Oilsands Quest Completes Wallace Creek Drilling, Updates Resource Estimate and Continues Strategic Alternatives Process
CUSIP # 678046 10 3NYSE Amex: BQI
CALGARY, May 17 /PRNewswire/ - Oilsands Quest Inc. (NYSE Amex: BQI) ("Oilsands Quest," "OQI" or "the Company") today released new independent resource estimates for its Wallace Creek property, which support the Company's view that Wallace Creek has the potential to support a 30,000 barrel-per-day commercial oil sands project. The estimates were prepared by McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd. ("McDaniel"), at the request of Oilsands Quest with an effective date of April 30, 2011.
The independent resource estimates include the results of OQI's recently completed five-well drilling program at Wallace Creek. The drilling focused on the western side of the Wallace Creek permit, which is adjacent to Cenovus' Telephone Lake and Grizzly Oil Sands' Firebag project areas.
Two of the wells drilled encountered significant quantities of bitumen in the McMurray formation to support a 16 per cent increase in the Wallace Creek contingent resource estimates. The previously-announced 11 well winter drilling program was condensed to five wells primarily due to the limited availability of drilling rigs.
"We are confident in the future development potential of Wallace Creek," said Simon Raven, Oilsands Quest Vice-President of Exploration and Development. "Based on the results from this year's drilling, we continue to believe that this area has the potential to be our second commercial development, following Axe Lake."
In determining the resource estimates, McDaniel has assumed the use of Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage ("SAGD") as the recovery process. SAGD is a well-established technology used extensively to produce oil sands in the region. Oilsands Quest is continuing to advance reservoir testing programs and anticipates that a portion of the resources currently classified as sub-economic contingent and unrecoverable will eventually be reclassified as economic contingent resources. At this time, only a portion of the contingent resources assigned by McDaniel have been sub-classified as economic. Definitions of the resource categories used for the estimates and other technical terms are set out at the end of this news release.
The following evaluation by McDaniel of OQI's Wallace Creek property is based upon fourteen core holes drilled in the winter drilling seasons of 2010 and 2011.
Table 1
Wallace Creek Bitumen Resource Estimates
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Millions of Barrels Low Best High
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Discovered Resources(2) 267 345 425
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Contingent Resources(1)(3) 75 114 177
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Undiscovered Resources(2) 331 597 1,069
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Prospective Resources(2) 34 178 539
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Please see http://www.oilsandsquest.com/our_projects/wallace_creek_map.html to view a map showing the western half of the Wallace Creek permits, with McDaniel's current interpretation of the extent and contours of the oil sands reservoir. Additional seismic and drilling activity is planned over the next two winter seasons to fully delineate the reservoir.
The resource estimates for the Axe Lake, Raven Ridge and Eagles Nest properties have not been updated from the previous evaluations at April 30, 2010.
Table 2
Axe Lake Bitumen Resource Estimates
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Millions of Barrels Low Best High
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Discovered Resources(2) 1,398 1,865 2,331
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Contingent Resources(1)(3) n/a 152 474
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Table 3
Raven Ridge Bitumen Resource Estimates
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Millions of Barrels Low Best High
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Discovered Resources(2) 760 1,013 1,267
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Contingent Resources(1)(3) n/a n/a 320
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Undiscovered Resources(2) 245 673 1,755
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Prospective Resources(2) 10 136 565
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Table 4
Eagles Nest Bitumen Resource Estimates
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Millions of Barrels Low Best High
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Discovered Resources(2) 221 367 612
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Undiscovered Resources(2) 926 1,573 2,682
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Prospective Resources(2) 18 178 717
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Table 5
Summary of Bitumen Resource Estimates
Axe Lake, Raven Ridge, Wallace Creek & Eagles Nest(4)
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Millions of Barrels Low Best High
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Discovered Resources(2) 2,646 3,590 4,635
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Contingent Resources(1)(3) 75 266 971
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Undiscovered Resources(2) 1,502 2,843 5,506
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Prospective Resources(2) 62 492 1,821
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(1) Includes estimates of sub-economic contingent resources reported by
McDaniel.
(2) The discovered resource and undiscovered resource numbers are not
estimates of the recoverable volume of bitumen. A portion of the
discovered resources tabulated herein have been further categorized
as contingent resources in the McDaniel evaluation. In addition, a
portion of the undiscovered resources tabulated herein have been
further categorized as prospective resources in the McDaniel
evaluation. The portion of the discovered resources and undiscovered
resources that have not been classified respectively as contingent
resources or prospective resources would be categorized under COGEH
as unrecoverable at this time, pending further testing and recovery
process development. There is no certainty that it will be
commercially viable to produce any portion of the discovered
resources. There is no certainty that any portion of the undiscovered
resources will be discovered and, if discovered, there is no
certainty that it will be commercially viable to produce any portion
of the resources.
(3) The low estimate contingent resources for Axe Lake and Raven Ridge
and a portion of the low estimate contingent resources at Wallace
Creek have been sub-classified as sub-economic under McDaniel's
current price forecast and cost assumptions. There is no certainty
that it will be commercially viable to produce any portion of the
contingent resources. The recoverable volumes estimated by McDaniel
have been classified as contingent resources as opposed to reserves
because not all of the conditions for commerciality have been met
including corporate and regulatory approvals for development. The
estimates of contingent resources have been prepared assuming the
use of SAGD as the recovery process.
(4) The table sets out OQI's discovered resource estimates for Axe Lake,
Raven Ridge, Wallace Creek and Eagles Nest; economic contingent
resource estimates for Axe Lake, Raven Ridge and Wallace Creek;
undiscovered resource estimates for Raven Ridge, Wallace Creek and
Eagles Nest; and prospective resource estimates for Raven Ridge,
Wallace Creek and Eagles Nest.
The estimates in the above tables reflect Oilsands Quest's 100 per cent interest in the Axe Lake, Raven Ridge, Wallace Creek and Eagles Nest areas and represent only those resources that have been independently evaluated.
The tables set out OQI's resource estimates for Axe Lake, Raven Ridge, Wallace Creek and Eagles Nest as reported by McDaniel(1). The Axe Lake area is located within Townships 94 and 95, Ranges 24 and 25WM within the Province of Saskatchewan, approximately 115 kilometers northeast of the City of Fort McMurray. The Raven Ridge area is located immediately to the west of the Axe Lake area, within Townships 93 and 94, Range 1W4M, within the Province of Alberta. The Wallace Creek area is located north of the Raven Ridge area and west of the Axe Lake area, within Township 96, Ranges 1 and 2 W4M in the Province of Alberta. Eagles Nest is located in the Athabasca oil sands region in the Province of Alberta in Township 101, Range 13W4M.
Since mid-2008, the Company has released McDaniel's independent estimates of bitumen resource volumes, which are prepared in accordance with the standards set out in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook ("COGEH") and National Instrument 51-101 ("NI 51-101").
Update on Strategic Alternatives Process
In August 2010, Oilsands Quest launched a strategic alternatives review process led by a special committee of the Board of Directors. The process is ongoing. While discussions continue with interested parties, providing details of these conversations would jeopardize the process. There can also be no assurance that a transaction will result.
As the strategic review process proceeds, management remains focused on preparing plans to execute the SAGD pilot project at Axe Lake, continuing to delineate the resource potential at Wallace Creek and converting the Axe Lake permits to leases.
Definitions of Technical Terms Used in this Release:
Resource Categories
Discovered resources (equivalent to discovered petroleum initially-in-place) are defined within COGEH as that quantity of petroleum that is estimated, as of a given date, to be contained in known accumulations prior to production. The recoverable portion of discovered resources includes production, reserves, and contingent resources; the remainder is classified as unrecoverable. Discovered resources are the summation of all bitumen present, without qualitative or quantitative assessment to determine the exploitable portion of that resource.
Contingent resources are defined within COGEH as those quantities of petroleum estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from known accumulations using established technology or technology under development, but which are not currently considered to be commercially recoverable due to one or more contingencies. Contingencies may include factors such as economic, legal, environmental, political, and regulatory matters, or a lack of markets. It is also appropriate to classify as contingent resources the estimated discovered recoverable quantities associated with a project in the early evaluation stage. Contingent resources are further classified in accordance with the level of certainty associated with the estimates and may be sub-classified based on project maturity and/or characterized by their economic status.
Economic contingent resources are defined within COGEH as those contingent resources that are currently economically recoverable.
Prospective resources are defined within COGEH as those quantities of petroleum estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from undiscovered accumulations by application of future development projects. Prospective Resources have both an associated chance of discovery and a chance of development. Prospective Resources are further subdivided in accordance with the level of certainty associated with recoverable estimates assuming their discovery and development and may be sub-classified based on project maturity.
Discovered unrecoverable resources (equivalent to discovered unrecoverable petroleum initially-in-place) are defined within COGEH as that portion of discovered resources which is estimated, as of a given date, not to be recoverable by future development projects. A portion of these quantities may become recoverable in the future as commercial circumstances change or technological developments occur; the remaining portion may never be recovered due to the physical/chemical constraints represented by subsurface interaction of fluids and reservoir rocks.
Sub-economic contingent resources are defined within COGEH as those contingent resources that are not currently economically recoverable.
Undiscovered resources (equivalent to undiscovered petroleum initially-in-place) are defined within COGEH as that quantity of petroleum that is estimated, on a given date, to be contained in accumulations yet to be discovered. The recoverable portion of Undiscovered Resources is referred to as Prospective Resources, the remainder as Unrecoverable.
Unrecoverable is defined within COGEH as that portion of discovered or undiscovered resources quantities which is estimated, as of a given date, not to be recoverable by future development projects. A portion of these quantities may become recoverable in the future as commercial circumstances change or technological developments occur; the remaining portion may never be recovered due to the physical/chemical constraints represented by subsurface interaction of fluids and reservoir rocks.
Uncertainty Categories:
A range of prospective, undiscovered, discovered and contingent resources estimates (low, best and high) was prepared to reflect a range of technical and economic uncertainties and was determined in accordance with COGEH.
Low estimate is defined within COGEH as a conservative estimate of the quantity that will actually be recovered. It is likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the low estimate. If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 90 percent probability (P90) that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the low estimate.
Best estimate is defined within COGEH as the best estimate of the quantity that will actually be recovered. It is equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the best estimate. If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 50 percent probability (P50) that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the best estimate.
High estimate is defined within COGEH as an optimistic estimate of the quantity that will actually be recovered. It is unlikely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the high estimate. If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 10 percent probability (P10) that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the high estimate.
Cautionary Statement about Forward-Looking Statements
This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this news release that address activities, events or developments that our management expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Also, forward-looking statements are frequently indicated by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "potential", "prospective" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" "will" or "could" occur. Forward-looking statements such as the resource estimates, and references to the Company's reservoir field testing, commercial project plans and analysis program are based on the opinions and estimates of management and the Company's independent evaluators at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements, which include but are not limited to risks inherent in the oil sands industry, regulatory, financing and economic risks, and risks associated with the Company's ability to implement its business plan. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond Oilsands Quest's control. In addition, there are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating resources, including many factors beyond the Company's control. In general, estimates of petroleum resources are based upon a number of factors and assumptions made as of the date on which the estimates were determined, such as geological, technological and engineering estimates which have inherent uncertainties, the assumed effects of regulation by governmental agencies and estimates of future commodity prices and operating costs, all of which may vary considerably from actual results. All such estimates are, to some degree, uncertain and classifications of resources are only attempts to define the degree of uncertainty involved. The estimates contained herein with respect to bitumen resources that may be developed in the future have been based upon volumetric calculations and upon analogy to similar types of resources, rather than upon actual production history. Estimates based on these methods generally are less reliable than those based on actual production history. Subsequent evaluation of the same resources based upon production history will result in variations, which may be material, in the estimated resources. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2010, as amended, and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q available on http://www.sedar.com and http://www.sec.gov.
Oilsands Quest undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Cautionary Note to U.S. Investors - The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") permits oil and gas companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose proved reserves that a company has demonstrated by actual production or conclusive formation tests to be economically and legally producible under existing economic and operating conditions, as well as probable and possible reserves. The Company uses certain terms in this press release such as discovered and contingent resources that the SEC guidelines strictly prohibit us from including in filings with the SEC. U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 10-K, available from us on request by emailing [email protected] or by calling 1-877-718-8941. You can also obtain this filing at www.sec.gov. In reviewing this news release, it is necessary to recognize the differences between resources (which are reported as required under Canadian law) and reserves (which are not being reported). U.S. Investors are cautioned that the discussion of resource estimates in this news release does not contain any information about deposits that would qualify as deposits of "reserves" under SEC reserves reporting rules. Further, the terms "discovered resources" and "contingent resources" are Canadian terms defined in accordance with the standards set forth jointly by the Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers (Calgary Chapter) and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (Petroleum Society) in the COGEH. The COGEH standards differ from the terminology and standards set forth in SEC reserves reporting rules and, as a consequence, the information contained in this news release may not be comparable to information provided by other similar companies in the United States. Investors should not assume that any part of the deposits discussed in this news release that are categorized as discovered, undiscovered, contingent or prospective resources according to Canadian standards will ever be considered "reserves" under applicable U.S. standards. The commercial viability of these resources are affected by numerous factors which are beyond the Company's control and which cannot be predicted, such as the potential for further financing, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-political, marketing, or other relevant issues. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of a resource, whether discovered or contingent, exists or (if it exists) is economically or legally extractable.
About Oilsands Quest
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Oilsands Quest Inc. (www.oilsandsquest.com) is exploring and developing oil sands permits and licences, located in Saskatchewan and Alberta, and developing Saskatchewan's first commercial oil sands discovery. It is leading the establishment of the province of Saskatchewan's emerging oil sands industry.
SOURCE Oilsands Quest Inc.
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