Ocean Energy, including serving as Vice
President - New Ventures and Vice President - Chief Geophysicist. Before
joining Ocean Energy, he held Senior Geophysicist and Geologic Specialist
positions with Saudi Aramco and Exxon, primarily focusing as a senior
exploration geophysicist on exploration plays such as the Gulf of Mexico,
Malaysia, Sumatra, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Syria, Pakistan, Egypt, and West
Africa.
“Tom is a world-class
geophysicist whose talents are respected across the international oil
and gas industry,” said Michael McElwrath, Chairman and CEO of Far East
Energy. “Tom brings rock-solid technical insights to our activities in
China and Montana. His impressive record of commercial discoveries and
international experience speaks for itself, and his advice and counsel
is much sought after.”
Don Juckett, now consulting
throughout the energy industry, retired from a long career at the Senior
Executive Service level with the United States Department of Energy (DOE)
in 2003. While there, he held posts as Director of the Office of Natural
Gas and Petroleum Import and Export Activities, Director for Natural Gas
and Petroleum Technology, and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Natural
Gas and Petroleum Technology. He conceived and organized the U.S./China
Oil and Gas Industry Forum, a government/industry platform that enhanced
China’s petroleum sector opening to outside investment. Prior to joining
DOE, Juckett worked for Phillips Petroleum in exploration and production
technical services and research. He has a Ph.D. in organic chemistry.
“Don will be a tremendous
asset to our China operations and to our gas marketing efforts as well,”
said McElwrath. “Don not only brings the contacts and knowledge of China
gained from effectively serving as the Department of Energy’s liaison
to China, but also is internationally respected for his expertise in liquefied
natural gas (LNG), which is one of the markets for our gas in China.
“We are building a Board worthy of our prospects in China,” said McElwrath.
“These are well-respected experts, and we will continue to build a Board
that is second-to-none in that regard.”
Based in Houston,
Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is
focused on the acquisition of, and exploration for, coalbed methane through
its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company
(CUCBM). For more information, go to www.fareastenergy.com.
This
News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
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Far
East Energy Meets Financial Obligation for ConocoPhillips Agreement for
Million-Acre Coalbed Methane Project in China
Houston, TX - May
19, 2004 – Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) announced today
that it has placed $1,000,000 in escrow as security to guarantee performance
of its initial obligations under its assignment and farmout agreement
from ConocoPhillips (Phillips China) covering the 1,058,000-acre coalbed
methane (CBM) Dragon Project in Shanxi Province, China.
On April 19, 2004,
Far East Energy announced that it had received approval of the assignment
and farmout agreement from ConocoPhillips for exploration and development
of the Dragon Project. Based on the results of recent negotiations resulting
in amended work requirements, Far East Energy’s agreements with ConocoPhillips
require that Far East Energy perform an evaluation and work program to
test two existing wells on the Project. The farmout agreement also requires
Far East Energy to post a $1,000,000 bank
guarantee or surety bond within 30 days of approval of the agreement by
the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, an obligation which Far East Energy
has now met. The Company expects to begin fracturing and testing the two
existing wells no later than late summer of 2004.
"This will be
another key development as Far East moves toward its goal of becoming
a key player in the development of coalbed methane in China," said
Mike McElwrath, Chairman and CEO of Far East Energy. "We are anxious
to start testing these wells in the Dragon Project in order to confirm
the initial data collected by ConocoPhillips, which is very positive."
If the initial two-well
test program is successful and based on recent negotiations resulting
in amended work requirements, Far East Energy expects to drill and test
one horizontal well on the Dragon Project to satisfy the work commitments
for the second phase of the Production Sharing Contract, which will require
that Far East Energy post another $900,000 surety bond or guarantee. That
well, which is expected to be commenced later this year, is planned to
be the first horizontal well ever drilled in China for the production
of coalbed methane. If successful, this first horizontal well may represent
a major milestone in the exploration for coalbed methane in China. Horizontal
drilling is a technology the application of which has been of great interest
to China United Coalbed Methane Corp., Ltd. ("CUCBM"), Far East’s
Chinese partner in the project, because they believe that it may yield
results superior to that of conventional vertical wells.
McElwrath stated that,
"Horizontal drilling technology has yielded impressive results in
coalbed methane applications in the United States. Far East Energy plans
to leverage that technology for the benefit of coalbed methane production
in China."
Depending on how CUCBM
and ConocoPhillips eventually elect to take their participating interests,
Far East Energy will have an interest of anywhere from 40% to 100% of
the working interest in the Dragon Project. CUCBM is a corporation given
exclusive authority by the State Council of China to enter into joint
venture agreements with foreign enterprises to develop CBM in China,
The Dragon Project
is potentially one of the largest coalbed methane projects in China, and
coupled with Far East Energy’s existing projects in Yunnan Province, which
cover more than 250,000 acres, makes Far East Energy the third largest
holder of coalbed methane acreage in all of China. The West-to-East Pipeline
to Shanghai runs very close to the southern portion of the Shanxi Project
and the Shanjing II Pipeline to Bejing is about 40 kilometers from Far
East Energy’s northern block in Shanxi.
Based in Houston,
Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is
focused on the acquisition of, and exploration for, coalbed methane through
its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company
(CUCBM). For more information, go to www.fareastenergy.com.
This
News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
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Bruce
Huff Joins Far East Energy as Chief Financial Officer
Houston, TX - May
13, 2004 – In a move to expand its management team to prepare for future
growth, Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) announced today that
Bruce N. Huff has joined the company as Chief Financial Officer, effective
immediately. He brings more than 30 years of financial experience with
emphasis on domestic and international oil and gas exploration/production.
During his 13 years
with Harken Energy, in addition to holding positions as President and
Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Huff served in a number of other capacities
including Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and as a Director.
In his industry experience, Mr. Huff has been responsible for a wide range
of functions including strategic planning, financial, legal, information
technology and investor relations. He has experience with acquisitions
and divestitures, capital financings with common and preferred stock,
U.S. and European convertibles and bank-project financing. Mr. Huff’s
background also includes 20 years in public accounting, including positions
with an international accounting firm in Dallas, Texas where he served
in the audit department serving numerous public companies and as President
of a local accounting firm in Abilene, Texas servicing oil and gas, banking,
and other industries. Mr. Huff has co-authored several books and published
articles on auditing small businesses and quality controls as well as
training courses for those services. He graduated with a BS in Accounting
from Abilene Christian University.
Mr. Huff is a CPA
and has been a member of the American Institute of CPAs, the Financial
Executives Institute and the Independent Producers Association of America.
The Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants named Mr. Huff the Outstanding
Young CPA for Texas in 1983.
"We are thrilled
to have a financial executive of the caliber of Bruce Huff join the Far
East Energy management team as we prepare for a significant increase in
the drilling and testing efforts of our coalbed methane projects in China,"
said Michael McElwrath, Chairman and CEO of Far East Energy. "His
substantial financial and capital-raising background are especially well-suited
to international energy development projects as significant in scope as
those held in China by Far East Energy. His experience implementing corporate
governance applications and the coordination of internal controls in an
international exploration environment along with his service devoted to
the Auditing Standards Board will be invaluable to Far East Energy as
we move aggressively in testing and developing what could become one of
the largest coalbed methane projects in the world in China.
"We have had
some events that are building the potential of the company with the continued
positive drilling results we have had and now the addition of a seasoned
financial executive that will allow us to be prepared for the accelerated
activities under the production sharing contracts in the Shanxi and the
Yunnan Provinces of China is most promising."
Based in Houston,
Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is
focused on the acquisition of, and exploration for, coalbed methane through
its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company
(CUCBM). For more information, go to www.fareastenergy.com.
This
News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
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The Shanxi project in full development could sustain over
3,000 gas wells, giving it the potential to become
one of the largest CBM projects in the world.
China Ministry of Commerce Approves Far East Energy/ConocoPhillips Agreement; Favorable Results from Third Well in Yunnan Province Reported
Beijing, China – April 19, 2004 - Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) announced today that it has received from the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, the approval of its assignment and farmout agreement from ConocoPhillips (Phillips China) covering the one-million-acre-plus Dragon Project in Shanxi Province, China. The Dragon Project is one of the largest coalbed methane projects in China, and coupled with Far East’s existing projects in Yunnan Province, which cover more than a quarter million (250,000) acres, this makes Far East Energy the third largest holder of coalbed methane acreage in all of China.
"This is the moment that we have been waiting for," said Mike McElwrath, Chairman and CEO of Far East Energy. "The two blocks of the Dragon Project have enormous potential, even more than our Yunnan projects, and located as they are astride the two largest pipeline projects in China, serving the two largest cities in China, we have been anxious to get our drilling program in Shanxi underway."
The lower-end projection for gas-in-place in the area covered by the Shanxi PSCs, based upon data gathered by ConocoPhillips, is 13.096 trillion cubic feet. The West-to-East Pipeline to Shanghai runs very close to the southern portion of the Shanxi Project and the Shanjing II Pipeline to Beijing is approximately 40 kilometers from Far East’s northern block in Shanxi. Based on ConocoPhillips’ and the Yunnan Provincial Coal Geology Bureau’s estimates, all of Far East’s project areas combined contain 19.5 to 26 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of CBM original gas-in-place.
Meanwhile, Far East continues to build up favorable results in its ongoing drilling program in Yunnan Province. Its third well, the FCY-EH01 well, was completed on April 7, 2004, to a total depth of 435 meters (1,436 feet), and preliminary gas content estimates are very good.
A total of 42 coal seams with a thickness 0.5m and above were penetrated during the drilling of the well, with a total thickness of 42.8 meters (141 feet), an excellent result. The total thickness of the four coal seams targeted for potential production was 17.2 meters (57 feet). Estimated gas content based on the preliminary desorption results obtained by the Xi’an Branch of the China Coal Research Institute is 8 to10 cubic meters per ton of coal or about 280 to 350 cubic feet per ton of coal. This is right in line with the projections for the Enhong Block which estimate a gas content of 200 to 400 cubic feet per ton of coal. By way of comparison, the well-known Black Warrior Basin in the United States has gas contents ranging from 250 to 500 cubic feet per ton of coal.
The Far East Energy Enhong-Laochang Production Sharing Contract (PSC) covers a 30-year relationship in which Far East Energy has a 60% working interest with the remaining 40% owned by China United Coalbed Methane Corporation, Ltd. (CUCBM), a corporation given exclusive authority by the State Council of China to enter into joint venture agreements with foreign enterprises to develop CBM in China. At present, there is no pipeline in the vicinity of Far East’s project areas in Yunnan Province, and marketing the Yunnan gas will require a pipeline or a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility. Successful development and production from a sufficient number of wells will be required to attract a pipeline or LNG plant.
The farmout agreement from Phillips China Inc., a Conoco Phillips subsidiary, covers 4280 square kilometers (1,059,650 acres) in both the Shouyang Block (near Taiyuan City) and the Qinnan Block (near Jincheng and Qinshui). Phillips China has an election to retain a net undivided thirty percent (30%) participating interest, or take a 3.5 percent overriding royalty interest. CUCBM is again the Chinese partner, and can elect to participate at anywhere from zero to thirty percent (30%) of costs and revenues. Thus, Far East Energy will have an interest of anywhere from forty percent (if both Phillips China and CUCBM elect maximum participation) to 96.5% if Phillips China takes only its overriding royalty and CUCBM elects to take no interest.
Based in Houston, Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is focused on the acquisition of, and exploration for, coalbed methane through its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company (CUCBM). For more information, go to www.fareastenergy.com.
This News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.
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April
14, 2004 - U.S. Sees Huge Growth in World Energy Demand
Washington, April
14, 2004 (UPI) A forecast released Wednesday predicts world energy
demand will grow more than 50 percent by 2025 with increased use of nearly
every type of fuel.
The U.S. Energy Information
Administration said robust economic growth worldwide, and particularly
in China, India and Eastern Europe, will result in a 54-percent overall
increase in demand with growth rates of 33 percent in the industrialized
world and a whopping 91 percent in the developing world.
Nuclear, coal and
renewable energy, which includes hydroelectric, are expected to see growth,
but not like the doubling of electricity demand and 67 percent boom in
natural gas demand.
Oil consumption is
projected to climb from 77 million barrels per day to around 121 million
bpd by 2025, although the price by that time wont change much. The
EIA pegged the price of a barrel of crude 20 years from now at around
$27.
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Far
East Energy Spuds Third Well in China
Beijing, China – March
18, 2004 - Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) commenced drilling
operations for its third coalbed methane gas well in China, spudding the
FCY-EH01 well on March 16, 2004. The well is located on Far East’s Enhong
Block in Yunnan Province near Shang Sheshui Village.
This is the third
of five exploration wells which are expected to be drilled and completed
by the early summer of 2004. Assuming these wells are successful, Far
East Energy will then drill eight pilot wells for test production before
entering the development stage for the property. The FCY-LC01 is expected
to drill to a total depth of 470 meters (1504 feet). Targeted coal seams
and their buried depths are: the #9 coal seam (295m), #14/15 seams (335
m), #21(409m), and the #23 coal seam (423m).
Far East’s first test
well, the (FCY-LC01) in Laochang block, Yunnan Province, China, drilled
to a total depth of 825 meters (2,722 feet), penetrated 15 mineable coal
seams with a total thickness of 29.40 meters (97 feet), and revealed four
targeted major coal seams with a total thickness of 16.30 meters (54 feet),
all within an interval of about 110 meters (363 feet), favorable for fracturing
and production of CBM. The coring of the coal samples showed an unusually
high recovery rate of 94.8%. Testing results on the core indicated a gas
content of approximately 650 cubic feet per ton of coal. By comparison,
some of the more prolific CBM basins in the United States have lower gas
contents, such as the San Juan Basin in New Mexico, which has gas content
of 300-700 cubic feet per ton of coal, and the Black Warrior Basin in
Alabama, which has gas content of 250-500 cubic feet per ton of coal.
Far East’s second
well, the FCY-EH02 was drilled in the Enhong Block to a depth of 420 meters
(1344 feet) and yielded estimated gas content based on preliminary desorption
results of approximately 10 cubic meters per ton of coal or about 350
cubic feet per ton of coal. That result was in line with projections for
the Enhong Block, which estimated a gas content of 200 to 400 cubic feet
per ton of coal.
“Our exploration program
is proceeding according to plan,” said Michael McElwrath, Chairman and
CEO of Far East Energy. “We are extremely pleased with the results of
our fist two wells, and certainly hope that the results of well number
three will continue to verify the projections of high gas content in our
holdings. The strong potential of the Enhong and Laochang Projects, coupled
with our Dragon Project being pursued in partnership with ConocoPhillips
in Shanxi Province in North China, will hopefully result in Far East Energy
becoming a major player in the exploration and development of natural
gas in China. We are already the third largest holder of coalbed methane
production sharing contracts in China, and the task before us now is to
convert what we believe to be tremendous potential into reality.”
The Yunnan Provincial
Coal Geology Bureau (YNCGB) estimates that the 264,863 acres (1,072.32
sq km) covered by the Far East Energy Production Sharing Contracts (PSC)
in Yunnan contain 5.24 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) or 148.3 billion cubic
meters (BCM) of CBM resources (original gas in place). This is based on
data gathered from 1,561 coal exploration drill holes and more than 30
technical reports by this bureau and other government owned geological
teams in the past 30 years.
The Far East Energy
Enhong-Laochang Production Sharing Contract (PSC) covers a 30-year relationship
in which Far East Energy has a 60% working interest with the remaining
40% owned by China United Coalbed Methane Corporation, Ltd. (CUCBM), a
corporation given exclusive authority by the State Council of China to
enter into joint venture agreements with foreign enterprises to develop
CBM in China. At present, there is no pipeline in the vicinity of Far
East’s project areas in Yunnan Province, and marketing the Yunnan gas
will require a pipeline or a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility. Successful
development and production from a sufficient number of wells will be required
to attract a pipeline or LNG plant.
In northern China’s
Shanxi Province, Far East Energy has signed a farmout agreement with ConocoPhillips
for two PSCs covering 4280 square kilometers (1,059,650 acres) with CUCBM
again being the Chinese partner. The lower-end projection for gas-in-place
in the area covered by the Shanxi PSCs, based upon data gathered by ConocoPhillips,
is 13.096 trillion cubic feet. The West-to-East Pipeline to Shanghai runs
very close to the southern portion of the Shanxi Project and the Shanjing
II Pipeline to Beijing is approximately 40 kilometers from Far East’s
northern block in Shanxi. Far East thus hopes to be a major provider of
gas to China’s two largest cities.
“There is much discussion
that the greatest single impediment to China maintaining its unprecedented
economic growth is a potential shortfall in energy supply. Couple that
with China’s stated desire to increase natural gas utilization four-fold
by 2010 in order to minimize a serious air pollution problem, and we think
that we are in the right sector at the right time,” said McElwrath.
Based in Houston, Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far
East Energy is focused on the acquisition of, and exploration for, coalbed
methane through its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed
Methane Company (CUCBM). For more information, go to www.fareastenergy.com.
This
News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
Back
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Far
East Energy Reports Test Results on Second China CBM Well
Beijing, China – March
17, 2004 - Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) announced today
the results of its second coalbed methane (CBM) gas exploration well (FCY-EH02)
in the Enhong Block, in Yunnan Province, China. The well was spudded on
January 18, 2004, and reached its total depth of 420 meters (1344 feet)
on February 18, and preliminary test results are good.
"This is now
the second well that has yielded results equaling or bettering the gas
content that was projected for our Enhong and Laochang Blocks," said
Michael McElwrath, Chairman of Far East Energy. "We are very pleased
that the strong projections for gas content are thus far being verified."
A total of 15 coal
seams with a thickness 0.5m and above were penetrated during the drilling
of the well, with a total thickness of 16.7 meters (53.44 feet), a good
result. The total thickness of the coal seams targeted for potential production
was 6.6 meters, with a solid recovery rate of 70%. Estimated gas content
based on the preliminary desorption results is approximately 10 cubic
meters per ton of coal or about 350 cubic feet per ton of coal. This is
right in line with the projections for the Enhong Block, which estimate
a gas content of 200 to 400 cubic feet per ton of coal. By way of comparison,
the well-known Black Warrior Basin in the United States has gas contents
ranging from 250 to 500 cubic feet per ton of coal.
Dr. Alex Yang, Far
East’s Senior Vice President for Exploration and Production stated, "We
are very encouraged by these preliminary results because this well is
considerably shallower than our first well in the Laochang Block (420
meters as compared to 825 meters)and when you test at shallower depths,
you expect the gas content to be lower than at deeper depths. This gas
content is right on the higher end of the projected range for Enhong."
Tun Aye Sai, Senior
Vice President for China Operations noted, "We drilled this well
some 40 kilometers distant from our first well (which had an unusually
high gas content of around 650 cubic feet per ton of coal), hoping that
we would find that the projected gas content for the area would hold up
at this considerable distance from our first well. We are quite happy
to see the results for a shallow well coming in right in the middle of
the 200 to 400 cubic feet per ton of coal projected."
The Far East Energy
Enhong-Laochang Production Sharing Contract (PSC) covers 1072 square kilometers
(265,400 acres) for a 30-year term in which Far East Energy has a 60%
working interest, with the remaining 40% owned by China United Coalbed
Methane Corporation, Ltd. (CUCBM), a corporation given exclusive authority
by the State Council of China to enter into joint venture agreements with
foreign enterprises to develop CBM in China. At present, there is no pipeline
in the vicinity of Far East’s project areas in Yunnan Province, and marketing
the Yunnan gas will require a pipeline or a liquefied natural gas (LNG)
facility. Successful development and production from a sufficient number
of wells will be required to attract a pipeline or LNG plant.
In northern China’s
Shanxi Province, Far East Energy has also signed a farmout agreement with
ConocoPhillips for two PSCs covering 4280 square kilometers (1,059,650
acres) with CUCBM again being the Chinese partner. The West-to-East Pipeline
to Shanghai runs very close to the southern portion of the Shanxi Project
and the Shanjing II Pipeline to Beijing is approximately 40 kilometers
from Far East’s northern block in Shanxi. Far East thus hopes to be a
major provider of gas to China’s two largest cities.
Based in Houston, Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far
East Energy is focused on the acquisition of, and exploration for, coalbed
methane through its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed
Methane Company (CUCBM). For more information, go to www.fareastenergy.com.
This
News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
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China Chemical Reporter
March
16, 2004 - China Puts Investment in Natural Gas
China needs RMB220
billion of investment to develop its natural gas industry by 2020. An
official of the State Development and Reform Commission, Bai Rongchun,
says the money will be used to build 50 thousand kilometers of pipelines,
liquefied natural gas, or LNG, stations and LNG transportation facilities.
He adds the government
welcomes foreign investors to cooperate in the natural gas sector and
has modified regulations and loosened controls to encourage this investment.
The central government
is making a long-term plan to better exploit and utilize natural gas to
speed up natural energy security.
According to the information
the reporter has got from the West-East Gas Transmission Project Working
Conference, with 4 years strenuous effects the west-east gas transmission
project will be fully completed this year. Natural gas will start to be
transmitted from Lunnan of the Tarim Basin on Oct. 1. The targets of transmitting
and selling 1.3 billion m3 of natural gas and starting gas supply for
commercial uses on Jan.1, 2005 will also be attained. General Manager
Huang Wei of the West-East Gas Transmission Pipeline Co. says that since
natural gas started to be transmitted from Jingbian on Oct. 1 last year
the amount of gas supplied to Shanghai, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Anhui and Henan
has reached 150 million m3.
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Far
East Energy Expands Management Team, Adds Outside Director
Houston, Texas –Mar.
16, 2004 - Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) has named Garry
Ward as its senior vice president, engineering. Ward’s career spans 23
years in the petroleum industry, where his primary focus has been on the
evaluation of oil and gas properties throughout the United States. Ward
has been involved in the evaluation of coalbed methane prospects, primarily
in the San Juan and Powder River basins, since 1992. In addition, he has
over 20 years’ experience in petroleum software development and has written
numerous programs for use in the evaluation of oil and gas assets.
Ward previously served as reservoir manager for 3TEC Energy and as vice
president of engineering and production for Floyd Oil Company. He holds
a Master of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University
of Houston, is a registered professional engineer in the state of Texas
and has been a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers since 1978.
Additionally, Far East has named Thomas E. Williams to its board of directors.
Williams is presently vice president of Maurer Technology, a drilling
technology subsidiary of Noble Corporation. Williams held senior executive
positions at the Department of Energy and the Department of Interior during
the first Bush administration, following which he served as business development
director at Houston’s Westport Technology Center, a leading upstream oil
and gas research company that was acquired by Dresser Industries which
later merged with Halliburton. Williams is co-founder and serves on the
board of directors of Cementing Solutions, Inc., an oil and gas cementing
and technology company based in Houston.
Williams serves on a number of professional oil and gas organizations,
associations and boards including the Independent Petroleum Association
of America, the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council’s advisory group
and national board, the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners
Association, the Society of Petroleum Engineers, the American Association
of Drilling Engineers and others. He has authored more than 100 energy
publications and articles during his 20 years in the industry.
Commenting on these
appointments, Michael McElwrath, chief executive officer of Far East Energy,
said, “During his tenure with Floyd Oil, Garry Ward evaluated a large
number of oil and gas properties for acquisition and then designed the
field development and stimulation packages for the properties that were
acquired. This extensive background and Garry's ability to both evaluate
field project economics and to design complex production programs for
gas field development will be very valuable to the strategic planning
and operations of Far East Energy. His expertise in big-picture project
economics will be a tremendous asset as we design the strategy to maximize
the economics of our coalbed methane holdings in China, including designing
field stimulations and development programs for our holdings with ConocoPhillips
in Shanxi Province.
"Tom Williams
is a remarkable individual and will make a valuable addition our board
of directors. He is well known throughout the industry as an innovator
who brings boundless energy and strategic thinking to any situation, and
Far East will greatly benefit from his strong industry experience, insight
and enthusiasm."
Based in Houston,
Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is
focused on the acquisition of, and exploration for, coalbed methane through
its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company
(CUCBM). For more information, go to www.fareastenergy.com.
This
News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
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Feb.
12, 2004 - Far East Energy Expresses Concern Over Existence of Undisclosed
Control Group Of Stockholders
HOUSTON--(PRNewswire-FirstCall)--Far
East Energy Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: FEEC -News) announced today
that it has received information that one or more persons may have acquired
a large block of Far East's common stock without disclosing their ownership
and control of the stock as required by the U.S. Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"). Previously, on January 3, 2004,
Far East announced that it had learned that the SEC is investigating possible
violations of federal securities laws in connection with ownership and
trading of Far East's stock. In response to a subpoena from the Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC), Far East has provided information in its
possession concerning the possibility of undisclosed stock ownership to
the SEC.
The Exchange Act and
SEC rules require that a person or group of persons who acquire more than
5% of a class of equity securities that are registered under the Exchange
Act must report their holdings in a Schedule 13D filing with the SEC within
10 days after they become 5% shareholders, and must thereafter report
changes in their ownership of the securities. In addition, Section 16(a)
of the Exchange Act generally requires that owners of more than 10% of
a class of stock that is registered under the Exchange Act, must report
changes in their holdings within 48 hours of an acquisition or disposition
of the securities.
If a person or group
owns a large block of stock of a publicly traded company, particularly
if that stock is not subject to restrictions on its purchase and sale
on the open market, there is a risk that the person or group could sufficiently
control the market for the stock to drive the stock's trading price stock
up or down, and thereby the undisclosed control group could reap trading
profits at the expense of other public investors. In addition, Schedule
13D requires owners of a control group of stock to disclose their intentions
with respect to management or control of the company. Far East is making
this announcement to alert the public that an undisclosed control group
might exist.
Based in Houston,
Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is
focused on the acquisition of, and exploration for coalbed methane through
its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company.
This
News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"
Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
Back
to top
Jan.
29, 2004 - Far East Energy Begins Drilling Second Gas Well in China
Beijing, China - Far
East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) has begun drilling its second gas
well (FCY-EH02) on the Enhong-Laochang coalbed methane (CBM) block in
the Yunnan Province of southern China, with a third test well (FCY-EH03)
scheduled to drill in February.
As announced in early
December, preliminary test results from the first well were excellent,
with strong indications of coalbed methane gas. Drilling of the second
and third wells should be completed by early spring, with testing and
analysis to determine sustained production rates completed by July. A
fourth and fifth well will be drilled by late spring with de-watering
and testing to take place during the second quarter.
"Assuming we
get favorable results as we did with our first test well, we expect to
drill eight more wells during the second half of this year, bringing the
total to 13 wells in Yunnan Province," said Michael McElwrath, chairman
of Far East Energy. We expect to expend approximately $1.1 million to
drill and conduct desorption tests on these first three wells, as well
as to pay expenses for CUCBM salaries, assistance fees, training fees,
and other related expenses. Many of these expenditures have already been
made."
He added that successful
production from several wells will be required to attract a pipeline or
LNG (liquefied natural gas) plant in Yunnan Province. "With the vast
amount of positive technical data already available and reviewed, we believe
Far East Energy will achieve that level of production. Furthermore, the
demand for gas in south China is increasing at a rate sufficient to justify
a pipeline or LNG facility in the area.
Meanwhile, the company
is awaiting approval from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce relative to
its farmout and assignment agreements with Phillips China, a subsidiary
of Conoco-Phillips, in which Far East Energy agreed to acquire 40% of
Phillips China’s 70% interest in two Production Sharing Contracts (PSC)
in Shanxi Province.
Currently, Phillips
China, CUCBM (China United Coalbed Methane Company) and Far East Energy
have a 30%, 30% and 40% interest in the projects respectively. "We
are hopeful for approval by this spring," said McElwrath. Under the
terms of the agreement, Far East Energy has committed to fracture, stimulate
and production test the gas flows from three wells drilled by Phillips
China. The initial technical data collected and analyzed by Phillips China
is encouraging.
"We anticipate
that by the end of the second quarter of 2004, the first five wells will
be undergoing, or will have already undergone, dewatering testing. Full
associated costs for the Enhong – Laochang Project through the second
quarter of 2004 (including drilling and testing the first five wells,
plus associated CUCBM expenses) are expected approximate $2,500,000, including
amounts already expended on the first well. In the last six months of
2004, provided the aforementioned operations proceed according to plan,
and barring unforeseen funding difficulties, we expect to drill eight
more wells on the Enhong and Laochang tracts, at an all-in cost of approximately
$4,500,000. We expect to fund these activities with our existing capital,
the exercise of warrants issued to investors in our recently completed
offering, and new capital from third parties.
"We believe that
we have sufficient cash to fund operating needs and financial obligations
through mid-2004. We anticipate incurring approximately $4.6 to $5.1 million
in exploration and development expenses in the first half of 2004. This
figure could be as high as $6.5 million if we elect to post cash reserves
in lieu of performance bonds as required by the ConocoPhillips agreements
in Shanxi.
"Overall, we
are very pleased with our operations in China," McElwrath said. "We
are on schedule and gratified with our progress to date."
Based in Houston, Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far
East Energy is focused on the acquisition of, and exploration for coalbed
methane through its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed
Methane Company (CUCBM).
For more information, go to www.fareastenergy.com.
Michael McElwrath
is chairman, president and chief executive officer of Far East Energy.
Before joining Far East Energy, he was Vice President of TMP/Hudson Global
Resources. McElwrath also served as Acting Assistant Secretary of Energy
in the first Bush Administration, charged with development of the nation's
coal, oil, and gas policies and with management of $2.1 billion in programs
including the Clean Coal Program, the National Oil and Gas Research Program,
and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. He was an international Negotiator
and Policy Advisor in the Reagan Administration. Upon leaving the Bush
Administration he had worked as Director of the National Institute for
Petroleum and Energy Research and Director of British Petroleum's outsourced
exploration and production lab for the Americas. In addition, he holds
a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law, as well as a B.A Honors
Program.
This
News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
Back
to top
Jan.
29, 2004 - Far East Energy Second Gas Well Drilling Detail
Beijing, China - Far
East Energy Corporation (OTC BB:FEEC) has issued the following press release
to correct and expand upon statements in their press release of earlier
today as well as their Dec. 4, 2003 press release concerning results of
their first well drilled in Yunnan Province, China.
While it is correct
that drilling of the second and third wells should be completed by early
spring, we will not conduct testing and analysis "to determine sustained
production rates", to be " completed by July".
The first 5 wells
to be drilled in our Enhong-Laochang blocks in Yunnan Province, China,
are properly characterized as exploration test wells. These five exploration
test wells will be tested to determine gas content, gas quality, desorption
from dewatering, permeability, and cold seam thickness. They will not
be tested in the exploration phase for sustained production rates. If
these first five exploration test wells reveal favorable gas content,
gas quality, desorption from dewatering, permeability, and cold seam thickness,
then we will move to phase II which is the phase in which we actually
test production from selected wells. In phase II, the test production
phase, we will select two of our first five well locations and around
each of these two selected locations we will drill an additional four
wells intended to test potential production. Then if production from these
pilot test production wells is satisfactory, we will move into the overall
development stage in which we will begin to drill and complete multiple
wells with an eye to actual production.
If we achieve favorable
results from both the exploration and test production wells described
above (13 wells total), and move into the overall development (production)
phase, it is hoped that production from numerous wells will encourage
consideration of a pipeline or LNG facility in Yunnan Province. This could
then allow us to market our gas once sufficient production volumes are
achieved.
Finally, it is important
to note that in addition to cash on hand, additional investments will
be required to fund operating needs and financial obligations through
mid-2004.
Based in Houston, Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far
East Energy is focused on the acquisition of, and exploration for coalbed
methane through its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed
Methane Company (CUCBM).
For more information, go to www.fareastenergy.com.
Michael McElwrath
is chairman, president and chief executive officer of Far East Energy.
Before joining Far East Energy, he was Vice President of TMP/Hudson Global
Resources. McElwrath also served as Acting Assistant Secretary of Energy
in the first Bush Administration, charged with development of the nation's
coal, oil, and gas policies and with management of $2.1 billion in programs
including the Clean Coal Program, the National Oil and Gas Research Program,
and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. He was an international Negotiator
and Policy Advisor in the Reagan Administration. Upon leaving the Bush
Administration he had worked as Director of the National Institute for
Petroleum and Energy Research and Director of British Petroleum's outsourced
exploration and production lab for the Americas. In addition, he holds
a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law, as well as a B.A Honors
Program.
This
News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
Back
to top
Jan.
03, 2004 - Far East Energy Learns From SEC That "Certain Persons
or Entities" May Have Failed to File Reports Disclosing Stock Ownership
in Far East Energy
Houston, Texas – Far
East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) announced today that it has learned
from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that the SEC is investigating
whether "certain persons or entities" from "at least January
1, 2000 through the present" may have violated federal securities
laws in connection with their ownership and trading of securities in Far
East Energy.
The SEC noted that
these certain persons or entities may have acquired more than 5% of common
stock in Far East Energy without making this transaction public in a Schedule
13D filing with the SEC within 10 days after the purchase is made as required
by federal securities laws. The SEC is also looking into whether anyone
may have acquired more than 10% of Far East Energy's outstanding common
stock and failed to file reports of purchases and sales as required by
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, the
SEC is investigating whether certain persons or entities may have communicated
false and misleading information about Far East Energy. Management does
not know of any acquisitions in excess of 5% of its outstanding shares,
except for those described in previous 13D filings with the SEC. Far East
Energy currently has about 56 million shares of common stock outstanding.
In response to this
new information, Mike McElwrath, chairman and chief executive officer
of Far East Energy, made the following statement: "We intend to continue
to cooperate with the SEC in this matter. Reporting share ownership is
the obligation of individual shareholders. The company encourages all
of its shareholders who acquire material amounts of stock to comply with
reporting requirements. Notwithstanding the substantial asset base of
Far East Energy in China, this company's most important asset still is,
and always will be, our credibility. We will continue to aggressively
explore and develop our properties in China and report all material developments
in an accurate, timely manner."
Based in Houston,
Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is
focused on the acquisition of, and exploration for coalbed methane through
its agreements with ConocoPhillips and China United Coalbed Methane Company
(CUCBM).
For more information, go to www.fareastenergy.com.
Michael McElwrath
is chairman, president and chief executive officer of Far East Energy.
Before joining Far East Energy, he was Vice President of TMP/Hudson Global
Resources. McElwrath also served as Acting Assistant Secretary of Energy
in the first Bush Administration, charged with development of the nation's
coal, oil, and gas policies and with management of $2.1 billion in programs
including the Clean Coal Program, the National Oil and Gas Research Program,
and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. He was an international Negotiator
and Policy Advisor in the Reagan Administration. Upon leaving the Bush
Administration he had worked as Director of the National Institute for
Petroleum and Energy Research and Director of British Petroleum's outsourced
exploration and production lab for the Americas. In addition, he holds
a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law, as well as a B.A Honors
Program.
This
News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
Back
to top
Dec.
19, 2003 - Far East Energy Applies to List its Common Stock on American
Stock Exchange
Houston, Texas – Far
East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) has applied to list its common
stock on the American Stock Exchange.
Acceptance of Far
East Energy’s application is subject to approval by the American Stock
Exchange.
Based in Houston,
Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is
focused on the exploration and development of some of the largest coalbed
methane (CBM) gas projects in the world through its agreements with ConocoPhillips
and China United Coalbed Methane Company (CUCBM).
For more information,
go to www.fareastenergy.com.
This
News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
Back
to top
Dec.
18, 2003 - Far East Energy to Respond to SEC Requests
Houston, Texas – Far
East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) announced that on December 16,
2003, the company received a subpoena from the Securities and Exchange
Commission, requesting documents relating to the preliminary results of
its exploratory well in the Laochang Block, Yunnan Province, China as
announced in a December 4, 2003 press release. Far East Energy has extensive
data related to the preliminary results of its first well, including wireline
logs, coring records, drilling reports, and preliminary desorption results,
which it is working diligently to provide to the SEC by Monday, December
22, 2003. The SEC also requested various documents related to the company’s
communications with InvesTrend, a provider of financial intelligence programs.
The company expects to respond to all of the SEC's requests by Monday.
For more information,
go to www.fareastenergy.com.
This
News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
Back
to top
Dec.
12, 2003 - Far East Energy’s CEO Michael McElwrath to be Featured on CNNfn’s
"Money & Markets" at 4:00 p.m. EST Friday, Dec. 12, 2003
Houston, Texas – Michael
McElwrath, CEO of Far East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) will be a
featured guest on CNN Financial Network’s "Money & Markets"
at 4:00 p.m. EST December 12, 2003.
Based in Houston,
Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is
focused on the exploration and development of some of the largest coalbed
methane (CBM) gas projects in the world through its agreements with ConocoPhillips
and China United Coalbed Methane Company (CUCBM).
Based on estimates
by ConocoPhillips and Yunnan Provincial Coal Geology Bureau, the Far East
Energy project areas potentially contain 19.5-26 trillion cubic feet (Tcf)
of CBM gas-in-place. These properties have been well explored and defined.
For more information,
go to www.fareastenergy.com.
This
News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
Back
to top
Dec.
8, 2003 - Far East Energy Hires CTA Public Relations for Investor Relations
Program
Beijing, China
Far East Energy Corporation (OTC.OB FEEC) has retained CTA Public Relations
for an investor relations and media relations program in the United States.
We look forward
to working with CTA Public Relations to get our story out to the investment
community, said Michael McElwrath, Chairman of Far East Energy.
CTA Public Relations
will design and write a new Web site for Far East Energy, along with a
Corporate Profile, investor kit and analyst presentation. Ongoing activities
will include media relations efforts, arranging meetings with analysts
and money managers, preparation and distribution of news announcements
and handling inquiries from investors, along with pro-active contact with
the investment community.
Natural gas consumption
is rising rapidly in China, fueled by an unprecedented economic boom.
Chinas old coal-fired power stations are causing severe pollution
problems and the government is pushing clean-burning natural gas.
China has embarked on a major expansion of its gas infrastructure, most
notably the 3800 km West-to-East Pipeline that is the largest pipeline
project in the world. Additionally, China recently announced its intention
that natural gas replace coal as the major source for the generation of
electricity in Beijing by the time of the 2008 Olympics.
Based in Houston,
Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is
focused on the exploration and development of some of the largest coalbed
methane (CBM) gas projects in the world through its agreements with ConocoPhillips
and China United Coalbed Methane Company (CUCBM).
China is energy deficient
and CBM will play a significant role in Chinas energy development
according to experts. Far East Energy will play a pivotal role in meeting
this need for energy in China.
Far East Energy recently
began exploring for CBM in China, where the companys current interests
potentially represent 9.75 to 13 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of recoverable
CBM gas resource in three fields with potential to become mega-projects
of the type normally found in the portfolios of the majors.
For more information
on Far East Energy, go to www.fareastenergy.com.
Based in Louisville,
Colorado, CTA Public Relations is a full service marketing public relations
agency providing public relations, graphic-web design, hosting and maintenance,
and investor relations services since 1985.
Back
to top
Dec.
4, 2003 - Far East Energy Reports Excellent Test Results on First China
CBM Well
Beijing, China – Far
East Energy Corporation (OTC BB: FEEC) announced today its first exploration
coalbed methane (CBM) gas well (FCY-LC01) in Laochang block, Yunnan Province,
China, has reached its total depth of 825 meters (2,722 feet) and preliminary
test results are excellent.
“We are pleased to
see these exceptionally strong initial indications of coalbed methane
gas,” said Michael McElwrath, chairman of Far East Energy. “Things look
quite promising at this early stage.”
A total of 15 mineable
coal seams were penetrated during the drilling of the well, with a total
thickness of 29.40 meters (97 feet), which is considered excellent. The
coring of the coal samples showed an unusually high recovery rate of 94.8%,
according to Dr. Alex Yang, Vice President of Far East Energy and world-renowned
CBM expert.
Based on desorbed
gas flare observation, the gas is very pure methane with high quality.
In addition, the drilling revealed four targeted major coal seams with
a total thickness of 16.30 meters (54 feet), all within an interval of
about 110 meters (363 feet), favorable for fracturing and production of
CBM.
Using 18 desorption
samples from the well, preliminary testing results indicate the final
gas content should be in a range of 700 to 840 cubic feet per ton of coal,
according to Dr. Yang. By comparison, some of the more prolific CBM basins
in the United States have lower gas contents, such as the San Juan Basin
in New Mexico, which has gas content of 300-700 cubic feet per ton of
coal, and the Black Warrior Basin in Alabama which has gas content of
250-500 cubic feet per ton of coal.
“We are gratified
that this first test well supported our earlier position, namely that
there is already so much positive data from previous drilling and testing
by the Chinese that the probability for favorable results from our initial
exploration wells is excellent,” McElwrath said. “We are now ready to
move on to our second well nearby.”
Far East Energy will
begin drilling its second well on the Enhong block (FCY-EH02) in about
two weeks. The third test well, (FCY-EH03) will be spudded in January
2004 and should be completed about a month later.
Meanwhile, further
testing and analysis of these initial wells will continue into the first
half of 2004 to determine sustained production rates.
The Far East Energy
Enhong-Laochang Production Sharing Contract (PSC) covers a 30-year relationship
in which Far East Energy has a 60% working interest, with the remaining
40% owned by China United Coalbed Methane Corporation, Ltd. (CUCBM), a
corporation given exclusive authority by the State Council of China to
enter into joint venture agreements with foreign enterprises to develop
CBM in China.
In addition to the
executed Enhong-Laochang PSC in east Yunnan Province, Far East Energy
has initiated a PSC with CUCBM for the Zhaotong block in northeast Yunnan.
In northern China’s Shanxi Province, Far East Energy has also signed a
farmout agreement with ConocoPhillips for two PSCs with CUCBM again being
the Chinese partner. All three PSCs are in the process of final approval
by the Ministry of Commerce. Based on ConocoPhillips and the Yunnan Provincial
Coal Geology Bureau (YNCGB)’s estimates, all of Far East’s project areas
combined contain 19.5 to 26 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of CBM original
gas-in-place. Using a conservative recovery rate of 50%, it is estimated
that 9.75 to 13 Tcf is potentially recoverable, with Far East’s share
being 5.1 to 10 Tcf depending upon the degree of CUCBM and ConocoPhillips
participation.
“Natural gas utilization
is on the rise in China, with the State Council pushing for a four-fold
increase in gas usage by 2010,” noted McElwrath. “As we have said before,
the strong potential of the Enhong and Laochang Projects, coupled with
our Shanxi Project being pursued in partnership with ConocoPhillips in
Shanxi Province in North China, positions Far East Energy to become a
major player in the exploration and production of natural gas in China.
And with the West-to-East Pipeline to Shanghai running very close to the
southern portion of our Shanxi Project and with the Shanjing Pipeline
to Beijing near the northern portion, we believe we are ideally positioned
to be a significant provider for the growing gas demands of China’s two
largest cities.”
At present, there
is no pipeline in the vicinity of Far East’s project areas in Yunnan Province,
and marketing the Yunnan gas will require a pipeline or a liquefied natural
gas (LNG) facility. Successful development and production from a sufficient
number of wells will be required to attract a pipeline or LNG plant.
Based in Houston,
Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is
focused on the exploration and development of some of the largest coalbed
methane (CBM) projects in the world through its agreements with ConocoPhillips
and China United Coalbed Methane Company (CUCBM). For more information,
go to www.fareastenergy.com.
This
News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
Back
to top
Nov. 12, 2003 - Far East Energy Begins Gas Exploration In China
Beijing, China – Far East Energy Corporation (OTC.OB FEEC) has begun drilling its first gas well on the Enhong-Laochang coalbed methane (CBM) blocks in the Yunnan Province of southern China.
The Yunnan Provincial Coal Geology Bureau (YNCGB) estimates the 264,863 acres (1,072.32 sq km) covered by the Far East Energy Production Sharing Contract (PSC) contain 5.24 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) or 148.3 billion cubic meters (BCM) of CBM resources (original gas in place), which would be world-class. This is based on data gathered from 1,561 coal exploration drill holes and more than 30 technical reports by this bureau and other geological teams over the past 30 years.
"With the vast amount of positive technical data already reviewed, I believe the probability for favorable results from our initial exploration wells is well above average," said Michael McElwrath, Chairman of Far East Energy.
Natural gas consumption is rising rapidly in China, fueled by an unprecedented economic boom. China’s old coal-fired power stations are causing severe pollution problems and the government is pushing clean-burning natural gas.
China has embarked on a major expansion of its gas infrastructure, most notably the 3800 km West-to-East Pipeline that is the largest pipeline project in the world. Additionally, China recently announced its intention that natural gas replace coal as the major source for the generation of electricity in Beijing by the time of the 2008 Olympics.
The Far East Energy Enhong-Laochang PSC covers a 30-year relationship in which Far East Energy has a 60% working interest, with the remaining 40% owned by China United Coalbed Methane Corporation, Ltd. (CUCBM), a corporation given exclusive authority by the State Council of China to enter into joint venture agreements with foreign enterprises to develop CBM in China.
In addition to the executed Enhong-Laochang PSC in east Yunnan Province, Far East Energy has initiated a PSC with CUCBM for the Zhaotong block in northeast Yunnan. In northern China’s Shanxi Province, Far East Energy has also signed a farmout agreement with ConocoPhillips for two PSCs with CUCBM again being the Chinese partner. All three PSCs are in the process of final approval by the Ministry of Commerce. Based on ConocoPhillips and YNCGB’s estimates, Far East Energy’s current total interests potentially represent more than 9.6 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) of CBM gas resource (original gas in place) in China. Using a very conservative recovery rate of 50%, at least 4.8 trillion cubic feet (Tcf) is potentially recoverable.
"Natural gas utilization is on the rise in China, with the State Council pushing for a four-fold increase in gas usage by 2010," said McElwrath. "The strong potential of the Enhong and Laochang Projects, coupled with our Dragon Project being pursued in partnership with ConocoPhillips in Shanxi Province in North China, positions Far East Energy to become a major player in the exploration and production of natural gas in China. And with the West-to-East Pipeline to Shanghai running very close to the southern portion of our Dragon Project and with the Shanjing Pipeline to Beijing near the northern portion, we believe we are ideally positioned to be a significant provider for the growing gas demands of China’s two largest cities."
The spudding ceremony for the first Enhong-Laochang well was attended by almost 100 people, including many Chinese dignitaries to commemorate the historic event, among them the Director General of the Yunnan Coal Geology Bureau, Mr. Luo Qiliang; the Deputy Mayor of Qujing City, Mr. Wang Xiliang; and Mr. Gui Xianzhang, the Deputy Governor of Fuyuan County.
The well is the first of five exploration wells Far East Energy expects to be drilled and completed by the spring of 2004. Assuming these wells are successful, Far East Energy will then drill eight pilot wells for test production before entering the development stage for the property. This first well is expected to drill to a total depth of 780 meters (2,600 feet).
"China is energy deficient and coalbed methane will play a significant role in China’s energy development," said McElwrath. "Far East Energy looks forward to playing a pivotal role in meeting this need for energy in China."
Based in Houston, Texas, with offices in Beijing and Kunming, China, Far East Energy is focused on the exploration and development of some of the largest coalbed methane (CBM) projects in China. For more information, go to www.fareastenergy.com.
This News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.
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Oct.
16, 2003 - Far East Energy Announces Results of Annual Meeting, Appointment
of CEO And President
HOUSTON, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/
-- Far East Energy Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: FEEC; Berlin: FEN)
announced that on October 14, 2003, it reconvened its annual shareholder
meeting and that its shareholders approved all matters recommended by
the Board of Directors, including the appointment of Michael R. McElwrath
as CEO, President and a member of the Board.In addition to electing McElwrath,
the shareholders also re-elected to the Board of Directors Joe Cooper,
Tun Aye Sai, and Lal Gondi, as well as ratifying Payne, Falkner, Smith
& Jones as its independent accountant for the fiscal year 2003. The
shareholders also approved an amendment to the company's bylaws allowing
the Board of Directors to fill Board vacancies caused by any decision
of the Board to increase its size. Prior to this amendment, the bylaws
provided that only shareholders could fill board vacancies that might
be caused by a Board decision to increase the number of directors.
McElwrath had just
reached an agreement with the company, on October 13, 2003, to serve as
its CEO and on the Board, which the shareholders confirmed. McElwrath
stated, "I am eager to take the reins at Far East because I am convinced
that it has assembled a strong portfolio of projects. One of these projects,
the coalbed methane Dragon Project in Shanxi Province, China, is being
pursued under a Memorandum of Understanding with ConocoPhillips; is located
along the planned path of the West-East Pipeline; should be able to serve
both Beijing and Shanghai; and, in my opinion, has the potential to become
a mega-project of the type normally found only in the portfolio of the
majors. I believe Far East's natural gas opportunities in the Shanxi and
Yunnan Provinces of China, as well as in Montana, are significant, and
with proper financing, we look forward to developing, producing and selling
quantities of gas that will provide material benefits to our shareholders."
McElwrath's significant and varied background spans twenty-six years in
the energy industry, at one time or another serving as Acting Assistant
Secretary of Energy in the Bush Administration; an international negotiator
and special energy advisor to the Secretary of the Interior during the
Reagan Administration; Director of the National Institute for Petroleum
and Energy Research; Director of BP's outsourced exploration and production
lab for the Americas; and President/COO of two energy-related companies.
Mr. McElwrath also spent 10 years as an oil and gas and corporate attorney
in Midland, Texas during the oil boom and bust of the 1980s.
Headquartered in Houston,
Far East Energy Corporation is an independent energy company engaged in
acquisition, exploration and development of natural gas and coalbed methane
gas properties with primary interest in the United States and China.
This News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release
regarding Far East Energy Corp's business which are not historical facts
are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties.
For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual
results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements,
see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K
for the most recently ended fiscal year.
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Oct.
10, 2003 - Far East Energy Announces Completion of Financing Round, Compliance
With SEC Document Request and Adjournment of Annual Meeting
HOUSTON, Oct. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/
-- Far East Energy Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: FEEC; Berlin: FEN)
announced that yesterday it closed its equity private placement after
raising more than $5.9 million. The private placement involved the sale
of one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase one share of common
stock for $0.65. The net proceeds of these funds will be applied to work
programs on the following joint ventures with ConocoPhillips and China
United Coalbed Methane Co. (CUCBM) and a U.S. project in Montana in which
FEEC has a 100% interest.Far East is also in the process of complying
with a SEC subpoena. The SEC has requested documentation relating to Far
East's board and shareholder meetings, the identities and contact information
of parties related to Far East including its financial institutional relationships,
the recent equity offering conducted by Far East, the MOU with ConocoPhillips,
and the acquisition of property in Montana. Far East has already provided
many of the requested materials, is working diligently to respond to all
of the SEC's requests, and fully expects to produce the desired materials
on or before October 19, 2003.
On October 7, Far
East held its annual meeting of stockholders. However, due to a lack of
quorum of votes present, Far East adjourned the meeting until October
14, 2003 at 2 pm. Items scheduled to be addressed at the meeting include
election of directors, and ratification of the auditor.
Headquartered in Houston,
Far East Energy Corporation is an independent energy company engaged in
acquisition, exploration and development of natural gas and coalbed methane
gas properties with primary interest in the United States and China.
This News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release
regarding Far East Energy Corp's business which are not historical facts
are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties.
For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual
results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements,
see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K
for the most recently ended fiscal year.
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March.
19, 2003 - ConocoPhillips and Far East Energy Form Strategic Partnership
to Develop Gas Fields in China
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS
WIRE)--March 19, 2003--Far East Energy Corporation (OTCBB: FEEC) is pleased
to announce today that the company has entered into a memorandum of understanding
with ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP - News) to acquire a minimum of 40% interest
in ConocoPhillips' coalbed methane (CBM) projects in the Qinshui Basin
of the Qinnan and Shouyang areas of the Shanxi Province, Peoples Republic
of China. The two projects are to be jointly explored and developed by
both companies.The two projects cover an area of 4,280 square kilometers
(1,057,638 acres). ConocoPhillips drilled three wells in late 2002. Far
East Energy is committing to fracture stimulate and production test these
3 wells and drill an additional 3 new wells. CBM gas in place resource
potential in the area is estimated to be 16-25 trillion cubic feet.
The 4,000-kilometer
West-East gas pipeline currently under construction will run across the
southern part of the Qinnan block. These project areas are located 300
kilometers southwest of Beijing and are within 150-200 kilometers of existing
pipelines. A recent market study by ConocoPhillips for the project areas
concludes favorable CBM market conditions.
Bill Jackson, president
& COO stated, "We believe that this partnership between ConocoPhillips
and Far East Energy will benefit the shareholders of both organizations.
Together, our teams have substantial expertise in coalbed methane development
and long-standing track records in China. We look forward to a mutually
rewarding relationship with ConocoPhillips and our Chinese partners in
the years to come."
As of 2002, China's
natural gas production accounted for only 2% of its energy consumption.
China has set forth a strategic mandate to increase natural gas production
to 8% of its energy consumption by the year 2010. To achieve this, the
State Council of the Peoples Republic of China has budgeted to spend over
$8 billion. Far East Energy is among companies like ConocoPhillips, ChevronTexaco,
BP and Burlington Resources to assist China in meeting its strategic mandate
of CBM and conventional natural gas production and use.
Furthermore, Shell,
ExxonMobil and Russia's Gazprom have entered into an agreement with PetroChina
to build a 4,000-kilometer pipeline from the Tarim basin in far northwest
Xinjiang Uygar Autonomous Region to Shanghai on the eastern seaboard.
The cost of the project is estimated to be $US 8.9 billion, with $US 5.6
billion for the pipeline construction and $US 3.3 billion for other upstream
developments. The project is rated to deliver 12 billion cubic meters
(425 billion cubic feet) of gas annually for at least 45 years. PetroChina's
guideline price averages $US 4.41/mcf, with delivery to the end point
at Shanghai at $US 4.62/mcf. This and the recent pipeline building activities
show China's commitment to natural gas at or above current world market
prices.
ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP
- News) is an integrated energy company with interests around the world.
Headquartered in Houston, the company had approximately 57,000 employees
and $77 billion of assets as of Dec. 31, 2002.
Headquartered in Houston,
Far East Energy Corporation (OTCBB:FEEC - News; Berlin:FEN - News) is
an independent energy company engaged in the acquisition, development
and utilization of clean energies. The company has set a business strategy
with an objective to achieving success in exploration, development, production
and utilization of China's coalbed methane and coal mine methane natural
gas resources. The company also has shallow gas properties in Montana,
USA. For more information about the company, go to www.FarEastEnergy.com.
This
news release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this news release.
No obligation is undertaken to release revisions to these forward-looking
statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news
release. Further information about the risks and uncertainties faced can
be found in applicable filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release
regarding Far East Energy Corp's business which are not historical facts
are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties.
For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual
results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements,
see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K
for the most recently ended fiscal year.
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Dec.
17, 2002 - Far East Energy Executes Signing Ceremony for Enhong and Laochang
Blocks in China
Houston, Texas – Far
East Energy Corporation (OTCBB: FEEC) (Berlin: FEN) announced today that
on December 3, 2002, China United Coalbed Methane Co. Ltd. (CUCBM) and
Far East Energy Corporation have signed the contract for cooperative exploration
and development of coalbed methane (CBM) resources in the Enhong and Laochang
areas of southern China's Yunnan Province. This follows the announcement
on November 26, 2002 by Far East Energy that the signing was to take place
in Beijing, at the People's Great Hall in the People's Republic of China
and attended by senior executives from Far East Energy, CUCBM, ConocoPhillips,
ChevronTexaco and
other governmental dignitaries in Beijing.
The CBM Production Sharing Contract (PSC), covering a 1,072 square kilometer
(264,897 acre) project area near Qujing city, is the first of its kind
in the Yunnan province to be signed with foreign partners. The province
has abundant coal and CBM resources, and Far East Energy will contribute
to its development, according to Huang Zhida, President of CUCBM. Currently,
there is no production of conventional hydrocarbons in the province. Mr.
Zhida also noted that the development and utilization of local CBM resources
from the Enhong and Laochang areas can take pressure off the shortfall
of gas supply, and will be helpful in accelerating the development of
the local energy industry and economy.
Far East Energy is committed to drilling five exploration wells and eight
pilot development wells during the next three-year exploration and production
period. In the development and production period, both parties will make
a joint investment and the profits from CBM production will be shared.
The PSC covers a thirty-year relationship in which Far East Energy has
a 60% interest and CUCBM has a 40% interest in the contract.
As stated by Mr. Zhida, it is estimated that the coalbed methane resources
in Yunnan exceeds 450 billion cubic meters (15.75 trillion cubic feet),
and 140 billion cubic meters (4.9 trillion cubic feet) is estimated to
be found in the contract areas of the Enhong and Laochang blocks. China,
with a total of 30-35 trillion cubic meters (1,060 tcf – 1,236 tcf) of
CBM resources within a depth of 2,000 meters, is the second country after
the United States, to conduct large-scale surface development.
CUCBM, which was established as a 50/50 joint venture between China National
Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and China Coal Construction Group Corporation
in 1996, is the only professional organization authorized by the State
Council which is responsible for exploration, development, production
and sales of CBM, and the only company with the right to explore CBM in
cooperation with foreign partners. So far, it has signed 14 PSC's with
foreign companies, covering a combined contract area of 26,000 square
kilometers (approx. 6,424,740 acres) and CBM resources of 2.5 trillion
cubic meters (88.29 trillion cubic feet).
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Far East Energy Corporation (OTCBB: FEEC)
(Berlin: FEN) is an independent energy company engaged in the acquisition
and development and utilization of clean energies, and has set a business
strategy with an objective to achieving success in exploration, development,
production and utilization of China's coalbed methane and coal mine methane
natural gas resources.
For more information,
go to www.fareastenergy.com.
This
News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
Back
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Dec.
4, 2002 - Foreign Funds Tap Gas Reserves
The China United Coalbed
Methane Co Ltd signed a production-sharing contract with the Far East
Energy Corp of the United States in Beijing yesterday to jointly exploit
the coalbed methane resources in the areas of Enhong and Laochang in Southwest
China's Yunnan Province.
"It was the 14th
coalbed methane contract that the China United Coalbed Methane Co has
signed with a foreign company," said Sun Maoyuan, vice-president
of the Chinese firm.
The coalbed methane
project, located in the province's city of Qujing and Fuyuan County, consists
of the Enhong, Laochang Yuwang and Laochang Daobanfang blocks, with a
total area of 1,072 square kilometres.
During the three-year
exploration period, Far East will bear all exploration risks and will
drill five exploration wells and eight pilot development wells, Sun said.
In the development
and production period, the Chinese and US companies will jointly fund
the project. "The coalbed methane production will be shared by the
two companies in proportion pursuant to the contract terms," Sun
said.
It is predicted that
there are about 140 billion cubic metres of coalbed methane resources
in the contract area and up to 450 billion cubic metres in the whole of
Yunnan Province.
"The Enhong and
Laochang coalbed methane contract is the first Sino-foreign production-sharing
contract for the exploitation of Yunnan Province's coalbed methane resources,"
Sun said.
Yunnan abounds in
coal and coalbed methane resources. However, it has no commercial oil
or natural gas fields.
"A large gap
between the supply of and demand for oil and gas has become one of the
obstacles to the sustainable development of the local economy," Sun
said.
The signing and implementation
of the contract may open the way to the development and utilization of
the local rich coalbed methane resources and to relieving the shortage
of gas, thus setting a good example for international cooperation in the
province's fossil-fuel industry, he said.
To prevent gas explosions,
China releases 6 billion cubic metres of methane from mines annually,
seriously polluting the environment and wasting energy resources.
Meanwhile, China is plagued by an ever-increasing shortage of petroleum.
China could tap coalbed
methane as a new clean fuel source to achieve both environmental and economic
benefits, Sun said.
The Chinese Government
has paid great attention to the utilization of coalbed methane, he said.
The China United Coalbed
Methane Co was officially established in 1996 to speed up the development
of coalbed methane.
The State Council has granted the firm the exclusive right to explore,
develop and produce coalbed methane in co-operation with overseas companies.
The government has
granted favourable policies to the Chinese firm, including tax reductions,
exemptions from duty and the right to make independent decisions on investment
and imports and exports.
China's coalbed methane
reserves are estimated at about 30,000 to 35,000 billion cubic metres
and are located about 2,000 metres underground.
For more information,
go to www.fareastenergy.com.
This
News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks
and uncertainties. Actual events may differ materially. Readers are cautioned
not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
speak only as of the date of this News Release. No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
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Nov.
26, 2002 - Signing Ceremony Set for Far East Energy in China
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS
WIRE)--Far East Energy Corporation (OTCBB:FEEC - News) announced today
that the formal signing ceremony for one of its Yunnan province coalbed
methane development contracts between Far East Energy and China United
Coalbed Methane Co. Ltd., is scheduled to take place on December 3, 2002
in Beijing, at the People's Great Hall in the People's Republic of China.
The contract signing will formally approve the partnership and development
rights of Far East Energy in its Enhong and Laochang fields. The second
production-sharing contract covering the Zhaotong field is expected to
be concluded in the near future.
Participating in the
signing ceremony will be executive management from Far East Energy Corporation,
China United Coalbed Methane Co. Ltd. (CUCBM), China's State Development
and Planning Commission (SDPC), China's State Council, the Ministry of
Foreign Traded and Economic Cooperation (MOFTEC), China's State Industries
and Commerce Administration Bureau, senior representatives of the US Embassy,
various Chinese media, and other industry related companies from the region.
It is expected that close to two-hundred people will attend the signing
ceremony in Beijing.
The Enhong and Laochang
production sharing contract covers an area of 1,063 square kilometers
(or 262,673 acres) of coalbed methane natural gas development rights in
the People's Republic of China in partnership with the China United Coalbed
Methane Company, Ltd. (CUCBM). Far East Energy has a 60% interest in the
agreement, and CUCBM has a 40% interest. China considers the development
of coalbed methane properties in China as a strategic initiative to help
increase domestic production of natural gas, improve safety at the mines
and drive improvements towards the environment. China has formed similar
production sharing relationships with other companies such as ConocoPhillips,
ChevronTexaco, BP, and other global energy leaders.
Once signed, Far East
Energy plans to begin drilling and development activities in the Enhong
and Laochang fields in early 2003. Far East Energy's Chairman & CEO
Lal Gondi stated, "Our entire team is truly excited to see that this
contract has now been given final approval by all necessary parties within
the Chinese government. We consider this a major step for Far East Energy,
our shareholders as well as our partners at CUCBM."
Mr. Gondi also stated,
"Through our developments in Yunnan we will be able to improve the
economic conditions for the people in the Yunnan Province, improve safety
conditions at the mines, bring a positive impact to the environment, and
bring jobs to both China and the United States."
Established in 1996,
CUCBM was granted the exclusive right to explore, develop and produce
coalbed methane in cooperation with foreign enterprises and has the exclusive
authority to enter into contracts as authorized by the State Council of
the People's Republic of China.
Headquartered in Houston,
Texas, Far East Energy Corporation (OTCBB:FEEC - News) is an independent
energy company engaged in acquisition and development of natural gas and
coalbed methane gas properties on a global basis. The company has secured
development and production contracts in the People's Republic of China
and the United States.
This News Release
may contain forward-looking statements relating to future plans, events
or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties.
Actual events may
differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on
these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this
News Release.
No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Contact:
Far East Energy Corporation, Houston
Chris A. Jackson, 713/586-1900
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
Back
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Nov.
12, 2002 - Far East Energy Acquires Natural Gas Property in the United
States
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS
WIRE)--Nov. 12, 2002--Far East Energy Corporation (OTCBB: FEEC) announces
that it has entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI), effective Nov. 9, 2002,
with American Oil & Gas Inc. ("American"), whereby Far East
Energy will acquire American's wholly-owned subsidiary, Newark Valley
Oil & Gas Inc. ("Newark"), in a tax-free reorganization
whereby Far East Energy will acquire Newark's natural gas interests in
northeast Montana.
The acquired property,
located in the Bowdoin Dome shallow gas prospect, consists of approximately
129,000 net acres, with a recoverable natural gas potential of 225 billion
cubic feet (bcf), with drilling starting in early 2003. The acquisition
is viewed by senior management of the company to be very opportunistic
and offers a strong foundation for early production income within twelve
months from contract signing. The acquisition will primarily be a stock
transaction, with nominal cash committed.
Lal Gondi, Far East Energy's Chairman and CEO, stated, "This is an
exciting project for Far East Energy and its shareholders. The acquisition
of Newark Valley Oil & Gas will allow us to gain a quicker path to
revenues and maintain our continued pursuit of building shareholder value
through the acquisition and development of attractive natural gas assets
managed by a world-class management team."
"In my opinion,
the acquisition of Newark Valley Oil & Gas is considered a low-risk
opportunity and provides the potential for favorable production and distribution
to market. We will have excellent access to nearby pipelines with available
capacity where we expect demand for gas will continue to grow," stated
Joe Cooper, Far East Energy's Vice President of CBM Operations.
The Bowdoin Dome has
produced 250 bcf from 1,200 wells (avg. 200 MMCF/well). The USGS estimates
total gas resources in excess of 500 bcf for the field. The producing
analogy for field extension comes from the Medicine Hat/S.E. Alberta shallow
gas fields in Canada where reserves greater than 2.5 trillion cubic feed
(tcf) have been established from equivalent age shallow sands.
Also commenting on
the acquisition, Bill A. Jackson, Far East Energy's President and COO,
said, "With this acquisition, we are now in a position to obtain
production revenues in 2003. The accelerated revenue attributed to this
acquisition along with our growing presence in China provide both a strong
foundation and great opportunity for continued growth of Far East Energy
and position us as a leader in coalbed methane and natural gas developments
on a global basis. We look forward to working with our U.S. and Chinese
partners, and are eager to help meet the demand for CBM and natural gas
in those regions."
Demand for natural
gas in the United States continues to grow. According to the "Advance
Summary" 2001 U.S. Reserve Report by the Energy Information Administration
(EIA), even though gas reserves rose 3.4% in 2001, reserves-to-production
ratio for gas is forecasted at 9.3 years. Far East Energy is taking advantage
of the continued growth in demand for natural gas.
Headquartered in Houston,
Far East Energy Corporation is an independent energy company engaged in
acquisition, exploration and development of natural gas and coalbed methane
gas properties with primary interest in the United States and China.
This News Release
may contain forward-looking statements relating to future plans, events
or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties.
No obligation is undertaken
to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events
or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information
about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe
Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy
Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking
statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion
of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ
from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk
Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most
recently ended fiscal year.
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June 5, 2002 - Far East Energy Obtains Gas Development Rights in Guizhou Province of China
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 5, 2002--Far East Energy Corporation (OTC:FEEC - News) announced today the formal signing of a twenty (20) year contract to extract coal mine methane hydrocarbon gas in the Guizhou Province of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in cooperation with Panjiang Coal-Electricity (Group) Co. Ltd. ("Panjiang"), one of China's largest industrial companies, and the largest coal mining company in southern China.
Under this agreement, Far East Energy has been granted the exclusive rights to extract and sell coal mine methane hydrocarbon gas from six operating mines covering 120 square kilometers or (29, 653 acres) which contains an estimated gas resources of 24.4 billion cubic meters (or 861 billion cubic feet) which is 100% owned by Panjiang. Far East Energy will have a 100% participation in the project for the first seven (7) years, 90% in year eight (8), 80% years 9-16, and 50% years 17-20. In exchange for these participation rights Far East Energy will pay USD $3.3 million to Panjiang, which will be spread out over a three-year period. These funds will be utilized by Panjiang to support pipeline and other infrastructure costs to deliver gas for local residential usage.
Far East Energy's Chairman & CEO, Lal Gondi, stated, "We are extremely pleased to announce our continued success in acquiring strong assets in the southern provinces of China. We continue to focus on gaining market share for natural gas properties in China as the demand for natural gas and hydrocarbons is extremely high and shows signs of continued growth. This is an exciting event for both our team and our shareholders."
Far East Energy plans to use the methane gas as a feedstock for local ammonia production with additional plans to provide gas to pipelines for residential and commercial use to nearby cities. The southern Provinces of China are agriculturally rich, which drives heavy demand for ammonia and fertilizer. Currently, coal is the primary feedstock for ammonia production in the China, which results in a lower nitrogen-based fertilizer and is less desirable. When natural gas is used, a higher nitrogen-based ammonia and fertilizer can be produced. The demand for higher nitrogen-based products continues to rise, and Far East Energy should benefit as a result of this growing demand.
Bill Jackson, President and COO also stated, "This contract further emphasizes our company's commitment and ability to seek out strategic opportunities in China with a clear focus on shareholder returns. Our ability to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, improve safety at the mines and to successfully negotiate commercial contracts truly positions Far East Energy as an energy leader in the Asian market. Through our existing contracts, the experience of our team and our ability to develop and execute projects, we believe Far East Energy is well-positioned for the future."
Joe Cooper, VP of CBM Operations also stated, "Based on my analysis and the recent review of this field by the United States EPA and Raven Ridge Resources Inc., the Panjiang agreement in Guizhou offers a clear path to natural gas reserves for Far East Energy and gives us an opportunity to accelerate our production schedule. This agreement in combination with our Yunnan agreements truly fits well into our strategy. We are very optimistic and eager to move forward with developments."
In recent news, Far East Energy announced the acquisition of coalbed methane hydrocarbon gas rights to 1,330 square kilometers (329,000 acres) through two production sharing contracts in the Yunnan Province of China, which is an adjoining Province to the west of the Guizhou Province. In those contracts Far East Energy has a 60% interest in the properties in partnership with China United Coalbed Methane Co. Ltd. (CUCBM), which has a 40% interest in the contracts. China considers the development of coal bed methane and coal mine methane properties in China as a strategic initiative, and CUCBM has formed similar production sharing relationships with Texaco (NYSE:CVX - News), Amoco, Phillips Petroleum (NYSE:P - News), Virgin Oil, British Petroleum (NYSE:BP - News), and other global energy leaders. It is estimated by the Yunnan Provincial Coal Geological Bureau that Far East Energy's production sharing area contains a potential resource in excess of 6.3 gross trillion cubic feet of methane gas, and a net 3.78 trillion cubic feet.
Together, Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces represents an opportunity of 4.64 net trillion cubic feet of hydrocarbon gas for Far East Energy.
Far East Energy Corporation is an independent energy company engaged in evaluation, acquisition, exploration and development of natural gas, coalbed and coal-mine methane gas properties.
This News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this News Release.
No obligation is undertaken to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.
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April 16, 2002 - Far East Energy Adds Industry Experts to the Team
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 16, 2002-- Far East Energy Corporation (OTCBB:FEEC) today announced that one of the industry's top experts on coalbed methane (CBM) gas, Joe Cooper, has accepted an offer to join Far East Energy where he will serve as Vice President of CBM Operations.
"We are truly excited that Joe Cooper, who we consider as one of the world's top experts in CBM development, has elected to join our team,'' stated J. Lal Gondi, Chairman and CEO of Far East Energy. Bill Jackson, President and COO also stated, "The addition of Joe to our team further emphasizes our commitment of building a leading energy company around a truly experienced team that will help Far East Energy successfully evaluate and execute projects which we believe will result in a stronger shareholder value.''
Mr. Cooper recently served as Exploration Manager for Anschutz Exploration Corporation in Houston, TX and is considered a versatile and resourceful geoscientist with over 22 years of professional experience in North America and international oil and gas exploration and development projects, and specialized experience in coalbed methane development. "I'm very happy to be joining this dedicated team, and excited about the developments and future of Far East Energy,'' stated Joe Cooper. "As many are learning, China is rich in coal resources and the combination of its large population with a rising GDP offers a great opportunity. The demand for hydrocarbons in China is very high and should continue to grow.''
Building his career as an expert in coalbed methane, Mr. Cooper has a strong geotechnical background in interpretation, prospect generation and appraisal of development properties. Mr. Cooper developed the portfolio and risk priority for Amoco's International Coalbed Methane projects, has managed the development of a 100 well coalbed methane program in Oak Grove, Black Warrior Basin / Alabama, and implemented CBM programs in Alabama, Virginia, India, South Africa and China.
The company also announced that Don Gunther, Larry Izzo, Mike McElwrath, and Ben Malek have agreed to join Far East Energy on its Board of Advisors. Don Gunther formerly served as Vice Chairman for the Bechtel Group of companies, served on Bechtel's Executive Committee, served on Bechtel's Board of Directors, and was formerly President of Bechtel Petroleum -- Chemical & Industrial Company and President of Europe, Africa, Middle-East and Southwest Asia regions, and is currently on the Board of Directors for Williams Energy Partners (NYSE:WEG), which was formed and is principally owned by Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE:WMB).
Larry Izzo currently serves as Sr. Vice President for Calpine Corporation where he is responsible for the development of the company's major natural gas pipelines and other gas infrastructure projects, international power projects and coal gasification projects. Mike McElwrath is currently Vice President and Director of Business Development of TMP Worldwide (NASDAQ:TMPW) and is the former Assistant Secretary of Energy for the US Department of Energy where he managed the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Ben Malek is currently Executive Vice President of Lauren Engineers & Constructors and is one of the most highly recognized Process Engineers in the US petrochemical industry. He currently holds patents in cryogenic processes for the recovery of liquid products from off-gases, gasoline vapor emission recovery and the catalytic reforming of naphtha.
In a recent news release, Far East Energy announced the acquisition of 329,000 acres of coal bed methane gas rights in the People's Republic of China in partnership with the China United Coalbed Methane Company, Ltd. (CUCBM) through two production sharing agreements. Far East Energy has a 60% interest in the agreements, and CUCBM has a 40% interest. The agreements have been submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation (MOFTEC), for formal ratification. China considers the development of coal bed methane properties in China as a strategic initiative, and has formed similar production sharing relationships with Texaco, Amoco, British Petroleum, and other global energy leaders. It is estimated by the Yunnan Provincial Coal Geological Bureau that Far East Energy's production sharing area contains a potential resource in excess of 6.0 trillion cubic feet of methane gas.
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Far East Energy Corporation is an independent energy company engaged in acquisition, exploration and development of natural gas and coalbed methane gas and other resource development properties. In March 2002, the company successfully completed its first round of funding of $3.4 million, primarily by European investors, which will be used for Phase I drilling operations.
This News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this News Release.
No obligation is undertaken to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.
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Jan. 30, 2002 - Far East Energy Corporation Acquires CBM Rights in People's Republic of China
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 30, 2002--Mr. Jawaharlal Gondi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Far East Energy Corporation (OTCBB:FEEC - news), a Nevada corporation (the ``Company''), is pleased to announce that on January 25, 2002, the Company has entered into an agreement with China United Coalbed Methane Corporation Ltd. (CUCBM) of People's Republic of China, in conjunction with Yunnan Provincial Coal Geological Bureau. The agreement includes two Production Sharing Contracts to jointly explore, develop, produce and sell Coalbed Methane (CBM) in a total area of 1330 square kilometers, in Enhong, Laochang and Zhaotong areas of Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China. Far East Energy Corporation has the right to earn a minimum of 60% interest in the joint venture (40% by CUCBM). In the event that CUCBM elects to participate at a level less than 40%, their interest will be reduced proportionately, increasing Far East Energy Corp.'s participating interest. The agreement has been submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation (MOFTEC), for formal ratification.
It is estimated by the Yunnan Provincial Coal Geological Bureau that the above joint venture area contains a potential resource in excess of 6.0 trillion cubic feet of methane gas. The exploration program, as recommended by Yunnan Provincial Coal Geological Bureau, requires Far East Energy Corporation to drill 7 exploration wells and 12 pilot development wells for verification of reserves. After completion of exploration and pilot development wells, CUCBM is required to contribute 40% of further expenditures towards their joint venture interest.
Far East Energy Corporation is an independent energy company engaged in acquisition, exploration and development of natural gas and coalbed methane gas properties.
Established in 1996, CUCBM was granted the exclusive right to explore, develop and produce Coalbed Methane in cooperation with foreign enterprises and has the exclusive authority to enter into contracts as authorized by the State Council of the People's Republic of China.
This News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this News Release.
No obligation is undertaken to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.
Jan. 29, 2002 - Far East Energy Corporation Announces Corporate Reorganization
HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Far East Energy Corporation (OTCBB:FEEC - news), formerly known as EZfoodstop.com (the ``Company''), is pleased to announce the results of a special shareholder meeting held on December 31, 2001 (``Meeting'').
The name of the Company was changed from EZfoodstop.com to Far East Energy Corporation, and a forward stock split of eighteen-for-one (18-for-1) of the Company's issued and outstanding common stock was approved. The forward stock split became effective on January 1, 2002 and increased the total number of shares of outstanding common stock to approximately 40 million.
The par value of the Company's common stock remains at $0.001 per share.
Three new directors were appointed to the Company's board of directors at the Meeting: Mr. Jawaharlal (``Lal'') Gondi, Mr. Bill Jackson and Mr. Ramesh Kalluri. Mr. Gondi was also appointed as the chairman of the board and chief executive officer of the Company. Mr. Jackson was appointed the president and chief operating officer of the Company, and Mr. Kalluri was appointed as the Company's secretary and treasurer.
Mr. Jawaharlal (``Lal'') Gondi is a versatile geologist with an extensive financial background. Mr. Gondi brings eleven years of diverse mineral exploration experience, and twenty-three years of corporate finance and capital market investment experience to the Company. He recognizes early opportunities in natural resource projects and has played a significant role in the formation and growth of companies with profits in excess of a billion dollars. He has served as a director, senior officer and principal of a number of brokerage firms both in Canada & Europe. Mr. Gondi holds a Master of Science degree in applied geology from Andhra University, Waltair, India and has completed several advanced courses in geology & finance in North America.
Mr. Bill Jackson brings over thirty years of experience in the engineering and construction industry to the Company. Mr. Jackson has served as Vice President of Bechtel Corporation, Senior Vice President of Bechtel Services Corporation, and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of The Shaw Group. He managed the Bechtel/Chevron Capital Projects Alliance, Worldwide Procurement and Contracts (including over 1,400 technical personnel) and a joint venture company with EDS focused on utility plant operations outsourcing. He was instrumental in the development and formation of the Bechtel worldwide contracts management organization. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University, Commerce, Texas.
Mr. Ramesh Kalluri brings over eighteen years experience in environmental engineering and management to the Company. Mr. Kalluri has held senior engineering positions with Bechtel Corporation, Turner, Collie & Braden, Inc., and Jay Engineering. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering from Andhra University and a Master of Science degree in environmental engineering from McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Far East Energy Corporation is an independent energy company engaged in acquisition, exploration and development of natural gas and coalbed methane gas properties.
This News Release may contain forward-looking statements relating to future plans, events or other matters. Such statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this News Release.
No obligation is undertaken to release revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this News Release. Further information about the risks and uncertainties faced can be found in applicable filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding Far East Energy Corp's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.