Borders & Southern Petroleum plc (BOR) announces its unaudited half year financial statements for the six months to 30 June 2022. The accounts contained within this report represent the consolidation of Borders & Southern Petroleum plc and its subsidiary, Borders & Southern Falkland Islands Limited.
Highlights
- Operating loss for the period was $857,000 (2021: $446,000)
- Cash balance on 30 June 2022 was $1.207 million (30 June 2021: $1.352)
- An independent facilities study has been commissioned to provide preliminary cost estimates for a phased development of Darwin East
Chief Executive's Statement
The Company incurred a loss from operations for the six-month period up to 30 June 2022 of $857,000. The increase on the previous year's equivalent reporting period is partly due to the higher administrative costs associated with advisory support for the successful Open Offer, that was completed in the first half of this year, as well as the adverse foreign exchange conditions (the majority of the Company's expenditures are currently in Sterling, but our reporting is in US dollars). As of the 30 June 2022, the Company's Cash Balance was $1.2 million, compared to $1.3 for the same point last year.
The surging oil and gas prices during the first half of the year have had a positive impact on industry sentiment, with energy security becoming an important consideration. In this context, we have experienced an increase in interest in our project and continue to talk with potential partners. As previously reported, one of our objectives for the year was to commission an independent facilities study to further evaluate our development concepts and to provide current CAPEX and OPEX estimates. We are focusing on a phased development, consistent with the industry and economic environment, whereby we could minimize initial capital expenditure and deliver fast project payback. This study is now underway.
The study is assessing a development that commences on Darwin East, with initial production of 25,000 to 30,000 barrels per day of condensate, based on two subsea production wells and one subsea gas injection well, tied back to an FPSO. Production could be increased by additional wells on Darwin East and the subsequent full development of Darwin West. All equipment required for such a subsea development would be industry standard.
The Company's Production Licences and Discovery Area have an expiry date of 31 December 2022. In line with other Operators active in the Falkland Islands, we intend to request an extension to our Licences and Discovery Area. As part of the approval process, we recognise that we will need to demonstrate the Company's financial capability during the extension period. It is therefore likely additional funds will be sought before the end of the year.
With positive industry sentiment, and a global need to bring additional resources into production to help manage the energy transition, we remain convinced that the appraisal and development of the Darwin discovery is a commercially viable proposition.
