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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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FORM 10-KSB
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 33-99978
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
(Name of Small Business Issuer as Specified in its Charter)
ALBERTA, CANADA
(State or other Jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer
of Incorporation or Organization) Identification Number)
SUITE 699, 3050 POST OAK BLVD, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77056
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(713) 479-9770
(Issuer's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered under Section 12 (b) of the Exchange Act: None
Securities registered under Section 12 (g) of the Exchange Act: Common Stock,
without par
value
(Title of Class)
Check whether the Issuer (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the Issuer was required to file such reports) and (2) has
been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item
405 of Regulation S-B contained in this form, and no disclosure will be
contained, to the best of the Issuer's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB
or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [X]
The Issuer's revenues for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, were
$14,258,000.
The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held
by non-affiliates of the Issuer, computed by reference to the closing sale price
of such common stock on the Nasdaq National Market as of February 1, 1999 was
$25,024,339.
The Issuer had 114,370,836 common shares of common stock outstanding as of
December 31, 1998.
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1998 ANNUAL REPORT (SEC FORM 10-KSB)
INDEX
Securities and Exchange Commission
Item Number and Description
<S> <C> <C>
PART I
Item 1 Business 1
Item 2 Properties 8
Item 3 Legal Proceedings 22
Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 23
PART II
Item 5 Market for the Company's Common Stock and Related
Stockholder Matters 23
Item 6 Management's Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation 25
Item 7 Consolidated Financial Statements and Unaudited
Supplemental Information 41
Item 8 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure 72
PART III
Item 9 Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control
Persons of the Issuer; Compliance With
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act 72
Item 10 Executive Compensation 73
Item 11 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management 73
Item 12 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 74
PART IV AND SIGNATURES AND EXHIBIT INDEX
Item 13 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-KSB 75
Signatures 76
Exhibit Index 77
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
CORPORATE STRUCTURE
Abacan Resource Corporation ("Abacan") is a limited company subsisting
under the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) that was created on February 10,
1995 following an amalgamation of five junior Canadian oil and gas companies
each of which, prior to the amalgamation, held certain rights to receive
production revenues and certain obligations to pay capital and operating costs
(collectively referred to as "Participating Interests") in the same oil and gas
concession properties located in the Federal Republic of Nigeria ("Nigeria").
Abacan currently has 14 wholly owned subsidiaries. These subsidiaries either
hold or, prior to the recent and ongoing restructuring of its affairs, held
certain rights to receive petroleum production revenues and certain obligations
to pay for exploration, development and operating costs (hereafter collectively
referred to as "Participating Interests") in Nigeria and the neighboring
Republic of Benin ("Benin"). See "Properties".
At the end of the most recently completed fiscal year, neither Abacan nor
any of its subsidiaries (collectively referred to hereafter as the "Company")
were subject to any bankruptcy or similar proceedings. However, the Company
does have outstanding debt obligations to secured and unsecured creditors and
may be in default of certain security agreements. In 1998, the Company
initiated a restructuring of its oil and gas operations and financial affairs
through: (1) the disposition of a number of its oil and gas properties and
related production facilities; (2) the reduction of operating, general and
administrative expenses; and (3) the reduction of a portion of the Company's
secured and unsecured debt. This restructuring is ongoing and in the future may
include the sale, farmout or other disposition of some or all of its oil and gas
properties. The Company currently has a significant working capital deficiency,
no appreciable revenues or cash flow and limited cash reserves. Therefore, the
Company believes that it must successfully attract new equity, debt, joint
venture partners, buyers, merger partners or a combination thereof in order to
remain viable and continue operations. See "History and Development of the
Business - Restructuring of Operations and Financial Affairs", "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Risks
and Uncertainties - Liquidity" and "- Risks and Uncertainties - Financing
Risks".
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS
General
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The Company's current business relates primarily to the exploration of oil
and gas properties located in West Africa. To date, the Company's operations
have included the acquisition of Participating Interests in concession blocks
located in both Nigeria and Benin and the exploration, development and
production of oil and condensate from concession blocks located in Nigeria. In
the case of Nigeria, the Participating Interests of the Company relate to oil
prospecting licences ("OPL") and oil mining leases ("OML") granted to several
different Nigerian companies with whom the Company has a number of separate
joint venture agreements. In Benin, the Participating Interests of the Company
are held pursuant to production sharing contracts ("PSC") granted by the Benin
Government.
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Prior to a reorganization of its oil and gas operations in June 1998, the
Company's operations were focused in two distinct geological regions - the Niger
Delta, Nigeria's prolific oil producing region located in south-central Nigeria,
and the Benin Basin, a largely unexplored area located in the coastal waters of
western Nigeria and Benin. Recently, the Company has focused its efforts on its
large Benin Basin holdings where negotiations are currently underway for the
establishment in Benin of a natural gas powered electrical generation plant that
is expected to utilize the natural gas resources identified in the Company's
Benin Basin concessions. The Company is also actively marketing the farm-out,
sale or other disposition of its properties to industry partners which is
expected will provide the financial resources necessary to explore and develop
the Company's prospects in the region. The Company has not undertaken research
and development activities during the past two fiscal years.
Acquisition, Exploration and Development of West African Oil and Gas Properties
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In December 1992, the Company acquired a Participating Interest in an
on-shore concession block located in Benin from Wade Cherwayko, a former
director and executive officer of the Company who, until that time had been
involved in his personal capacity in identifying opportunities to acquire
unallocated oil and gas concession properties in West Africa. Prior to
acquiring this Participating Interest, the Company had been involved in oil and
gas exploration activities in western Canada and the western United States but
had not earned any ownership interests in respect thereof. Following the
purchase of the Participating Interest in Benin from Mr. Cherwayko for common
stock, the Company initiated a program of additional acquisition and exploration
of petroleum properties in Nigeria and other countries in West Africa.
In June 1993, the Company acquired Participating Interests in Benin Basin
Concession Block OML 113 (formerly OPL 309) from Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum
Company Limited ("YFP") and Concession Block OPL 302 from another Nigerian
company. YFP is a company that is substantially owned by the father of Mr.
Tunde Folawiyo, a director of the Company. In August 1993, the Company acquired
a Participating Interest in offshore Concession Block OML 112 (formerly OPL
469). The Company then undertook an aggressive campaign to expand its
concession acreage in West Africa through the addition of Participating
Interests in Niger Delta Concession Blocks OPL 237 (located adjacent to OML 112)
and OPL 233, Benin Basin Concession Block OPL 310 in Nigeria and Benin Basin
Block 4 and Block 1 in Benin. See "- The Petroleum Industry in Nigeria and
Benin", AProperties" and "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions".
In February 1995, in order to consolidate its Participating Interests in
Concession Blocks OML 112, OML 113 and OPL 302, the Company amalgamated with
four other Canadian junior oil and gas companies, each of which at the time of
the amalgamation held Participating Interests in Blocks OML 112, OML 113 and OPL
302. The amalgamation resulted in the acquisition of the Participating
Interests of the amalgamating junior oil and gas companies by the Company.
Throughout 1994 and 1995, the Company conducted 2-D and 3-D seismic
programs on Blocks OML 112 and OPL 237 and a 2-D seismic program on Blocks OML
113 and OPL 310. The Company's first off-shore exploration well was
successfully drilled on the Ima Field on Block OML 112 in September 1994.
Between September 1994 and January 1997, the Company successfully drilled six
additional wells on the Ima Field and completed the construction and
installation of a mobile off-shore production facility capable of producing up
to 50,000 barrels of oil and condensate per day. Commercial production of crude
oil and condensate commenced from the Ima Field in January 1997. Production
levels from the Ima Field peaked at approximately 27,500 gross (13,400 net)
barrels of oil and condensate per day from six producing wells. In June 1996,
the Company signed a Crude Oil Sale Agreement pursuant to which a large
international crude oil marketing company agreed to market and sell the crude
production from the Ima Field. A total of 6.1 million gross (2.9 million net)
barrels of crude oil were produced and sold during the fiscal period ended
December 31, 1997. In fiscal 1998 prior to the disposition of the Company's
interest in June 1998, a total of 2.64 million gross (1.45 million net) barrels
of crude oil were produced and sold from the Ima Field.
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The Company drilled its first well in the Benin Basin on on-shore Block OPL
302 in December 1993. The well was not successful and the Company's
Participating Interest in the concession was allowed to expire in 1997. Between
November 1996 and March 1997, the Company successfully drilled two off-shore
wells on the Aje Field on Benin Basin Concession Block OML 113. The wells
tested maximum flow rates of 8,800 and 5,500 barrels of oil per day respectively
along with significant volumes of natural gas. Both wells have been shut-in
following testing pending the financing and construction of a suitable off-shore
production facility. See "Properties - Benin Basin - Drilling, Development and
Future Work Commitments".
Restructuring of Operations and Financial Affairs
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In June 1997 production rates from the Ima Field began to decline. It was
subsequently determined that the decline in production was attributable to
compartmentalization of the main producing zones and the absence of a strong
water drive for the Ima Field. In February 1998, Abacan appointed a new
President and Chief Executive Officer. A comprehensive reservoir analysis of
the Ima Field completed in the spring of 1998 suggested that the Ima Field was
no longer economically producible. The Company immediately initiated a
restructuring strategy in respect of its oil and gas operations and financial
affairs which both management and the Board of Directors considered essential to
maintain the financial viability of the Company. The Company's restructuring
strategy, which is ongoing, was comprised of a series of steps which included:
(1) the disposition of the Company's Participating Interests in the Ima Field;
(2) the sale or disposition of the Company's mobile offshore production unit
("MOPU") which was then being utilized on the Ima Field; (3) the reduction and
extension of the repayment terms of the Company's secured debt; (4) the
settlement of claims of trade and other unsecured creditors; (5) the reduction
of general and administrative expenses; and (6) the maximization of exploitation
opportunities with joint venture partners for the exploration and development of
the Company's large acreage position in the Benin Basin.
On June 30, 1998, the Company concluded the first two phases of its overall
restructuring strategy. Under the terms of a settlement agreement (the "Amni
Settlement Agreement") reached with its Nigerian partner, Amni International
Petroleum Development Company Limited ("Amni"), the Company relinquished all
rights and Participating Interests to the "shallow" zones of the Ima Field. At
the time of disposition, the "shallow" zones comprised all of the Company's
proved developed reserves in the Niger Delta and all of its petroleum
production. In exchange, Amni agreed: (1) to assume all outstanding unsecured
financial claims against the Company (including trade claims) related to the
development of the Ima Field; (2) to assume responsibility for ongoing and
future lease obligations with existing service providers to the Ima Field; (3)
to release the Company from certain financial obligations due or accruing under
the terms of the joint venture agreements between the Company and Amni valued at
approximately $20 million; and (4) to release the Company from any claims Amni
had to the MOPU. The Company retained a 10% Participating Interest in the "Deep
Ima Prospect" which is located below the producing shallow zones of the Ima
Field and which prospect was previously identified in 1997 by one of the
Company's exploration wells.
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Concurrent with concluding the terms of the Amni Settlement Agreement, the
Company conveyed its interest in the MOPU to a major international service
company in exchange for the extinguishment of approximately $18.8 million of
debt, representing all of the debt due from the Company to the international
service company. In connection with this settlement, the Company also
restructured an existing secured loan (the "Secured Loan"). The Secured Loan had
been previously advanced to the Company in August 1997 with the proceeds
therefrom being utilized to repay project financing used for the construction of
the MOPU and a portion of the exploration and development costs associated with
the Ima Field. The restructuring of the Secured Loan by the lender (the
"Secured Lender") enabled the Company to defer quarterly interest payments until
December 31, 1998 and to extend the maturity of approximately $20.1 million of
the loan until June 30, 1999, with the remainder of $10.6 million due on
December 31, 1999. The terms of its agreement with the major international
service company, provided that if a future sale price of the MOPU is above a
pre-determined threshold, a portion of the proceeds of sale will be applied to
reduce the Company's obligations under its existing Secured Loan.
Subsequent to December 31, 1998, the Company received confirmation from the
Secured Lender that the interest payment due December 31, 1998 had been
capitalized and that the first payment was amended to March 31, 1999. The
Secured Lender has since advised the Company that notwithstanding its written
extension, payment of the first interest instalment was due on December 31,
1998. The Company has not yet made this interest payment and is currently
negotiating with its Secured Lender regarding further relief from this and other
near-term cash interest payments. There is no assurance that such negotiations
will be successful. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations - Risks and Uncertainties - Financing
Risks".
In July 1997, the Company increased its participating position in Benin
Block 4 and Block 1 to a 100% Participating Interest. This acquisition was
followed in June 1998 with the execution of a Letter of Intent with a major
international natural gas and electrical power generating company and the
Government of Benin for the development, construction, financing and operation
of a natural gas powered electrical generation power plant to be located in
Cotonou, Benin. Negotiations are ongoing to finalize the details of a power
plant that is expected to provide electrical energy to Benin and the
neighbouring countries of Togo and Ghana. Natural gas feedstock is expected to
be supplied from the Company's Benin Block 1 in Benin and the Aje Field in
Nigerian Block OML 113. The Company has drilled and tested significant gas
resources on the Aje Field that are awaiting development of a suitable market
before being classified as proved reserves. The Company believes that it will
require an industry partner to fund the costs of developing a natural gas market
and to fund the costs of developing the natural gas resources contained in the
Aje Field. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations - Risks and Uncertainties - Liquidity".
THE PETROLEUM INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA AND BENIN
All of the Company's oil and gas properties are located in Nigeria and
Benin, both of which are developing third world nations that have experienced
periods of civil unrest and political and economic instability. The regulation
of the petroleum industry has been and is expected to continue to be affected by
economic and political events that occur in each country. Such events are
beyond the control of the Company and may adversely affect the future operations
of the Company.
Nigeria
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Overview
Oil has been produced in Nigeria by multinational companies since 1958 with
only limited interruptions despite periods of civil and political unrest. The
oil industry constitutes the most important segment of the Nigerian economy and
accounts for approximately 90% of the country's total exports and approximately
75% of total government revenue.
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The Company currently operates in Nigeria in conjunction with a number of
Nigerian companies (the "Nigerian Partners") under a program (the "Indigenous
Program") introduced in 1990 by the Nigerian Ministry of Petroleum Resources
(the "MPR") in an effort to increase production and domestic participation in
the country's oil industry. The Indigenous Program provides qualified,
privately owned Nigerian companies with both preferential treatment in the
allocation of available petroleum concession blocks and favourable economic
terms for the development of such blocks. Participating Nigerian companies are
permitted to establish revenue and cost sharing arrangements with foreign
companies that provide the technical expertise, operational support and
financial resources required for the exploration and development of the
concession blocks. In the case of the Company, such arrangements have been
established by way of joint venture agreements between the Company and its
various Nigerian Partners. As part of the Indigenous Program, the Nigerian
government receives a combination of production royalties and taxes and is not
required to fund any exploration or development costs. The Nigerian National
Petroleum Company is not involved in concession blocks awarded under the
Indigenous Program. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations - Risks and Uncertainties - Nigerian
Regulation - Dependence Upon the Indigenous Program".
Regulation
All phases of oil exploration, development and production are regulated by
the Nigerian government either directly, through the MPR or through the Nigerian
Department of Petroleum Resources ("DPR") pursuant to the Petroleum Decree,
1969, under periodic policy statements issued by the Nigerian government and
through administrative practices of the DPR. Areas of government regulation
include restrictions on petroleum production, price controls, export controls,
taxes and royalties, expropriation of property, environmental protection and rig
safety. In addition, all petroleum drilling and production in Nigeria must be
approved in advance by the Nigerian government through the MPR or the DPR. In
the case of the Company, any future operations to be conducted on its Nigerian
concessions, including the establishment of a production facility on Block OML
113 and the export of natural gas to Benin will require MPR or DPR approval.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations - Risks and Uncertainties - Nigerian Regulation".
Under current Nigerian legislation, a petroleum concession is required for
a party to conduct petroleum exploration and development. Concessions may be
obtained directly from the MPR or from an existing concession owner, provided
that prior MPR approval to an assignment is obtained. Petroleum concessions
granted by the MPR consist of either an oil exploration license, an oil
prospecting licence ("OPL") or an oil mining lease ("OML"). Concession Blocks
are typically designated on the basis of whether they are subject to an OPL or
OML. An OPL gives the holder the exclusive right to conduct both seismic and
exploratory drilling operations within a concession block and the right to carry
away and dispose of petroleum produced during the term of the OPL. An OML is
issuable to the holder of an OPL following testing or production of a minimum of
10,000 barrels per day and the fulfilment of a number of other conditions and
requirements established by the MPR and DPR.
An OML provides the holder with an exclusive right to conduct exploration
and development drilling operations and to export petroleum produced on the
concession block for a term of up to 20 years. An OML may be renewed upon
application to the MPR. The Petroleum Decree, 1969 contains provisions that
require the holder of an OML to relinquish 50% of the geographic area
encompassed by the OML after 10 years upon the request of the MPR. The acreage
to be relinquished is identified by the holder of the OML and not the MPR. The
Nigerian government may also elect, during the currency of an OML or OPL to
directly participate in the concession, which could result in a reduction of the
Participating Interest of the Company. The Petroleum Decree, 1969 does not
specify the maximum level of government participation. See " Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Risks
and Uncertainties - Nigerian Regulation - Government Right of Participation".
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The Company's current Participating Interests in Nigeria exist pursuant to
the terms of joint venture agreements between the Company and its Nigerian
Partners. In the case of Concession Block OML 113, an OML was issued to YFP for
this block on July 3, 1998. The OPL for Concession Block OPL 310 has expired,
however, at the request of the Company's Nigerian Partner, the DPR confirmed in
February 1997 that the OPL was in good standing. Nothing has been received by
the Company or to the Company's knowledge, by its Nigerian Partner that would
indicate that either the MPR or DPR consider OPL 310 not to be valid or in good
standing at the current time. See "Properties - Benin Basin" and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Risks
and Uncertainties - Nigerian Regulation - Assignment of Interests Under Joint
Venture Agreements" and "Risks and Uncertainties - Nigerian Title Issues".
Revenues generated from petroleum operations are subject to a number of
tax/royalty regimes. Under the Indigenous Program, the fiscal regime consists
of a production royalty and an adjusted profits tax. The payment of the royalty
to the Nigerian Government is dependant upon the levels of petroleum production
and is determined on the basis of the chargeable value of the crude oil produced
less an allowance for oil used in the extraction process. Royalty rates vary
depending upon whether the concession is on-shore or off-shore and, in the case
of off-shore concession, the average water depth of the concession. A royalty
of 20% is applicable to on-shore concessions reducing to no royalty for
concessions situated in over 1000 metres of water. The royalty applicable to
the Company's Nigerian concessions OML 113 and OPL 310 have not yet been
formalized but are expected to be not greater than 15%.
In addition to the royalty, producers are subject to a tax on adjusted
petroleum profits. Adjusted petroleum profits consist generally of revenues
from petroleum sales less operational expenses and certain capital costs
(including drilling costs). The Petroleum Profits Tax Act, 1969, prescribes a
petroleum profits tax rate of 85%. The Company understands that a reduced
petroleum profits tax rate may be applicable to concession blocks awarded under
the Indigenous Program. Any changes to the current royalty regime or the
Petroleum Profits Tax Act, 1969 or their applicability to the Indigenous Program
will affect the Company. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations - Risks and Uncertainties - Nigerian
Regulation - Uncertainty Regarding Tax and Royalty Arrangements".
Benin
- -----
The Benin petroleum industry is less developed than the Nigerian petroleum
industry. Petroleum exploration started in Benin in 1964 and has been focused
primarily in the off-shore area of the Benin Basin. The country's first major
discovery occurred in 1982 with the discovery of the Seme Field located
off-shore near the Nigerian border. There has been a number of significant
off-shore discoveries made recently on the Nigerian side of the Benin Basin
(including the Company's discovery on OML 113) which has heightened interest in
Benin's petroleum sector in recent years.
Regulation
Responsibility for the regulation and control of the petroleum industry in
Benin rests with the national government pursuant to the Petroleum Code of the
Republic of Benin and the administrative decrees and ordinances established
thereunder (collectively, the "Benin Petroleum Code"). Regulation of
exploration, exploitation, title, transportation, marketing and taxation of
petroleum rests with the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Hydraulics (the "Benin
Oil Ministry"). All drilling and production and other petroleum operations in
Benin require prior approval of the Benin Oil Ministry. Consequently, any
future operations to be conducted on its Benin concessions, including the
drilling of exploration wells on Block 1 and Block 4, will require the prior
approval of the Benin Oil Ministry.
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The Company's current Participating Interests in Benin exist pursuant to
separate Production Sharing Contracts for Block 1 and Block 4 between the
Company and the Government of Benin. Each of the PSC's establish a minimum work
commitment that must be met by the Company. In the case of Block 1, the minimum
work commitment includes the drilling of one well and the completion of a
seismic program by the end of February 1999. The requisite work commitments for
Block 1 were not satisfied by the February 1999 deadline. The Company is
currently negotiating an extension with the Benin Oil Ministry and risks the
loss of its Participating Interest in Block 1 should an extension not be
secured. In the case of Block 4, the minimum work commitment includes and the
completion of a seismic program which has been satisfied, and the drilling of
one exploratory well by the end of February 2002. The Company believes that it
will require an industry partner to fund the requisite minimum work commitments
associated with Blocks 1 and 4. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Risks and Uncertainties -
Liquidity" and A - Risks and Uncertainties - Benin Title Issues".
COMPETITIVE AND INDUSTRY CONDITIONS
The oil and gas industry is intensely competitive and the Company will
continue to compete with a substantial number of other companies, many of whom
have greater technical, financial and other resources. Many such companies not
only explore for and produce crude oil and natural gas, but also carry on
refining operations and market oil, natural gas and other products on a
worldwide basis.
The Company does not currently own production facilities or refining
operations and will rely upon other parties to produce, market and refine any
future petroleum production. Due to the changes in the affairs of the Company
arising out of its recent restructuring, the Company will have to secure
adequate sources of funding to retain the services of such parties. In the case
of the Benin Basin Concessions, there is currently no market for the Company's
natural gas resources. Subject to completion, the establishment of a natural
gas electrical generation project currently being negotiated is expected to
create a market. The electrical generation project has not yet been formally
approved, financed or constructed. There is no assurance that the project will
be approved, or if approved, that it will be successfully completed. If
completed, the project will rely upon an electrical distribution network that is
owned by the governments of Benin, Togo and Ghana as well as other third
parties. If a sustainable market for the Company's natural gas is created, the
Company will have to finance and construct or rely on other parties to finance
and construct a suitable production facility and natural gas pipeline to the
natural gas electrical generation project. There are currently other sources of
electricity which may affect the amounts that can be generated and sold which in
turn will affect demand for the Company's natural gas resources. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations - Risks and Uncertainties - Benin Regulation".
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
The Company's operations are and will continue to be affected in varying
degrees by legislation intended to ensure the protection of the environment.
Much of Nigeria's and Benin's environmental legislation is administered by the
DPR and the Benin Oil Ministry, respectively. These government departments may
require environmental impact assessments prior to granting approval for certain
larger scale or environmentally sensitive activities or may impose restrictions
or prohibitions on releases or emissions of various substances generated by the
Company's oil and gas operations or any future electrical generation project.
Compliance with such legislation or administrative requirements may require
significant expenditures and the breach of such requirements may result in the
imposition of material fines and penalties. Guidelines and regulations continue
to be developed and implemented by the DPR, Benin Oil Ministry and other
government ministries in areas of waste management, contaminated sites,
environmental impact assessments and habitat protection.
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<PAGE>
The Company believes that its Nigerian and Benin operations have at all
times complied in all material respects with applicable Nigerian and Benin
legislation and administrative requirements relating to safety and environmental
protection. The costs of such compliance has been included as either capital
expenditures or operating costs. The Company intends to continue conducting its
operations in both Nigeria and Benin in a manner that complies with
environmental standards imposed by the DPR and the Benin Oil Ministry and all
applicable legislation.
EMPLOYEES
At December 31, 1998, the Company had 7 employees and consultants in
Houston, 3 consultants in Calgary and 22 employees and consultants in London,
Benin and Nigeria. None of the Company's employees or consultants are party to
a collective bargaining agreement.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
OVERVIEW
Between 1993 and 1997, the Company acquired Participating Interests in
eight oil and gas concession blocks in the Benin Basin and Niger Delta. In the
case of its Nigerian concession blocks, the Participating Interests of the
Company are held pursuant to joint venture agreements with the Company's
indigenous Nigerian Partners who in turn have been issued oil prospecting
licences or oil mining leases from the MPR. In the case of its two concession
blocks located in Benin, the Participating Interests of the Company are held
pursuant to two separate production sharing contracts directly between the
Company and the national Government of Benin. Participating Interests in two of
the Company's Nigerian concession blocks have been subsequently surrendered or
released by the Company. Consequently, at the end of the most recently
completed financial year, the Company held Participating Interests in six
concession blocks, two of which were located in the Niger Delta and four of
which were located in the Benin Basin. See "Niger Delta - Cost Obligations and
Revenue Interests" and "Benin Basin - Cost Obligations and Revenue Interests".
NIGER DELTA
Recent Events
Prior to June 1998, all of the Company's proven reserves and all of its
production came from the Ima Field located in Niger Delta Concession Blocks OML
112 and OPL 237. In June 1998, following an assessment that the shallow
producing zones of the Ima Field were no longer economic, the Company began to
restructure its oil and gas operations and in so doing, relinquished
substantially all of its Participating Interest in Nigerian Blocks OML 112 and
OPL 237. The only interest retained in the blocks by the Company is a 10%
Participating Interest in the Deep Ima Prospect located beneath the existing
producing zones of the Ima Field. There are no reserves allocated to the Deep
Ima Prospect. In January 1998, the Company cancelled its joint venture
agreement in respect of Concession Block OPL 233.
As a consequence of this ongoing restructuring, at the end of the most
recently completed financial year, the Company has no Participating Interests or
production from the Niger Delta with the exception of a 10% working interest in
the Deep Ima Prospect. PERSONS READING THIS DOCUMENT SHOULD NOTE THAT THE
PARTICIPATING INTERESTS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPANY IN THE NIGER DELTA AND
DISCUSSED IN THIS SECTION WERE DISPOSED OF AND THAT WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE
INTEREST HELD IN THE DEEP IMA PROSPECT, ARE NO LONGER HELD BY THE COMPANY. See
"Business - History and Development of the Business - Restructuring of
Operations and Financial Affairs".
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Location
Prior to the disposition of its Participating Interests on June 30, 1998,
the Company held Participating Interests in adjoining Niger Delta Concession
Blocks OML 112 and OPL 237. Concession Blocks OML 112 and OPL 237 are located
approximately six miles off the coast of south-central Nigeria, cover an area of
approximately 150,000 acres, and are in the vicinity of a number of Nigeria's
largest oil producing fields, including Mobil's Oso and Kpono Fields; Shell's
Bonny, Opobo and Kalaekule Fields; and Elf Aquitaine's Ameram Field.
Prior to the cancellation of its joint venture agreement in early January
1998, the Company also held a Participating Interest in Niger Delta Concession
Block OPL 233. Concession Block OPL 233 covers an area of approximately 30,000
acres and is located along the Nigerian coastline 100 miles northwest of
Concession Blocks OML 112 and OPL 237 in the vicinity of Texaco's producing
Middleton, North Apoi and Pennington Fields.
Participating Interests
An oil prospecting licence for Concession Block OPL 237 was granted by the
MPR to Amni in December 1994. An OML for Concession Block OML 112 (formerly
Concession Block OPL 469) was issued to Amni in February 1998 following a prior
grant of an OPL for the concession block in August 1993. The Company acquired
its Participating Interests in Concession Blocks OML 112 and OPL 237 pursuant to
joint venture agreements signed with Amni in August 1993 and December 1994
respectively. On June 30, 1998, the existing joint venture agreements for
Blocks OML 112 and OPL 237 were terminated with the consent of Amni and replaced
by a new joint venture agreement (the "June 1998 JVA") which granted a 10%
Participating Interest to the Company restricted to the Deep Ima Prospect.
An OPL for Concession Block OPL 233 was granted by the MPR to Petroleum
Products Company Limited ("PPCL") in August 1993. The Company acquired a
Participating Interest in Concession Block OPL 233 through a joint venture
agreement with PPCL signed in November 1996. The joint venture agreement was
terminated by mutual consent of the Company and PPCL in January 1998 with no
work having been performed by the Company on the block.
Drilling, Development and Production
Prior to the disposition of its Participating Interests in the Niger Delta,
the Company had drilled 10 exploratory and development wells in the region. The
following table provides a summary of the wells drilled and completed by the
Company in the Niger Delta:
-9-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TOTAL VERTICAL DEPTH
CONCESSION BLOCK WELL NAME DATE COMPLETED (FEET)
- ---------------- --------- -------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
OML 112 NGO #3 September 1994 11,400
OML 112 NGO #4 November 1994 11,400
OML 112 NGO #5 March 1995 11,450
OPL 237 Ima #1 May 1995 11,600
OPL 237 Ima #2 November 1995 11,400
OPL 237 Ima #6 June 1997 12,350
OPL 237 Ima #7 August 1997 10,735
OML 112 Ima #8 October 1997 11,380
OML 112 Ima #9 February 1998 12,940
OPL 237 Ima #10 April 1998 10,765
- ---------------- --------- -------------- ---------------------
</TABLE>
The Company commenced commercial production of oil and condensate from the
Ima Field in January 1997. During the most recently completed fiscal year, a
total of approximately 2.64 million gross (1.45 million net) barrels were
produced from the Ima Field prior to the disposition of the Company's
Participating Interest in June 1998. Production levels from the Ima Field for
1998 prior to the disposition averaged approximately 14,600 gross (8,050 net)
barrels of oil per day.
The following table sets forth the average sales price (including
transfers) and the average production cost per barrel of oil produced since the
commencement of production in January 1997 to the disposition of the Company's
Participating Interest in the Ima Field on June 30, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended
-----------------------------------------
December 31, 1997 December 31, 1998(1)
------------------ ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Average Sales Price per Barrel $ 17.56 $ 12.22
Average Production Cost per Barrel $ 13.61 $ 14.94
<FN>
- ----------------------------------
(1) Reflects production to June 30, 1998
</TABLE>
Oil and condensate produced from the Ima Field was lifted and sold pursuant
to a Crude Oil Sale Agreement signed in August 1996 (amended July 1997) between
the Company, Amni and a large international crude oil marketing company. The
sale price under the Crude Oil Sale Agreement was linked to world markets prices
for crude oil and was payable in U.S. dollars outside of Nigeria through a bank
in Europe. As part of the restructuring, the Crude Oil Sale Agreement was
terminated effective June 30, 1998. See "- Marketing and Sale of Petroleum".
Cost Obligations and Revenue Interests
The Company's Participating Interests in Concession Blocks OML 112 and OPL
237, (both before and after the disposition of its Participating Interest in the
shallow zones of the Ima Field) are held by subsidiaries and consist of an
obligation to pay for exploration and development costs ("Cost Obligation") and
an entitlement to receive revenues from the sale of production ("Revenue
Interest"). Prior to the signing of the June 1998 JVA with Amni, the Cost
Obligation and Revenue Interest of the Company varied depending upon whether
Payout has been reached on the applicable concession block. The June 1998 JVA
establishes the same Cost Obligation and Revenue Interest both before and after
Payout.
-10-
<PAGE>
A summary of the Company's Cost Obligation and Revenue Interest in its
Niger Delta concessions both before and after the disposition of its
Participating Interests in June 1998 is outlined in the tables below. In all
cases, the Revenue Interest is after giving effect to gross overriding royalties
(or their equivalent) payable to third parties. Royalties are payable on Blocks
OML 112 and OPL 237 to a company controlled by Wade Cherwayko, a former senior
executive officer and director of the Company. A royalty is also payable on all
of the Niger Delta concessions to YFP, a company substantially controlled by the
father of Tunde Folawiyo, a current director of the Company. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions".
Prior to June 30, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BEFORE PAYOUT AFTER PAYOUT
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
CONCESSION COUNTRY REVENUE INTEREST COST OBLIGATION REVENUE INTEREST COST OBLIGATION
- ---------------- ------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Block OML 112 Nigeria 49.7%(2) 100.0% 25.3%(2) 40.0%
Block OPL 237 Nigeria 48.7%(2) 100.0% 24.8%(2) 40.0%
Block OPL 233(1) Nigeria 48.5%(3) 100.0% 24.1%(3) 40.0%
</TABLE>
Subsequent to June 30, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BEFORE PAYOUT AFTER PAYOUT
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
CONCESSION COUNTRY REVENUE INTEREST COST OBLIGATION REVENUE INTEREST COST OBLIGATION
- ---------------- ------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Block OML 112(4) Nigeria 10.0%(5) 10.0% 10.0%(5) 10.0%
Block OPL 237(4) Nigeria 10.0%(5) 10.0% 10.0%(5) 10.0%
<FN>
- ----------------------------------
(1) Reflects Cost Obligation and Revenue Interest to January 30, 1998 at which time the Joint
Venture Agreement between the Company and PPCL was terminated by mutual consent. No work was
performed or expenditures incurred by the Company on Concession Block OPL 233.
(2) Revenue Interest gives effect to (i) the interest of the Company's Nigerian Partner, (ii)
combined government royalties and taxes of 30% both before and after Payout and (iii) a number of
gross overriding royalties that vary from concession to concession and range between approximately
6.4% and 5.3% before Payout and 3.2% and 2.6% after Payout. A portion of the total gross
overriding royalties are held by a company controlled by Wade Cherwayko, a former senior executive
officer and director of the Company and by YFP, a company substantially controlled by the father of
Tunde Folawiyo, a director of the Company. Tunde Folawiyo is also an executive officer of YFP.
(3) The Revenue Interest shown gives effect to the Company's proportionate share of (i)
combined government royalties and taxes of 30% both before and after payout and (ii) a number of
gross overriding royalties equal to approximately 6.5% before Payout and 3.9% after Payout. A
portion of the total gross overriding royalties is payable to YFP.
(4) The joint venture agreements governing the Company's participation in its Niger Delta
concessions reserve to the Nigerian government the right to acquire a Participating Interest in
each of the respective concession blocks. If the Nigerian government elects to participate, the
Company's after-Payout Revenue Interest could be reduced to approximately 8.0% after accounting for
the interests of others. In such an event, there would be a corresponding reduction in the
Company's after-Payout Cost Obligation. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations - Risks and Uncertainties - Nigerian Regulation - Government
Right of Participation".
(5) Excludes applicable gross overriding royalties or their equivalent payable to others
(including YFP and a company controlled by Wade Cherwayko). The level of the royalties is
currently under review by the Company as a result of the signing of the June 1998 JVA and the
Company anticipates re-negotiating the levels of royalties held by royalty-holders prior to
commencing any further operations on the Deep Ima Prospect.
</TABLE>
BENIN BASIN
Location
The Benin Basin is a large geological region located along the western
coastal region of Nigeria and much of offshore Benin. In Nigeria, the Company's
Benin Basin concessions consist of adjoining offshore Concession Blocks OML 113
and OPL 310. In Benin, the Company's Benin Basin concessions consist of
offshore Concession Block 1 and Block 4, located adjacent to Nigerian Concession
Block OML 113. Concession Block 1 encompasses the area around and below the
producing zones of the Seme Field. Concession Block 4, located further offshore
than Concession Block 1 spans from the Nigerian border on the east to the Togo
border on the west.
-11-
<PAGE>
Participating Interests
In Nigeria, an OML for Concession Block OML 113 (formerly OPL 309) was
issued to YFP in July 1998 following the prior grant of an OPL for the
concession block in June 1991. YFP is a company that is substantially
controlled by the father of Tunde Folawiyo, a director of the Company. Tunde
Folawiyo is also an executive officer of YFP. An OPL for Concession Block OPL
310 was granted to Optimum Petroleum Development Limited ("Optimum") by the MPR
in February 1992. The Company acquired its Participating Interest in Concession
Block OML 113 in June 1993 pursuant to a joint venture agreement with YFP and in
Concession Block OPL 310 in December 1996 pursuant to a joint venture agreement
with Optimum. The OPL for Block OPL 310 expired in February 1997 however, at
the request of Optimum, the DPR confirmed in February 1997 (subsequent to the
expiry date) that the OPL continued to be in good standing notwithstanding the
expiry of its formal term. Nothing has been received by the Company or, to the
knowledge of the Company, by Optimum subsequent to February 1997 that would
indicate that the MPR or DPR consider OPL 310 not to be valid or in good
standing at the current time. To maintain its Participating Interest in
Concession Block OPL 310, the Company is required to satisfy certain future work
commitments. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations - Risks and Uncertainties - Nigerian Title Issues -
Expiration or Cancellation of Nigerian Oil Prospecting Licences".
In Benin, the Company and Addax Petroleum Benin Limited ("Addax Benin")
executed a Production Sharing Contract in respect of Benin Block 1 (the "Block 1
PSC") and Benin Block 4 (the "Block 4 PSC") in February 1997. On September 30,
1997, the Company acquired all of Addax Benin's Participating Interest in the
Block 1 PSC and Block 4 PSC. To maintain its Participating Interest in Block 1
and Block 4, the Company is required to satisfy certain future work commitments.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations - Risks and Uncertainties - Benin Title Issues".
The Company has paid total acquisition fees of approximately $9.125 million
for its Participating Interests in the Benin Basin concessions. With the
conversion of OPL 309 into OML 113 in July 1998, an additional $5.0 million in
acquisition fees is payable to YFP out of a portion of the Company's share of
future production revenues. YFP is a company that is substantially controlled
by the father of Tunde Folawiyo, a director of the Company. Tunde Folawiyo is
also an executive officer of YFP. On Concession Block OPL 310, $1.0 million is
payable to Optimum within nine months following testing of the first exploration
well and $2.0 million following commencement of production.
Drilling, Development and Future Work Commitments
The following table provides a summary of the wells drilled by the Company
on its Benin Basin concessions since 1996:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONCESSION TOTAL VERTICAL DEPTH
BLOCK WELL NAME DATE COMPLETED (FEET) FLOW RATE (BOPD)(1)
- ---------- --------- -------------- --------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OML 113 AJE #1 November 1996 7,605 5,500
OML 113 AJE #2 March 1997 11,551 8,800
<FN>
- ----------------------------------
(1) Flow rate results are from testing only and are not necessarily
indicative of flow rates that may be realized during production. Results shown
include oil and condensate but not natural gas. Testing and compilation of the
test results from the Company's wells was conducted by Schlumberger.
</TABLE>
-12-
<PAGE>
The Company has fulfilled its minimum work obligations in respect of
Concession Block OML 113. However, significant additional expenditures will
have to be incurred by the Company under the terms of its joint venture
agreement with YFP in order to produce the petroleum resources identified in OML
113. Most notably, the Company will have to establish or secure a market for
the natural gas identified in the Aje Field of Block OML 113, secure a suitable
floating off-shore production facility and finance, construct or lease a
pipeline to an on-shore market. There is no assurance that the Company will,
by itself or with others, be able to establish a suitable market for the
petroleum resources contained in the Aje Field of Block OML 113 or that it will
be able to secure a production facility or construct a pipeline necessary to
produce such resources. See " - Cost Obligations and Revenue Interests" and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations - Risks and Uncertainties - Liquidity".
On Concession Block OPL 310, the Company is required to complete a minimum
work program consisting of three wells and a seismic program. The obligation of
the Company to initiate expenditures towards the minimum work program commences
after receipt of applicable government approval for the joint venture agreement
between the Company and Optimum. The OPL for Concession Block OPL 310 has
expired and Optimum has not yet secured an extension or replacement OPL or the
requisite government approval for the joint venture agreement. Optimum has
advised the Company that it wishes the Company to proceed with fulfilling its
minimum work commitment in advance of receipt of requisite government approvals.
In Benin, the work commitments of the Company are set out in the Block 1
PSC and Block 4 PSC. In the case of Block 1, the Company is required to drill
one well and complete a seismic program by the end of February 1999. The
requisite work commitment for Block 1was not satisfied by this deadline. The
Company is currently negotiating an extension with the Benin Ministry and risks
the loss of its Participating Interest in Block 1 if an extension is not
secured. In the case of Block 4, the Company is required to drill one well and
complete a seismic program by February 2002. The Company has satisfied the
seismic commitment but not the drilling commitment. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Risks
and Uncertainties - Benin Title Issues" and "- Risks and Uncertainties -
Liquidity".
In June 1998, the Company entered into a Letter of Intent with a subsidiary
of a major international natural gas producing and electrical power generating
company and the Government of Benin for the development, financing, construction
and operation of an electrical generation power plant to be located in Cotonou,
Benin. Under the terms of the Letter of Intent, natural gas feedstock for the
project is expected to be supplied from the Company's Aje Field natural gas
resources identified on Nigerian Block OML 113 and from Block 1 in Benin.
Negotiations are continuing towards the signing of a definitive Power Purchase
Agreement. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations - Risks and Uncertainties - Benin Regulation".
Cost Obligations and Revenue Interests
The Company's Participating Interests in the Benin Basin, consisting of a
Cost Obligation and Revenue Interest, are held by the Company pursuant to joint
venture agreements with its Nigerian Partners in Nigeria and pursuant to the
Block 1 PSC and Block 4 PSC in Benin. The Cost Obligation and Revenue Interest
of the Company vary based upon whether Payout has been reached on the applicable
concession block.
-13-
<PAGE>
The joint venture agreements with the Nigerian Partners generally provide
that, as part of its Cost Obligation, the Company must fund all exploration and
development costs before Payout and 40% of all such costs after Payout.
Provided there is production from a concession block, the Company is entitled to
55% of revenues before Payout and 28% after Payout (before accounting for gross
overriding royalties or their equivalent payable to others). The balance of
revenues before Payout is payable as to 30% to the Nigerian government for taxes
and royalties and as to 15% to the Nigerian Partner. There is a pro-rata
adjustment mechanism in place should applicable government royalties and taxes
be less than 30% of total revenues. The Company's Nigerian Partner on Block OML
113 is YFP, a Company substantially controlled by the father of Tunde Folawiyo,
a director of the Company.
In Benin, the PSC's with the Government of Benin require the Company to
fund 100% of all exploration and development costs of a prescribed minimum work
program. Petroleum costs (to a prescribed maximum) are recoverable out of
future production sale proceeds after payment of a 12.5% crude oil production
royalty to the Benin Government. Remaining crude is subject to a sliding scale
allocation between the Company and the Benin Government based upon daily
production. The Company is also subject to a tax on corporate profits and to an
export revenue tax.
A summary of the Company's Revenue Interest and Cost Obligation in each of
its Benin Basin concessions is set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BEFORE PAYOUT AFTER PAYOUT
----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
CONCESSION COUNTRY REVENUE INTEREST COST OBLIGATION REVENUE INTEREST COST OBLIGATION
- ---------------- ------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Block OML 113(1) Nigeria 52.5%(2) 100.0% 26.7% 40.0%
Block OPL 310(1) Nigeria 48.5% 100.0% 24.7% 40.0%
Block 1/Seme Benin 69.0%(3)(5) 100.0%(3)(5) 50.0%(5) 100.0%(3)(5)
Block 4 Benin 75.0%(4)(5) 100.0%(4)(5) 50.0%(4)(5) 100.0%(4)(5)
<FN>
- ----------------------------------
(1) The agreements governing the Company's participation in Blocks OML 113 and OPL 310 reserve
to the Nigerian government the right to acquire a Participating Interest in each of the respective
concession blocks. If the Nigerian government elects to participate, the Company's after-Payout
Revenue Interest could be reduced to 20.0% after accounting for the interests of others. In such
an event, there would be a corresponding reduction in the Company's after-Payout Cost Obligation.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Risks and
Uncertainties - Government Right of Participation."
(2) The Revenue Interest set forth above gives effect to (i) the interest held by the Company's
Nigerian Partner, (ii) government royalties and taxes both before and after Payout and (iii) a
number of gross overriding royalties that vary from concession to concession and range from 6.4% to
2.5% before Payout and 3.2% to 1.3% after Payout. Certain of these gross overriding royalties are
held by a company wholly owned by Wade Cherwayko, a former executive officer and director of the
Company.
(3) Under the terms of the Block 1 PSC, the Company is responsible for payment of all
exploration and development costs of a prescribed minimum work program. Petroleum costs incurred
by the Company are recoverable out of future proceeds of production after payment of a 12.5% crude
oil production royalty. In any particular year, cost recovery is limited to 69% of total crude oil
sale proceeds. The balance of crude oil sale proceeds ("Profit Oil") is allocated between the
Company and the Government of Benin based upon total daily production in accordance with the
following progressive scale:
AVERAGE DAILY
- ------------------
PRODUCTION (BOPD) GOVERNMENT SHARE COMPANY SHARE
- ------------------ ----------------- --------------
0 to 5,000 50% 50%
5,001 to 10,000 55% 45%
10,001 to 20,000 60% 40%
20,001 to 50,000 65% 35%
50,000 to 100,000 70% 30%
Over 100,000 75% 25%
(4) Under the terms of the Block 4 PSC, the Company is responsible for
payment of all exploration and development costs of a prescribed minimum work
program. Petroleum costs incurred by the Company are recoverable out of future
proceeds of production after payment of a 12.5% crude oil production royalty.
In any particular year, cost recovery is limited to 75% of total crude oil sale
proceeds. The balance of crude oil sale proceeds ("Profit Oil") is allocated
between the Company and the Government of Benin based upon total daily
production in accordance with the following progressive scale:
-14-
<PAGE>
Oil
AVERAGE DAILY
- -----------------
PRODUCTION (BOPD) GOVERNMENT SHARE COMPANY SHARE
- ----------------- ----------------- --------------
0 to 100,000 50% 50%
over 100,000 55% 45%
Condensate
AVERAGE DAILY
- -----------------
PRODUCTION (BOPD) GOVERNMENT SHARE COMPANY SHARE
- ----------------- ----------------- --------------
0 to 100,000 45% 55%
over 100,000 50% 50%
(5) The Company may also be subject to a 55% tax on profits received from
the sale of petroleum (after full cost recovery including capital and operating
costs). An export revenue tax of 3.12% of the FOB value of the petroleum sold
is also applicable to petroleum exported to a location outside of Benin.
</TABLE>
RESERVES
Niger Delta
- ------------
The following table sets forth certain summary information at December 31,
1997 contained in the Reserve Report prepared by Gilbert Laustsen dated April
13, 1998 of the gross and the Company's net oil and condensate reserves and the
Present Value of such reserves on a constant price and cost basis after
adjustment for applicable Nigerian taxes and royalties, as understood by the
Company and gross overriding royalties or their equivalent and interests held by
the Company's Nigerian Partners. ALL OF THE RESERVES REFERENCED IN THE RESERVE
REPORT WERE DISPOSED OF BY THE COMPANY ON JUNE 30, 1998 AS PART OF THE ONGOING
REORGANIZATION OF ITS OIL AND GAS OPERATIONS.
All of the Company's reserves reflected in the Reserve Report relate to the
Ima Field located on Concession Blocks OML 112 and OPL 237. The Reserve Report
also identified natural gas reserves, however, such reserves have not been
assigned economic value as no market currently exists. No Reserve Report has
been filed by the Company with any U.S. or Canadian Federal regulatory agency
since the beginning of the last fiscal year.
The Reserve Report revises previous reserve reports prepared by Gilbert
Laustsen dated August 1, 1995, November 15, 1995, September 1, 1996 and May 13,
1997. The forecasts shown in the Reserve Report reflect updated production
facility capital, lease and operating expenditures, change in the constant price
per barrel of oil and the commencement of production on the Ima Field. The
reserve information, including Present Value, have been prepared in accordance
with SEC Present Value Criteria which differs in some respects from the
requirements of Canadian National Policy No. 2-B. The Present Values set forth
in the Reserve Report do not necessarily reflect the fair market value of the
reserves evaluated. THE INFORMATION RESPECTING THE COMPANY'S RESERVES ARE
PRESENTED TO COMPLY WITH APPLICABLE SECURITIES REGULATIONS. THE COMPANY NO
LONGER HOLDS ANY INTEREST IN THE RESERVES SHOWN.
-15-
<PAGE>
BASED ON CONSTANT PRICE AND COST ASSUMPTIONS(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AT DECEMBER 31, 1997
-----------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL PROVED
PROVED PROVED NON- TOTAL 50% OF AND 50%
PRODUCING PRODUCING PROVED PROBABLE PROBABLE OF
RESERVES RESERVES RESERVES RESERVES(2) RESERVES
---------- ------------ --------- ------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Oil and Condensate
Gross Reserves(3)(MMB) 3.8 18.3 22.1 6.5 28.6
---------- ------------ --------- ------------ --------------
Company's Net Reserves (4)(5) 2.8 13 15.8 4.7 20.5
---------- ------------ --------- ------------ --------------
Present Value of Company's Net
Reserves (in $millions) (1)(6)
Undiscounted $ 11.7 $ 65.6 $ 77.1 $ 41.9 $ 119.0
Discounted at 10% 11.4 53.1 64.5 30.7 95.2
Discounted at 15% 11.2 48.4 59.6 26.5 86.1
- ------------------------------- ---------- ------------ --------- ------------ --------------
<FN>
- -------------------------------
(1) Utilizing SEC Present Value criteria based on a constant price of $16.20 per barrel (being
the price in effect on December 31, 1997). The SEC Present Value differs from the Present Value
utilized under Canadian National Policy 2-B in that the SEC Present Value is based upon a price
per barrel on the date the SEC Present Value is calculated. The Canadian Present Value is based
upon an estimated average price per barrel of oil for the year following the date the Canadian
Present Value is calculated.
(2) A risk factor of 50% has been applied to Probable Reserves and to the future estimated
cash flow from Probable Reserves to account for the geological and engineering risk associated
with these reserves.
(3) Gross Reserves reflects total cumulative reserves held by all participants.
(4) Net Reserves reflects reserves attributable to the Company after adjustment of the
Company's understanding of applicable Nigerian taxes and royalties, and gross overriding
royalties or their equivalent and interests held by the Company's Nigerian Partners.
(5) The total proved production forecast reflected in the Reserve Report is developed based on
the following assumptions:
- Based on the inclusion of two wells forecast to be placed on production in April 1998 and
January 1999, respectively.
- Gas injection is increased to a minimum of 40 MMCFD into the Upper C-1 Zone.
- With pressure maintenance, production from three existing wells is stabilized at 6,200 bopd
until the end of 1999 and then forecast to decline to depletion of the assigned reserves.
- Pressure maintenance is implemented in the Lower C-1 Zone by January 1, 1999 with gas
injection at 65 million cubic feet per day or water injection at 50,000 barrels of water per day.
- With pressure maintenance, production from three existing wells is forecast to be stabilized
at 6,500 bopd until mid-year 2000 and then decline thereafter to depletion of the assigned
reserves.
The total proved plus probable production forecast includes the following additional
assumptions:
- Two wells are forecast to be placed on production in the first half of 1999 with production
at a rate of 2,500 bopd per well.
- The flat life production period of the Upper C1 zone is extended by one year.
- Place the D zone on production from one additional well.
(6) The economic parameters used to determine the present value are as follows:
- Constant crude oil price of $16.20/barrel
- Operating cost of $32.3 million per year
- Overhead cost of $7.2 million per year
- Government tax/royalty of 18.5%
- Indigenous company royalty/carried interest of 10.0%
- Drilling cost of $7.3 million per well
</TABLE>
Benin Basin
- ------------
-16-
<PAGE>
Between November 1996 and March 1997, the Company drilled and completed two
off-shore wells on the Aje Field of Nigerian Block OML 113. The wells tested
maximum flow rates of 5,500 and 8,800 barrels of oil per day, respectively, with
associated natural gas. Subsequent analysis of log results and seismic data
indicate that, in addition to oil, significant natural gas resources are located
in the Aje Field. Although identified by exploration drilling, no reserves or
Present Value has been assigned to the Aje Field on the basis that no market
currently exists for the Aje Field's natural gas resources. The Company is
currently negotiating with a major international natural gas producing and
electrical power generating company and the Government of Benin for the
development, financing and construction of a natural gas powered electrical
generation power plant which is anticipated will provide electrical energy to
Benin and the neighboring countries of Togo and Ghana. Natural gas feedstock is
expected to be supplied from the natural gas resources identified in the Aje
Field and from Benin Block 1. The completion of a power plant is expected to
establish a market for the Company's natural gas resources. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Risks
and Uncertainties - Liquidity" and "Risks and Uncertainties - Benin Regulation".
RESERVE RECONCILIATION
The following table contains a reconciliation of Proved Reserves on a
constant price basis from December 31, 1996 to June 30, 1998 when all of the
Company's Proved Reserves were disposed of.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROVED RESERVES (MMBBLS)(1)(5)
----------------------------------
GROSS RESERVES(2) NET RESERVES(3)
----------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
PROVED RESERVES AT DECEMBER 31, 1996(4) 47.7 23.5
----------------- ---------------
Add:
Discoveries, additions, extensions - -
Purchases and Sales - -
Economic/Technical Revisions (19.5) (4.3)
Subtract:
Production (6.1) (3.4)
----------------- ---------------
PROVED RESERVES AT DECEMBER 31, 1997 22.1 15.8
Add:
Discoveries, additions, extensions - -
Purchases - -
Economic/Technical Revisions - -
Subtract:
Production and Sales 22.1 15.8
----------------- ---------------
PROVED RESERVES AT DECEMBER 31, 1998(5) - -
================= ===============
<FN>
- -------------------------------
(1) Proved Reserves are those reserves estimated as recoverable under current
technology and existing economic conditions, from that portion of the reservoir which
can be reasonably evaluated as economically productive on the basis of analysis of
drilling, geological, geophysical and engineering data, including reserves to be
obtained by enhanced recovery processes demonstrated to be economic and technically
successful in the subject reservoir. Includes oil and condensate.
(2) Gross Reserves reflect total cumulative reserves held by all participants.
(3) Net Reserves reflect reserves attributable to the Company after adjustment of
the Company's understanding of applicable Nigerian taxes and royalties, gross
overriding royalties or their equivalent and interests held by the Company's Nigerian
Partner.
(4) Based on a May 13, 1997 reserve report prepared by Gilbert Laustsen.
(5) All of the Proved Reserves of the Company are situated in the Niger Delta.
These reserves were disposed of in June 1998. See "Business - History and Development
of the Business - Restructuring of Operation and Financial Affairs".
</TABLE>
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
The following table is a summary of the capital expenditures made by the
Company on acquisition, exploration, drilling and production activities on its
oil and gas properties for the fiscal periods indicated. In all cases, the
total capital expenditures on the Company's oil and gas properties includes a
provision for decline in property values. For the twelve months ended December
31, 1997, a total of $110.9 million was spent on the Company's oil and gas
properties compared to capital expenditures of $15.2 million for the twelve
months ended December 31, 1998.
-17-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED
--------------------------------
DEC. 31 DEC. 31 DEC. 31 TOTAL TO
1996 1997 1998 DEC. 31 1998(1)
--------- ---------- --------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
($000)
NIGER DELTA CONCESSIONS
Land and Data Acquisitions $ - $ 1,200 - 10,211
Exploration, Drilling and Seismic 11,128 61,497 13,222 132,068
Production Facilities 93,670 2,862 - 102,177
Administration and Capitalized Interest 1,896 - - 9,461
Acquisition of Royalty Interest - 13,536 - 13,536
Acquisition by Plan of Arrangement - - - 28,038
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization - (28,159) (4,244) (32,452)
Provision for Decline in Property Values - (206,019) - (206,019)
Disposition of Niger Delta Concessions(2) - - (57,020) (57,020)
--------- ---------- --------- ---------------
TOTAL NIGER DELTA 106,694 (155,083) (48,042) -
--------- ---------- --------- ---------------
BENIN BASIN CONCESSIONS
Land and Data Acquisitions 600 1,525 2,000 9,125
Exploration, Drilling and Seismic 52,136 24,311 - 78,469
Administration and Capitalized Interest 687 - 2 2,782
Acquisition of Royalty Interest - 6,036 - 6,036
Provision for Decline in Property Values - (3,981) - (3,981)
--------- ---------- --------- ---------------
TOTAL BENIN BASIN 53,423 27,891 2,002 92,431
--------- ---------- --------- ---------------
TOTAL BENIN BASIN/NIGER DELTA $160,117 $(127,192) $(46,040) 92,431
========= ========== ========= ===============
<FN>
- -------------------------------
(1) The total includes all expenditures since the Company initiated oil and gas operations
in Nigeria and Benin.
(2) See "Business - History and Development of the Business - Restructuring of Operations
and Financial Affairs".
</TABLE>
OIL AND GAS DRILLING ACTIVITIES
All of the Company's drilling activities have been in Nigeria. No wells
have been drilled to date by the Company in the Republic of Benin. The table
that follows sets out the gross and net number of productive and dry wells
drilled and completed in the periods indicated.
-18-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE 12 FOR THE 12 FOR THE 12 MONTHS
MONTHS ENDED MONTHS ENDED ENDED CUMULATIVE TO
DEC. 31, 1996(1) DEC. 31, 1997(1) DEC. 31, 1998(1) DEC. 31, 1998
------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
GROSS NET GROSS NET GROSS NET GROSS NET
LOCATION OF WELLS WELLS(2) WELLS(3) WELLS(2) WELLS(3) WELLS(2) WELLS(3) WELLS(2) WELLS(3)
- ----------------------------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NIGER DELTA CONCESSIONS:
Productive Oil and
Condensate - - 3.0 1.4 2.0 1.0 10.0 4.78
Dry and Abandoned - - - - - - - -
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total Drilled Wells - - 3.0 1.4 2.0 1.0 10.0 4.78
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
BENIN BASIN CONCESSIONS:
Productive Oil and Condensate
1.0 0.5 1.0 0.5 - - 2.0 1.0
Dry and Abandoned - - - - - - 1.0 0.51
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Total Drilled Wells 1.0 0.5 1.0 0.5 - - 3.0 1.51
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
TOTAL DRILLED WELLS 1.0 0.5 4.0 1.9 2.0 1.0 13.0 6.29
======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
<FN>
- -----------------------------
(1) "Reflect wells completed in the periods indicated.
(2) Gross Wells" are the total number of wells in which the Company has a Participating Interest.
(3) "Net Wells" are the aggregate of the percentage of Revenue Interest of the Company in each of the
Gross Wells. In all cases, the Revenue Interest shown is before payout. The Revenue Interest of the Company
declines after payout. See "-The Niger Delta - Cost Obligations and Revenue Interests" and "- Benin Basin -
Cost Obligations and Revenue Interests".
</TABLE>
AREA HOLDINGS
As at December 31, 1998, following the disposition of its Participating
Interest in the shallow zones of Ima Field, the Company's crude oil, natural gas
and natural gas liquids holdings consisted of approximately 148,000 gross acres
and 14,800 net acres in the Niger Delta and approximately 3.5 million gross
acres and 2.1 million net acres in the Benin Basin. Pursuant to the disposition
of its Participating Interest in the Niger Delta in June 1998, the Company no
longer holds proved or unproved acreage in the Niger Delta. Rather, the
Company's net acreage position is restricted to 10% Participating Interest in
the Deep Ima Prospect in respect of which there is currently no proved or
probable reserves.
-19-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
The following table summarized the Company's land holdings as of December 31, 1998.
CONCESSION ACQUIRED PARTNER PROVED ACREAGE(1)(2) UNPROVED ACREAGE(1)(3)
- ------------------------ ---------- ------- -------------------- ------------------------
GROSS NET GROSS NET
ACRES(4) ACRES(5) ACRES(4) ACRES(5)
-------- ---------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
NIGER DELTA
Block OML 112 (6) Aug. 1993 Amni - - 134,100 13,410(7)
Block OPL 237 (6) Dec. 1994 Amni - - 14,335 1,433(7)
---------- ------- -------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Total Niger Delta - - 148,435 14,843
---------- ------- -------- ---------- ---------- ------------
BENIN BASIN
Block OML 113 June 1993 YFP - - 410,000 215,250
Block OPL 310 Dec. 1996 Optimum - - 490,000 237,650
Block 1 Sept. 1997 - - - 720,000 434,700(8)
Block 4 Sept. 1997 - - - 1,900,000 1,246,800(8)
---------- ------- -------- ---------- ---------- ------------
Total Benin Basin - - 3,520,000 2,134,400
---------- ------- -------- ---------- ---------- ------------
TOTAL AREA HOLDINGS - - 3,668,435 2,149,243
========== ======= ======== ========== ========== ============
<FN>
- ------------------------
(1) As at December 31, 1998
(2) "Proved Acreage" means the acreage to which the Company has assigned Proved
Reserves at December 31, 1998.
(3) "Unproved acreage" refers to the acreage to which the Company has assigned no
Proved Reserves.
(4) "Gross Acres" means all acreage in which the Company has a Participating Interest.
(5) "Net Acres" means Gross Acres after deducting interests of all other participants.
In each case, the Net Acres is shown before Payout. The Net Acres position will decline
after Payout is achieved. See "- Niger Delta - Cost Obligations and Revenue Interests" and
"- Benin Basin - Cost Obligations and Revenue Interests".
(6) The Company released its Participating Interest in the shallow zones of the Ima
Field located on this concession block in June 1998. Acreage references are restricted to
the Deep Ima Prospect only.
(7) Reflects interest in the Deep Ima Prospect only.
(8) Net Acres calculated based upon Cost Oil Recovery attributable to the Company after
giving effect to a 12.5% crude oil production tax payable on gross production. Does not
account for an additional sliding scale royalty that becomes payable by the Company to the
Benin government based upon average daily production rate.
</TABLE>
OPERATIONS AND PRESENT ACTIVITIES
Historically, operations in Nigeria have been conducted jointly by the
Company, as technical partner and the applicable Nigerian Partner, as named
operator. In the Niger Delta, the Company is no longer the technical partner on
blocks OML 112 or OPL 237. In the Benin Basin, the Company continues to be the
technical partner for Concession Block OML 113 and OPL 310. The Company is also
the operator of Block 1 and Block 4 in Benin. The Company is currently
evaluating the sale/farmout of part or all of its Participating Interests in
these concessions. The role of the Company as operator is dependant upon the
outcome of future farm-out arrangements.
Due to the restructuring of its affairs in June 1998, the Company is not
currently conducting drilling activities nor does it currently own production or
refining facilities. The ability of the Company to drill or participate in
future wells or to secure or construct a suitable production or refining
facility to produce any discoveries is dependant upon the Company securing
sufficient financial resources or a suitable industry partner. There is no
assurance that the Company will be able to attract new equity, debt, joint
venture partners, buyers, merger partners or a combination thereof in order to
remain viable and continue operations. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Risks and
Uncertainties - Liquidity".
-20-
<PAGE>
PRODUCTION FACILITY
Components
- ----------
On June 30, 1998, the Company conveyed its entire interest in the MOPU
situated on the Ima Field to a major international service company in exchange
for the extinguishment of approximately $18.8 million of debt, representing all
of the debt due from the Company to the international service company.
Consequently, the MOPU ceased to be a material asset of the Company at its most
recently completed year end. See "Business - History and Development of the
Business - Restructuring of Operations and Financial Affairs"
Financing
- ---------
In order to fund a portion of the capital and installation costs for the
MOPU and the drilling of certain wells on the Ima Field, the Company and Amni
entered into a $30.0 million credit facility (the "European Bank Facility") with
two European banks in August 1996. In July 1997, the Company received a Secured
Loan of $35.0 million under a crude oil pre-payment agreement, the proceeds of
which were used to fully repay the European Bank Facility and for exploration
and development costs on the IMA Field. On June 30, 1998, the Secured Loan was
restructured as part of the Company's overall financial restructuring. The
restructuring of the Secured Loan by the Secured Lender enabled the Company to
defer quarterly interest payments until December 31, 1998 and to extend the
maturity of approximately $20.1 million of the loan until June 30, 1999, with
the remainder of $10.6 million due on December 31, 1999. The terms of its
agreement with the major international service company, provided that if a
future sale price of the MOPU is above a pre-determined threshold, a portion of
the proceeds of sale will be applied to reduce the Company's obligations under
its existing Secured Loan.
Subsequent to December 31, 1998, the Company received confirmation from the
Secured Lender that the interest payment due December 31, 1998 had been
capitalized and that the first payment was amended to March 31, 1999. The
Secured Lender has since advised the Company that, notwithstanding its written
extension, payment of the first interest instalment was due on December 31,
1998. The Company has not yet made this interest payment and is currently
negotiating with its Secured Lender regarding further relief from this and other
near-term cash interest payments. There is no assurance that such negotiations
will be successful. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations - Risks and Uncertainties - Financing
Risks".
The Company has granted security to the Secured Lender in respect of its
repayment obligations under the Secured Loan. Included as security to the
Secured Lender are (1) a pledge of all of the common shares of those
subsidiaries that hold Participating Interests in the Company's Niger Delta and
Benin Basin Concessions; (2) a series of debentures granting a security interest
against the Company's Participating Interest in its Niger Delta and Benin Basin
Concessions; and (3) a guarantee of Abacan for all outstanding amounts under the
Secured Loan. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations - Risks and Uncertainties - Financing Risks".
MARKETING AND SALE OF PETROLEUM
Prior to the relinquishment of its Participating Interest in the Ima Field,
the Company sold its crude oil production to a major international oil marketing
company pursuant to the terms of a Crude Oil Sale Agreement dated August 29,
1996. The Crude Oil Sale Agreement was terminated in June 1998 concurrent with
the restructuring of the Company's oil and gas operations and financial affairs.
Consequently, the Company has no existing crude oil delivery commitments.
-21-
<PAGE>
INSURANCE, OPERATING HAZARDS AND UNINSURED RISKS
Prior to the restructuring of its oil and gas operations and as protection
against operating hazards, the Company maintained insurance coverage against
some, but not all, potential losses. Following the disposition of its
Participating Interest in the Ima Field the Company cancelled all policies of
insurance that related to its involvement as an operator and producer of oil and
condensate. The Company anticipates that it will obtain future insurance
coverage, as is prudent for the Company, based upon the nature and extent of the
exploration and development activities being conducted by the Company. Losses
could, however, occur for uninsurable or uninsured risks or in amounts in excess
of any existing or future insurance coverage. The occurrence of an event that
is not fully covered by insurance or that is uninsured could have a material and
adverse impact on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.
See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations - Risks and Uncertainties - Oil and Gas Exploration, Development and
Production".
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As at December 31, 1998, the Company is not involved in any lawsuits where
the claim for damages for any such lawsuit exceeds 10% of the value of the
Company's current assets except as indicated below:
1. Weatherford Enterra U.S. L.P. v. Abacan Resource Corporation et. al.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action commenced by Weathorford Enterra U.S. L.P. (the "Plaintiff") in 1998 in
the 61st Judicial District Court, Harris County, Texas against Abacan and four
of its affiliates alleging breach of contract and unjust enrichment. Amni
International Development Company Limited ("amni") and a subsidiary of Abacan
were parties to a Joint Venture Agreement relating to oil exploration and
development of Nigerian Concession Blocks OPL 237 and OML 112 (the "Joint
Venture"). The Plaintiff's claims arose out of transactions with respect to the
Joint Venture. The Plaintiff seeks an unspecified amount of actual damages, plus
interest, costs and legal fees. Abacan has denied the Plaintiff's claim. Abacan
is also indemnified by Amni for any of the Plaintiff's claims. Amni and the
Plaintiff have signed a settlement agreement however, the Company is not aware
if the settlement terms have been performed by Amni. On January 19, 1999, the
Plaintiff filed a non-suit of the case, without prejudice.
2. Global Marine International Services Corporation v. Abacan Technical
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Services Ltd.
- --------------
Action commenced by Global Marine International Services Corporation (the
"Plaintiff") in the 125th Judicial District Court, Harris County, Texas against
Abacan Technical Services Ltd. ("Abacan Technical"), a subsidiary of the Company
on March 25, 1998 alleging breach of contract arising out of the provision of
services to Abacan Technical. The Plaintiff seeks damages of $1,963,148.80 plus
interest, costs and legal fees. Abacan Technical has denied the Plaintiff's
claims.
Abacan Technical has filed an interlocutory appeal of the trial court's order
denying its special appearance, which disputes that Texas has jurisdiction of
the Plaintiff's claims. That appeal is pending. In late December 1998, the trial
court granted the Plaintiff's Motion for Partial Summary Judgement for the full
amount of its claim, excluding legal fees, plus interest. However, the order is
subject to appeal. Pending the appeal, the Plaintiff is precluded from
finalizing proceedings in the trial court or undertaking any collection efforts.
The date of the hearing of the appeal or its disposition is uncertain at this
time.
-22-
<PAGE>
3. SBM Offshore Contractors v. Amni International Petroleum Development
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Company Limited, Liberty Technical Services Ltd. and Abacan Resources (Nigeria)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ltd.
- ----
SBM Offshore Contractors (the "Plaintiff") has commenced action against Amni,
Liberty Technical Services Ltd. ("Liberty") and Abacan Resources (Nigeria) Ltd.
("Abacan Nigeria") in a suit filed in the United Kingdom. Liberty and Abacan
Nigeria are subsidiaries of Abacan. The Plaintiff claims the that the Defendants
owe it approximately $1.8 million for alleged past due invoices. The defendants
have denied the claims. Amni has indemnified the Company for any of the
Plaintiff's claims. Amni has received authorization to conduct the action on
behalf of all of the defendants.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
The Company had no matters requiring a vote of security holders during the
fourth quarter of fiscal 1998.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
MARKET INFORMATION
The Common Shares of Abacan Resource Corporation commenced trading on The
Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSE") on June 14, 1995 under the trading symbol
"ABC", and on the Nasdaq National Market ("NASDAQ") on December 4, 1995 under
the trading symbol ABACF. The following table sets forth the high and low
closing sale prices of Abacan's Common Shares as reported by the TSE (in
Canadian dollars) and by NASDAQ (in U.S. dollars) for the periods indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NASDAQ TSE
------------------------ --------------
(US $) (Canadian $)
High Low High Low
--------- ------------- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1997
First Quarter $ 11.7500 $ 7.8125 $15.65 $10.75
Second Quarter 9.0000 1.8125 12.45 2.50
Third Quarter 4.0000 2.4375 5.50 3.35
Fourth Quarter 3.5156 1.5625 4.85 1.38
1998
First Quarter 2.6250 1.4062 3.64 1.75
Second Quarter 1.6250 0.3438 2.25 0.52
Third Quarter 0.9375 0.2188 1.38 0.34
Fourth Quarter 0.5625 0.1562 0.88 0.27
1999
January 0.4375 0.2188 0.67 0.36
February 0.2812 0.1562 0.40 0.23
March 1-20 0.2500 0.1562 0.38 0.25
</TABLE>
-23-
<PAGE>
The Company has received notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market Inc.
("Nasdaq") that its common shares are not in compliance with the $1.00 minimum
bid price requirement for ongoing listing on the Nasdaq National Market System.
In order to endeavor to achieve compliance, the Company's shareholders will be
asked to consider and approve at a Shareholders Meeting scheduled for March 29,
1999, a resolution authorizing the directors, in their discretion, to give
effect to a reverse stock split of the Company's common stock. In the event the
Company's common stock does not satisfy the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement
(which is the only requirement it does not currently comply with) by April 7,
1999, the Company's common shares will be de-listed from Nasdaq's National
Market System. The Company must also meet all other Nasdaq requirements on an
on-going basis. The Company's common shares are not currently eligible for
listing on the Nasdaq Smallcap Market.
There is no assurance that shareholders' approval will be obtained for a
reverse-stock split or if obtained, that the directors will proceed with a
reverse stock split. There is no assurance that if a reverse stock split is
completed that the minimum bid price will rise above or be sustained above the
$1.00 minimum bid requirement or that the Company's common stock will not be
delisted for some other reason. A delisting of the Company's common stock from
the Nasdaq National Market System will be materially adverse to the liquidity of
the Company's common stock.
The Company has received notification from The Toronto Stock Exchange that
it does not currently meet the TSE's requirements for a reverse stock split.
Consequently, if the Company elects to proceed with the reverse stock split
without meeting the applicable TSE requirements, its common shares will be
delisted from the TSE immediately prior to the completion of the reverse stock
split. A delisting of the Company's common shares from the TSE may be materially
adverse to the liquidity of the Company's shareholders, particularly
shareholders who reside in Canada. If the Company's common shares are delisted
from the TSE, Canadian residents would have to trade their shares on the Nasdaq
National Market System (provided the Company meets all Nasdaq continued listing
requirements referenced above). Quotations on the Nasdaq National Market System
are in U.S. dollars. Consequently all purchases and sales of the Company's
common shares would be in U.S. rather than Canadian currency. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Risks
and Uncertainties - Stock Market Maintenance Requirements".
HOLDERS
As of December 31, 1998, there were approximately 1997 record holders of
the Abacan's Common Stock.
DIVIDENDS
Abacan has not previously paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock and
does not anticipate or contemplate paying dividends on the Common Stock in the
foreseeable future. It is the present intention of management to utilize all
available funds for the development of the Company's business. In addition, the
Company may not pay any dividends on common equity unless and until all dividend
rights on outstanding preferred stock, if any, have been satisfied. The only
other restrictions that limit the ability to pay dividends on common equity or
that are likely to do so in the future, are those restrictions imposed by law or
by certain credit agreements.
-24-
<PAGE>
SALE OF NON-REGISTERED SECURITIES
In connection with the restructuring of the Company's Secured Loan in June
1998, the Company agreed to issue options to acquire 600,000 common shares to
the Secured Lender. The exercise price of the options is Cdn $0.91 per common
share expiring June 30, 2000. The common shares issuable upon exercise of the
options were exempt from registration requirements of the Securities Act of
1933.
ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the information
contained in the Company's audited consolidated financial statements, including
related notes, for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1998 and its other
public filings. References herein to the Company include Abacan Resource
Corporation and its subsidiaries.
OVERVIEW OF 1998
The Company underwent several changes during 1998 including discontinuing
its uneconomic oil and gas operations, significantly reducing its liabilities
and ongoing obligations, streamlining its administrative overhead expenses and
focusing efforts to optimize the potential value of its Benin Basin oil and gas
concessions.
SALE OF IMA FIELD
A comprehensive reservoir analysis of the Ima Field completed in the spring
of 1998 suggested that the Ima Field was no longer economically producible. On
June 30, 1998, the Company reached a settlement agreement with its Nigerian
partner, Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited ("Amni"),
regarding the Company's interests in Nigerian Concession OML 112 (formerly OPL
469), OPL 237 and the mobile offshore production unit ("MOPU") used to produce
the Ima Field. Under the agreement, the Company relinquished all rights and
interests in Concession Blocks OML 112 and OPL 237, including its interest in
the "shallow" zones of the Ima Field. The Company retained an interest in a
deep hydrocarbon prospect (the "Deep Ima Prospect") located beneath the Ima
Field. As consideration for the cancellation of the Company's rights on these
blocks, Amni assumed all of the Company's Ima Field related claims and
liabilities valued at approximately $47 million, extinguished approximately $20
million of claims it had against the Company and released any claims it had to
the Ima Field MOPU. The shallow zones encompassed all of the Company's proved
developed reserves and production.
SALE OF THE MOBILE OFFSHORE PRODUCTION UNIT
Concurrent with its agreement with Amni, the Company exchanged its interest
in the topside equipment on the MOPU which was being used to produce the Ima
Field, to a major international service company in return for the extinguishment
of all of the major service company's debt valued at approximately $18.8
million. Subject to a sale or disposition price of the MOPU being above a
pre-determined threshold, a portion of the proceeds of sale will be applied to
reduce the Company's obligations under its existing senior secured loan.
-25-
<PAGE>
RESTRUCTURING OF SECURED LOAN
Concurrent with the above transactions, the Company also restructured its
existing senior secured loan (the "Secured Loan"). In June 1998, at the time of
the restructuring, the Company owed its senior secured lender (the "Secured
Lender") approximately $30.7 million under the secured loan agreement. The
restructuring enabled the Company to defer quarterly interest payments until
December 31, 1998 and extend the maturity of approximately $20.1 million of the
loan until June 30, 1999, with the remainder of $10.6 million due December 31,
1999. Subsequent to December 31, 1998, the Company received written
confirmation from its Secured Lender that the first quarterly interest payment
due December 31, 1998 had been capitalized and that interest payments would
commence on March 31, 1999. The Secured Lender has since advised that
notwithstanding its written extension, the first interest instalment continued
to be due on December 31,1998. The Company has not yet made this interest
payment and is currently negotiating with its Secured Lender regarding further
relief from this payment and from other near-term cash interest payments. There
is no assurance that such negotiations will be successful and that the Company
will be able to successfully defer its principal and interest payment
obligations until a future date. Failure of the Company to pay the principal
and interest amounts to its Secured Lender when due constitutes an event of
default which could result in a loss of part or all of the Company's assets and
render it insolvent.
NEW INITIATIVES
Since the sale of the Ima Field, the Company has turned its attention
towards its significant Benin Basin acreage. The Company is focusing on two
initiatives: (1) the Benin Power Project, which is expected to be supplied fuel
from the Company's Block OML 113 and Benin Block 1 gas reserves; and (2) the
exploration of its sizeable Benin Basin Concessions (Block OML 113 and Block OPL
310 in Nigeria and Block 4, offshore Benin).
Benin Power Project
- ---------------------
On May 27, 1998, the Company entered into a Letter of Intent ("LOI") with a
subsidiary of a major international natural gas and electrical power generating
company and the Government of Benin for the development of an electrical power
plant to be located in Cotonou, Benin. Under the terms of the LOI, the required
natural gas feedstock for the project is expected to come from the Company's Aje
Field natural gas resources identified on Nigerian Block OML 113 and from Block
1 in Benin. Negotiations are continuing towards the signing of a definitive
Power Purchase Agreement.
Exploration of Additional Benin Basin Acreage
- --------------------------------------------------
The Company continues to hold a significant position in the Benin Basin.
However, it does not currently have the financial resources necessary to explore
and develop its prospects and therefore will be reliant on third-party funding
sources to provide the necessary capital to do so. The Company continues to
explore various options with respect to securing a partner. Types of
relationships that are currently being contemplated are joint venture
transactions, farm-outs, sales of interests or a merger. The Company is
actively marketing the farm-out, sale or other disposition of its concessions to
industry participants.
LIQUIDITY, OPERATING AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND FUNDING ALTERNATIVES
-26-
<PAGE>
The Company has a serious liquidity problem that casts doubt upon the
ability of the Company to continue operations in the foreseeable future. As of
December 31, 1998, the Company had cash on hand of approximately $3.3 million,
current debt of approximately $30.7 million, accounts payable of approximately
$9.7 million and royalties payable of approximately $5.4 million. The decrease
in the Company's long term debt and working capital deficiency from December 31,
1997 to December 31, 1998 is due principally to the Ima Field restructuring
described above. As a consequence of the sale of its producing properties in
June 1998, the Company does not currently have revenues or cash flow. The
Company does not anticipate generating revenues or cash flow until the
completion of the Benin Basin electrical generation project or the sale or
farm-out of part or all of its existing properties. The Company has limited
cash reserves and, despite a significant reduction in operational costs, is
continuing to incur general, administrative and other related expenses. Based
upon current expenditure levels, the cash reserves of the Company will not be
sufficient to sustain the operations of the Company at current levels. That
being the case, the Company's ability to continue as a going concern is
dependent on the following:
1. The development of the natural gas resources in Benin Basin Concession
Blocks OML 113 and OPL 310 including the development of a commercial market for
the natural gas produced in this area;
2. Obtaining financing in the form of equity, debt or a combination thereof
in order to continue the development of the natural gas resources in the above
referenced concession blocks;
3. Negotiating a joint venture for the continued exploration and development
of the West African acreage position;
4. Continuing to finance general and administrative expenses from existing
cash or financing in the form of equity, debt or combination thereof until such
time as the above negotiations and financing are complete;
5. Negotiations with certain suppliers to settle current liabilities and
forbearance of the Company's secured and unsecured creditors;
The Company has received an indication from a major shareholder that,
subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions, additional funding may be
available to the Company. However, there is no assurance any such funding,
joint venture transactions or asset sales will be available to the Company.
SENIOR SECURED LOAN
A Secured Loan was initially advanced to the Company in August 1997
pursuant to a Crude Oil Prepayment Agreement between the Company and a major
international oil marketing company. The proceeds of the Secured Loan were used
at that time to repay outstanding project financing incurred by the Company in
constructing the MOPU located on the Ima Field and for Ima Field exploration and
development costs. The $30.7 million Secured Loan was restructured on June 30,
1998. As restructured, repayment of $20.1 million was deferred until June 30,
1999 with the balance of $10.6 million due on December 31, 1999. Interest
payments were to commence quarterly on December 31, 1998. Subsequent to
December 31, 1998, the Company received written confirmation from the Secured
Lender that the first quarterly interest payment due December 31, 1998 had been
capitalized and that interest payments would commence on March 31, 1999. The
Secured Lender has since advised that notwithstanding its written extension, the
first interest instalment continued to be due on December 31,1998. The Company
has not yet made this interest payment and is currently negotiating with the
Secured Lender regarding relief from this payment and from other near-term cash
interest payments.
-27-
<PAGE>
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
As at December 31, 1998, the Company had approximately $9.7 million in
unsecured trade debt primarily related to its Aje Field exploration activities.
Two creditors hold approximately $8.0 million of this debt, with the remainder
held by numerous other entities. The Company continues to work to reach
settlement arrangements with its creditors. In addition to the trade creditors,
the Company continues to have a contingent liability with respect to the debts
assumed by Amni under the Ima Field restructuring. In consideration of the sale
of the Ima Field, Amni agreed to assume all of the Company's trade payables
specifically related to the development of the field and has indemnified the
Company in respect of such obligations. The Company understands that Amni has
settled a majority of the claims of the large creditors. However, there can be
no assurance that the remaining creditors will not seek redress from the Company
should Amni be unable to pay or otherwise settle their claims. Until the Benin
Basin initiatives begin to generate cash flow to the Company, the Company
anticipates it will not be in a position to settle any remaining creditor's
claims.
ROYALTIES PAYABLE
As at December 31, 1998, royalties payable included an amount of $1.0
million owed to Abacan International Resource Management Inc. ("Airmi"), $1.4
million to Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company Limited ("YFP") and $2.9 million to
several other unrelated companies. All of the royalties relate to the Ima
Field. AIRMI is a company wholly owned by Wade G. Cherwayko, a former senior
executive officer and director of the Company. YFP is substantially controlled
by the father of Mr. Tunde Folawiyo, a director of the Company. Mr. Folawiyo is
also an executive officer of YFP. Until such time as the Company generates cash
flow, it will be unable to make cash settlements of its outstanding royalty
obligations.
FUTURE WORK COMMITMENTS
The Company has fulfilled its minimum work obligations in respect of
Nigerian Block OML 113. However, significant additional expenditures will have
to be incurred in order to produce the resources contained in the Aje Field and
elsewhere in OML 113 and to establish a market for such resources. Most
notably, the Company will have to secure a suitable offshore production facility
as well as construct a pipeline to an electrical generation project to be
located on-shore Benin. An electrical generation project, which is not yet
constructed, will have to be completed and tied into the West African
electricity grid in order for there to be a market for the Company's natural gas
resources. The Company believes that it will require an industry partner to
fund the commercial development of its resources. The Company has a commitment
to YFP to pay $5 million to be paid out of net cash flow out of future
production of Block OML 113.
Under the terms of its Block OPL 310 joint venture agreement with its
Nigerian partner, Optimum Petroleum Development Company ("Optimum"), the Company
is obligated to complete a minimum work program consisting of three wells and a
seismic program. The obligation of the Company to initiate expenditures towards
the minimum work program commences after receipt of applicable government
approval for the joint venture agreement between the Company and Optimum. The
oil prospecting licence for OPL 310 expired in February 1997, however, the
Nigerian Department of Petroleum Resources confirmed shortly after the expiry of
the OPL to Optimum that the OPL remains in good standing. Subsequently, nothing
has been received by the Company, or to the Company's knowledge, by Optimum,
that would indicate that the Nigerian authorities do not consider OPL 310 to be
valid and in good standing.
-28-
<PAGE>
Optimum has not yet secured an extension or renewal of the OPL or the
requisite joint venture agreement approval from the Nigerian Ministry of
Petroleum Resources. Despite this, Optimum has advised the Company that it
wishes the Company to proceed on the minimum work program in advance of the
required extension or renewal and receipt of requisite government approval to
the joint venture agreement.
In the Republic of Benin, the work commitments of the Company are set out
in separate Production Sharing Contracts for Block 1 and Block 4. In the case
of Block 1, the minimum work requirements include the drilling of one well and
the completion of a seismic program by the end of February 1999. The requisite
work commitment was not satisfied by this deadline. The Company is currently
negotiating an extension with the Benin Ministry and risks the loss of its
interest in Block 1 should an extension not be secured. In the case of Block 4,
the minimum work requirements include the drilling of one well and completion of
a seismic program by February 2002. The Company believes that it will require
an industry partner to fund the requisite work commitments of Block 4 and Block
1.
CAPITALIZED COSTS OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT
Through to December 31, 1998 the Company had expended a total of
approximately $392 million on the acquisition, exploration and development of
its concession blocks, including approximately $296 million in the Niger Delta
and $96 million in the Benin Basin. This compares to the total expenditures of
$376 million as at December 31, 1997. The capital spending in 1998 totaling
approximately $15 million included the acquisition of additional concession
interests in the Benin Basin at a cost of $2.0 million and the drilling, testing
and placing on production of the Ima #9 and Ima #10 wells at a cost of
approximately $13 million.
In 1997, the Company recorded a provision for the decline in value of the
Niger Delta properties of approximately $206 million. With the 1998 sale of
Blocks OML 112 and OPL 237, the Company disposed of its remaining interest in
the Niger Delta properties and equipment, including the hydrocarbon reserves and
related production equipment. This disposition resulted in a reduction of the
petroleum and natural gas property costs by approximately $57 million.
OIL AND GAS RESERVES
With the sale of its interest in OPL 237 and OML 112, the Company sold all
of its proved producing and developed hydrocarbon reserves. The Company
conducted a 2-D seismic program on Nigerian Blocks OML 113 and OPL 310 in 1994
and 1996. Following the evaluation or the data from this program, the Company
drilled two wells on Block OML 113 that tested cumulative flow rates of 5,500
and 8,800 barrels per day of oil and condensate, with associated natural gas.
Based on the results of the Company's first two wells, the Company believes
that, in addition to oil and condensate, the Benin Basin has significant natural
gas. Based on these results, the Company also believes there is sufficient
natural gas resources in the Aje Field to supply the electrical generation power
project in Benin.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Company discontinued its hydrocarbon production operations due to the
sale of the Ima Field in June 1998. The tables below illustrate the significant
components of its 1997 and 1998 production operations up until the point of
sale.
-29-
<PAGE>
Production and Sales
- ----------------------
The Company recognized petroleum revenues for its oil and condensate at the
time of production at the then prevailing market rate for the Company's oil and
condensate. The Company produced oil and condensate and stored its production
in a floating storage tanker ("FSO") until sufficient quantities were
inventoried for transfer to a crude tanker. Any difference between the value of
crude oil and condensate recorded at production and the amount actually realized
from the sale was recorded by the Company as income in the period of
realization.
The following table sets forth the average daily gross and net production
levels (in barrels) for the periods indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Gross Net
Production Production(1)
---------------- ----------------
1997 1998 1997 1998
------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
January 10, 141 18, 207 5, 578 10, 014
February 12, 842 15, 358 7, 068 8, 447
March 16,880 14, 262 9, 284 7, 844
April 23, 995 14, 799 13, 197 8, 139
May 21, 483 13, 202 11, 816 7, 261
June 18, 447 11, 963 10, 146 6, 580
July 12, 668 N/A 6, 967 N/A
August 18, 896 N/A 10, 393 N/A
September 20, 079 N/A 11, 043 N/A
October 16, 782 N/A 9, 230 N/A
November 20, 664 N/A 11, 365 N/A
December 9, 376 N/A 5, 157 N/A
<FN>
- ----------------
(1) Net figures reflect the Company's pre-payout participation before royalties
</TABLE>
The following table sets forth information pertaining to the quarterly
production and liftings on a gross and net basis as well as quarterly revenue
and operating cost information for the Company prior to the sale of the Ima
Field on June 30, 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Three Months
Ended Ended
March 31 June 30
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Gross Production (bbls) 1,436,583 686,461
Net Production (bbls) 790,121 377,554
Gross Sales (bbls) 1,528,753 592,561
Net Sales (bbls) 840,814 325,909
Average Price $ 12.75 $ 13.57
Net Revenue $ 9,986 $ 4,272
Operating Costs $ 8,041 $ 9,390
</TABLE>
-30-
<PAGE>
Operating Costs
- ----------------
The majority of the Company's operating costs relates to the operation of
the MOPU and FSO located on the Ima Field. Such costs were fixed on a per diem
basis. Following the sale of the Ima Field, the Company ceased to incur
operating costs.
General and Administrative Expenses
- --------------------------------------
General and Administrative expenses for the year ending December 31, 1998
were approximately $4.6 million versus approximately $3.9 million for the year
ending December 31, 1997. Since the sale of the Ima Field in June 1998, the
Company has made significant strides towards reducing its overhead expenses.
The Company has closed or is in the process of closing three offices, has
reduced staff levels and has out-sourced several of its administrative
functions. Offsetting these changes, however, has been a significant amount of
additional legal and accounting expenses incurred related to the sale of the Ima
Field and the Company's ongoing restructuring process. Critical to continued
existence of the Company is the continued reduction and re-alignment of general
and administrative expenses to better reflect the Company's current situation
and future prospects. The Company currently has no revenue or cash flow and
limited cash reserves. Accordingly, the Company will require additional
financing in the near term in order to sustain its current level of operations.
Interest and Other Financial Expense
- ----------------------------------------
For the year ending December 31, 1998, the Company incurred approximately
$3.0 million in interest and other financial expenses versus $4.3 million in
1997. These charges are primarily related to the Secured Lender both prior to
and following its restructuring. The December 31, 1998 quarterly interest
payment was not made. Subsequent to December 31, 1998, the Company received
written confirmation from the Secured Lender that the first quarterly interest
payment had been capitalized and that interest payments would commence on March
31, 1999. The Secured Lender has since advised that notwithstanding its written
extension, the first interest instalment continued to be due on December 31,
1998. The Company has not yet made this interest payment and is currently
negotiating with the Secured Lender regarding relief from this payment and from
other near-term cash interest payments.
Depletion, Depreciation and Amortization
- -------------------------------------------
For the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company incurred approximately
$4.2 million in depletion, depreciation and amortization versus approximately
$28.2 million in 1997. The decline in 1998 expense is primarily attributed to
the 1997 write down in costs associated with the Ima Field and its sale in June
1998.
1997 Provision for Decline in Value of Petroleum Properties in the Niger Delta
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As a result of the application of the ceiling test and other considerations
related to the Company's intention to sell its production assets, the Company
recorded a provision for decline in the value of its Niger Delta petroleum
properties in 1997 of approximately $206 million. Application of this
write-down resulted in a remaining Niger Delta petroleum cost balance of
approximately $47 million at December 31, 1997.
-31-
<PAGE>
1998 Gain on Sale of Assets
- --------------------------------
At the time of the sale of the Ima Field and the related production
facility transaction with a major international service company, the Niger Delta
petroleum properties remaining cost balance was approximately $57 million. As a
result of the above transactions, approximately $86 million in debt and other
liabilities were either extinguished or assumed by other entities. This
resulted in the Company realizing a book gain on the sale of assets of
approximately $29 million. Though these transactions resulted in a significant
book gain for the Company, no cash was received by the Company as a result of
any of the transactions.
OUTLOOK
The continuing corporate financial restructure is a critical priority and
the Company is exploring opportunities to raise additional capital, reduce the
level of total liabilities and reduce overhead costs. In addition, the Company
is exploring various options that allow for external funding for further
development of its remaining Benin Basin concession blocks, including a
farm-out, sale of interests or merger. Should the Company be unable to raise
additional capital, either directly or through a combination of a sale or
farm-out of assets, or a business combination, it will be required to cease
operations.
YEAR 2000 ISSUE
The Year 2000 problem arises with the change in century and the potential
inability of information systems to correctly "rollover" dates to the new
century. To save on computer storage space, many systems were programmed with a
two-digit century (ie. December 31, 1999 would appear as 12/31/99) assuming that
all years would be part of the 20th century. On January 1, 2000, systems with
this programming will default to 01/01/1900 instead of 01/01/2000, and
calculations using or reporting the date will not be correct and errors will
arise. To prevent this from occurring, information systems need to be updated
to ensure they recognize the Year 2000.
The Company began its Year 2000 strategy by compiling a list of all
computerized equipment and making a determination of how, if at all, the
software will be affected by the Year 2000 problem. All of the Company's
hardware and software were recently acquired and are Year 2000 compliant. All
of the data related to the Company's royalty fees, consulting fees, and other
payment obligations related to its properties are stored on its computer
systems. The Company has and will continue to back up all of its financial and
business records, property data and engineering data to ensure that no loss of
information will occur in the event that its systems are affected by Year 2000
problems.
The Company also requested all of its principal consultants, engineers,
advisors and joint venture partners to conduct similar reviews of their
computerized equipment, software and operating systems to determine the risk, if
any, that the Year 2000 problem poses to the Company. The Company has no
knowledge of any material risks that will result from the Year 2000 problem and
does not believe its business will be impacted as a result of Year 2000 problems
related to such third parties.
The Company does not anticipate it will commence drilling or other
exploration activities that will be affected by the Year 2000 problem. The
Company intends to engage only established contractors, consultants, engineers
and advisors for work related to its properties and intends to source its
exploration and development equipment and information systems from established
vendors who have designed Year 2000 compliant systems. The Company also intends
to locate alternative sources for exploration and development equipment and
information systems in the event it primary suppliers cannot meet the
requirements of the Company in a timely manner.
-32-
<PAGE>
In the event the Year 2000 problem affects the exploration and development
equipment and operating systems of the Company's third party consultants,
engineers, advisors and joint venture partners, the cost of exploration and
development of the Company's properties may increase and the Company's business
and results of operations may be adversely affected. There can be no assurance
that the Year 2000 problem will not cause delay in the exploration and
development of the Company's properties or that the Company will be able to
resolve a Year 2000 problem on acceptable terms. Any delay in exploration and
development of the Company's properties will have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business and results of operations.
The Company intends to monitor the Year 2000 problem as it relates to the
oil and gas industry and the Company's properties and to implement contingency
plans as required. Management does not anticipate incurring significant costs
in this regard.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Announcement of Listing Status
- ---------------------------------
On January 26, 1999, Abacan announced that it had been advised by NASDAQ
that the trading prices for Abacan's Common Stock was below the $1.00 per share
minimum established by the NASDAQ National Market for continued listing on that
market. Subject to a further extension, unless the minimum trading price is met
(during a ten day period) beginning March 22, 1999, Abacan's Common Stock will
be delisted from the NASDAQ National Market. Abacan expects to meet this
requirement by implementing a reverse stock split that will be submitted to its
shareholders at Abacan's Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Any reverse stock
split will also be subject to approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange. Abacan
has been advised that it does not meet the applicable requirements for stock
consolidation approval by The Toronto Stock Exchange. If the requirements are
not met and Abacan proceeds with the reverse stock split, its shares will be
delisted from The Toronto Stock Exchange.
Insurance claim on Ima #9 / Major Creditor Settlements
- --------------------------------------------------------------
During February 1999, settlement agreements were reached with a majority of
the large creditor claims assumed by Amni in the Ima Field restructuring. The
proceeds used to settle these claims were derived by a lump sum cash payment
Amni and the Company negotiated with respect to the Ima #9 well underground
blowout claim.
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
Liquidity
- ---------
The Company has a serious liquidity problem that casts doubt upon the
ability of the Company to continue operations in the foreseeable future. As of
December 31, 1998, the Company had cash on hand of approximately $3.3 million,
current debt of approximately $30.7 million, accounts payable of approximately
$9.7 million and royalties payable of approximately $5.4 million. The decrease
in the Company's long term debt and working capital deficiency from December 31,
1997 to December 31, 1998 is due principally to the Ima Field restructuring
described above.
-33-
<PAGE>
As a consequence of the disposition of its Participating Interest in Blocks
OML 112 and OPL 237 in June 1998, the Company does not currently have any
revenues or cash flow. The Company does not anticipate generating revenues or
cash flow until the completion of the Benin Basin electrical generation project
or the sale or farm-out of part or all of its existing properties. The Company
has limited cash reserves and, despite a significant reduction in operational
costs, is continuing to incur general, administrative and other related
expenses. The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on
the following:
1. The development of the natural gas resources in Benin Basin Concession
Blocks OML 113 and OPL 310 including the development of a commercial market for
the natural gas produced in this area;
2. Obtaining financing in the form of equity, debt or a combination thereof
in order to continue the development of the natural gas resources in the above
referenced concession blocks;
3. Negotiating a joint venture for the continued exploration and development
of the West African acreage position;
4. Continuing to finance general and administrative expenses from existing
cash or financing in the form of equity, debt or combination thereof until such
time as the above negotiations and financing are complete;
5. Negotiations with certain suppliers to settle current liabilities and
forbearance of the Company's secured and unsecured creditors;
There is no assurance that the Company will be able to achieve part of all
of the elements required to continue operations prior to fully exhausting its
current cash reserves. Should the Company not be able to secure new sources of
funding in the very near term, it will be required to wind up its affairs and
cease operations.
The Company will not be able to meet its payment obligations under the
Secured Loan or the contractual commitments on its existing properties without
additional capital. There is no assurance that additional capital will be
available or, if it is available, that the Company would not have to sell all or
substantially all of its properties or assets to access such capital. Should
the Company be unable to access additional capital through capital markets or
otherwise, or should the Company be unable to further restructure its existing
secured loan and extend the time pursuant to which it must commence operations
in its existing properties, the Company may lose all of its Participating
Interests in some or all of its remaining properties which would be materially
adverse to the financial condition of the Company.
Stock Market Maintenance Requirements
- ----------------------------------------
The Company has received notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market Inc.
("Nasdaq") that its common shares are not in compliance with the $1.00 minimum
bid price requirement for ongoing listing on the Nasdaq National Market System.
In order to endeavor to achieve compliance, the Company's shareholders will be
asked to consider and approve at a Shareholders Meeting scheduled for March 29,
1999, a resolution authorizing the directors, in their discretion, to give
effect to a reverse stock split of the Company's common stock. In the event the
Company's common stock does not satisfy the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement
(which is the only requirement it does not currently comply with) by April 7,
1999, the Company's common shares will be de-listed from Nasdaq's National
Market System. The Company must also meet all other Nasdaq requirements on an
on-going basis. The Company's common shares are not currently eligible for
listing on the Nasdaq Smallcap Market.
-34-
<PAGE>
There is no assurance that shareholders' approval will be obtained for a
reverse-stock split or if obtained, that the directors will proceed with a
reverse stock split. There is no assurance that if a reverse stock split is
completed that the minimum bid price will rise above or be sustained above the
$1.00 minimum bid requirement or that the Company's common stock will not be
delisted for some other reason. A delisting of the Company's common stock from
the Nasdaq National Market System will be materially adverse to the liquidity of
the Company's common stock.
The Company has received notification from The Toronto Stock Exchange that
it does not currently meet the TSE's requirements for a reverse stock split.
Consequently, if the Company elects to proceed with the reverse stock split
without meeting the applicable TSE requirements, its common shares will be
delisted from the TSE immediately prior to the completion of the reverse stock
split. A delisting of the Company's common shares from the TSE may be materially
adverse to the liquidity of the Company's shareholders, particularly
shareholders who reside in Canada. If the Company's common shares are delisted
from the TSE, Canadian residents would have to trade their shares on the Nasdaq
National Market System (provided the Company meets all Nasdaq continued listing
requirements referenced above). Quotations on the Nasdaq National Market System
are in U.S. dollars. Consequently all purchases and sales of the Company's
common shares would be in U.S. rather than Canadian currency.
If the Company proceeds with the reverse stock split and thereafter fails
to meet Nasdaq's continued listing requirements, it risks the loss of listing
status on both of its current stock markets.
International Operations
- -------------------------
All of the Company's operations are currently being conducted in Nigeria
and Benin. International operations are subject to political, economic and
other uncertainties, including, among others, risk of war, revolution, border
disputes, expropriation, renegotiation or modification of existing contracts,
import, export and transportation regulations and tariffs, taxation policies,
including royalty and tax increases and retroactive tax claims, exchange
controls, limits on allowable levels of production, currency fluctuations,
labour disputes and other uncertainties arising out of foreign government
sovereignty over the Company's international operations. Certain regions of
Africa have a history of political and economic instability. Such instability
could result in new governments or the adoption of new policies that might
assume a substantially more hostile attitude toward foreign investment. In an
extreme case, such a change could result in voiding pre-existing contracts and
concession agreements and/or expropriation of foreign-owed assets without
compensation. The Company's international operations may also be adversely
affected by laws and policies of the United States and Canada affecting foreign
trade, taxation and investment. Furthermore, in the event of a dispute arising
from international operations, the Company may be subject to the exclusive
jurisdiction of foreign courts or may not be successful in subjecting foreign
persons to the jurisdiction of courts in Canada.
Nigeria is a developing third world national that has experienced periods
of civil unrest and political and economic instability. In June 1998, the
country experienced a significant political change with the death of Col. Sani
Abacha and the appointment of Col. Abdulsalem Abubakar as President of Nigeria.
Under Col. Abubakar, political and social change has been initiated. These
changes included the release of a number of prominent political prisoners and
the holding of democratic elections in early March 1999. As a result of the
elections, Olusegan Obasanjo was elected to become the new President of the
country. Mr. Obasajo's government is scheduled to assume power on May 29, 1999.
-35-
<PAGE>
Despite these recent events, Nigeria's membership in the British
Commonwealth of Nations remains suspended. Pending the appointment of the new
government, the imposition of trade sanctions continues to be under
consideration by a number of western countries including Canada, the United
States and the United Kingdom. The implementation of trade sanctions may be
dependent, in large part, on the outcome of future democratic elections and the
appointment of a democratically elected government. If trade sanctions are
imposed, and if they significantly reduce the amount of oil purchased from
Nigeria or impede the ability of producers in Nigeria to market their production
or receive market prices for such production, such sanctions could adversely
affect Nigeria's oil producers and the country's overall economy. There can be
no assurance that actions taken by the international community, future political
unrest or actions by companies doing business in Nigeria will not have a
materially adverse effect on Nigeria and in turn, on the Company's financial
condition or future results of operations. The Company has no ability to
control the factors that may lead to such events.
Benin is a developing third world nation that has experienced periods of
civil unrest and political and economic instability. Future civil unrest or
political and economic instability is beyond the control of the Company and may
adversely affect any future operations of the Company in the country. The
ability of the company to successfully operate in Benin will, in large part, be
dependent upon its maintaining good relations with the Benin government and the
Benin Oil Ministry. See "- Benin Regulation".
Nigerian Regulation
- --------------------
All phases of oil exploration, development and production in Nigeria are
regulated to varying degrees by the Nigerian government, either directly or
through the MPR and the DPR, under the provisions of the Petroleum Decree, 1969
and under various policy statements issued by the Nigerian government and
administrative practices followed by the DPR. Such government regulation
includes matters relating to restrictions on production, price controls, export
controls, income taxes, expropriation of property, environmental protection and
rig safety. All drilling and production programs and operations undertaken or
to be undertaken by the Company (including petroleum export permits) must be
approved by the Nigerian government through the MPR or the DPR. If the Company
is unable to obtain the requisite approvals from the DPR or the MPR for its
ongoing operations, such operations could be suspended or delayed until such
approvals are granted. In addition, the Company must, either directly, or
through its Nigerian Partners, maintain satisfactory working relationships with
the Nigerian government, the MPR and the DPR. Any suspension or delay in the
Company's operations or failure to maintain satisfactory working relationships
could materially and adversely affect the financial condition or results of
operations of the Company.
Dependence Upon the Indigenous Program
All of the Company's Participating Interests in Nigeria have been acquired
under the Indigenous Program. The Indigenous Program is not formally written
into the Petroleum Decree, 1969, or any other law of Nigeria but exists solely
pursuant to an oral policy statement (the "1990 Policy") issued by the Nigerian
Government in 1990. Should the Company's or its Nigerian Partners'
interpretation of the 1990 Policy prove incorrect, or should the Nigerian
Government change this policy, the Company and its Nigerian Partners'
Participating Interests, business and future results of operations in Nigeria
could be materially and adversely affected.
The Company relies on its Nigerian Partners for compliance with all
requirements of Nigerian law, the 1990 Policy and all dealings with the Nigerian
Government. If either the relationship between the Company and its Nigerian
Partners or that between the Company's Nigerian Partners and the Nigerian
Government deteriorates for any reason or if the Company's Nigerian Partners
cannot meet their obligations to the Company or the Nigerian Government for
financial or other reasons, the Company's financial condition and results of
operations may be adversely affected. Additionally, the Company does not
control its Nigerian Partners and may be adversely affected by the detrimental
activities of any of its Nigerian Partners or the principals thereof.
-36-
<PAGE>
Uncertainty Regarding Nigerian Tax and Royalty Arrangements
The Company has negotiated tax/royalty arrangements with its Nigerian
Partners on each of the Niger Delta concessions and the Benin Basin concessions
in Nigeria. These tax/royalty arrangements, included in the joint venture
agreements between the Company and its Nigerian Partners, provide for a combined
tax/royalty payment to the Nigerian Government equal to a maximum of 30% of the
gross production revenues, both before and after Payout. Notwithstanding the
tax/royalty arrangements contained in the joint venture agreements, the Company
has subsequently learned and currently believes that the tax/royalty regime
applicable to blocks awarded under the Indigenous Program are the same as
applicable to the tax/royalty regime applicable generally to petroleum
production in Nigeria. To date, the Company has paid royalties of 18.5% of
production from its Ima Field to the Nigerian government in accordance with the
existing royalty regime. The Company has not generated taxable profits and
consequently, no petroleum profits taxes have been or are expected to be paid to
the Nigerian Government. Should the Nigerian Government audit the operations
conducted on the Ima Field and disagree with the level of royalties or taxes
paid by the Company, the Company may become liable for additional payments to
the Nigerian Government.
There is no assurance that the Nigerian Government will not alter or amend
the existing royalty structure or definition of taxable profits. Any future
amendments of changes in the interpretation of the current fiscal regime that
imposes and increased royalty or tax rate upon the Company will be materially
adverse to the Company's business, financial position and future results of
operations.
Assignment of Interests Under Joint Venture Agreements
The 1990 Policy prohibits the assignment of an interest in a concession
block without MPR approval and also prohibits the assignment to the Company of
an interest in a concession that is greater than 40% of the Nigerian Partner's
interest. The Company's Participating Interests in Nigerian concession blocks
OML 112 and OPL 237 were, prior to the reorganization of its oil and gas
operations, governed by the terms of joint venture agreements that had been
approved by the MPR. As a consequence of the reorganization, a new joint
venture agreement reflecting a reduced Participating Interest restricted to the
Deep Ima Prospect was executed between the Company and Amni. MPR approval of
the new joint venture agreement and the revised Participating Interest of the
Company has not yet been obtained. Although the Company has no reason to
believe that the applicable MPR approval will not be received in the normal
course, there is no assurance the MPR will grant the requisite approvals.
Failure to obtain MPR approval to the new joint venture agreement could bring
into question the level of the Participating Interest of the Company, if any, in
the Deep Ima Prospect, which in turn could have a materially adverse affect on
the future results of operations of the Company.
The joint venture agreements between the Company and YFP in respect of
Block OML 113 and Optimum in respect of OPL 310, allocate to the Company an
approximate 55% beneficial interest in gross revenues prior to Payout and an
approximate 28% beneficial interest in gross revenues after Payout (before gross
overriding royalties or their equivalent payable by the Company to others). YFP
is a company substantially controlled by the father of Tunde Folawiyo, a
director of the Company. Tunde Folawiyo is also an executive officer of YFP.
The allocation to the Company of 55% of revenues before Payout could be an
assignment that exceeds the maximum allocation of revenues permitted under the
1990 Policy, notwithstanding that the MPR has approved the allocation. As a
result, the Company could have its entitlement to production revenues reduced or
its interests in the concessions blocks terminated, either of which would have a
materially adverse affect on the financial condition and future results of
operations of the Company.
-37-
<PAGE>
Governmental Right of Participation
Under the Petroleum Decree, 1969, the Nigerian Government is entitled, at
any time, to take a Participating Interest in any concession block in Nigeria.
Neither the Petroleum Decree, 1969 nor any subsequent correspondence between the
MPR and any of the Company's Nigerian Partners addresses either the payment to
the Company or its Nigerian Partner of a proportionate share of future costs or
the reimbursement of past costs by the Nigerian Government. If the Nigerian
Government exercises its right to participate in any of the Company's existing
concession blocks, the Revenue Interest of the Company would be reduced and the
financial position and results of operations of the Company could be materially
affected. Under the terms of its joint venture agreements for the Benin Basin
concessions, should the Nigerian government choose to participate, the Company
does not believe its Revenue Interest would be reduced to less than a 20%
post-Payout Revenue Interest, after deducting existing gross overriding and
other royalty interests. While the Company is not aware of any efforts on the
part of the Nigerian Government to participate directly in any concession blocks
awarded under the Indigenous Program, the government has, in all cases, reserved
the right to do so.
Nigerian Title Issues
- -----------------------
Expiration or Cancellation of Nigerian Oil Prospecting Licenses
The Company's primary Nigerian assets are its Participating Interests in
oil and gas concession blocks OML 113 and OPL 310. The Participating Interest
of the Company is held pursuant to Joint Venture Agreements in place for the
applicable concession blocks. Such Agreements operate for the life of the OPL
and any resulting OML. In the case of Block OML 113, the Company believes that
the economic life of any reserves contained in such blocks will expire before
the expiration of the 20 year term of the OML. In the event that the productive
life of reserves exceeds the current term of the OML, a successful renewal
application will have to be made to the MPR by YFP, failing which ownership of
the block reverts to the Nigerian government. The Joint Venture Agreements
between the Company and its Nigerian Partners impose certain obligations upon
the Company, failing which the Company could forfeit its interest as prescribed
by the Joint Venture Agreement. Failure of the Company to meet such obligations
(which includes an obligation that the Company at all times be and remains
solvent) could allow the Nigerian Partner to terminate the applicable Joint
Venture Agreement and extinguish the Participating Interest of the Company in
the affected concession block. In view of the Company's current financial
circumstances, there is no assurance that one or more of its Nigerian Partners
will not endeavour to terminate its Joint Venture Agreement with the Company.
The formal five year term of the OPL 310 expired in February 1997. In
February 1997, subsequently to the expiry date, the Company's Nigerian Partner
received written confirmation from the MPR that OPL 310 was in good standing.
The Petroleum Decree, 1969 does not contemplate or authorize the term of an OPL
(inclusive of extensions) extending beyond five years. The Company believes
that the written confirmation issued on behalf of the MPR confirming OPL 310 to
be in good standing reflects an administrative practice that supersedes the
provisions of the Petroleum Decree, 1969 respecting the term of the OPL. Should
the Company's interpretation of the DPR written confirmation be incorrect, or
should neither the DPR nor the MPR have the jurisdiction to implement an
administrative practice inconsistent with the terms of the Petroleum Decree,
1969, or should the DPR or MPR change their position respecting the standing of
Block OPL 310, the Company and its Nigerian Partner may be prohibited from
continuing and pursuing future operations on Concession Block OPL 310. The
Company also could lose its entire investment and Participating Interest in
Concession Block OPL 310 without compensation.
-38-
<PAGE>
Benin Regulation
- -----------------
Responsibility for the regulation and control of the petroleum industry in
Benin rests with the national government of Benin pursuant to the Benin
Petroleum Code. Specific regulation of petroleum exploration, exploitation
title, transportation, marketing and production taxation rests with the Benin
Oil Ministry. The regulation of general business operations, income taxes and
import/export licences and levies rests with a number of other ministries within
the national government of Benin. All drilling, production and other petroleum
operations in Benin require the prior approval of the Benin Oil Ministry. The
import and export of natural gas and electricity and the construction of an
electrical generation power plant will also require the prior approval of the
Benin Oil Ministry and a number of other ministries within the Benin Government.
In order to produce and/or import natural gas, construct an electrical
generation power plant and generate, transmit, sell and export electrical power,
the Company and any future partners will require the prior approval of a number
of Government Ministries and government and privately owned companies. The
Company and its partners will also require the approval of other foreign
governments, ministries and departments if it exports power generated from the
electrical generation power plant outside of Benin. There is no assurance that
the Company or its partners will be able to obtain all of the consents, permits
or authorizations necessary to import natural gas from the Aje Field or produce
natural gas from Block 1, construct an electrical generation power plant or
produce, transmit, sell or export electrical energy. Failure of the Company to
obtain all necessary approvals or permits will materially and adversely affect
its financial condition and future results of operations. See " - Liquidity".
Benin Title Issues
- --------------------
The Company's current Participating Interests in Benin exist pursuant to
two separate production sharing contracts between subsidiaries of the Company
and the Nigerian Government. The PSC's set out certain obligations that must be
fulfilled by the Company. Failure to fulfill the requisite obligations
constitutes an event of default and subject the affected PSC to cancellation by
the government without compensation.
Included as part of the Company's obligations are certain minimum work
commitments. In the case of Block 1, the Company is required to drill one well
and complete a seismic program by the end of February 1999. The requisite work
commitment for Block 1was not satisfied by the February 1999 deadline. The
Company is currently negotiating an extension with the Benin Oil Ministry.
There is no assurance that the Company will secure an extension that is
satisfactory to it, or at all. If the Company fails to secure an extension, it
could lose its entire Participating Interest in Block 1 without compensation.
In the case of Block 4, the Company is required to drill one well and complete a
seismic program by February 2002. The Company has completed the seismic program
requirement. The Company currently does not and, without securing a financial
partner or other form of financing, will not have the financial resources to
drill the requisite well on Block 4 by February 2002. Failure to comply with
the minimum work requirements could result in the cancellation or termination of
the Company's Participating Interest in Block 4. The loss of its Participating
Interest in Benin Blocks 1 and 4 would have a material and adverse affect on the
Company.
Labour Relations and Interruptions
- -------------------------------------
Nigerian and Benin laws require that foreign companies involved in the
petroleum industry hire and train indigenous personnel in petroleum operations.
Nigerian oil workers are organized into a number of labour unions. In the fall
of 1994, these labour unions called a general strike to protest against a number
of the political changes that had occurred within Nigeria. This general strike
ultimately affected the Company's oil and gas operations by delaying its
drilling program. There is no assurance that there will not be strikes in the
future in countries where the Company operates. Any future labour interruptions
could adversely affect the Company's ongoing operations and its ability to
explore for, produce, market and sell its oil and condensate reserves.
Oil and Gas Exploration, Development and Production
- ---------------------------------------------------------
Oil and gas exploration involves a high degree of risk and there is no
assurance that expenditures made on future exploration by the Company on its
properties will result in new discoveries of oil, condensate or natural gas that
are commercially or economically producible. It is difficult to project the
costs of implementing an exploratory drilling program due to the inherent
uncertainties of drilling in unknown formations, the costs associated with
encountering various drilling conditions such as overpressured zones and tools
lost in the hole, and changes in drilling plans and locations as a result of
prior exploratory wells or additional seismic data and interpretations thereof.
Production and development of offshore oil, condensate and natural gas
properties also involve an increased degree of risk relative to on-shore or
close-to-shore production and development primarily due to greater technical
obstacles.
-39-
<PAGE>
The Company's operations are subject to the risks of exploration,
development and operation of oil, condensate and natural gas properties and the
drilling of wells thereon, including encountering unexpected formations or
pressures, premature declines of reservoirs, blow-outs, craterings, sour gas
releases, fires and spills. Losses resulting from the occurrence of any of
these risks could have a materially adverse affect on the Company. The Company
may become subject to liability for pollution, blow-outs or other hazards. The
payment of such liabilities would reduce the funds available to the Company or
could result in the total loss of the Company's Participating Interests.
Depletion of Reserves; Necessity of Successful Exploration and Development
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Producing oil and natural gas reservoirs generally are characterized by
declining production rates that vary depending upon reservoir characteristics
and other factors. The Company's future oil and natural gas reserves and
production, and, therefore, cash flow and income, are highly dependent upon the
Company's success in economically finding additional reserves that are
economically recoverable. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to find, finance, develop or acquire additional reserves.
Uncertainty of Reserve Estimates
- -----------------------------------
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of
reserves and the present value of net cash flows attributable to such reserves.
Such estimates represent subjective judgments based on available data and the
quality of such data. Different reserve engineers may make different estimates
of reserve quantities and the present value of net cash flows attributable to
the production of such quantities. Substantial revisions to the reserve
quantities and present value estimates may be necessary due to numerous factors,
including the results of drilling, testing and production and changes in the
assumptions regarding decline and production rates, taxes, royalties, prices and
costs made after the date of a reserve estimate. The reserve estimates included
and incorporated by reference in this document could be materially different
from the quantities and values ultimately realized.
Prices, Markets and Marketing of Crude Oil and Condensate
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
Oil, condensate and natural gas are commodities whose prices are determined
based on world demand, supply and other factors, all of which are beyond the
control of the Company. World prices for oil and condensate have fluctuated
widely in recent years and, most recently have been characterized by a
significant decline in value. Future price fluctuations in world oil prices
will have a significant impact upon the economics of the Company's undeveloped
properties and the projected revenue of the Company.
Financing Risks
- ----------------
On June 30, 1998, the Company restructured its financial affairs including
its Secured Loan. The Company has granted security to the Secured Lender in
respect of its repayment obligations under the Secured Loan. The Secured Loan
includes a number of events of default. In the event of the Company's default
under the terms of the Secured Loan, the Secured Lender may call upon the
Company to immediately pay the outstanding principal or interest due thereunder,
or take title to, sell or otherwise dispose of the common shares of
substantially all of the Company's subsidiaries. Should the Secured Lender
become entitled to realize upon their security, the Company may lose part or all
of its Participating Interest in part of all of its oil and gas properties. The
Company may currently be in default of one or more terms of the Secured Loan.
ITEM 7. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND UNAUDITED
SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
U.S. GAAP RECONCILIATION
The Company's Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1998 (the "1998 Financial Statements") have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada. These
principles differ in some respects to generally accepted accounting principles
in the United States. The Company's 1998 Financial Statements include "Comments
by Auditors for U.S. Readers on Canada - U.S. Reporting Difference" as a
supplement to the Auditors' Report. In addition, a detailed discussion entitled
"Differences in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles Between Canada and the
United States" is included as Note 12 of the 1998 Financial Statements. See
"Consolidated Financial Statements and Unaudited Supplementary Data".
-40-
<PAGE>
AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Shareholders of
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION:
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
as at December 31, 1998 and 1997 and the consolidated statements of operations
and deficit and changes in cash flow for the years then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in Canada. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain
reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the Company as at December 31, 1998
and 1997, the results of operations and changes in its financial position for
the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted
in Canada.
Calgary, Alberta /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
February 17, 1999 Chartered Accountants
Note: See separate Comments by Auditors for U.S. Readers on Canada-U.S.
Reporting Difference
COMMENTS BY AUDITORS FOR U.S. READERS
ON CANADA-U.S. REPORTING DIFFERENCE
In the United States, reporting standards for auditors require the addition of
an explanatory paragraph (following the opinion paragraph) when the financial
statements are affected by conditions and events that cast substantial doubt on
the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, such as those described in
Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. Our report to the
shareholders, dated February 17, 1999 is expressed in accordance with Canadian
reporting standards which do not permit a reference to such events and
conditions in the auditors' report when these are adequately disclosed in the
financial statements.
Calgary, Alberta /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
February 17, 1999 Chartered Accountants
-41-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS AT DECEMBER 31
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
(Note 1)
1998 1997
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
---------- ----------
ASSETS
CURRENT
Cash $ 3,305 $ 1,813
Accounts Receivable 31 15,267
Inventory - 627
---------- ----------
3,336 17,707
Petroleum and natural gas properties
(utilizing the full cost method of accounting) (Notes 1 and 3) 92,431 138,471
Deposits and other 42 3,204
---------- ----------
$ 95,809 $ 159,382
========== ==========
LIABILITIES
CURRENT
Accounts payable $ 9,663 $ 64,047
Current portion of capital lease obligations (Note 5) - 1,353
Royalties payable (Note 3) 5,373 3,537
Due to joint venture partner - 14,658
Current portion of long term debt (Note 4) 30,702 15,121
---------- ----------
45,738 98,716
Long term debt (Note 4) - 19,879
Capital lease obligations (Note 5) - 5,213
---------- ----------
45,738 123,808
---------- ----------
Contingency (Notes 1 and 10) and Commitments (Note 8)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share Capital (Note 6) 276,750 274,750
Deficit (226,679) (239,176)
---------- ----------
50,071 35,574
---------- ----------
$ 95,809 $ 159,382
========== ==========
</TABLE>
Approved by the Board:
/s/ Timothy Stephens Director - Tim Stephens
/s/ James Harvie Director - James Harvie
-42-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND DEFICIT
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
(Note 1)
1998 1997
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
REVENUE
Petroleum revenue (net of foreign taxes) $ 14,258 $ 59,702
Royalties (1,994) (6,704)
Interest and other 181 528
---------- ----------
12,445 53,526
---------- ----------
EXPENSES
Operating 17,431 46,276
General and administrative 4,623 3,934
Interest and other financial expense 3,022 4,333
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 4,244 28,159
Provision for decline in value of petroleum properties (Note 3) - 210,000
---------- ----------
29,320 292,702
---------- ----------
LOSS BEFORE GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS (16,875) (239,176)
GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS (NOTE 1) 29,372 -
========== ==========
NET EARNINGS (LOSS) FOR THE YEAR (NOTE 7) 12,497 (239,176)
DEFICIT, BEGINNING OF YEAR (239,176) -
---------- ----------
DEFICIT, END OF YEAR $(226,679) $(239,176)
========== ==========
BASIC EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE $ 0.11 $ (2.13)
FULLY DILUTED EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE $ 0.11 $ (2.13)
</TABLE>
-43-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND DEFICIT
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
(Note 1)
1998 1997
--------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN):
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings (loss) for the year $ 12,497 $(239,176)
Items not affecting cash:
Gain on sale of assets (Note 1) (29,372) -
Provision for decline in value of petroleum properties - 210,000
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 4,244 28,159
--------- ----------
(12,631) (1,017)
Changes in non-cash working capital items 22,123 6,432
--------- ----------
9,492 5,415
--------- ----------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issue of share capital
Exercise of options - 1,624
Acquisition of petroleum and natural
gas properties 2,000 -
Acquisition of royalty interest - 19,572
Long term debt (4,298) 35,000
Bank debt - (20,100)
Capital lease obligations (6,566) (35,342)
--------- ----------
(8,864) 754
--------- ----------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Expenditures on petroleum and natural
gas properties (15,224) (110,967)
Disposition of assets (Note 1) 86,392 -
Changes in non-cash working
capital items (73,466) 43,770
Other 3,162 (1,204)
--------- ----------
864 (68,401)
--------- ----------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH 1,492 (62,232)
CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR 1,813 64,045
CASH, END OF YEAR $ 3,305 $ 1,813
========= ==========
</TABLE>
-44-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Continuation of business
The consolidated financial statements have been presented using accounting
principles applicable to a going concern, which assumes that the Company will
continue operations in the foreseeable future and be able to realize assets and
satisfy liabilities in the normal course of business. The Company has a
liquidity problem which casts doubt upon the validity of this assumption.
The Company has incurred a net loss from operations of $16,875,000 for the year.
The cash flows from operations for the year amounted to a net outflow of cash of
$12,631,000. At December 31, 1998, the Company has a deficit of $226,679,000
and a net working capital deficiency of $42,402,000. Accounts payable and
royalties payable are past due in terms of normal payment terms and the long
term debt described in Note 4 is repayable as to $20,100,000 on June 30, 1999
and the remainder of $10,602,000 on December 31, 1999. As a result of the
disposition of the Company's interests as disclosed below, the Company no longer
has any revenue generating properties but is still incurring general and
administrative costs.
In addition, on June 30, 1998, the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary Liberty
Technical Services Ltd. ("Liberty") reached a settlement agreement with its
Nigerian partner, Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited
("Amni"), regarding the Ima Field and Liberty's interest in Nigerian Concession
OML 112 (formerly OPL 469) and OPL 237. Under the agreement, Liberty
relinquished all rights and interests in the "shallow" zones of the Ima Field in
exchange for Amni (1) assuming all outstanding Ima Field related financial
claims (including trade creditor claims); (2) assuming responsibility for
ongoing and future lease obligations in respect of the Ima Field; and (3)
releasing Liberty from certain outstanding financial obligations under the terms
of joint venture agreements between Liberty and Amni. Although the Company
expects Amni will settle all the liabilities it has assumed, if Amni is unable
to settle all liabilities the Company may be held liable to settle the remaining
liabilities. Concurrent with its agreement with Amni, Liberty and Amni
exchanged their interest in the topside equipment of the mobile offshore
production unit with a major international service company in return for the
extinguishment of all outstanding debt due to that company. As a result, the
Company has severed its operational responsibilities and associated overhead
related to the Ima Field and removed $86,392,000 of liabilities from its balance
sheet.
The details of the assets and facilities disposed of are as follows:
Petroleum and natural gas properties $ 57,020,000
Assumption of liabilities and obligations (86,392,000)
==================
Gain on sale of assets $ (29,372,000)
==================
-45-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION - CONTINUED
The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon the
following factors which outline management's plan:
i) the development of the natural gas reserves in the Benin Basin
Concessions OML113 (formerly OPL 309) and OPL 310 including the development of a
market for the produced natural gas in this area;
ii) obtaining financing in the form of equity, debt or a combination thereof
in order to continue the development of the natural gas reserves in the above
mentioned Concessions.
iii) negotiating a joint venture for the continued exploration and development
of the West African acreage position;
iv) continuing to finance general and administrative expenses from existing
cash or financing in the form of equity, debt or combination thereof until such
time as the above negotiations and financing are complete.
v) negotiations with certain suppliers to settle current liabilities and
forbearance of the creditors;
If the going concern assumption were not appropriate for these financial
statements, then adjustments would be necessary in the carrying value of assets
and liabilities, the reported net earnings (loss) and the balance sheet
classifications used.
Reporting currency
The principal costs incurred in conducting the business operations of the
Company are almost exclusively transacted in U.S. dollars and revenues were
generated in that currency, therefore the Company has adopted U.S. dollars as
its reporting currency for financial presentation. All dollar amounts set forth
in these financial statements, including the notes thereto, are expressed in
U.S. dollars, except where indicated otherwise.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Generally accepted accounting standards
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in Canada which differ from accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States as described in Note 12.
-46-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED
Consolidation
These financial statements include the accounts of Abacan Resource Corporation,
a Canadian corporation incorporated in the Province of Alberta and its wholly
owned subsidiaries, ("the Company").
Revenue recognition
Revenue from crude oil is recognized once it is produced and processed
ready for shipment.
Petroleum and natural gas properties
The Company follows the full cost method of accounting for petroleum and natural
gas properties whereby all costs of exploring for and developing petroleum and
natural gas reserves are capitalized on a country by country basis. Capitalized
costs included land acquisition costs, geological and geophysical costs, costs
of drilling wells, production equipment, related overhead costs, and capitalized
interest. As commercial production commenced in Nigeria effective January 1,
1997, the Company recorded depletion from that date and to the date of
disposition on June 30, 1998 on capitalized costs, excluding undeveloped
projects, using the unit of production method based upon estimated proved net
reserves as determined by the Company and reviewed yearly by independent
consulting engineers, converted to a common unit of measure using relative
energy content. The remaining full cost pool in Benin is not subject to
depletion until such time as its projects are developed and commercial
production has commenced.
The Company periodically performs an impairment test relative to the capitalized
cost of undeveloped properties. A ceiling test was employed at least annually
to ensure costs of developed properties accumulated by the Company do not exceed
estimated future cash flows from proven reserves and the cost of undeveloped
properties. For the purposes of this test, future cash flows are determined
using year-end prices and costs, including deductions for applicable overhead,
financing and income tax expenses.
All the Company's petroleum and natural gas exploration, development and
production activities are conducted jointly with others. These consolidated
financial statements reflect only the Company's proportionate interest in such
activities.
-47-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - CONTINUED
Foreign Exchange
Foreign currency transactions and balances of the Company and its integrated
foreign subsidiaries are translated using the temporal method. Under this
method, monetary assets and liabilities are translated at year end rates, and
non-monetary assets and liabilities at rates prevailing at the transaction
dates. Expenses are translated at the average exchange rate for the month.
Foreign exchange gains or losses on long term monetary assets and liabilities
are deferred and amortized over the remaining term.
Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates and
assumptions.
Earnings per share
The basic earnings per share has been calculated using the weighted average
number of shares outstanding during the year. Fully diluted earnings per share
are calculated taking into account all dilutive options.
3. PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES
As at January 1, 1998, the Company had working interests in seven concession
blocks in West Africa in two geologically distinct areas; the Niger Delta in
South Eastern Nigeria and the Benin Basin along the Nigeria/Republic of Benin
border. Five concessions are located in Nigeria and two are located in the
Republic of Benin.
In January 1998, the Company cancelled its joint venture agreement in respect of
the Nigerian Concession Block OPL 233, and consequently holds no interest in
this property.
As disclosed in Note 1, the Company has relinquished all its rights and
interests in the "shallow" zones of the Ima Field and its interests in the
Nigerian Concession OML 112 (formerly OPL 469) and OPL 237.
-48-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
3. PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES - CONTINUED
Costs accumulated to date for acquisitions, seismic, exploration and development
and production equipment net of depletion and provision for decline in value are
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
(000's) (000's)
-------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Producing
Niger Delta
Concessions Blocks OML 112 (formerly OPL 469)
/OPL 237 $ - $ 281,513
Concession Block OPL 233 - 135
Less accumulated depletion - (28,022)
Less provision for decline in value - (206,019)
-------- ----------
- 47,607
-------- ----------
Non-producing
Benin Basin
Concession Block OPL 302 - 3,981
Less provision for decline in value - (3,981)
Concession Block OML 113 (formerly OPL 309) 81,285 82,152
Concession Block OPL 310 6,024 3,973
Benin Republic Blocks I & IV 5,010 4,304
-------- ----------
92,319 90,429
Corporate assets 112 435
-------- ----------
92,431 90,864
-------- ----------
$ 92,431 $ 138,471
======== ==========
</TABLE>
As a result of the application of the ceiling test and other considerations
related to the Company's intention to sell its production assets, the Company
recorded a provision for decline in value of petroleum properties in 1997 of
$210,000,000.
Working Interest - Nigerian Concessions
While the "shallow" Ima Field encompassed all of the Company's production and
revenue streams, the Company retained a 10% working interest in the Ima "deep"
prospect which is currently undrilled. The Company continues to hold a working
interest in Nigerian Block OML 113 (formerly OPL 309) and OPL 310.
-49-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
3. PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES - CONTINUED
The working interests of the Company in these two concessions are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Before Payout After Payout
--------------- ---------------
Revenue Cost Revenue Cost
-------- ----- -------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Block OML 113 52.5% 100% 26.7% 40%
Block OPL 310 48.5% 100% 24.7% 40%
</TABLE>
The Company's Nigerian partner in Block OML 113 is Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum
Company ("YFP"), which is owned by the father of one of the directors of the
Company. That director is also an executive officer and director of YFP. YFP
is entitled to 15% of all revenues before payout and 28% after payout. YFP is
not responsible for any capital or operating costs until payout, at which time
it becomes responsible for 60% of the capital and operating costs. As a result
of the conversion of Concession Block OPL 309 to Concession Block OML113, the
Company has a commitment to YFP in the amount of $5,000,000, to be paid out of
net cash flow from the future production of Concession Block OML 113. All work
commitments under the original license with the Government of Nigeria related to
this Concession have been completed.
The Oil Prospecting License ("OPL") for Block 310 expired in February 1997,
however, the Nigerian Department of Petroleum Resources confirmed shortly
following the expiry of the OPL to the Company's Nigerian partner, Optimum
Petroleum Company Limited ("Optimum") that the OPL remained in good standing.
Subsequently, nothing has been received by the Company, or to the knowledge of
the Company, by Optimum that would indicate that the Nigerian authorities do not
consider OPL 310 to be valid and in good standing. The Company has an
obligation to pay $1,000,000 to Optimum within nine months of the testing of its
first exploration well and an additional $2,000,000 following commencement of
production. In addition, the Company is required under the OPL to drill three
wells and complete a seismic program on the Block. These minimum work
commitments do not become effective until the OPL is confirmed by the Nigerian
authorities. Despite this, Optimum has advised the Company that it wishes the
Company to proceed on the minimum work program in advance of the required
extension or renewal and receipt of requisite government approval to the joint
venture agreement.
Prior to June 30, 1998 the Company's economic participation in concession blocks
in Nigeria was calculated on a before and after payout basis and on a concession
by concession basis. Though royalties applicable to the Company's working
interest varied from concession to concession, general economic terms were as
follows:
-50-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
3. PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS PROPERTIES - CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Before Payout After Payout
------------------------ ------------------------
Operating Operating
Revenue Cost Revenue Cost
------------ ---------- ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Participation before
Royalties 55% 100% 28% 40%
Royalties 6.5% - 2.5% 3.3 - 1.6%
Net Concession
Participation 48.5 - 52.5% 100% 24.7 - 26.4% 40%
</TABLE>
Abacan International Resources Management Inc. ("AIRMI"), a company wholly owned
by a former president and director of the Company, holds royalty interest in
three of the Company's Nigerian concessions with rates ranging from 1.65% to
0.85% before payout and 0.82% to 0.42% after payout. The Company's interest in
the concessions exists through joint venture agreements between the Company's
subsidiaries and its Nigerian partner corporations.
At December 31, 1998, royalties payable included an amount of $1,059,000 (1997 -
$794,000) owed to AIRMI and $1,427,000 (1997 - $921,000) to YFP. The remaining
balance of royalties payable of $2,887,000 (1997 - $1,822,000) is due the
Company's other Nigerian partner corporations. All of the royalty payable
amounts are currently due and beyond normal repayment terms.
Working Interests - Benin Republic Concessions
In July 1997, the Company increased its position in Benin Republic Blocks 1 and
4 to a 100% Participating Interest. Under separate production sharing contracts
with the Government of Benin, the Company is required to fund 100% of all
exploration and development costs of a prescribed minimum work program and is
entitled to receive approximately 69% of revenue from Block 1/Seme and 75% of
revenue from Block 4, subject to a sliding scale royalty that becomes applicable
after a prescribed level of cost recovery is achieved by the Company.
As part of the prescribed work program, the Company is required to drill one
well in Block 1/ Seme by February 1999 and one well in Block 4 by February 2002.
In addition, the Company is required to complete a seismic program on Block 4 by
February 2002. As the Company has not commenced the Block 1/Seme well, it will
at the end of February 1999 not be in compliance with the minimum work program.
As a result, under the production sharing contract, the Company's Participation
interest in-Block 1 would be subject to cancellation at that date. The Company
is in the process of negotiating an extension of this requirement.
-51-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
4. LONG TERM DEBT
During 1997, the Company entered into a Crude Oil Prepayment Agreement in the
amount of $35,000,000 to be repaid out of a portion of the proceeds of future
crude oil deliveries from the Company's share of crude oil produced from the Ima
Field commencing in February, 1998. The original agreement specified that the
minimum amount by which the prepayment was to be repaid from the monthly
delivery payment of the marketer is $2,916,667 plus accrued interest at the
London Inter-Bank offered rate ("LIBOR") plus 2.5% during a six month grace
period, changing to LIBOR plus 0.5% beginning with the first principal
repayment. A portion of the proceeds from this loan was used to repay the
Company's bank indebtedness that existed at that time.
On June 30, 1998, concurrent with the settlement agreement disclosed in Note 1,
the prepayment sums of approximately $30,702,000 then outstanding under the
Crude Oil Prepayment Agreement were converted into a credit facility. Under the
terms of the facility, interest is payable on the outstanding principal balance
of the facility at a maximum rate equal to Libor plus 4% per annum. As
restructured, repayment of $20,100,000 was deferred until June 30, 1999 with the
balance of $10,602,000 due on December 31, 1999. Interest payments were to
commence quarterly on December 31, 1998. Subsequent to December 31, 1998, the
Company received written confirmation that the first quarterly interest payment
due December 31, 1998 had been capitalized and that interest payments would
commence on March 31, 1999. The Company has since been advised that
notwithstanding its written extension, the first interest instalment continued
to be due on December 31, 1998. The Company has not yet made this interest
payment and is currently negotiating regarding relief from this payment and from
other near-term cash interest payments.
The Company has granted security in respect of its repayment obligations under
the facility. Included as security are (1) a pledge of all of the common shares
of those subsidiaries that hold Participating Interests in the Company's Niger
Delta and Benin Basin Concessions; (2) a series of debentures granting a
security interest against the Company's Participating Interest in its Niger
Delta and Benin Basin Concessions; and (3) a guarantee of the Company for all
outstanding amounts under the Loan.
-52-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
5. LEASE OBLIGATIONS
The Company had entered into various leases relating to the production facility.
Leases are classified as capital or operating leases. Leases which transfer
substantially all of the benefits and risks incident to ownership of property
were accounted for as capital leases. All other leases were accounted for as
operating leases. As part of the restructuring and disposition of assets on
June 30, 1998 all lease obligations related to the production facility were
assumed by Amni.
The Company has entered into a lease for the office premises in Houston. The
lease has 18 months remaining. The minimum lease payments under the terms of
this lease are $41,200 per year.
6. SHARE CAPITAL
a) Common Shares
Authorized
Unlimited number of common shares and preferred shares issuable in series
Issued
Common shares
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of $
Shares (000's)
----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Balance, December 31, 1996 109,413,504 $ 253,554
- ---------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------
Issued on exercise of options 862,500 1,624
Issued on exercise of share
purchase warrants 358,152 -
Issued on acquisition of royalty interest 2,247,680 19,572
----------- ---------
Balance, December 31, 1997 112,881,836 274,750
Issued on acquisition of petroleum and natural
gas properties 1,489,000 2,000
----------- ---------
Balance, December 31, 1998 114,370,836 $ 276,750
=========== =========
</TABLE>
-53-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
6. SHARE CAPITAL - CONTINUED
b) Stock Options
At December 31, 1998 the Company has options outstanding to acquire 12,356,200
common shares by officers, directors, consultants and employees of the Company.
These options may be exercised at prices ranging from CDN $0.28 to CDN $12.15
per common share and expire at various times to October 23, 2003.
c) Warrants Outstanding
On June 30, 1998, in connection with the restructuring of its loan, the Company
agreed to issue 600,000 options at a price of CDN$0.91 per share expiring June
30, 2000. At December 31, 1998, all of the options were outstanding.
On November 6, 1996 the Company completed a public issue of 12,500,000 common
shares at a price of $7.50 per common share. On November 19, 1996 an additional
1,875,000 common shares were issued in conjunction with the underwriters over
allotment option. The Company received net proceeds of $100,987,000. In
connection with this offering, the placement agent was granted warrants to
purchase 100,000 common shares of the Company. The warrants, which can be
exercised after one year from the issue date, have a term of five years and are
exercisable at a price of $7.50 per share. At December 31, 1998, all of these
warrants remain unexercised.
On April 19, 1996, there were warrants granted to purchase 500,000 Common Shares
of the Company for advisory services to an investment banker. These warrants
have a term of five years and are exercisable at a price of $3.40 per share. At
December 31, 1998, all of these warrants remain unexercised.
d) Acquisition of Royalty Interests
In February 1997, the Company acquired a portion of the gross overriding
royalties on Niger Delta Concession Block OML 112/OPL 237 from YFP by issuing
643,840 Common Shares valued at $6,036,000. The Company also acquired a portion
of the gross overriding royalties on Benin Basin Concession Block OML 113 from
YFP by issuing 643,840 Common Shares of the Company valued at $6,036,000.
On April 1, 1997, the Company acquired a further portion of the gross overriding
royalties on Concession Block OML 112/OPL 237 from YFP on Concession Block OML
113 by issuing 960,000 Common Shares valued at $7,500,000.
-54-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
6. SHARE CAPITAL - CONTINUED
e) Acquisition of Participating Interest
In April 1998, the Company issued 1,489,000 shares of its common stock to
Optimum in consideration for financial obligations of $2,000,000 owing to
Optimum to secure the Company's interest in Concession Block OPL 310. Optimum
is the indigenous Nigerian company which owns the rights to Concession Block OPL
310 and is partner to the Company in Concession Block OPL 310, as discussed in
Note 3.
7. INCOME TAXES
Due to the nature of the Company's structure and operations, the Company will
not have a tax liability resulting from the current gain on the sale of assets
,and accordingly has not recorded a tax provision. At December 31, 1998, the
Company had approximately CDN $26,854,000 of non-capital losses available to be
applied against taxable income of the future years on the portion of its
operations which are subject to Canadian income taxes. These losses expire
between 1999 and 2004. The Company also had available for deduction, at rates
allowed under the Income Tax Act, CDN $17,012,000 of oil and gas expenditures.
The potential future benefit of these losses and deductions have not been
reflected in the consolidated financial statements.
8. COMMITMENTS
The Company entered into an agreement for the sale of the Company's and its
Nigerian partner's entitlement to crude oil and condensate produced from the Ima
Field located in Concession Block OML 112 for a period of one year from the date
of the first lifting which occurred on February 21, 1997. The price payable for
each barrel of crude oil and condensate was based upon a range of quoted prices
for Bonny Quesbo crude oil less a new crude oil discount. This discount was
calculated based upon the volume of cargo lifted at each lifting.
At July 29, 1997, the Company entered into a second agreement for the sale of
the Company's entitlement to crude oil and condensate produced from the Ima
Field. The duration of this second agreement was to be one year commencing on
February 22, 1998.
-55-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
8. COMMITMENTS - CONTINUED
Upon relinquishment by the Company of its participating interest in the Ima
Field at June 30, 1998, the above mentioned agreements were terminated, and the
loan was restructured as disclosed in Note 4.
The Company has further commitments with respect to its participating interests
in the Concessions, as disclosed in Note 3.
9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying value of the financial instruments of the Company approximates
their estimated fair value.
10. CONTINGENCIES
While the Company is defending various lawsuits, there are two lawsuits in which
the claims are significant, which relate to liabilities assumed by Amni.
Although Amni has agreed to assume liability for any claims against the Company
in respect of oil and gas operations on the Ima Field, the Company will continue
to be liable to trade and other creditors until settlement arrangements can be
established. The total amounts claimed in the two lawsuits (exclusive of costs
and interest) is approximately $3,700,000. The management of the Company has
determined that the Company does not have any material exposure in any of the
lawsuits.
11. UNCERTAINTY DUE TO THE YEAR 2000 ISSUE
The Year 2000 Issue arises because many computerized systems use two digits
rather than four to identify a year. Date-sensitive systems may recognize the
year 2000 as 1900 or some other date, resulting in errors when information using
year 2000 dates is processed. In addition, similar problems may arise in some
systems which use certain dates in 1999 to represent something other than a
date. The effects of the Year 2000 Issue may be experienced before, on, or after
January 1, 2000, and, if not addressed, the impact on operations and financial
reporting may range from minor errors to significant systems failure which could
affect the Company's ability to conduct normal business operations. It is not
possible to be certain that all aspects of the Year 2000 Issue affecting the
Company, including those related to the efforts of customers, suppliers, or
other third parties, will be fully resolved.
-56-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
12. DIFFERENCES IN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES BETWEEN
CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in Canada. The primary
difference between Canadian and US GAAP affecting the Company's financial
statements are as discussed below:
Deferral of General and Administrative Costs
Under Canadian GAAP, general and administrative costs, net of interest and other
revenue prior to the period in which commercial production commenced are
deferred and added to the carrying value of petroleum and natural gas
properties. Under US GAAP, deferral costs of this type would be treated as
expenses in the year incurred.
The effect of this difference is to create a statement of loss and deficit which
would include such revenues and expenses and to reduce the amounts included in
petroleum and natural gas properties as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---------- ---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income (loss) as reported $ 12,497 $(239,176) $ -
Net oil production revenue - - 1,300
Interest revenue - - 1,050
General and administrative expense - - (2,603)
Adjustment to provision for decline in value
of petroleum properties (US GAAP) - 3,000 -
Adjustment to gain on sale of assets (715) - -
---------- ---------- ---------
Net earnings (loss) 11,782 (236,176) (253)
Deficit, beginning of period (238,461) (2,285) (2,032)
---------- ---------- ---------
Deficit, end of period as adjusted
to US GAAP $(226,679) $(238,461) $ (2,285)
---------- ---------- ---------
Petroleum and natural gas properties
as reported $ 92,431 $ 138,471 $265,551
Increase (decrease) - 715 (2,285)
---------- ---------- ---------
As adjusted to US GAAP $ 92,431 $ 139,186 $263,266
========== ========== =========
</TABLE>
-57-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
12. DIFFERENCES IN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES BETWEEN
CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES - CONTINUED
Earnings per share
The methodology for computing fully diluted earnings per share is not consistent
between the two countries. For Canadian purposes, the proceeds from dilutive
securities are used to reduce debt in the calculation. US GAAP, Statements of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128 requires the proceeds from
dilutive securities be used to repurchase common shares.
Statement of Changes in Cash Flow
Under Canadian GAAP, certain financing and investing activities such as
acquiring petroleum and natural gas properties in exchange for share capital are
treated as a cash inflow followed by a cash outflow. As a result, these types
of transactions are included in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Under US GAAP, non-cash transactions of a financing or investing nature are not
included in consolidated statements of cash flows. These types of transactions
are disclosed as supplementary disclosure to the consolidated statements of cash
flows. Accordingly for US GAAP purposes, financing and investing activities in
the statement of change in cash flow would be lower by $2,000,000, in 1998,
$19,572,000 in 1997 and $600,000 in 1996 as the Company had issued common
shares in exchange for petroleum and natural gas properties or royalty
interests.
For US GAAP purposes, the disposition of assets as outlined in Note 1 would not
be shown on the consolidated statements of cash flow as the Company did not
receive any cash as part of the transaction. Accordingly, cash flows from
financing activities are lower and investing activities will be higher by
$6,094,000.
In addition, for US GAAP purposes, changes in working capital are by definition
an operating activity. For Canadian GAAP purposes, change in working capital
that relate to investing activities such as purchases of equipment are treated
as an investing activity. Accordingly, the net cash from operations in the US
GAAP consolidated statements of cash flows would increase in 1998 by $9,994,000
(1997 - $43,770,000 and 1996 - $12,057,000) from the net cash from operations in
the Canadian GAAP consolidated statements of cash flows. Investing activities
are reduced by the identical amount in each year.
Foreign currency translation
Under Canadian GAAP, non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign
currencies are translated at exchange rates prevailing at the transaction dates.
Under US GAAP, those assets and liabilities would be translated at year-end
rates. As the majority of the assets and liabilities are denominated and
reported in US dollars, this difference would not have material effect on either
the financial position of the results of operations on the Company.
-58-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
12. DIFFERENCES IN GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES BETWEEN
CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES - CONTINUED
Deferred income taxes
Under Canadian GAAP, the Company would record a deferred tax asset related to a
tax loss carry forward only if the Company was virtually certain of realizing
the benefit associated with the tax loss carry forward. Under US GAAP, SFAS No.
109 requires that the Company record all deferred income tax assets and make an
estimate of the likely recoverability of the asset by recording a provision.
The provision would reduce the recorded deferred tax asset to the amount
expected to be recovered. The Company is of the opinion that the benefits
related to the tax loss carry forwards will not be realized for the foreseeable
future. Accordingly, the provision that the Company would record under US GAAP
would reduce the recorded deferred tax asset to a nil balance. As no benefit
has been realized for Canadian GAAP, there is no difference in the financial
position or the results of operations of the Company.
Comprehensive income
SFAS No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income" became effective as of the first
quarter of 1998. The statement requires companies to report and display
comprehensive income and its components. Comprehensive income includes all
changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by
shareholders or distributions to shareholders. For the Company, comprehensive
income is the same as net income reported in the consolidated statements of
operations and deficit, since there are no other items of comprehensive income
for the years presented.
Recently issued Accounting Standards
SFAS 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,"
is effective for the year ended December 31, 1998. This statement establishes
standards for defining and reporting business segments. As the financial
statements disclose the operations of the Company in the various countries, no
additional disclosure is needed.
SFAS 132, "Employer's Disclosures about Pensions and Other Post-retirement
Benefits," revises existing rules for disclosure of pensions and other
post-retirement benefit plans. As the Company does not have any pensions or
other post-retirement benefit plans, no additional disclosure is needed.
SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," is
effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 1999. This standard
requires that all derivatives be recognized as either assets or liabilities in
the balance sheet at their fair market values and that accounting for the
changes in their fair values is dependent upon the intended use of the
derivative and its resulting designation. The new standard will supersede or
amend existing standards which deal with hedge accounting and derivatives. The
Company has not yet determined the effect of adopting this standard will have on
its financial statements.
-59-
<PAGE>
The consolidated statements of operations and accumulated deficit and statements
of cash flows prepared using US GAAP are presented as supplemental information:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS AND ACCUMULATED DEFICIT
(PREPARED USING U.S. GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars - Note 1)
1998 1997 1996
------------- ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue
Petroleum revenue (net of royalties and foreign taxes) $ 12,264 $ 52,998 $ 1,300
Interest and other 181 528 1,050
------------- ------------- ------------
12,445 53,526 2,350
------------- ------------- ------------
Expenses
Operating 17,431 46,276 -
General and administrative 4,623 3,934 2,603
Interest and other financial expense 3,022 4,333 -
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 4,244 28,159 -
Provision for decline in value of petroleum properties - 207,000 -
------------- ------------- ------------
29,320 289,702 2,603
------------- ------------- ------------
Net loss before gain on sale of assets (16,875) (236,176) (253)
Gain on sale of assets 28,657 - -
------------- ------------- ------------
Net earnings (loss) 11,782 (236,176) (253)
Deficit, beginning of period (238,461) (2,285) (2,032)
------------- ------------- ------------
Deficit, end of period $ (226,679) $ (238,461) $ (2,285)
============= ============= ============
Basic earnings (loss) per Common share $ 0.10 $ (2.11) $ 0.00
============= ============= ============
Fully diluted earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.10 $ (2.11) $ 0.00
============= ============= ============
Weighted average number of shares outstanding 113,942,486 112,029,272 92,899,595
============= ============= ============
</TABLE>
-60-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(PREPARED USING U.S. GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars - Note 1)
1998 1997 1996
--------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NET INFLOW (OUTFLOW) OF CASH RELATED TO THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES
OPERATING
Net earnings (loss) $ 11,782 $(236,176) $ (253)
Items not affecting cash:
Gain on sale of assets (28,657) - -
Provision for decline in value of petroleum properties - 207,000 -
Depletion, depreciation and amortization 4,244 28,159 -
Changes in non-cash working capital items 32,117 50,202 12,057
--------- ---------- ----------
19,486 49,185 11,804
--------- ---------- ----------
FINANCING
Issue of share capital
Common shares and warrants - - 104,449
Exercise of options - 1,624 5,237
Long term debt (4,298) 35,000 -
Bank debt - (20,100) 20,100
Capital lease obligations (472) (35,342) 41,909
Issue of convertible debentures - - 7,806
--------- ---------- ----------
(4,770) (18,818) 179,501
--------- ---------- ----------
INVESTING
Expenditures on petroleum properties and equipment (13,224) (91,395) (159,263)
Maturity settlement of short term investments - 15,000 (15,000)
Other - (1,204) (1,750)
--------- ---------- ----------
(13,224) (77,599) (176,013)
--------- ---------- ----------
NET CASH INFLOW (OUTFLOW) 1,492 (47,232) 15,292
CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS,
BEGINNING OF YEAR 1,813 49,045 33,753
--------- ---------- ----------
CASH AND SHORT-TERM INVESTMENTS,
END OF YEAR $ 3,305 $ 1,813 $ 49,045
========= ========== ==========
Supplemental Non-Cash
Acquisition of petroleum and natural gas properties for common shares
$ 2,000 $ 19,572 $ 600
--------- ---------- ----------
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow
Interest paid $ 2663 $ 2,833 $ 895
--------- ---------- ----------
Operating lease payments $ 11,242 $ 23,940 $ -
--------- ---------- ----------
Conversion of convertible debentures
including accrued interest $ - $ - $ 13,056
--------- ---------- ----------
</TABLE>
-61-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
(Note 1)
- - SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Following is a summary of stock option activity during the years ended December
31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 (weighted average prices are in $CDN):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----1998----- -----1997----- -----1996-----
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Average Average Average
Number Price Number Price Number Price
----------- --------- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding at the beginning of the year
10,461,750 $ 4.72 6,768,000 $ 3.52 4,485,000 $ 2.70
Granted 5,710,250 0.93 4,946,250 6.16 5,498,300 6.55
Terminated (3,815,800) 9.81 (390,000) 5.12 (50,000) 5.00
Exercised - - (862,500) 2.58 (3,165,300) 2.26
Expired - - - - - -
----------- --------- ----------- --------- ----------- ---------
Outstanding at the
end of the year 12,356,200 $ 3.63 10,461,750 $ 4.72 6,768,000 $ 3.52
=========== ========= =========== ========= =========== =========
Options exercisable
at the end of the year 9,764,117 $ 2.25 5,033,750 $ 4.39 4,407,000 $ 2.22
=========== ========= =========== ========= =========== =========
</TABLE>
Options outstanding as of December 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Weighted
Weighted Average Weighted
Options Average Remaining Exercisable Average
Outstanding Price Life (yrs) Options Price
----------- --------- ---------- ----------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Exercise price of:
$0.28 - $1.00 4,710,000 $ 0.44 4.62 4,710,000 $ 0.44
$1.01 - $6.00 7,293,900 $ 3.65 2.97 4,877,867 $ 3.65
$6.01 - $12.15 352,500 $ 12.15 3.09 176,250 $ 12.15
</TABLE>
-62-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
(Note 1)
13. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - CONTINUED
In 1996, the United States Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation." With regard to its stock option plan, the Company applies ABB
Opinion No. 25 as allowed under SFAS 123 in accounting for this plan and
accordingly no compensation cost has been recognized. Had compensation expense
been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates for the stock option
grants consistent with the method of SFAS No. 123, the Company's net income and
net income per common share should have been reduced to the pro forma amount
indicated below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net Income (Loss)
As Reported 11,782 (236,176) (253)
Pro forma 8,510 (253,047) (14,437)
Net Income (Loss) Per Share
As Reported
Basic 0.10 (2.11) -
Fully Diluted 0.10 - -
Pro forma
Basic 0.07 (2.26) (0.16)
Fully Diluted 0.07 - -
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ------- ---------- ---------
Stock options issued during period (thousands) 5,710 4,946 5,498
Weighted average exercise price $ 0.93 $ 6.18 $ 6.55
Average per option compensation value of options granted (a) 0.85 4.77 3.52
Compensation cost (thousands $U.S.) $ 3,272 $ 16,871 $ 14,184
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ------- ---------- ---------
<FN>
(a) Calculated in accordance with the Black-Scholes option pricing model, using the
following assumptions: expected volatility computed using, as of the date of grant, the
prior year monthly average of the Common Shares as listed on the TSE, which ranged from
53.5% to 148%; expected dividend yield - 0%; expected option term - 5 years; and risk-free
rate of return as of the date of grant which ranged from 5.4% to 7.4%, based on the yield of
five-year Canadian treasury securities.
</TABLE>
-63-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
(Note 1)
13. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - CONTINUED
Capitalized costs (unaudited)
The following tables summarize the costs incurred in oil and natural gas
property acquisition, exploration and development activities. Property
acquisition costs are those costs incurred to purchase, lease, or otherwise
acquire property. Exploration costs include costs of identifying areas that may
warrant examination and in examining specific areas that are considered to have
prospects containing oil and natural gas reserves, including costs of drilling
exploratory wells, geological and geophysical costs and carrying costs on
undeveloped properties. Development costs are incurred to obtain access to
proved reserves, including the cost of drilling development wells, and to
provide facilities for extracting, treating, gathering and storing the oil and
natural gas.
The Company has capitalized property acquisition, exploration and development
costs pertaining to its oil and gas producing operations as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Property
Proved $ - $ 279,859 $203,013
Unproved 92,431 94,535 60,253
------- ---------- --------
92,431 374,394 263,266
Accumulated depreciation,
depletion and amortization - (235,208) -
------- ---------- --------
Capitalized Costs $92,431 $ 139,186 263,266
======= ========== ========
</TABLE>
-64-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
(Note 1)
13. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - CONTINUED
Costs incurred for property acquisition and exploration activities on a
calendar year basis
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total
(000's)
<S> <C>
1998
Property Acquisition
Proved $ -
Unproved 2,000
Exploration and Development 13,224
---------
$ 15,224
---------
1997
Property Acquisition
Proved $ 20,772
Unproved 1,525
Exploration and Development 88,670
---------
$ 110,967
---------
1996
Property Acquisition
Proved $ 600
Unproved -
Exploration and Development 159,249
---------
159,849
---------
</TABLE>
Depletion Expenses (unaudited)
The Company has recorded depletion on a per barrel basis as follows:
1998 1997 1996
$ 2.92 $ 8.33 $ -
======= ======== =======
-65-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
(Note 1)
14. SUPPLEMENTAL RESERVE INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Net proved oil and natural gas reserve estimates were prepared by Gilbert
Lausten Jung Associates Ltd., independent petroleum engineers located in
Calgary, Alberta. Oil and natural gas prices in effect as of the reserve report
date were used without escalation. Operating costs and future development costs
were based on current costs with no escalation.
There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of proved
reserves and in projecting future rates of production and the timing of
development expenditures. The following reserve data represents estimates only
and should not be construed as being exact. Moreover, the present values should
not be construed as the market value of the Company's oil and natural gas
reserves or the costs that would be incurred to obtain equivalent reserves.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Estimated quantities of proved reserves Year ended Year ended Year ended
(mmbbls) December 31, December 31, December 31,
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, beginning of year 15.8 23.5 21.8
Reserve additions - - -
Economic revisions - (4.3) 1.8
Production and sale 15.8 (3.4) (0.1)
------------ ------------- -------------
Balance, end of year - 15.8 23.5
============ ============= =============
</TABLE>
Standardized measure of discounted future cash flows relating to proved oil and
gas reserve quantities
In calculating the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows,
prices and costs in effect at year end were assumed to be constant, were applied
to proved reserves and provision was made for estimated future development
expenditures that will be required to produce the Company's reserves. Royalty
deductions were based on laws, regulations and contracts existing at the end of
the fiscal year. The discounted future net cash flows were derived by applying
a 10% discount factor, as required by SFAS No. 69, to the future net cash flows.
Management believes that this information does not reflect the current economic
value of the oil and gas properties or the present value of estimated future
cash flows since no economic value is attributed to potential reserves, the use
of a 10% discount rate is arbitrary and prices change constantly from year end
levels.
-66-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
(Note 1)
14. SUPPLEMENTAL RESERVE INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) - CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(000's)
<S> <C>
December 31, 1998
Future cash inflows $ -
Future capital lease payments -
Future gross overriding royalties -
Future production and development costs -
--------
10% annual discount for estimated timing of cash flows -
--------
Standardized measure of future net cash flows $ -
========
Changes in standardized measure
December 31, 1997 $ 64.5
Purchases of reserves in place -
Sales of reserves in place (64.5)
Net changes in prices and costs -
--------
December 31, 1998 $ -
========
December 31, 1997
Future cash inflows $ 357.8
Future capital lease payments 6.6
Future gross overriding royalties (35.8)
Future production and development costs (251.5)
--------
77.1
10% annual discount for estimated timing of cash flows (12.6)
--------
Standardized measure of future net cash flows $ 64.5
========
Changes in standardized measure
December 31, 1996 $ 268.2
Purchases of reserves in place -
Production (203.6)
Net changes in prices and costs (.01)
--------
December 31, 1997 $ 64.5
========
</TABLE>
-67-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31
(Thousands of U.S. Dollars)
(Note 1)
14. SUPPLEMENTAL RESERVE INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) - CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(000's)
--------
<S> <C>
December 31, 1996
Future cash inflows $ 537.4
Future capital lease payments 38.1
Future gross overriding royalties (55.8)
Future production and development costs (217.4)
--------
302.3
10% annual discount for estimated timing of cash flows (34.1)
--------
Standardized measure of future net cash flows $ 268.2
========
Changes in standard measure
December 31, 1995 $ 152.0
Purchases of reserves in place -
Sales of reserves in place -
Net changes in prices and costs 116.2
--------
December 31, 1996 $ 268.2
========
</TABLE>
U.S. GAAP RECONCILIATION
The Company's Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1998 (the "1998 Financial Statements") have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in Canada. These
principles differ in some respects to generally accepted accounting principles
in the United States. The Company's 1998 Financial Statements include "Comments
by Auditors for U.S. Readers on Canada - U.S. Reporting Difference" as a
supplement to the Auditors' Report. In addition, a detailed discussion entitled
"Differences in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles Between Canada and the
United States" is included as Note 12 of the 1998 Financial Statements. See
"Consolidated Financial Statements and Unaudited Supplementary Data".
-68-
<PAGE>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S CONSENT
We consent to the inclusion of our report dated February 17, 1999 (which express
an unqualified opinion and for U.S. Readers had a Canada-U.S. reporting
difference which would require the addition of an explanatory paragraph
(following the opinion paragraph) relating to the Company's ability to continue
as a going concern), with respect to the consolidated financial statements of
Abacan Resource Corporation appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB of
Abacan Resource Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1998.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Chartered Accountants
Calgary, Alberta
March 26, 1999
-69-
<PAGE>
-70-
<PAGE>
-71-
<PAGE>
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
There are not and have not been any disagreements between the Company and
its accountants on any matter of accounting principles or practices or financial
statement disclosure.
PART III
ITEM 9. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS OF THE
ISSUER; COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following is a list of the names of the Company's current directors and
executive officers, their jurisdiction of residence and their principal
occupation for the past five years. Each of the named directors has agreed to
stand for re-election at the upcoming Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders
scheduled for March 29, 1999 in Houston, Texas.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION WITHIN LAST FIVE YEARS
- ------------------------- --- ------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Timothy T. Stephens 46 Chairman, President, CEO President, Chief Executive Officer and Director since February 1998 and
Houston, Texas and Director Chairman since February 1999; prior thereto, between March 1995 and
May 1997, the President and a Director of Seven Seas Petroleums Inc.
(TSE and NASDAQ); prior thereto, between July 1991 and March 1995,
a Vice President of Enron Capital and Trade Resources Inc.
James S. Harvie (1) 49 Director Director since June 1997 and Chief Operating Officer between June 1997
Calgary, Alberta and February 1999; prior thereto, between June 1994 and August 1996,
the Executive Vice President of Midland Walwyn Capital Inc.; prior
thereto, President of Deacon Barclay's Canada; former Governor of The
Toronto Stock Exchange.
T. B. ("Tunde") Folawiyo 39 Director Director since December 1993. Executive Director of Yinka Folawiyo
Lagos, Nigeria Petroleum Co. Ltd. (a private Nigerian oil company) and Executive
Director of Yinka Folawiyo Group of Companies (an international business
conglomerate).
James A. Kishpaugh (1) 58 Director Director since February 8, 1999. Chairman and CEO of Merlon Petroleum
Houston, Texas Company, a private company, since 1997. Chairman and CEO of Texas
International Company (NYSE) and Phoenix Resources Company
(NASDAQ) from 1978 to 1990.
Kenneth C. Rutherford (1) 45 Director Director since February 8, 1999. Vice President and CFO of Scorpion
Calgary, Alberta Energy Corporation (TSE) from 1998 to present; President of Captiva
Resource Corporation, a private oil and gas financial, investment and
administrative services company, from 1993 to present; Vice President
Finance and CFO of Arakis Energy Corporation (NASDAQ) from
December 1996 to September 1997 and a Director of Arakis from
July 1997 to October 1998.
<FN>
_________
(1) Indicates member of the Company's Audit Committee.
</TABLE>
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, the Corporation paid no
cash compensation (including salaries, director's fees, commissions, bonuses
paid for services rendered, bonuses paid for services rendered in a previous
year, and any compensation other than bonuses earned by the directors for
services rendered) to the directors for services rendered as such. Compensation
has been paid by the Corporation to certain directors or companies owned or
controlled by directors where such directors have provided ongoing professional
consulting or employment services to the Corporation or its subsidiaries.
Executive officers of the Corporation who also act as directors of the
Corporation, do not receive any additional compensation for services rendered in
their capacity as directors, other than as paid by the Corporation to such
executive officers in their capacity as executive officers.
-72-
<PAGE>
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, a total of 4,999,500 stock
options were granted to the directors of the Corporation (including directors
who were executive officers).
SIGNIFICANT EMPLOYEES
The following persons, who are not directors or executive officers of the
Company, are expected to make a significant contribution to the ongoing business
affairs of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION WITHIN LAST FIVE YEARS
- ----------------- --- ---------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Wade G. Cherwayko 35 Consultant Consultant to the Company since February 1998; President and Chief
Lagos, Nigeria Executive Officer of the Corporation between May 1993 and February
1998; Director between November 1992 and February 1999; prior thereto,
an independent international petroleum consultant.
</TABLE>
FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
There are no family relationships among the Company's directors or
executive officers.
INVOLVEMENT IN CERTAIN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None of the Company's directors or executive officers have been involved
during the past five years in any legal proceedings material to an evaluation of
such persons ability or integrity.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10 percent of the
Company's common stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership
with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Officers, directors, and
greater than 10 percent shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish
the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Management
believes all such individuals were in compliance with Section 16(a) as of the
effective date hereof.
ITEM 10. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information in respect of this item appears on Pages 6 - 14 of the
Company's Definitive Proxy Statement filed March 5, 1999 under the heading
"Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers" and is incorporated herein by
reference.
ITEM 11. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Information in respect of this item appears on Pages 2 - 5 of the Company's
Definitive Proxy Statement filed March 5, 1999 under the heading "Voting Shares
and Principal Holders Thereof" and is incorporated herein by reference.
-73-
<PAGE>
ITEM 12. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
There are no material interests, direct or indirect, of directors, senior
officers, or any shareholder who beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more
than 5% of the outstanding Common Shares or any known associate or affiliates of
such persons, in any transaction within the last two fiscal years or in any
proposed transaction which has materially affected or would materially affect
the Company other than as disclosed below:
TRANSACTIONS
(1) On April 5, 1995, Liberty Technical Services Ltd. ("Liberty") (a
subsidiary of the Company) granted Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company Limited
("YFP") a 2.40879% before Payout (1.26% after Payout) royalty interest in
respect of all petroleum substances produced from Concession Block OPL 237 in
consideration of YFP's assistance in enabling the Company to acquire a
Participating Interest in the concession. On March 31, 1997, YFP sold 0.9554%
before Payout and 0.4863% after Payout of its royalty interest to Liberty in
consideration of the payment of $3,767,495 from Liberty to YFP. The
consideration for the purchased royalty interest was based upon the discounted
future value of the royalty interest based upon the proved reserves on
Concession Block OPL 237 at the time of purchase. The purchase price was
determined based upon the purchase price paid by the Company for a royalty
interest acquired by it from an unrelated third party. Payment was satisfied
through the issuance of 482,239 common shares of Abacan at a price of $7.8125
per common share. YFP is a company that is substantially controlled by the
father of Mr. Tunde Folawiyo, a director of the Company. Tunde Folawiyo is a
director and senior officer of YFP.
(2) On February 23, 1994, Liberty granted YFP a 2.45775% before Payout
(1.2611% after Payout) royalty interest in respect of all petroleum substances
produced from Concession Block OML 112 (formerly OPL 469) in consideration of
YFP's assistance in enabling the Company to acquire a Participating Interest in
the concession. On March 31, 1997, YFP sold 0.86125% before Payout and 0.43841%
after Payout of its royalty interest to Liberty in consideration of the payment
of $3,732,505 from Liberty to YFP. The consideration for the purchased royalty
interest was based upon the discounted future value of the royalty interest
based upon the proved reserves on Concession Block OPL 469 at the time of
purchase. The purchase price was determined based upon the purchase price paid
by the Company for a royalty interest acquired by it from an unrelated third
party. Payment was satisfied through the issuance of 477,761 common shares of
Abacan at a price of $7.8125 per common share.
(3) On March 8, 1992, the Company and YFP signed a Joint Venture Agreement
for the exploration of Nigerian Concession Block OPL 309. Under the terms of
the Joint Venture Agreement, the Company was responsible, inter alia, to pay YFP
a conversion fee of $5.0 million upon the conversion of the OPL into an OML. On
July 3, 1998, OPL 309 was converted into OML 113. Consequently, a payment of
$5.0 million is due from the Company to YFP. Payment of this amount will come
from a portion of the Company's net cash flow from future production on OML 113.
MATERIAL INTERESTS
1. Pursuant to a Royalty Agreement between Liberty and Abacan International
Resource Management Inc. ("AIRMI") dated December 2, 1994, AIRMI holds a 1.501%
Pre-Payout (0.764% After Payout) royalty interest in respect of all petroleum
substances produced from Concession Block OPL 237. AIRMI is a company wholly
owned by Wade G. Cherwayko, a former President, CEO and director of Abacan.
-74-
<PAGE>
2. Pursuant to a Royalty Agreement between Liberty and AIRMI dated August
19, 1993, AIRMI holds a 0.825% before Payout (0.42% after Payout) royalty
interest in respect of all petroleum substances produced from Concession Block
OML 112.
3. Pursuant to a Royalty Agreement between Liberty and AIRMI dated March 8,
1992, AIRMI holds a 1.65% before Payout (0.84% after Payout) royalty interest in
respect of all petroleum substances produced from Concession Block OML 113.
4. Pursuant to a Participation/Royalty Agreement between Liberty and YFP
dated April 5, 1995 (amended pursuant to a Sale Agreement dated March 31, 1997),
YFP holds a 1.61146% before Payout (0.82037% after Payout) royalty interest in
respect of all petroleum substances produced from Concession Block OML 112.
5. Pursuant to a Participation/Royalty Agreement between Liberty and YFP
dated February 23, 1994 (amended pursuant to a Sale Agreement dated March 31,
1997), YFP holds a 1.59650% before Payout (0.81269% after Payout) royalty
interest in respect of all petroleum substances produced from Concession Block
OML 112.
6. YFP is the indigenous Nigerian concession owner of Concession Block OML
113. Under the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement between the Company and YFP
dated March 8, 1992, the Company is responsible for paying 100% of all capital
and operating costs before to Payout reducing to 40% of all such costs after
Payout. After accounting for royalties and taxes, the Company is entitled to
52.525% of all revenues earned before Payout and 26.74% of all revenues after
Payout. YFP is not responsible for any costs before Payout but is entitled to
15.0% of all revenues before Payout. After Payout, YFP is responsible for 60% of
all capital and operating costs and is entitled 28.0% of all revenues. In
addition to the foregoing, the Company is responsible for a payment of $5.0
million to YFP as a result of the conversion of the oil prospecting licence to
an oil mining lease in respect of Block OML 113. Payments are to be paid out of
a portion of the Company's net cash flow from future production of Block OML
113.
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-KSB
(3) Exhibits: See the Exhibits Index on Page 77.
(4) Reports on Form 8-KSB: No reports on Form 8-KSB were filed during the
last quarter of fiscal 1998.
-75-
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, on March 1, 1999.
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Timothy T. Stephens
______________________________
Timothy T. Stephens
Chairman of the Board , President and
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive
Officer)
By: /s/ James S. Harvie
______________________________
James S. Harvie
Director
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on
the dates indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title Date
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Timothy T. Stephens Chairman of the Board, President,
Timothy T. Stephens Chief Executive Officer and Director March 1, 1999
/s/ James S. Harvie Director March 1, 1999
James S. Harvie
/s/ James Kishpaugh Director March 1, 1999
James Kishpaugh
/s/ Ken Rutherford Director March 1, 1999
Ken Rutherford
/s/ Tunde Folawiyo Director March 1, 1999
Tunde Folawiyo
</TABLE>
-76-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
EXHIBITS INDEX
Exhibit
Number Description
- ------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
3.1 Certificate of Amendment and Articles of Amalgamation dated February 10, 1995
3.2 Articles of Amendment dated June 20, 1997
3.3 By-Laws dated January 20, 1995
4.1 Description of Common Stock
10.1 Termination, Settlement and Release Agreement dated June 30, 1998 between Amni
and Liberty, and first supplement agreement
10.2 Termination, Settlement and Release Supplemental Agreement dated June 30, 1998
between Amni and Liberty
10.3 Joint Venture Agreement dated June 30, 1998 in respect of the Deep Ima Prospect
between Amni and Liberty
10.4 Joint Operating Agreement dated June 30, 1998 in respect of the Deep Ima Prospect
between Amni and Liberty
10.5 Debenture dated June 30, 1998 in respect of the Deep Ima Prospect between Amni
and Liberty
10.6 Consent Agreement dated June 30, 1998 between Amni and Liberty
10.7 Termination Agreement dated June 30, 1998 in respect of the MOPU between
Abacan Technical Services Ltd. ("Abacan Technical"), Liberty, Amni,
Schlumberger and Sedco
10.8 Facility Agreement dated June 30, 1998 between Abacan Resource
Corporation ("Abacan"), Dahomey Resource Corporation ("Dahomey"), Liberty and CSFB
10.9 Security Trust Deed dated June 30, 1998 between Abacan, Dahomey, Liberty,
Abacan Resources (Benin) Limited ("Abacan Benin"), West African Resource
Corporation, Agbara Resources Limited, Abacan Power (Benin) Limited, Abacan-
Addax Benin Consortium S.A., Abacan Resources (Nigeria) Ltd., Angus
International Resources Ltd., Profile International Ltd. and CSFB
10.10 Royalty Agreement dated March 8, 1992 in respect of Nigerian Concession Block
OML 113 (formerly OPL 309) between Liberty and Abacan
International Resource Management Inc. ("Airmi")
10.11 Royalty/Revenue Interest Sale Agreement dated March 31, 1997 in respect
of Nigerian Block OML 112 (formerly OPL 469) between Liberty and Yinka
Folawiyo Petroleum Company Limited ("YFP")
-77-
<PAGE>
10.12 Royalty Agreement dated August 19, 1993 in respect of Nigerian Concession
Block OML 112 (formerly OPL 469) between Liberty and Airmi
10.13 Royalty/Revenue Interest Sale Agreement dated March 31, 1997 in respect
of Nigerian Block OPL 237 between Liberty and YFP
10.14 Royalty Agreement dated December 2, 1994 in respect of Nigerian
Concession Block OPL 237 between Liberty and Airmi
10.15 Joint Operating Agreement dated March 8, 1992 in respect of Nigerian
Concession Block OML 113 between Liberty and YFP
10.16 Joint Operating Agreement dated March 8, 1992 in respect of Nigerian
Concession Block OML 113 between Liberty and YFP
10.17 Project Management Agreement dated March 8, 1992 in respect of
Nigerian Concession Block OML 113 between Liberty, YFP and Airmi
10.18 Technical Assistance Agreement dated March 8, 1992 in respect of
Nigerian Concession Block OML 113 between Liberty and YFP
10.19 Joint Venture Agreement dated November 27, 1996 in respect of
Nigerian Concession Block OPL 310 between Liberty and Optimum Petroleum
Development Limited ("Optimum")
10.20 Technical Assistance Agreement dated November 27, 1996 in respect of
Nigerian Concession Block OPL 310 between Liberty and Optimum
10.21 [intentionally left blank]
10.22 Oil Exploration and Exploitation Contract - Offshore Block No. 4 dated February
1, 1997 between Addax Petroleum Benin Limited ("Addax"), Abacan Resources
(Benin) Limited and the Government of the Republic of Benin (English language
translation of French language original).
10.23 Oil Exploration and Exploitation Contract - Offshore No. 1 and Seme Bloc dated
February 1, 1997 between Addax Petroleum Benin Limited ("Addax"), Abacan
Resources (Benin) Limited and the Government of the Republic of Benin (English
language translation of French language original).
10.24 Purchase and Sale Agreement dated July 31, 1997 in respect of Benin Block 4
and Block 1 between Addax and Abacan Benin
10.25 Conveyance Agreement dated July 31, 1997 in respect of Benin Block 4 and
Block 1 between Addax and Abacan Benin
-78-
<PAGE>
10.26 Consulting Services Agreement dated July 18, 1996 between Texada Holdings
Ltd. and Liberty
10.27 Employment Services Agreement dated February 10, 1998 between
Timothy Stephens and Abacan
10.28 Stock Option Plan dated June 20, 1997 and standard form of Stock
Option Agreement
11.1 Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings
21.1 Subsidiaries
27.1 Summary Financial Information
</TABLE>
-79-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.1
CORPORATE ACCESS NUMBER
20641637
BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT
CERTIFICATE
OF
AMALGAMATION
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
IS THE RESULT OF AN AMALGAMATION FILED
ON FEBRUARY 10, 1995
MUNICIPAL AFFAIRS
SEAL /S/
---------------------------
REGISTRAR OF CORPORATIONS
GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA
<PAGE>
ARTICLES OF AMALGAMATION
PAGE 1
BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT FORM 9
(SECTION 179)
ALBERTA
CONSUMER AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS ARTICLES OF AMALGAMATION
1. NAME OF AMALGAMATED CORPORATION:
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. CORPORATE ACCESS NO.:
20641637
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. THE CLASSES AND ANY MAXIMUM NUMBER OF SHARES THAT THE CORPORATION IS
AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE:
THE ATTACHED SCHEDULE 1 IS INCORPORATED INTO AND FORMS PART OF THIS FORM.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. RESTRICTIONS IF ANY ON SHARE TRANSFERS:
NONE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. NUMBER (OR MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM NUMBER) OF DIRECTORS:
MINIMUM 1, MAXIMUM 15
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. RESTRICTIONS IF ANY ON BUSINESS THE CORPORATION MAY CARRY ON:
NONE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
ARTICLES OF AMALGAMATION
PAGE 2
7. OTHER PROVISIONS, IF ANY:
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATION MAY, BETWEEN ANNUAL MEETINGS APPOINT
ONE OR MORE ADDITIONAL DIRECTORS OF THE CORPORATION TO SERVE UNTIL THE NEXT
ANNUAL MEETING, BUT THE NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL DIRECTORS SHALL NOT AT ANY TIME
EXCEED ONE-THIRD (1/3) OF THE NUMBER OF DIRECTORS WHO HELD OFFICE AT THE
EXPIRATION OF THE LAST ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CORPORATION.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. NAME OF AMALGAMATING CORPORATIONS: CORPORATE ACCESS NO.:
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION 20482411
CANADIAN ANGUS RESOURCES LTD. 20389539
CANSTAR VENTURES CORP. 20359023
CANADIAN INDUSTRIAL MINERALS CORP. 20638943
PROFILE CAPITAL CORP. 20368302
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. DATE SIGNATURE TITLE
FEBRUARY 10, 1995 /s/ Wade Cherwayko Director
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR DEPARTMENTAL USE ONLY FILED
<PAGE>
ARTICLES OF AMALGAMATION
PAGE 3
SCHEDULE "1"
------------
The shares which the Corporation is authorized to issue are:
(a) an unlimited number of common shares without nominal or par value with the
following rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions:
(i) to vote at meetings of shareholders, except meetings at which only
holders of a specified class of shares are entitled to vote;
(ii) subject to the rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions
attaching to any other class of shares of the Corporation, to share
equally in the remaining property of the Corporation upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding-up of the Corporation; and
(iii)subject to the rights of the preferred shares, the common shares shall
be entitled to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the
directors of the Corporation; and
(b) an unlimited number of preferred shares without nominal or par value
("Preferred Shares") which, as a class, have attached thereto the
following:
(i) the Preferred Shares may from time to time be issued in one or more
series and, subject to the following provisions, to the sending of
articles of amendment in prescribed form and the issuance of a
certificate of amendment in respect thereof, the directors may fix
from time to time before such issue the number of shares which is to
comprise each series and the designation, rights, privileges,
restrictions and conditions attaching to each series of preferred
shares including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
the rate or amount of dividends or the method of calculating
dividends, the dates of payment thereof, the redemption, purchase
and/or conversion prices and terms and conditions of redemption,
purchase and/or conversion, and any sinking fund or other provisions;
<PAGE>
ARTICLES OF AMALGAMATION
PAGE 4
(ii) the Preferred Shares of each series shall, with respect to the payment
of dividends and the distribution of assets or return of capital in
the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the
Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, or any other return of
capital or distribution of the assets of the Corporation among its
shareholders for the purpose of winding up its affairs, rank on a
parity with the preferred shares of every other series and be entitled
to preference over the common shares and over any other shares of the
Corporation ranking junior to the preferred shares. The Preferred
Shares of any series may also be given such other preferences, not
inconsistent with these articles, over the common shares and any other
shares of the Corporation ranking junior to such preferred shares as
may be fixed in accordance with clause (b) (i);
(iii)if any cumulative dividends or amounts payable on the return of
capital in respect of a series of Preferred Shares are not paid in
full, all series of Preferred Shares shall participate rateably in
respect of accumulated dividends and return of capital; and
(iv) unless the directors otherwise determine in the articles of amendment
designating a series, the holder of each share of a series of
Preferred Shares shall not, except as otherwise specifically provided
in the Business Corporations Act (Alberta), be entitled to receive
---------------------------
notice of or vote at any meeting of shareholders.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.2
CORPORATE ACCESS NUMBER: 206416372
ALBERTA
BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT
CERTIFICATE
OF
AMENDMENT
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
AMENDED ITS ARTICLES ON 1998/05/27
REGISTRAR OF
Seal
CORPORATIONS
<PAGE>
BUSINESS CORPORATIONS ACT FORM 4
(SECTION 27 OR 171)
ALBERTA
CONSUMER AND CORPORATE AFFAIRS ARTICLES OF AMENDMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.NAME OF CORPORATION: 2.CORPORATE ACCESS NUMBER:
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION206416372
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.Pursuant to subsection 167(1)(m) of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta),
the other rules or provisions of the Articles of Incorporation be amended by the
addition of the following paragraph:
In compliance with section 126(4) of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta),
meetings of shareholders of the Corporation shall be held at the place within
Alberta that the directors determine, or in Dallas, Texas; Houston, Texas; New
York, New York; Las Angeles, California; Phoenix, Arizona; New Orleans,
Louisiana or Toronto, Ontario.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.DATE SIGNATURE TITLE
June 20, 1997 _______________________ Assistant Secretary
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR DEPARTMENTAL USE ONLY FILED
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 3.3
BY-LAW NUMBER 1
A BY-LAW RELATING GENERALLY
TO THE TRANSACTION OF THE
BUSINESS AND AFFAIRS OF
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
<PAGE>
CONTENTS
SECTION 1.
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
(1) Definitions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
(2) Interpretation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
(3) Headings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
(4) By-laws Subject to the ABCA. . . . . . . . . . 2
SECTION 2.
BUSINESS OF THE CORPORATION
(1) Execution of Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
(2) Cheques, Drafts and Notes. . . . . . . . . . . 3
(3) Corporate Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
(4) Banking Arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
(5) Voting Rights in Other Bodies Corporate. . . . 3
(6) Withholding Information from Shareholders. . . 3
(7) Divisions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
SECTION 3.
BORROWING
(1) Borrowing Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
SECTION 4.
DIRECTORS
(1) Management of Business . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
(2) Qualification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
(3) Number of Directors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
(4) Increase Number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
(5) Decrease Number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
<PAGE>
(6) Election and Term. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
(7) Removal of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
(8) Ceasing to Hold Office . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
(9) Filling Vacancies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
(10) Delegation to a Managing Director or Committee 6
(11) Remuneration and Expenses. . . . . . . . . . . 6
(12) Annual Financial Statements. . . . . . . . . . 7
SECTION 5.
MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS
(1) Calling Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
(2) Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
(3) Notice of Adjourned Meeting. . . . . . . . . . 8
(4) Meetings Without Notice. . . . . . . . . . . . 8
(5) Waiver of Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
(6) Quorum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
(7) Regular Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
(8) Chairperson of Meetings. . . . . . . . . . . . 8
(9) Decision on Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
(10) Meeting by Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
(11) Resolution in Lieu of Meeting. . . . . . . . . 9
SECTION 6.
OFFICERS AND APPOINTEES OF THE BOARD
(1) Appointment of Officers. . . . . . . . . . . . 9
(2) Term of Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
(3) Duties of Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
(4) Remuneration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
(5) Chairperson of the Board . . . . . . . . . . . 10
(6) Managing Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
(7) President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
(8) Vice-President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
(9) Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
(10) Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
(11) Agents and Attorneys . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
SECTION 7.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
(1) Disclosure of Interest . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
(2) Approval and Voting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
(3) Effect of Conflict of Interest . . . . . . . . 12
SECTION 8.
LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
(1) Limitation of Liability. . . . . . . . . . . . 12
(2) Indemnity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
(3) Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
SECTION 9.
SECURITIES
(1) Shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
(2) Options and Other Rights to Acquire Securities 13
(3) Commissions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
(4) Securities Register. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
(5) Transfer Agents and Registrars . . . . . . . . 14
(6) Dealings with Registered Holders . . . . . . . 14
(7) Transfers of Securities. . . . . . . . . . . . 14
(8) Registration of Transfers. . . . . . . . . . . 14
(9) Lien . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
(10) Security Certificates. . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
(11) Entitlement to a Security Certificate. . . . . 15
(12) Securities Held Jointly. . . . . . . . . . . . 15
<PAGE>
(13) Replacement of Security Certificates . . . . . 15
(14) Fractional Shares. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SECTION 10.
MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
(1) Annual Meeting of Shareholders . . . . . . . . 16
(2) Special Meetings of Shareholders . . . . . . . 16
(3) Special Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
(4) Place and Time of Meetings . . . . . . . . . . 16
(5) Notice of Meetings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
(6) Notice of Adjourned Meetings . . . . . . . . . 17
(7) Waiver of Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
(8) Shareholder List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
(9) Persons Entitled to Vote . . . . . . . . . . . 18
(10) Chairperson of Meetings. . . . . . . . . . . . 18
(11) Scrutineer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
(12) Procedure at Meetings. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
(13) Persons Entitled to be Present . . . . . . . . 19
(14) Quorum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
(15) Loss of Quorum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
(16) Proxy Holders and Representatives. . . . . . . 19
(17) Time for Deposit of Proxies. . . . . . . . . . 20
(18) Revocation of Proxies. . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
(19) Joint Shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
(20) Decision on Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
(21) Voting by Show of Hands. . . . . . . . . . . . 21
(22) Voting by Ballot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
(23) Number of Votes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
(24) Meeting by Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
(25) Resolution in Lieu of Meeting. . . . . . . . . 21
SECTION 11.
NOTICES
(1) Method of Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
(2) Notice to Joint Shareholders . . . . . . . . . 22
(3) Notice to Successors . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
(4) Non-Receipt of Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
(5) Failure to Give Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
(6) Execution of Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
<PAGE>
SECTION 1.
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
(1) DEFINITIONS
In the By-laws, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) "ABCA" means the Alberta Business Corporations Act, as amended;
(b) "appoint" includes elect and vice versa;
(c) "Articles" includes the original or restated articles of incorporation,
articles of amendment, articles of amalgamation, articles of continuance,
articles of reorganization, articles of arrangement, articles of
dissolution and articles of revival of the Corporation, and any amendment
to any of them;
(d) "Board" means the board of directors of the Corporation;
(e) "By-laws" means this by-law and all other by-laws of the Corporation from
time to time in force;
(f) "Corporation" means Abacan Resource Corporation;
(g) "Director" means an individual who is elected or appointed as a director of
the Corporation;
(h) "Director, ABCA" means the Director appointed under the ABCA;
(i) "Indemnified Party" has the meaning set out in section 8 for purposes of
that section;
(j) "Officer" means an officer of the Corporation appointed by the Board;
(k) "Record Date" means, for the purpose of determining Shareholders entitled
to receive notice of a meeting of Shareholders:
i) the date fixed in advance by the Board for that determination which
precedes the date on which the meeting is to be held by not more than
50 days and not less than 21 days,
ii) if no date is fixed by the Board, at the close of business on day
immediately preceding the day on which the notice is given, or
iii) if no notice is given, the day on which the meeting is held;
(l) "Recorded Address" means:
i) in the case of a Shareholder, the Shareholder's latest address as
shown in the Corporation's records or those of its transfer agent,
ii) in the case of joint Shareholders, the latest address as shown in the
Corporation's records or those of its transfer agent in respect of
those joint holders, or the first address appearing if there is more
than one address,
iii) in the case of a Director, the Director's latest address as shown in
the Corporation's records or in the last notice of directors filed
with the Director, ABCA, and
1
<PAGE>
iv) in the case of an Officer or auditor of the Corporation, that person's
latest address as shown in the Corporation's records;
(m) "Regulations" means the Regulations, as amended, in force from time to time
under the ABCA; and
(n) "Shareholder" means a shareholder of the Corporation.
(2) INTERPRETATION
In the By-laws, except if defined in this section or the context does not
permit:
(a) words and expressions defined or used in the ABCA have the meaning or use
given to them in the ABCA;
(b) words importing the singular include the plural and vice versa;
(c) words importing gender include masculine, feminine and neuter genders; and
(d) words importing persons include bodies corporate.
(3) HEADINGS
The headings used in the By-laws are inserted for convenience of reference only.
The headings are not to be considered or taken into account in construing the
terms of the By-laws nor are they to be deemed in any way to clarify, modify or
explain the effect of any term of the By-laws.
(4) BY-LAWS SUBJECT TO THE ABCA
The By-laws are subject to the ABCA and the Regulations, to any unanimous
shareholder agreement and to the Articles, in that order.
SECTION 2.
BUSINESS OF THE CORPORATION
(1) EXECUTION OF DOCUMENTS
Documents may be executed on behalf of the Corporation in the manner and by the
persons the Board may designate by resolution.
(2) CHEQUES, DRAFTS AND NOTES
Cheques, drafts or orders for the payment of money, notes, acceptances and bills
of exchange must be signed in the manner and by the persons the Board may
designate by resolution.
(3) CORPORATE SEAL
2
<PAGE>
The Board may, by resolution, adopt a corporate seal containing the name of the
Corporation as the corporate seal. A document issued by or executed on behalf
of the Corporation is not invalid only because the corporate seal is not affixed
to that document. A document requiring authentication by the Corporation does
not need to be under seal.
(4) BANKING ARRANGEMENTS
The Board may open any bank accounts the Corporation may require at a financial
institution designated by resolution of the Board. The Board may adopt,
authorize, execute or deposit any document furnished or required by the
financial institution and may do any other thing as may be necessarily
incidental to the banking and financial arrangements of the Corporation.
(5) VOTING RIGHTS IN OTHER BODIES CORPORATE
The persons designated by the Board to execute documents on behalf of the
Corporation may execute and deliver instruments of proxy and arrange for the
issue of voting certificates or other evidence of the right to exercise voting
rights attached to any securities held by the Corporation in another body
corporate. The instruments, certificates or other evidence shall be in favour
of the person that is designated by the persons executing the instruments of
proxy or arranging for the issue of voting certificates or other evidence of the
right to exercise voting rights. In addition, the Board may direct the manner
in which and the person by whom any particular voting right or class of voting
rights may be exercised.
(6) WITHHOLDING INFORMATION FROM SHAREHOLDERS
No Shareholder is entitled to obtain any information respecting any detail or
conduct of the Corporation's business which, in the opinion of the Board, would
not be in the best interests of the Shareholders or the Corporation to
communicate to the public.
The Board may determine whether and under what conditions the accounts, records
and documents of the Corporation are open to inspection by the Shareholders. No
Shareholder has a right to inspect any account, record or document of the
Corporation except as conferred by the ABCA or authorized by resolution of the
Board or by resolution passed at a meeting of Shareholders.
(7) DIVISIONS
The Board may cause any part of the business and operations of the Corporation
to be segregated or consolidated into one or more divisions upon the basis the
Board considers appropriate. Any division may be designated by the name the
Board determines and may transact business under that name. The name of the
Corporation must be set out in legible characters in all contracts, invoices,
negotiable instruments and orders for goods or services issued or made by or on
behalf of any division of the Corporation.
SECTION 3.
BORROWING
(1) BORROWING POWER
Without limiting the borrowing power of the Corporation provided by the ABCA,
the Board may, without authorization of the Shareholders,
3
<PAGE>
(a) borrow money on the credit of the Corporation;
(b) issue, reissue, sell or pledge debt obligations of the Corporation;
(c) subject to section 44 of the ABCA, give a guarantee on behalf of the
Corporation to secure performance of an obligation of any person; and
(d) mortgage, hypothecate, pledge or otherwise create a security interest in
all or any property of the Corporation, owned or subsequently acquired, to
secure any obligation of the Corporation.
The Directors may, by resolution, delegate to a Director, a committee of
Directors or an Officer all or any of the powers conferred on them by this
section.
SECTION 4.
DIRECTORS
(1) MANAGEMENT OF BUSINESS
The Board shall manage the business and affairs of the Corporation. Every
Director must comply with the ABCA, the Regulations, the Articles and the
By-laws.
(2) QUALIFICATION
A person is disqualified for election as a Director if that person:
(a) is less than 18 years of age;
(b) is of unsound mind and has been found so by a court in Canada or elsewhere;
(c) is not an individual; or
(d) has the status of bankrupt.
A Director is not required to hold shares issued by the Corporation.
(3) NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
The Board is to consist of that number of Directors permitted by the Articles.
In the event the Articles permit a minimum and maximum number of Directors, the
Board is to consist of the number of Directors the Shareholders determine by
ordinary resolution. The number of Directors at any one time may not be less
than the minimum or more than the maximum number permitted by the Articles.
(4) INCREASE NUMBER
4
<PAGE>
The Shareholders may amend the Articles to increase the number, or the minimum
or maximum number, of Directors. Upon the adoption of an amendment increasing
the number or minimum number of Directors, the Shareholders may, at the meeting
at which they adopt the amendment, elect the additional number of Directors
authorized by the amendment. Upon the issue of a certificate of amendment, the
Articles are deemed to be amended as of the date the Shareholders adopted the
amendment.
(5) DECREASE NUMBER
The Shareholders may amend the Articles to decrease the number, or the minimum
or maximum number, of Directors. No decrease shortens the term of an incumbent
Director.
(6) ELECTION AND TERM
Each Director named in the notice of directors filed at the time of
incorporation holds office from the issue of the certificate of incorporation
until the first meeting of Shareholders. The Shareholders are to elect
Directors by ordinary resolution at the first meeting of Shareholders and at
each succeeding annual meeting at which an election of Directors is required.
The elected Directors are to hold office for a term expiring not later than the
close of the third annual meeting of Shareholders following the election. A
Director not elected for an expressly stated term ceases to hold office at the
close of the first annual meeting of Shareholders following the Director's
election. If Directors are not elected at a meeting of Shareholders, the
incumbent Directors continue in office until their respective successors are
elected.
(7) REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
The Shareholders may by ordinary resolution passed at a special meeting of
Shareholders remove a Director from office. Any vacancy created by the removal
of a Director may be filled at the meeting at which the Director was removed,
failing which the vacancy may be filled by a quorum of Directors.
(8) CEASING TO HOLD OFFICE
A Director ceases to hold office when:
(a) the Director dies or resigns;
(b) the Director is removed from office by the Shareholders who elected the
Director; or
(c) the Director ceases to be qualified for election as a Director under
subsection (2).
A Director's resignation is effective at the time a written resignation is sent
to the Corporation, or at the time specified in the resignation, whichever is
later.
(9) FILLING VACANCIES
A quorum of Directors may fill a vacancy in the Board, except a vacancy
resulting from an increase in the number or minimum number of Directors or from
a failure to elect the number or minimum number of Directors required by the
Articles. If there is not a quorum of Directors, or if there has been a failure
to elect the number or minimum number of Directors required by the Articles, the
Directors then in office must immediately call a special meeting of Shareholders
to fill the vacancy. If the Directors fail to call a meeting, or if there are
no Directors then in office, the meeting may be called by any Shareholder.
5
<PAGE>
(10) DELEGATION TO A MANAGING DIRECTOR OR COMMITTEE
The Directors may appoint from their number a Managing Director or a committee
of Directors. A majority of the members of a committee of Directors must be
resident Canadians. A Managing Director must be a resident Canadian. The
Directors may delegate to a Managing Director or a committee of Directors any of
the powers of the Directors. However, no Managing Director and no committee of
Directors has authority to:
(a) submit to the Shareholders any question or matter requiring the approval of
the Shareholders;
(b) fill a vacancy among the Directors or in the office of auditor;
(c) issue securities, except in the manner and on the terms authorized by the
Directors;
(d) declare dividends;
(e) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire shares issued by the Corporation;
(f) pay a commission in connection with the sale of shares of the Corporation;
(g) approve a management proxy circular;
(h) approve a take-over bid circular or directors' circular;
(i) approve any financial statements; or
(j) adopt, amend or repeal By-laws.
(11) REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
The Directors are entitled to receive remuneration for their services in the
amount the Board determines. Subject to the Board's approval, the Directors are
also entitled to be reimbursed for travelling and other expenses incurred by
them in attending meetings of the Board or any committee of Directors or in the
performance of their duties as Directors.
Nothing contained in the By-laws precludes a Director from serving the
Corporation in another capacity and receiving remuneration for acting in that
other capacity.
(12) ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Board must place before the Shareholders at every annual meeting of
Shareholders financial statements which have been approved by the Board as
evidenced by the signature of one or more of the Directors, the report of the
auditor and any further information respecting the financial position of the
Corporation and the results of its operations that is required by the ABCA, the
Regulations, the Articles, the By-laws or any unanimous shareholder agreement.
6
<PAGE>
SECTION 5.
MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS
(1) CALLING MEETINGS
The Chairperson of the Board, the Managing Director or any Director may call a
meeting of Directors. A meeting of Directors or of a committee of Directors may
be held within or outside of Canada at the time and place indicated in the
notice referred to in subsection (2).
(2) NOTICE
Notice of the time and place of a meeting of Directors or any committee of
Directors must be given to each Director or each Director who is a member of a
committee not less than 48 hours before the time fixed for that meeting. Notice
must be given in the manner prescribed in section 11. A notice of a meeting of
Directors need not specify the purpose of the business to be transacted at the
meeting except when the business to be transacted deals with a proposal to:
(a) submit to the Shareholders any question or matter requiring the approval of
the Shareholders;
(b) fill a vacancy among the Directors or in the office of auditor;
(c) issue securities;
(d) declare dividends;
(e) purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire shares issued by the Corporation;
(f) pay a commission in connection with the sale of shares of the Corporation;
(g) approve a management proxy circular;
(h) approve a take-over bid circular or directors' circular;
(i) approve any financial statements; or
(j) adopt, amend or repeal By-laws.
(3) NOTICE OF ADJOURNED MEETING
Notice of an adjourned meeting of Directors is not required if a quorum is
present at the original meeting and if the time and place of the adjourned
meeting is announced at the original meeting. If a meeting is adjourned because
a quorum is not present, notice of the time and place of the adjourned meeting
must be given as for the original meeting. The adjourned meeting may proceed
with the business to have been transacted at the original meeting, even though a
quorum is not present at the adjourned meeting.
(4) MEETINGS WITHOUT NOTICE
No notice of a meeting of Directors or of a committee of Directors needs to be
given:
(a) to a newly elected Board following its election at an annual or special
meeting of Shareholders; or
(b) for a meeting of Directors at which a Director is appointed to fill a
vacancy in the Board,
if a quorum is present.
7
<PAGE>
(5) WAIVER OF NOTICE
A Director may waive, in any manner, notice of a meeting of Directors or of a
committee of Directors. Attendance of a Director at a meeting of Directors or
of a committee of Directors is a waiver of notice of the meeting, except when
the Director attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the
transaction of any business on the grounds that the meeting is not lawfully
called.
(6) QUORUM
The Directors may fix the quorum for meetings of Directors or of a committee of
Directors, but unless so fixed, a majority of the Directors or of a committee of
Directors constitutes a quorum. No business may be transacted unless a majority
of the Directors present are resident Canadians.
(7) REGULAR MEETINGS
The Board may by resolution establish one or more days in a month for regular
meetings of the Board at a time and place to be named in the resolution. No
notice is required for a regular meeting.
(8) CHAIRPERSON OF MEETINGS
The chairperson of any meeting of Directors is the first mentioned of the
following Officers (if appointed) who is a Director and is present at the
meeting: Chairperson of the Board, Managing Director, or President. If none of
the foregoing Officers are present, the Directors present may choose one of
their number to be chairperson of the meeting.
(9) DECISION ON QUESTIONS
Every resolution submitted to a meeting of Directors or of a committee of
Directors must be decided by a majority of votes cast at the meeting. In the
case of an equality of votes, the chairperson does not have a casting vote.
(10) MEETING BY TELEPHONE
If all the Directors consent, a Director may participate in a meeting of
Directors or of a committee of Directors by means of telephone or other
communication facilities that permit all persons participating in the meeting to
hear each other. A Director participating in a meeting by means of telephone or
other communication facilities is deemed to be present at the meeting.
(11) RESOLUTION IN LIEU OF MEETING
A resolution in writing signed by all the Directors entitled to vote on that
resolution at a meeting of Directors or committee of Directors is as valid as if
it had been passed at a meeting of Directors or committee of Directors. A
resolution in writing takes effect on the date it is expressed to be effective.
A resolution in writing may be signed in one or more counterparts, all of which
together constitute the same resolution. A counterpart signed by a Director and
transmitted by facsimile or other device capable of transmitting a printed
message is as valid as an originally signed counterpart.
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<PAGE>
SECTION 6.
OFFICERS AND APPOINTEES OF THE BOARD
(1) APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS
The Directors may designate the offices of the Corporation, appoint as officers
persons of full capacity, specify their duties and delegate to them powers to
manage the business and affairs of the Corporation, except those powers referred
to in section 4 which may not be delegated to a Managing Director or to a
committee of Directors. Unless required by the By-laws, an Officer does not
have to be a Director. The same individual may hold two or more offices of the
Corporation.
(2) TERM OF OFFICE
An Officer holds office from the date of the Officer's appointment until a
successor is appointed or until the Officer's resignation or removal. An
officer may resign by giving written notice to the Board. All Officers are
subject to removal by the Board, with or without cause.
(3) DUTIES OF OFFICERS
An Officer has all the powers and authority and must perform all the duties
usually incident to, or specified in the By-laws or by the Board for, the office
held.
(4) REMUNERATION
The Officers are entitled to receive remuneration for their services in the
amount the Board determines.
(5) CHAIRPERSON OF THE BOARD
If appointed and present at the meeting, the Chairperson of the Board presides
at all meetings of Directors, committees of Directors and, in the absence of the
President, at all meetings of Shareholders. The Chairperson of the Board must
be a Director.
(6) MANAGING DIRECTOR
If appointed, the Managing Director is responsible for the general supervision
of the affairs of the Corporation. During the absence or disability of the
Chairperson of the Board, or if no Chairperson of the Board has been appointed,
the Managing Director exercises the functions of that office. Subject to
section 4, the Board may delegate to the Managing Director any of the powers of
the Board.
(7) PRESIDENT
If appointed, the President is the chief executive officer of the Corporation
responsible for the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation.
During the absence or disability of the Managing Director, or if no Managing
Director has been appointed, the President also exercises the functions of that
office. The President may not preside as chairperson at any meeting of the
Directors or of any committee of Directors unless the President is a Director.
(8) VICE-PRESIDENT
During the absence or disability of the President, or if no President has been
appointed, the Vice-President or if there is more than one, the Vice-President
designated by the Board, exercises the functions of the office of the President.
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(9) SECRETARY
If appointed, the Secretary must call meetings of the Directors or of a
committee of Directors at the request of a Director. The Secretary must attend
all meetings of Directors, of committees of Directors and of Shareholders and
prepare and maintain a record of the minutes of the proceedings. The Secretary
is the custodian of the corporate seal, the minute book and all records,
documents and instruments belonging to the Corporation.
(10) TREASURER
If appointed, the Treasurer is responsible for the preparation and maintenance
of proper accounting records, the deposit of money, the safe-keeping of
securities and the disbursement of funds of the Corporation. The Treasurer must
render to the Board an account of all financial transactions of the Corporation
upon request.
(11) AGENTS AND ATTORNEYS
The Board has the power to appoint agents or attorneys for the Corporation in or
outside of Canada with any power the Board considers advisable.
SECTION 7.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
(1) DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST
A Director or Officer who:
(a) is a party to a material contract or proposed material contract with the
Corporation; or
(b) is a director or an officer of or has a material interest in any person who
is a party to a material contract or proposed material contract with the
Corporation,
must disclose in writing to the Corporation or request to have entered in the
minutes of meetings of the Directors the nature and extent of the Director's or
Officer's interest.
(2) APPROVAL AND VOTING
A Director or Officer must disclose in writing to the Corporation, or request to
have entered in the minutes of meetings of Directors, the nature and extent of
the Director's or Officer's interest in a material contract or proposed material
contract if the contract is one that in the ordinary course of the Corporation's
business would not require approval by the Board or the Shareholders. The
disclosure must be made immediately after the Director or Officer becomes aware
of the contract or proposed contract. A Director who is required to disclose an
interest in a material contract or proposed material contract may not vote on
any resolution to approve the contract unless the contract is:
(a) an arrangement by way of security for money lent to or obligations
undertaken by the Director for the benefit of the Corporation or an
affiliate;
(b) a contract relating primarily to the Director's remuneration as a Director
or Officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or as a director, officer,
employee or agent of an affiliate;
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(c) a contract for indemnity or insurance under the ABCA; or
(d) a contract with an affiliate.
(3) EFFECT OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
If a material contract is made between the Corporation and a Director or
Officer, or between the Corporation and another person of which a Director or
Officer is a director or officer or in which the Director or Officer has a
material interest, the contract is neither void nor voidable by reason only of
that relationship, or by reason only that a Director with an interest in the
contract is present at or is counted to determine the presence of a quorum at a
meeting of Directors or committee of Directors that authorized the contract, if
the Director or Officer disclosed the Director's or Officer's interest in the
contract in the manner prescribed by the ABCA and the contract was approved by
the Board or the Shareholders and was reasonable and fair to the Corporation at
the time it was approved.
SECTION 8.
LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION
(1) LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Every Director and Officer in exercising the powers and discharging the duties
of office must act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests
of the Corporation and must exercise the care, diligence and skill that a
reasonably prudent person would exercise in comparable circumstances. No
Director or Officer is liable for:
(a) the acts, omissions or defaults of any other Director or Officer or an
employee of the Corporation;
(b) any loss, damage or expense incurred by the Corporation through the
insufficiency or deficiency of title to any property acquired for or on
behalf of the Corporation;
(c) the insufficiency or deficiency of any security in or upon which any of the
money of the Corporation is invested;
(d) any loss or damage arising from the bankruptcy, insolvency or tortious or
criminal acts of any person with whom any of the Corporation's money is, or
securities or other property are, deposited;
(e) any loss occasioned by any error of judgment or oversight; or
(f) any other loss, damage or misfortune which occurs in the execution of the
duties of office or in relation to it,
unless occasioned by the wilful neglect or default of that Director or Officer.
Nothing in this By-law relieves any Director or Officer of any liability imposed
by the ABCA or otherwise by law.
(2) INDEMNITY
The Corporation shall indemnify a Director or Officer, a former Director or
Officer and a person who acts or acted at the Corporation's request as a
director or officer of a body corporate of which the Corporation is or was a
shareholder or creditor (the "Indemnified Parties") and the heirs and legal
representatives of each of them, against all costs, charges and expenses, which
includes, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the fees, charges
and disbursements of legal counsel on an
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as-between-a-solicitor-and-the-solicitor's-own-client basis and an amount paid
to settle an action or satisfy a judgment, reasonably incurred by an Indemnified
Party, or the heirs or legal representatives of an Indemnified Party, or both,
in respect of any action or proceeding to which any of them is made a party by
reason of an Indemnified Party being or having been a Director or Officer or a
director or officer of that body corporate, if:
(a) the Indemnified Party acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the
best interests of the Corporation; and
(b) in the case of a criminal or administrative action or proceeding that is
enforced by a monetary penalty, the Indemnified Party had reasonable
grounds for believing that the Indemnified Party's conduct was lawful.
The Corporation shall indemnify an Indemnified Party and the heirs and legal
representatives of an Indemnified Party in any other circumstances that the ABCA
permits or requires. Nothing in this By-law limits the right of a person
entitled to indemnity to claim indemnity apart from the provisions of this
By-law.
(3) INSURANCE
The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of a person
referred to in subsection (2) against the liabilities and in the amounts the
ABCA permits and the Board approves.
SECTION 9.
SECURITIES
(1) SHARES
Shares of the Corporation may be issued at the times, to the persons and for the
consideration the Board determines. No share may be issued until the
consideration for the share is fully paid in money or in property or past
services that are not less in value than the fair equivalent of the money that
the Corporation would have received if the share had been issued for money.
(2) OPTIONS AND OTHER RIGHTS TO ACQUIRE SECURITIES
The Corporation may issue certificates, warrants or other evidences of
conversion privileges, options or rights to acquire securities of the
Corporation. The conditions attached to the conversion privileges, options and
rights must be set out in the certificates, warrants or other evidences or in
certificates evidencing the securities to which the conversion privileges,
options or rights are attached.
(3) COMMISSIONS
The Board may authorize the Corporation to pay a reasonable commission to any
person in consideration of that person purchasing or agreeing to purchase shares
of the Corporation from the Corporation or from any other person, or procuring
or agreeing to procure purchasers for shares of the Corporation.
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(4) SECURITIES REGISTER
The Corporation shall maintain a securities register in which it records the
securities issued by it in registered form, showing with respect to each class
or series of securities:
(a) the names, alphabetically arranged and the latest known address of each
person who is or has been a security holder;
(b) the number of securities held by each security holder; and
(c) the date and particulars of the issue and transfer of each security.
(5) TRANSFER AGENTS AND REGISTRARS
The Corporation may appoint an agent to maintain a central securities register
and branch securities registers. An agent may be designated as a transfer
agent or a branch transfer agent, and a registrar, according to the agent's
function. An agent's appointment may be terminated at any time. The Board may
provide for the registration or transfer of securities by a transfer agent,
branch transfer agent or registrar.
(6) DEALINGS WITH REGISTERED HOLDERS
The Corporation may treat the registered owner of a security as the person
exclusively entitled to vote, to receive notices, to receive any interest,
dividend or other payments in respect of the security, and otherwise to exercise
all the rights and powers of an owner of the security.
(7) TRANSFERS OF SECURITIES
Securities of the Corporation may be transferred in the form of a transfer
endorsement on the security certificates issued in respect of the securities of
the Corporation, or in any form of transfer endorsement which may be approved by
resolution of the Board.
(8) REGISTRATION OF TRANSFERS
If a security in registered form is presented for transfer, the Corporation must
register the transfer if:
(a) the security is endorsed by the person specified by the security or by
special endorsement to be entitled to the security or by the person's
successor, fiduciary, survivor, attorney or authorized agent, as the case
may be;
(b) reasonable assurance is given that the endorsement is genuine and
effective;
(c) the Corporation has no duty to inquire into adverse claims, or has
discharged its duty to do so;
(d) any applicable law relating to the collection of taxes has been complied
with;
(e) the transfer is rightful or is to a bona fide purchaser; and
(f) the fee prescribed by the Board for a security certificate issued in
respect of a transfer has been paid.
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(9) LIEN
If the Articles provide that the Corporation has a lien on a share registered in
the name of a Shareholder or the Shareholder's legal representative for a debt
of the Shareholder to the Corporation, and the Shareholder is indebted to the
Corporation, the Corporation may refuse to register any transfer of the holder's
shares pending enforcement of the lien.
(10) SECURITY CERTIFICATES
Security certificates and acknowledgements of a security holder's right to
obtain a security certificate must be in a form the Board approves by
resolution. A security certificate must be signed by at least one Director or
Officer. Unless the Board otherwise determines, security certificates
representing securities in respect of which a transfer agent or registrar has
been appointed are not valid unless countersigned by or on behalf of the
transfer agent or registrar. Any signature may be printed or otherwise
mechanically reproduced on a security certificate. If a security certificate
contains a printed or mechanically reproduced signature of a person, the
Corporation may issue the security certificate, notwithstanding that the person
has ceased to be a Director or Officer, and the security certificate is as valid
as if the person were a Director or Officer at the date of issue.
(11) ENTITLEMENT TO A SECURITY CERTIFICATE
A security holder is entitled at the holder's option to a security certificate
or to a non-transferable written acknowledgement of the holder's right to obtain
a security certificate from the Corporation in respect of the securities of the
Corporation held by that holder.
(12) SECURITIES HELD JOINTLY
The Corporation is not required to issue more than one security certificate in
respect of securities held jointly by several persons. Delivery of a
certificate to one of the joint holders is sufficient delivery to all of them.
Any one of the joint holders may give effectual receipts for the certificate
issued in respect of the securities or for any dividend, bonus, return of
capital or other money payable or warrant issuable in respect of the security.
(13) REPLACEMENT OF SECURITY CERTIFICATES
The Board or an Officer or agent designated by the Board may in its or the
Officer's or agent's discretion direct the issue of a new security certificate
in place of a certificate that has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken. A
new security certificate may be issued only on payment of a reasonable fee and
on any terms as to indemnity, reimbursement of expenses and evidence of loss of
title as the Board may prescribe.
(14) FRACTIONAL SHARES
The Corporation may issue a certificate for a fractional share or may issue in
its place scrip certificates in bearer form that entitle the holder to receive a
certificate for a full share by exchanging scrip certificates aggregating a full
share. The Directors may attach conditions to any scrip certificates issued by
the Corporation, including conditions that:
(a) the scrip certificates become void if they are not exchanged for a share
certificate representing a full share before a specified date; and
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(b) any shares for which those scrip certificates are exchangeable may,
notwithstanding any pre-emptive right, be issued by the Corporation to any
person and the proceeds of those shares distributed rateably to the holders
of the scrip certificates.
SECTION 10.
MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
(1) ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
The Board must call an annual meeting of Shareholders to be held not later than
18 months after the Corporation comes into existence and subsequently, not later
than 15 months after holding the last preceding annual meeting. An annual
meeting is to be held for the purposes of considering the financial statements
and auditor's report, electing Directors, appointing an auditor and transacting
any other business that may properly be brought before the meeting.
(2) SPECIAL MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
The Board may at any time call a special meeting of Shareholders.
(3) SPECIAL BUSINESS
All business transacted at a special meeting of Shareholders and all business
transacted at an annual meeting of Shareholders, except consideration of the
financial statements and auditor's report, election of Directors and
reappointment of the incumbent auditor, is deemed to be special business.
(4) PLACE AND TIME OF MEETINGS
Meetings of shareholders may be held at such place in Alberta, Dallas, Texas;
Houston, Texas; New York, New York;, Los Angeles, California, Phoenix, Arizona,
New Orleans, Louisiana or Toronto, Ontario as the Board shall determine, at such
time and date as the Board shall determine.
(5) NOTICE OF MEETINGS
Notice of the time and place of a meeting of Shareholders must be sent not less
than 21 days and not more than 50 days before the meeting to:
(a) each Shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting;
(b) each Director; and
(c) the auditor of the Corporation.
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Notice of a meeting of Shareholders called for the purpose of transacting any
business other than consideration of the financial statements and auditor's
report, election of Directors and reappointment of the incumbent auditor must
state the nature of the business to be transacted in sufficient detail to permit
a Shareholder to form a reasoned judgment on that business and must state the
text of any special resolution to be submitted to the meeting.
(6) NOTICE OF ADJOURNED MEETINGS
With the consent of the Shareholders present at a meeting of Shareholders, the
chairperson may adjourn that meeting to another fixed time and place. If a
meeting of Shareholders is adjourned for less than 30 days, it is not necessary
to give notice of the adjourned meeting, other than by verbal announcement at
the time of the adjournment. If a meeting of Shareholders is adjourned by one
or more adjournments for an aggregate of 30 days or more, notice of the
adjourned meeting must be given as for the original meeting. The adjourned
meeting may proceed with the business to have been transacted at the original
meeting, even though a quorum is not present at the adjourned meeting.
(7) WAIVER OF NOTICE
A Shareholder and any other person entitled to attend a meeting of Shareholders
may waive in any manner notice of a meeting of Shareholders. Attendance of a
Shareholder or other person at a meeting of Shareholders is a waiver of notice
of the meeting, except when the Shareholder or other person attends the meeting
for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the
grounds that the meeting is not lawfully called.
(8) SHAREHOLDER LIST
The Corporation must prepare a list of Shareholders entitled to receive notice
of a meeting of Shareholders, arranged in alphabetical order and showing the
number of shares held by each Shareholder,
(a) if a Record Date is fixed, not later than 10 days after that date; or
(b) if no Record Date is fixed,
i) at the close of business on the day immediately preceding the day on
which the notice is given, or
ii) if no notice is given, on the day on which the meeting is held.
A Shareholder may examine the list of Shareholders:
(c) during usual business hours at the registered office of the Corporation or
at the place where its central securities register is maintained; and
(d) at the meeting of Shareholders for which the list was prepared.
(9) PERSONS ENTITLED TO VOTE
A person named in a list of Shareholders is entitled to vote the shares shown
opposite the person's name at the meeting to which the list relates, except to
the extent that:
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(a) i) if a Record Date is fixed, the person transfers ownership of any of the
person's shares after the Record Date, or
ii) if no Record Date is fixed, the person transfers ownership of any of
the person's shares after the date on which the list of Shareholders
is prepared; and
(b) the transferee of those shares
i) produces properly endorsed share certificates, or
ii) otherwise establishes ownership of the shares,
and demands, not later than 10 days before the meeting, that the transferee's
name be included in the list before the meeting,
in which case the transferee is entitled to vote the shares.
(10) CHAIRPERSON OF MEETINGS
The chairperson of any meeting of Shareholders is the first mentioned of the
following Officers (if appointed) who is present at the meeting: President,
Chairperson of the Board or Managing Director. If none of the foregoing
Officers are present, the Shareholders present and entitled to vote at the
meeting may choose a chairperson from among those individuals present.
(11) SCRUTINEER
If desired, one or more scrutineers, who need not be Shareholders, may be
appointed by resolution or by the chairperson of the meeting with the consent of
the meeting.
(12) PROCEDURE AT MEETINGS
The chairperson of any meeting of Shareholders shall conduct the proceedings at
the meeting in all respects. The chairperson's decision on any matter or thing
relating to procedure, including, without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, any question regarding the validity of any instrument of proxy or
other evidence of authority to vote, is conclusive and binding upon the
Shareholders.
(13) PERSONS ENTITLED TO BE PRESENT
The only persons entitled to be present at a meeting of Shareholders are:
(a) the Shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting;
(b) the Directors;
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(c) the auditor of the Corporation; and
(d) any others who, although not entitled to vote, are entitled or required
under any provision of the ABCA, any unanimous shareholder agreement, the
Articles or the By-laws to be present at the meeting.
Any other person may be admitted only on the invitation of the chairperson of
the meeting or with the consent of the meeting.
(14) QUORUM
A quorum of Shareholders is present at a meeting of Shareholders if at least two
individuals are present, each of whom is entitled to vote at the meeting, and
who hold or represent by proxy in the aggregate not less than 5% of the total
number of shares entitled to be voted at the meeting. If any share entitled to
be voted at a meeting of Shareholders is held by two or more persons jointly,
the persons or those of them who attend the meeting of Shareholders constitute
only one Shareholder for the purpose of determining whether a quorum of
Shareholders is present.
(15) LOSS OF QUORUM
If a quorum is present at the opening of a meeting of Shareholders, the
Shareholders present or represented by proxy may proceed with the business of
the meeting, even if a quorum is not present throughout the meeting. If a
quorum is not present at the opening of a meeting of Shareholders, the
Shareholders present or represented by proxy may adjourn the meeting to a fixed
time and place but may not transact any other business.
(16) PROXY HOLDERS AND REPRESENTATIVES
A Shareholder entitled to vote at a meeting of Shareholders may by means of a
proxy appoint a proxy holder and one or more alternate proxy holders, who are
not required to be Shareholders, to attend and act at the meeting in the manner
and to the extent authorized by the proxy and with the authority conferred by
the proxy. A proxy must be executed by the Shareholder or by the Shareholder's
attorney authorized in writing and be in the form prescribed by the Regulations.
A proxy is valid only at the meeting in respect of which it is given or any
adjournment of that meeting.
A Shareholder that is a body corporate or association may, by resolution of its
directors or governing body, authorize an individual to represent it at a
meeting of Shareholders. That individual's authority may be established by
depositing with the Corporation prior to the commencement of the meeting a
certified copy of the resolution passed by the Shareholder's directors or
governing body or other evidence of the individual's authority to vote. A
resolution or other evidence of authority to vote is valid only at the meeting
in respect of which it is given or any adjournment of that meeting.
(17) TIME FOR DEPOSIT OF PROXIES
The Board may specify in a notice calling a meeting of Shareholders a time not
exceeding 48 hours, excluding Saturdays and holidays, preceding the meeting or
an adjournment of the meeting before which proxies to be used at the meeting
must be deposited with the Corporation or its agent. If no time for the
deposit of proxies has been specified in a notice calling a meeting of
Shareholders, a proxy to be used at the meeting must be deposited with the
Secretary of the Corporation or the chairperson of the meeting prior to the
commencement of the meeting.
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(18) REVOCATION OF PROXIES
A Shareholder may revoke a proxy:
(a) by depositing an instrument in writing executed by the Shareholder or by
the Shareholder's attorney authorized in writing:
i) at the registered office of the Corporation at any time up to and
including the last business day preceding the day of the meeting, or
an adjournment of that meeting, at which the proxy is to be used, or
ii) with the chairperson of the meeting on the day of the meeting or an
adjournment of the meeting; or
(b) in any other manner permitted by law.
(19) JOINT SHAREHOLDERS
If two or more persons hold shares jointly, one of those holders present at a
meeting of Shareholders may, in the absence of the others, vote the shares. If
two or more of those persons are present in person or by proxy, they must vote
as one on the shares jointly held by them.
(20) DECISION ON QUESTIONS
At every meeting of Shareholders all questions proposed for the consideration of
Shareholders must be decided by the majority of votes, unless otherwise required
by the ABCA or the Articles. In the case of an equality of votes, the
chairperson of the meeting does not, either on a show of hands or verbal poll or
on a ballot, have a casting vote in addition to the vote or votes to which the
chairperson may be entitled as a Shareholder or proxy holder.
(21) VOTING BY SHOW OF HANDS
Subject to subsection (22), voting at a meeting of Shareholders must be by a
show of hands of those present in person or represented by proxy or by a verbal
poll of those present by telephone or other communication facilities. When a
vote by show of hands has been taken upon a question, a declaration by the
chairperson of the meeting that the vote has been carried, carried by a
particular majority or not carried, an entry to that effect in the minutes of
the meeting is conclusive evidence of the fact without proof of the number of
votes recorded in favour of or against any resolution or other proceeding in
respect of the question.
(22) VOTING BY BALLOT
If a ballot is required by the chairperson of the meeting or is demanded by a
Shareholder or proxy holder entitled to vote at the meeting, either before or
after any vote by show of hands or verbal poll, voting must be by ballot. A
demand for a ballot may be withdrawn at any time before the ballot is taken. If
a ballot is taken on a question, a prior vote on that question by show of hands
or verbal poll has no effect.
(23) NUMBER OF VOTES
At every meeting a Shareholder present in person or represented by proxy or
present by telephone or other communication facilities and entitled to vote has
one vote for each share held.
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(24) MEETING BY TELEPHONE
Any person described in subsection (13) may participate in a meeting of
Shareholders by means of telephone or other communication facilities that permit
all persons participating in the meeting to hear each other. A Shareholder
participating in a meeting by means of telephone or other communication
facilities is deemed to be present at the meeting.
(25) RESOLUTION IN LIEU OF MEETING
A resolution in writing signed by all the Shareholders entitled to vote on that
resolution at a meeting of Shareholders is as valid as if it had been passed at
a meeting of Shareholders. A resolution in writing takes effect on the date it
is expressed to be effective.
A resolution in writing may be signed in one or more counterparts, all of which
together constitute the same resolution. A counterpart signed by a Shareholder
and transmitted by facsimile or other device capable of transmitting a printed
message is as valid as an originally signed counterpart.
SECTION 11.
NOTICES
(1) METHOD OF NOTICE
A notice or document required to be sent to a Shareholder, Director, Officer or
auditor of the Corporation may be given by personal delivery, prepaid
transmitted or recorded communication or prepaid mail addressed to the recipient
at the recipient's Recorded Address. A notice or document sent by personal
delivery is deemed to be given when it is actually delivered. A notice or
document sent by means of prepaid transmitted or recorded communication is
deemed to be given when dispatched or delivered to the appropriate communication
company or agency or its representative for dispatch. A notice or document sent
by mail is deemed to be given when deposited at a post office or in a public
letter box.
(2) NOTICE TO JOINT SHAREHOLDERS
If two or more persons are registered as joint holders of any share, a notice or
document may be sent or delivered to all of them, but notice given to any one
joint Shareholder is sufficient notice to the others.
(3) NOTICE TO SUCCESSORS
Every person who, by operation of law, transfer, death of a Shareholder or any
other means becomes entitled to any share, is bound by every notice in respect
of the share which is sent or delivered to the Shareholder prior to the person's
name and address being entered in the Corporation's securities register and
prior to the person furnishing proof of authority or evidence of entitlement as
prescribed by the ABCA. This subsection applies whether the notice was given
before or after the event which resulted in the person becoming entitled to the
share.
(4) NON-RECEIPT OF NOTICES
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If a notice or document is sent to a Shareholder, Director, Officer or auditor
of the Corporation in accordance with subsection (1) and the notice or document
is returned on three consecutive occasions, the Corporation is not required to
give any further notice or documents to the person until that person informs the
Corporation in writing of the person's new address.
(5) FAILURE TO GIVE NOTICE
The accidental failure to give a notice to a Shareholder, Director, Officer or
auditor of the Corporation, the non-receipt of a notice by the intended
recipient or any error in a notice not affecting its substance does not
invalidate any action taken at the meeting to which the notice relates.
(6) EXECUTION OF NOTICES
Unless otherwise provided, the signature of any person designated by resolution
of the Board to sign a notice or document on behalf of the Corporation may be
written, stamped, typewritten or printed.
MADE by the Directors as evidenced by the signature of the following
Director effective January 20, 1995.
/s/ Wade Cherwayko
---------------
WADE G. CHERWAYKO
CONFIRMED by the Shareholders as evidenced by the signature of the
following Shareholder effective January 20, 1995.
/s/ Wade Cherwayko
---------------
WADE G. CHERWAYKO
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EXHIBIT 4.1
DESCRIPTION OF COMMON STOCK
Abacan is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of common
stock, without par value (the "Common Stock"). Holders of Common Stock are
entitled to one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of
stockholders. They are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by
the board of directors out of legally available funds and to share ratably in
the assets of Abacan legally available for distribution upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up.
Holders of Common Stock do not have subscription, redemption or conversion
rights, nor do they have any preemptive rights. Holders of Common Stock do not
have cumulative voting rights. All stockholder action is taken by vote of a
majority of voting shares of the capital stock of Abacan present at a meeting of
stockholders at which a quorum existing of a majority of the issued and
outstanding shares of the voting capital stock is present in person or by proxy.
Directors are elected by a plurality vote.
For certain fundamental changes, the corporate legislation under which
Abacan was formed may require each class of outstanding stock to vote
separately.
EXHIBIT 10.1
TERMINATION, SETTLEMENT
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AND RELEASE AGREEMENT
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Between
(1) Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited ("Amni")
(2) Liberty Technical Services Limited ("Liberty")
Dated: 30 June 1998
Whereas
(A) Amni and Liberty are parties to the Joint Venture and Joint Operating
Agreements relating to the Licences/Leases.
(B) Various disputes having arisen between the parties, the parties have
now agreed to settle their disputes and to terminate their existing
arrangements and replace them with a new arrangement as set out
herein.
NOW THEREFORE it is agreed as follows:
1. Definitions
-----------
The following terms shall have the meanings respectively ascribed thereto:
DEEP ZONE All geological formations within and around the IMA Field
that are north (upthrown) and south (downthrown) of the geological fault
dividing the IMA Field, all depths below the geological formation within the
IMA Field known as the <F> sand, as currently shown on the maps and schematic
cross-section materials covering the IMA Field annexed hereto as Schedule B1 or
a depth of 12,150 feet (true vertical depth), whichever is the lesser depth,
lying within the geographical co-ordinates along the northern boundary of OML
112 and OPL 237, to the southern boundary of OML 112, to the western
<PAGE>
boundary of OML 112 and to the eastern boundary of 550,000m E, annexed hereto as
Schedule B2.
EFFECTIVE DATE the 30th day of June 1998
JOINT OPERATIONS all operations relating to the IMA Field under
Licences/Leases other than operations commenced after the Effective Date that
relate to the Deep Zone
JOINT DEVELOPMENT
AGREEMENTS the agreements listed in Schedule A hereto
IMA FIELD The oil producing reservoir known as the IMA Field lying
within the Licences/Leases as shown on the plan attached as Schedule B@ hereto.
LICENCES/LEASES Nigeria Oil Prospecting License 237, dated October 13, 1994
and Nigeria Oil Prospecting License 469, dated August 24, 1993, subsequently
converted to Oil Mining License 112 on February 12, 1998
2. Termination of Joint Development Agreements
-----------------------------------------------
With effect from the Effective Date the Joint Venture and Joint Operating
Agreements are agreed by the parties to have ceased to be of any force or effect
and all rights, obligations and liabilities arising thereunder or in connection
therewith (whether in respect of the period prior to the Effective Date or
thereafter) are deemed to be canceled.
3. Assignment of Interests
-------------------------
Subject to any necessary government consents
-2-
<PAGE>
(a) Liberty in consideration of the obligations undertaken by Amni
hereunder, hereby surrenders and assigns to Amni all of its right,
title and interest in the Licences/Leases and all associated equipment
located on the IMA Field and materials including 3D seismic data and
other geological and/or geophysical information acquired by or on
behalf of the joint ventures established pursuant to the Joint Venture
and Joint Operating Agreements with effect from the Effective Date
with the exception of (i) Liberty's interest in the Langley, (ii)
Liberty's existing rights to production from the IMA Field (or the
proceeds thereof) produced on or prior to the May 18, 1998 and (iii)
Liberty's rights in the insurance proceeds relating to the blowout of
the IMA 9 well, which proceeds shall be used to partially reimberse
the cost of the first well to be drilled in the Deep Zone, all as is
provided for in the Joint Operating Agreement attached as an Exhibit
to the Joint Venture Agreement and attached hereto as Schedule C.
Liberty shall procure that all data and information relating to Joint
Operations shall be released to Amni within 60 days of the date
hereof.
(b) Amni hereby grants a 10% working interest in the Deep Zone to Liberty
(or its nominee) on the terms set out in the Joint Venture Agreement
attached hereto as Schedule C, which Joint Venture Agreement has been
executed on even date herewith.
(c) With respect to the Joint Venture Agreement attached hereto and
documents executed in connection therewith (collectively, the "Deep
Zone Documents"), Amni and Liberty shall use their best efforts to
obtain the necessary governmental approvals required to consummate the
transaction provided therein as promptly as possible. If by December
1, 1998 the necessary government approvals have not been obtained,
then Amni and Abacan shall enter into such other contractual
agreements as are necessary to provide Liberty (or its nominee) with
all of the rights and benefits provided for in the Deep Zone
Documents.
4. Waiver of Claims
------------------
Amni hereby waives all existing claims against and debts from Liberty, Abacan
Resource Corporation ("ARC") and all of its related subsidiaries, including, but
not limited to, Abacan Technical Services Ltd. (collectively, "Abacan") arising
under the terms of the Joint Venture and Joint Operating Agreements or in
respect of or in connection with Joint Operations. Liberty hereby waives (and
will procure that all of its affiliates also waive all existing claims) all
existing claims against Amni in respect of or in connection with the Joint
Operation and the Joint Venture and Joint Operating Agreements.
-3-
<PAGE>
5. Governing Law
--------------
(a) This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, intrepreted and
applied in accordance with the laws of England.
(b) Any dispute arising out of and relating to this Agreement and which
the Parties have not settled by themselves, shall finally be decided,
to the exclusion of the courts, by arbitration in accordance with the
arbitration rules of the International Chamber of Commerce. Three
arbitrators shall be appointed, each party appointing one arbitrator,
and the two arbitrators thus appointed choosing the presiding
arbitrator. In reaching a decision, the arbitrators shall act (ex
aequo et bono] and shall be guided by the terms of this Agreement and
international practice in similar agreements.
IN WITNESS whereof the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the
date above written.
/s/ Tunde Afolabi
- -------------------
for and on behalf of
AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM
DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED
/s/ Tunde Folawiyo
- --------------------
for and on behalf of
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED
-4-
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A
1. Joint Venture Agreement for OPL 237 dated 2/12/94 as restated as at 15
September 1995 and the following related agreements of the same date
Joint Operating Agreement
Management Committee By-Laws
Technical Assistance Agreement
2. Joint Venture Agreement for OPL 469 dated 19 August and restated as at 15
September 1995 and the following related agreements of the same date
Joint Operating Agreement
Management Committee By-Laws
Technical Assistance Agreement
3. All other agreements entered into by and between Amni or its affiliates and
Abacan with respect to the foregoing agreements or relating to the
ownership and operation of the Joint Operations.
-5-
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE B
THE IMA FIELD
-------------
Please see Schedule AD@ of the Joint Venture Agreement filed as Exhibit 10.3 to
the Form 10-KSB dated effective March 1, 1999.
-6-
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE C
DRAFT JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT
-----------------------------
The finalized Joint Venture Agreement has been filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Form
10-KSB dated effective March 1, 1999.
-7-
<PAGE>
SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT TO TSRA DATED JUNE 30, 1998
Date: June 30, 1998
- ----
We refer to the TSRA being signed today between us. Notwithstanding the terms
of such Agreement, the parties hereby agree that the issue of termination of the
JVA/JOA remains outstanding.
Accordingly, the parties hereby undertake to negotiate a termination clause in
good faith as soon as reasonably practicable hereafter (and in any event not
later than seven days from the date hereof) along the following principles:
1. Termination will be permissible if either party fails to pay any sums due,
whether as a result of default, insolvency, liquidation or receivership.
2. The default may be remedied within a 60-90 day period by the defaulter or
someone on his behalf.
3. If it is not remedied within such period, the non-defaulting party may
terminate the JVA/JOA forthwith.
4. Upon any such termination the terminating party will be compensated for the
value of its interest in the project net of the cost of curing the default.
Agreed:/s/ Tunde Folawiyo Agreed:/s/ Tunde Afolabi
-------------------- -------------------
Liberty Technical Services Ltd. Amni International Petroleum
Development Company Limited
-8-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.2
TERMINATION. SETTLEMENT
-----------------------
AND RELEASE SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT
----------------------------------
Between
(1) Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited ("Amni")
(2) Liberty Technical Services Limited ("Liberty")
Dated: June 1998
Whereas
This Supplemental Agreement is supplemental to:
(A) a Termination, Settlement and Release Agreement relating to the
Licences/Leases ("TSRA") whereby (inter alia) Liberty's existing
interest is exchanged for a ten per cent. (10%) Working Interest in
the Deep Zone
(B) As part of such arrangement the parties have also respectively agreed
to various other terms and conditions as set out herein.
NOW THEREFORE it is agreed as follows:
1. Definitions
-----------
(a) All terms defined in the TSRA shall have the same meaning where used
in this Supplemental Agreement;
(b) The following term shall have the meaning ascribed thereto:
Langley the Mobile Offshore Production Unit all as more fully described
in the Assignment and Bill of Sale attached hereto as Schedule B
2. Amni and Liberty shall provide Total International Limited ("Total") with
irrevocable written instructions related to the disbursement of revenues
attributable to the lift to be completed by Total on or about June 22nd, 1998
which shall include an instruction to pay Liberty $750,000 in the form of
Schedule D in respect of all amounts owing to Liberty in respect of general and
administrative costs and operating costs.
3. Contemporaneously with this Agreement and in consideration of Sedco Forex
("Sedco") and Schlumberger Overseas S.A. ("Schlumberger") forgiving all of the
Liberty/Amni indebtedness to Sedco and Schlumberger pursuant to the Agreement in
the form attached as Schedule A, Liberty shall enter into an Assignment and Bill
of Sale with regard to the Langley in favour of Sedco in the form attached as
Schedule B whereby all of the respective rights title and interest of Liberty to
the Langley are transferred to Sedco. In contemplation of the foregoing
assignment. Amni hereby waives for the benefit of Liberty any rights claims or
interests it may have in respect of the Langley.
<PAGE>
4. Existing Creditors -
----------------------
Amni hereby agrees to indemnify, and hold harmless Liberty, (which for the
purpose of this clause shall include all of its past and present administrators,
affiliates, agents, assignees, attorneys of record, directors, employees,
officers, partners, predecessors, receivers, shareholders, subsidiaries,
successors and trustees ("Indemnified Parties")) from and against any and all
liabilities, including without limitation attorneys' fees, damages, fines, out
of pocket costs, penalties, and related costs of experts ("Indemnified
Liabilities") arising from, based on, related to or associated with the Joint
Development and Joint Operating Agreements or Joint Operations listed in
Schedule C attached hereto (the "Joint Development Claims"). Further, Amni
hereby assumes the payment of the Joint Development Claims but not further or
otherwise. As soon as reasonably possible Amni shall offer to all holders of
Joint Development Claims a mechanism whereby a proportion of revenues arising
from WA Field, including if necessary, a portion of the revenues attributable to
Amni's interest in the Deep Zone are made available so that all current Joint
Development Claims are promptly met when due and accrued Joint Development
Claims are paid over an agreed pen' od. In return Amni shall require each Joint
Operations Claim holder accepting any payment from Amni to waive all claims
against Liberty. No payments of any kind shall be made by Amni to the holder of
any Joint Development Claims unless such holder first releases Liberty in
writing from any liability with respect to the Joint Development Claims. In the
event any claim or threatened claim is made by any such creditor against
Liberty, Amni shall be promptly notified of such claim or threatened claim and
shall be given full control over the conduct of any proceedings in relation
thereto provided Amni (i) assumes in writing full responsibility for all claims
raised in such proceedings and (ii) properly defends such proceedings. Amni
shall keep Abacan apprised of the status of all such proceedings. Neither
Liberty, Amni nor any of their affiliates shall make any admissions in respect
of any such proceedings that could have an adverse effect on the other party
without the consent of such party. Liberty shall cooperate fully with Amni (at
Amni's request and cost) in any such proceedings and shall procure that its
affiliates also cooperate (on the same basis).
5. Pool Account
-------------
Notwithstanding anything in the TSRA to the contrary, Liberty reserves all of
its rights in the Royalties and Tax pool account ("Pool Account"). At such time
as the actual Excess Profit Tax is determined with respect to the 1998 Joint
Operations, Amni shall pay to Liberty its share of any amount 'in the Pool
Account on the Effective Date that is in excess of the actual amounts due and
owing to the Nigerian Government with respect to the Excess Profit Tax for the
period up to and including the Effective Date.
6. Governing, Law
---------------
(a) This Agreement shall be governed by, construed and interpreted in
accordance with the laws of England.
(b) Any dispute arising out of and relating to this Agreement and which the
Parties have not settled by themselves, shall finally be decided, to the
exclusion of the courts, by arbitration in accordance with the arbitration rules
of the International Chamber of Commerce. Three arbitrators shall be appointed,
each party appointing one arbitrator, and the two arbitrators thus appointed
choosing the presiding arbitrator. In reaching a decision, the arbitrators shall
act (ex aequo et bono) and shall be guided by the terms of this Agreement and
international practice in similar agreements.
<PAGE>
7. Notices
-------
All notices, requests, demands, or other communications hereunder shall be
delivered by hand or sent by mail as appropriate or by facsimile, telex or
telegram to the Parties at the address provided below:
Owner/Operator:
Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited
Plot 1377B Tiamiyu
Savage Street
Victoria Island, P.O. Box 54452
Falomo, Ikoyi
Fax: 011 234 262 1526
Attn: Tunde J Afolabi
Managing Director
Liberty:
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
Suite 140
14811 St Mary's Lane
Houston, Texas 77079
USA
Fax: (281) 721 0560
Attn: Timothy Stephens
With a copy to:
Liberty Technical Services Ltd
38 Warehouse Road
Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria
Attn: Wade Cherwayko
IN WITNESS whereof the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the
date above written
/s/ Tunde Afolabi
- -------------------
for and on behalf
AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM
DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED
Tunde Folawiyo
- ---------------
for and on behalf of
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A
Agreement for Transfer of the Langley
-------------------------------------
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE B
Assignment and Bill of Sale
---------------------------
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE C
Joint Development Claims
------------------------
NAIRA PAYABLES ($U.S.) [ ]
$US PAYABLES ($U.S.) [ ]
---------------------------
GRAND TOTAL [ ] (U.S.)
US DOLLAR PAYABLE LISTING
Concessions
-----------
Company Name IMA FIELD
$
Acct. Pay Total
-----------------
=================
In addition to the claims set on the preceding pages, Amni will also assume
responsibility for the following lawsuit and future lawsuits relating to the
claims referenced on this Schedule C. Notwithstanding anything in the Agreement
to the contrary, such assumption shall not be subject to any dollar limitations
set forth in the Agreement or this Schedule C.
1. Cause No. 98-24830; Weatherford Enterra U.S., Limited Partnership v. Abacan
Resource Corporation, Abacan Services (USA) Corporation, Abacan Technical
Services, Ltd., Abacan Resources (Nigeria), Ltd. and Liberty Technical
Services, Ltd. filed on May 27, 1998 in the 61st Judicial District Court of
Harris County, Texas ("Weatherford Lawsuit").
In addition, Amni has and hereby assumes any liabilities due and owing to the
creditors described on the preceding pages that arises after May 18, 1998.
Notwithstanding anything in the Agreement to the contrary, such assumption shall
not be subject to any dollar limitations set forth in the Agreement or this
Schedule C.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.3
JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
AMNI INTERNATIONAL
PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED
AND
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD. ,
REGARDING THE DEEP
ZONES OF THE IMA FIELD
JUNE 30, 1998
<PAGE>
THIS JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT is made effective as of June 30, 1998 by and
between:
AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT
COMPANY LIMITED, of Plot 1377 B Tiamiyu Savage Street,
Victoria Island, P.O. Box 54452, Faloma Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria,
(hereinafter referred to as the AOwner/Operator@)
and
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD. ,, of 7th Floor,
Folawiyo Plaza, 38 Warehouse Road, Lagos, Nigeria, (hereinafter
referred to as "Liberty")
WHEREAS:
(a) The Owner/Operator and Liberty elected to establish a joint venture for the
exploration and development of Concession Block 469 pursuant to the terms
of the Joint Venture Agreement (Restated) dated August 19, 1993 and
Restated at September 15, 1995.
(b) The Owner/Operator and Liberty elected to establish a joint venture for the
exploration and development of Concession Block 237 pursuant to the terms
of the Joint Venture Agreement (Restated) dated December 2, 1994 and
Restated at September 15, 1995.
(c) Owner/Operator and Liberty have elected to terminate the Joint Venture
Agreements referenced in the preceding paragraphs and now desire to
establish a joint venture for the exploration and development of the Deep
Zones of the IMA Field, subject to and in accordance with the terms hereof.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants hereinafter
set forth, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
------------------------------------------
1.1 In this Agreement, the recitals and schedules attached hereto, the
following words and expressions shall have the meanings respectively set
opposite them:
"ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE" means the accounting procedure attached to and forming
part of the Joint Operating Agreement.
<PAGE>
"AFFILIATE" means a company, partnership or other legal entity which controls,
or is controlled by, or which is controlled by an entity which controls a Party,
and for the purpose hereof, "control" means the ownership directly or indirectly
of more than fifty (50%) percent of the shares or voting rights or privileges in
a company, partnership or legal entity.
"AGREEMENT" "hereof", "herein", "hereto" and similar expressions means this
Joint Venture Agreement together with the schedules attached hereto and any
amendment or amendments made between the Parties in writing from time to time.
"COMMERCIAL QUANTITIES" means Petroleum in such commercial quantities which, in
the opinion of the Parties and to the satisfaction of the Minister, are
sufficient to entitle the Parties to commence production.
"CONCESSION BLOCK 237" means the surface area delineated in OPL 237 details of
which are more particularly described in the survey plan annexed to OPL 237, as
such area may vary from time to time during the term of OPL 237 and any
extensions thereto or any oil mining leases arising therefrom.
"DEEP ZONES" means all geological formations within and around the IMA Field
that are north (upthrown) and south (downthrown) of the geological fault
dividing the IMA field, all depths below the geological producing reservoir
within the IMA Field, known as the AF@ sand, as currently shown on the maps and
schematic cross-section materials covering the IMA Field, which are attached as
Schedule AD@ to the Joint Venture Agreement between Amni International Petroleum
Company Limited and Liberty Technical Services Ltd, of even date herewith, lying
within the geographical co-ordinates along the northern boundary of OML 112 and
OPL 237, to the southern boundary of OML 112, to the western boundary of OML 112
and to the eastern boundary of 550,000 meters East, as reflected on the maps of
the IMA Field attached to the Joint Venture Agreement.
"EFFECTIVE DATE" means the 30th day of June, 1998.
"GOVERNMENT" means the federal government of the federal republic of Nigeria as
represented by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
"IMA FIELD" means the area reflected on Schedule D, which area is contained
within Concession Block 469 as delineated in Nigeria Oil Prospecting License
469, dated August 24, 1993, subsequently converted to Oil Mining License 112 on
February 18, 1998 and Concession Block 237
"JOINT OPERATING AGREEMENT" OR "JOA" means the joint operating agreement that
governs Joint Operations on the Deep Zones of the IMA Field, and which JOA is
annexed hereto as Schedule "C".
<PAGE>
"JOINT OPERATIONS" means the entire process of acquiring, exploring for,
developing, exploiting, producing and selling Petroleum from the Deep Zones of
the IMA Field for the joint account of the Parties hereto.
"LIBERTY" means Liberty Technical Services Ltd.
"MINISTER" means the Minister of the Ministry.
"MINISTRY" means the Ministry of Petroleum Resources of the government of the
federal republic of Nigeria.
"OIL MINING LEASE 112" or "OML 112" means the oil mining lease that was issued
by the Ministry to the holder of OPL 469 on February 18, 1998 and includes (a)
all rights, title and interest granted thereunder, including any extension,
renewal or amendment thereof made in writing, and (b) all schedules and plans
attached thereto or referred to therein pursuant to which the Owner/Operator has
acquired an interest in all Petroleum found and produced within the geographic
area defined and described therein including the right to prospect for, take and
remove and sell any petroleum.
"OIL PROSPECTING LICENCE NO. 237" or "OPL 237" means Oil Prospecting Licence No.
237 issued by the Minister to the Owner/Operator on December 22, 1994, and
includes (a) all rights, title and interest granted thereunder, including any
extension, renewal or amendment thereof made in writing, and (b) all schedules
and plans attached thereto or referred to therein pursuant to which the
Owner/Operator has acquired an interest in all Petroleum found and produced
within the geographic area defined and described therein including the right to
prospect for, take and remove and sell any petroleum.
"OWNER/OPERATOR" means Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited
of Lagos, Nigeria.
"PARTICIPATING INTEREST" means the undivided interest of each Party, expressed
as a percentage, in the rights, benefits and obligations established by this
Agreement, as set forth and described in Article VI.
"PARTIES" means collectively the Owner/Operator and Liberty.
"PARTY" means any one party to this Agreement and any permitted successors or
assigns in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
"PETROLEUM" means all mineral oil (or any related hydrocarbons), natural gas as
it exists in its natural strata (including condensate, sulphur and any and all
other liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons) and does not include coal or bituminous
states or other stratified deposits from which oil can be extracted by
destructive distillation.
<PAGE>
"PETROLEUM COSTS" means those reasonable costs, claims and expenses incurred by
the Operator of the JOA, from time to time on or after the Effective Date, both
within and outside of Nigeria, directly related to exploration, development and
production of Petroleum from the Deep Zones of the IMA Field that have been
properly incurred pursuant to the terms of the JOA.
"PRODUCTION DATE" means the date that continuous Production commences.
"TAX OIL" means thirty percent (30%) of the total production of Petroleum from
the Deep Zones of the IMA Field which shall be held pursuant to an arrangement
acceptable to the parties hereto pursuant to which the Government will be paid
all royalties, petroleum profits taxes and other taxes and governmental levies
due and owing with respect to Joint Operations.
1.2 Appended hereto are the following schedules:
Schedule "A" - OML 112 and related correspondence from the Ministry
Schedule "B" - OPL 237 and related correspondence from the Ministry
Schedule "C" - Joint Operating Agreement
Schedule "D" - Map of IMA Field
Schedule "E" - Scheduled Litigation
All schedules referred to above are incorporated into and form part of this
Agreement.
1.3 Wherever any provision of any schedule to this Agreement conflicts
with any provision in the body of this Agreement, the provisions of the body of
this Agreement shall prevail. Reference herein to a schedule shall mean a
reference to a schedule to this Agreement. References in any schedule to the
Joint Venture Agreement shall mean a reference to this Agreement.
1.4 Time shall be of the essence hereof.
1.5 The division of this Agreement into headings, sections,
subsections, clauses, subclauses, and paragraphs and the provision of headings
herein is for the convenience of reference only and shall not affect the
interpretation of this Agreement.
1.6 In this Agreement, where the context requires, the singular shall
include the plural and the plural shall include the singular.
1.7 All references to currency, unless otherwise specified, are to
lawful money of the United States of America.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE II - SCOPE
------------------
2.1 The Parties hereby undertake and agree subject to the conditions
hereof, to associate and participate together in a joint venture to explore for,
develop, exploit, produce and sell Petroleum from the Deep Zones of the IMA
Field and to conduct Joint Operations thereon. The joint venture shall
establish and maintain facilities for the conduct of the Joint Operations.
ARTICLE III - CONTINUED OPERATIONS
----------------------------------
3.1 The Owner/Operator shall continuously maintain OPL 237 and OML
112 in good standing throughout the term of this Agreement (and shall provide
confirmation respecting same to Liberty upon written request) in order to secure
the respective Participating Interests in Petroleum produced from the IMA Field
ARTICLE IV - JOINT OPERATIONS
-----------------------------
4.1 The conduct of all Joint Operations on the Deep Zones of the IMA
Field shall be in accordance with the terms of the Joint Operating Agreement.
ARTICLE V - UNDIVIDED INTEREST
------------------------------
5.1 At such time as the Oil Mining Lease relating to OPL 237 is issued
by the Government, Owner/Operator shall convey to Liberty a 10% undivided
interest in the Oil Mining Lease, but only with respect to the Deep Zones.
ARTICLE VI - PARTICIPATING INTEREST OF PETROLEUM COSTS
------------------------------------------------------
6.1 All Petroleum Costs incurred in respect of Joint Operations
carried out in respect of the IMA Field, shall be allocated as follows:
Owner/Operator 90%
Liberty 10%
6.2 All equipment, material or property of whatsoever nature related
to the conducting of Joint Operations within the Deep Zones of the IMA Field
(other than equipment or property that is leased from third parties or supplied
by only one party, both in accordance with the terms of the JOA) and any other
assets acquired by the Parties pursuant to the terms of this Agreement from time
to time shall be owned by the Parties in accordance with their respective
Participating Interest.
6.3 The allocation of Petroleum Costs between the Parties as set forth
in ARTICLE 6.1 herein constitutes that Party's Participating Interest.
<PAGE>
6.4 Each of the Parties hereby covenants to contribute and/or pay the
Petroleum Costs in the amount equal to its Participating Interest, from time to
time, and to bear all Petroleum Costs paid or incurred pursuant to this
Agreement on behalf of such Party or Parties in portions equal to their
Participating Interest, all as shall be more fully provided in the Joint
Operating Agreement.
6.5 Any net tax credits, royalty credits or reduction in Tax Oil
generated by or resulting from or arising in connection with the Joint
Operations carried out within the Deep Zones of the IMA Field shall be shared
and allocated based on each Party=s Participating Interest.
ARTICLE VII - PARTICIPATING INTEREST OF PRODUCTION
--------------------------------------------------
7.1 The Owner/Operator hereby acknowledges and confirms that Liberty
is entitled to its Participating Interest of Petroleum produced from the Deep
Zones of the IMA Field as set forth in Paragraph 7.2 below.
7.2 All benefits, revenues and receipts of whatsoever nature as same
relate to the sale of Petroleum produced from the Deep Zones of the IMA Field
shall be allocated as follows:
The Tax Oil shall be reserved for ultimate payment to the Government
As to the remainder: Owner/Operator shall be entitled to 90% and Liberty shall
be entitled to 10%.
7.3 In the event the Government elects to exercise its right to
participate in the development of the Deep Zones of the IMA Field, the
Participating Interest of the Parties will be amended accordingly, on a pro rata
basis, based upon the level of Government participation.
ARTICLE VIII - ASSIGNMENT
-------------------------
8.1 This Agreement and all the provisions hereof shall be binding
upon and enure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns but neither this Agreement not any of the rights,
interest or obligations hereunder or under OML 112, OPL 237 or in respect of the
IMA Field shall be assigned or pledged by any Party without the prior written
consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld,
and the Government, if necessary, but may be assigned to Affiliates without such
consent subject to the provisions of this Agreement. Further, Owner/Operator
hereby consents to a pledge by Liberty to of its interests in this Joint Venture
and in the Deep Zones of the IMA Field to financial institutions now or
hereafter providing credit to Liberty.
<PAGE>
8.2 The Parties acknowledge that the termination of the Joint
Ventures as referenced in Paragraph (c) of the recitals is subject to
Governmental approval. The Parties agree to obtain such approvals as promptly
as possible. Further, the Parties acknowledge that the interests herein
conveyed to Liberty with respect to its 10% undivided interest in the Deep Zone
is subject to obtaining all necessary governmental approvals required to
consummate the transactions provided for herein. The Parties agree to obtain
such approvals as promptly as possible. If by December 1, 1998 the necessary
government approvals have not been obtained, then the Parties shall enter into
such amendments to this Agreement and such other contractual agreements as are
necessary to provide Liberty (or its nominee) with all of the rights and
benefits that were to be provided to Liberty pursuant to this Agreement and the
Agreements executed in connection herewith.
ARTICLE IX
JOINT OPERATING AGREEMENT
-------------------------
9.1 The Parties hereto agree that the Joint Operations within the Deep
Zones of the IMA Field shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of
the Joint Operating Agreement.
9.2 The Owner/Operator is hereby designated as Operator for the
conduct of all Joint Operations carried out within, upon or under the IMA Field.
9.3 The Parties hereby adopt, approve and agree to abide and be bound
by the terms of the Joint Operating Agreement in the form attached hereto as
Schedule "C."
9.4 All Joint Operations upon the Deep Zones of the IMA Field shall be
carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Joint Operating Agreement
and Accounting Procedure.
ARTICLE X - DISPUTE RESOLUTION
------------------------------
10.1 This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, interpreted and
applied in accordance with the laws of England.
10.2 Any dispute arising out of and relating to this Agreement and which
the Parties have not settled by themselves, shall finally be decided, to the
exclusion of the courts, by arbitration in accordance with the arbitration rules
of the International Chamber of Commerce. Three arbitrators shall be appointed,
each party appointing one arbitrator, and the two arbitrators thus appointed
choosing the presiding arbitrator. In reaching a decision, the arbitrators
shall be guided by the terms of this Agreement and international practice in
similar agreements.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE XI - TERM
-----------------
11.1 This Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall
continue to be binding upon the Parties hereto until terminated by the unanimous
written consent of the Parties.
ARTICLE XII - FINANCIAL YEAR
----------------------------
12.1 The financial year end of the joint venture shall be December 31
or such other date as agreed in writing by the Parties hereto.
12.2 The financial books and records of the joint venture shall be
kept in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and procedures.
12.3 Subject to the terms of the Joint Operating Agreement, an annual
audit of the joint venture's balance sheet, profit and loss statement and other
related financial records shall be made by a recognized public accounting or
chartered accounting firm, which is mutually agreeable to the Parties hereto.
The Parties shall be entitled to have members of its internal audit staff
inspect the records and books of the joint venture at any time and at its own
expense. In addition, either Party may, at its sole expense, engage an
independent public accounting or chartered accounting firm to audit the
financial records of the joint venture from time to time.
ARTICLE XIII - CONFIDENTIALITY
------------------------------
13.1 The Parties covenant and agree that they are entering into a
joint venture relationship and, subject to Article 13.3, owe each other the
highest level of fiduciary responsibility and, except as permitted in Article
13.2, will not while Parties to this Agreement or for a period of five year
following the expiry of this Agreement, disclose to any other person, firm,
corporation or entity, any proprietary or confidential information obtained in
the course hereof, or as a result of the Joint Operations contemplated in this
Agreement. Any information not generally available to the public shall be
construed as proprietary or confidential for the purposes of this Agreement
including, without limitation, information relating to Joint Operations, seismic
and other data, drilling techniques and results, technology, suppliers of
equipment, and names of customers, information relating to sales, markets,
target markets, strategies, advertisements, business procedures and all
financial information.
13.2 The obligation of the Parties as set forth in Article 13.1
hereof to maintain confidentiality shall not apply to such knowledge,
information, material or business data obtained pursuant to this Agreement or
relating to any material to the joint venture which:
<PAGE>
(a) was demonstratably known to a Party prior to December 2, 1994 of this
Agreement;
(b) is available to the public in the form of written publication issued
by a third party;
(c) shall have become available to the Parties in good faith from a third
party who has a bona fide right to disclose same;
(d) is required to be disclosed to any federal, provincial, state or local
government or governmental branch, board, agency or instrumental
mentality in order to comply with applicable laws, or is required to
be disclosed to regulatory authorities including stock exchanges
having jurisdiction in respect of securities of either parties;
(e) is required to be disclosed by a Party pursuant to public disclosure
requirements imposed under applicable securities legislation;
(f) is required or desired to be disclosed to a Party's financial
advisors, banks, contractors or potential investors in the project.
13.3 Each Party shall have the right to independently engage in and
receive full benefits from other business activities, whether or not
competitively with the joint venture hereby created, without consulting the
other Party, and no Party shall have any obligation to the other Party with
respect to any opportunity to acquire any assets at any time outside the terms
of the joint venture hereby constituted.
ARTICLE XIV - COVENANTS
-----------------------
14.1 The Owner/Operator covenants with Liberty as follows:
(a) the Owner/Operator is a company duly incorporated, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
and that it has all necessary corporate powers to enter into this
Agreement and to carry on business herein contemplated;
(b) the Owner/Operator is the lawful licensee of OPL 237 and lawful lessee
of OML 112 and the geographic area contained therein, and the
Owner/Operator has not transferred, conveyed, sold or in any way
encumbered its interest as licensee of OPL 237 or OML 112;
(c) the form of oil mining lease called Oil Mining Lease No. 112 (which is
attached hereto as Schedule "A") is, to the best of the knowledge and
belief of the Owner/Operator, the present and subsisting oil
prospecting licence for the geographic area contained therein, and OML
112 is in good standing as to the Government and all other regulatory
agencies and authorities;;
<PAGE>
(d) the form of oil prospecting licences called Oil Prospecting Licence
No. 237 (which is attached hereto as Schedule "B") is, to the best of
the knowledge and belief of the Owner/Operator, the present and
subsisting oil prospecting licence for the geographic area contained
in Concession Block 237, and OPL 237 is in good standing as to the
Government and all other regulatory agencies and authorities
(e) During the term of this Agreement Owner/Operator shall ensure that all
requirements imposed by the Government and necessary to maintain OML
112, OPL 237 and, if issued, the Oil Mining Lease are timely
satisfied. Any costs incurred by the Owner/Operator in satisfying such
operations as they relate to the Deep Zone shall comprise part of the
Petroleum Costs
(f) the Owner/Operator shall assist in the promotion and successful
conduct of the joint venture including obtaining and providing Liberty
with (1) all necessary Government and other approvals required to
perform the Joint Operations, and (2) if requested by Liberty, any
material correspondence or other documentation hereafter filed or
prepared for filing with the Government by the Owner/Operator that
relates to the IMA Field;
(g) The Owner/Operator shall provide or shall procure all necessary
technical and operational support for the conduct of the Joint
Operations as required from time to time pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement and the Joint Operating Agreement and shall conduct its
activities in accordance with good oil field practices; and
(h) The Owner/Operator shall refrain from entering into any amendments to
or modifications of the documents establishing OML 112 or OPL 237
without the consent of Liberty, which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld.
14.2 Liberty covenants as follows:
(a) Liberty is a corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of the Bahamas and has all necessary
corporate powers to enter into this Agreement and to conduct and to
carry on business as herein contemplated;
(b) Except for the pledge of its interest in the Deep Zone to the
Owner/Operator and to Total International Limited and Credit Suisse
First Boston, Liberty has not transferred, conveyed, sold or in any
way encumbered its interest in the Deep Zone; and
<PAGE>
(c) Liberty shall assist in the promotion and successful conduct of the
joint venture including obtaining and providing the Owner/Operator
with if requested by the Owner/Operator, any material correspondence
or other documentation hereafter filed or prepared for filing with the
Government by Liberty that relates to the IMA Field; and
(d) Except as set on Schedule E attached hereto, there are no pending
litigation, bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar proceedings that will
affect Liberty=s ability to perform its obligations hereunder.
ARTICLE XV -DEFAULT
-------------------
15.1 If any Party ("Defaulting Party") fails to comply with the terms
of this Agreement, the other Party hereto ("Non-Defaulting Party") shall have
the right to serve on the Defaulting Party a formal notice (a "Default Notice"),
which notice shall specify in reasonable detail the events causing such default.
If such default continues for more than thirty (30) days after the date of
notification, then until such time as the Defaulting Party has remedied its
default in full, the Defaulting Party=s rights and remedies under this Agreement
shall be suspended.
15.2 The remedies provided in Article 15.1 shall be without prejudice
to any other rights available to the Non-Defaulting Party whether at common law,
pursuant to statute or otherwise.
ARTICLE XVI - MISCELLANEOUS
---------------------------
16.1 This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument
executed by the Parties.
16.2 This Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, oral or
written, among the Parties in respect of the subject matter contained herein.
16.3 Each of the Parties shall execute and deliver such other
certificates, agreements and other documents and take such other actions as may
reasonably be required by the other Party in order to consummate or implement
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
16.4 The liability and obligation of the Parties hereto shall be
several and not joint or collective and each Party shall be responsible only for
its obligations as herein set forth. It is expressly declared that it is not
the purpose of this Agreement to create any partnership or syndicate and neither
this Agreement nor the operations hereunder shall be construed or considered as
creating any partnership or syndicate.
16.5 All notices, requests, demands, or other communications hereunder
shall be delivered by hand or sent by mail as appropriate or by facsimile, telex
or telegram to the Parties at the address provided below:
<PAGE>
Owner/Operator:
Amni International Petroleum Development
Company Limited
Plot 1377B Tiamiyu
Savage Street
Victoria Island. P.O. Box 54452
Falomo, Ikoyi
Fax: 011 234 262 1526
Attn: Tunde J. Afolabi
Managing Director
Liberty:
Liberty Technical Services Ltd.
Suite 140
14811 St. Mary=s Lane
Houston, Texas 77079
U.S.A.
Fax: (281) 721 0560
Attn: Timothy Stephens
With a copy to:
Liberty Technical Services Ltd.
38 Warehouse Road
Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria
Fax: 011 234 1545 0301
Attn: Wade Cherwayko
Any Party may from time to time change its address for service hereunder
upon written notice to the other Party. Any notice may be served by
personal delivery or by mailing the same by registered post, in a properly
addressed envelope addressed to the Party to whom such notice is to be
given at its address for service hereunder and shall be deemed to be
received forty-eight (48) hours after the delivery thereof. Any notice may
be served by prepaid telegram, telex or telecopy addressed to the Party to
whom such notice is to be given and any such notice so served shall be
deemed to be given and received by the addressee eighteen (18) hours after
the time of delivery.
16.6 This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and
evidence by facsimile copy thereof and all such counterparts or facsimile copies
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by
their duly authorized officers and representatives as of the day and year first
written above.
AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED
Per: /s/ Tunde Afolabi
-------------------
Title: Managing Director
-------------------
LIBERTY TECHNICAL
SERVICES LTD.
Per: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
-------------------
Title:
<PAGE>
THIS IS SCHEDULE "A" TO THE JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT MADE EFFECTIVE AS OF JUNE
30, 1998 BY AND BETWEEN AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED
AND LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
OIL MINING LEASE 112
<PAGE>
THIS IS SCHEDULE "B" TO THE JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT MADE EFFECTIVE AS OF JUNE
30, 1998 BY AND BETWEEN AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED
AND LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
OIL PROSPECTING LICENCE NO. 237
<PAGE>
THIS IS SCHEDULE "C" TO THE JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT MADE EFFECTIVE AS OF JUNE
30, 1998 BY AND BETWEEN AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED
AND LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
OPERATING AGREEMENT AND ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE
Means the operating agreement executed on even date herewith between the
Parties with respect to the Deep Zones of the IMA Field.
<PAGE>
THIS IS SCHEDULE "D" TO THE JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT MADE EFFECTIVE AS OF JUNE
30, 1998 BY AND BETWEEN AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED
AND LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
MAP OF THE IMA FIELD
[MAP OF THE IMA FIELD]
IMA FIELD, OML 112 (FORMERLY OPL 469) ) AND OPL 237
- -------------------------------------------------------------
DEEP ZONES:
All geological formations within and around the Ima Field that are north
(upthrown) and south (downthrown) of the geological fault dividing the Ima
Field, all depths below the geological producing reservoir within the Ima Field,
known as the * F + sand, as currently shown on the maps and schematic
cross-section materials covering the Ima Field annexed hereto as Schedule A, or
a depth of 12,150 feet (true vertical depth), whichever is the lesser depth,
lying within the geological co-ordinates along the northern boundary of OML 112
and OPL 237, to the south boundary of OML 112, to the western boundary of OML
112 and to the eastern boundary of 550,000m E, as annexed hereto as Schedule B.
<PAGE>
THIS IS SCHEDULE "E" TO THE JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT MADE EFFECTIVE AS OF JUNE
30, 1998 BY AND BETWEEN AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED
AND LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
SCHEDULE OF PENDING LITIGATION
1. Cause No. 98-24830; Weatherford Enterra U.S., Limited Partnership v. Abacan
Resource Corporation, Abacan Services (USA) Corporation, Abacan Technical
Services, Ltd., Abacan Resources (Nigeria), Ltd. and Liberty Technical
Services, Ltd. filed on May 27, 1998 in the 61st Judicial District Court of
Harris County, Texas (AWeatherford Lawsuit@).
2. Cause No. 98-20214; Global Marine International Services Corporation v.
Abacan Technical Services Limited filed on April 28, 1998 in the 125th
Judicial District Court of Harris County, Texas
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.4
JOINT OPERATING AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT
COMPANY LIMITED
AND
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
REGARDING THE DEEP
ZONES OF THE IMA FIELD
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLES PAGE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----
<S> <C>
ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS 1
1.1 Definitions 1
1.2 Schedules 9
1.3 Interpretation 9
ARTICLE II - DURATION 10
2.1 Effective Date and Term 10
2.2 Continuing Obligation 10
ARTICLE III - SCOPE AND UNDERSTANDING 10
3.1 Scope 10
3.2 Understanding 11
ARTICLE IV - PARTICIPATING INTEREST 11
4.1 Participating Interest 11
4.2 Ownership, Obligations and Liabilities Governed by Joint Venture Agreement 11
ARTICLE V - THE OPERATOR 11
5.1 Designation of the Operator 11
5.2 Resignation or Removal of the Operator 11
5.3 Removal of the Operator 12
5.4 Appointment of Successor 12
5.5 Commingling of Funds 13
ARTICLE VI - AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE OPERATOR 13
6.1 Rights 13
6.2 Responsibility 14
6.3 Liens and Encumbrances 15
6.4 Employees and Contractors 15
6.5 Representation of The Parties 16
6.6 Records 16
6.7 Reports 16
6.8 Consultation and Information 17
6.9 Joint Account Expenditures and Actions 17
6.10 Disposal and Abandonment 18
ARTICLE VII - RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES 20
7.1 Reservation of Rights 20
7.2 Inspection Rights 20
7.3 Access Rights 20
ARTICLE VIII - THE OPERATING COMMITTEE 21
8.1 Establishment and Powers 21
8.2 Representation 21
8.3 Chairman 22
8.4 Meetings 22
8.5 Minutes 22
8.6 Action Without a Meeting 23
8.7 Sub-Committees 23
8.8 Voting Procedure 23
8.9 Concession Provisions 24
8.10 Notification to the Committee 24
8.11 Costs 24
ARTICLE IX - PROJECT MANAGER 25
9.1 25
ARTICLE X - FUNDING OF THE JOINT OPERATIONS 25
10.1 Cash Call 25
10.2 Payments for Joint Operations Expenditures 26
10.3 Failure of a Party to Pay a Cash Call 26
ARTICLE XI - INSURANCE AND LITIGATION 27
11.2 Joint Account Insurance 27
11.3 Indemnity 29
11.4 Litigation 29
11.5 IMA #11 Insurance Proceeds 31
ARTICLE XII - EXPLORATION WORK PROGRAMME AND BUDGET 31
12.1 Annual Work Programme and Budget 31
12.2 Authorization for Expenditure 32
12.3 Amendment 32
ARTICLE XIII - APPRAISAL WORK PROGRAMME AND BUDGET 33
13.1 Joint Work Programme and Budget 33
13.2 Authorization for Expenditure 33
13.3 Review and Amendment 34
ARTICLE XIV - DEVELOPMENT WORK PROGRAMME AND BUDGET 34
14.1 Joint Work Programme and Budget 34
14.2 Authorization for Expenditure 35
14.3 Review and Amendment 36
ARTICLE XV - PRODUCTION WORK PROGRAMME AND BUDGET 37
15.1 Annual Work Programme and Budget 37
15.2 Authorization for Expenditure 37
15.3 Amendment 38
ARTICLE XVI - SOLE RISK OPERATIONS 38
16.1 Definitions 38
16.2 Sole Risk Operations 39
16.3 Conditions for Sole Risk Operations 40
16.4 Sole Risk Notice 40
16.5 Sole Risk Operation as Joint Operation 41
16.6 Sole Risk Operation 41
16.7 Operator of Sole Risk Operation 41
16.8 Commencement of Sole Risk Operation 41
16.9 Information Concerning Sole Risk Operation 42
16.10 Election to Participate in Further work 42
16.11 Use of Joint Property and Personnel of the Operator for Sole Risk Operation 42
16.12 Indemnification of the Non-Consenting Party 42
16.13 Title to The Sole Risk Operation, Production and Facilities 42
ARTICLE XVII - ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE 43
17.1 43
ARTICLE XVIII - DEFAULT 43
18.1 Failure to Pay 43
18.2 Remedy of Default 44
18.3 Continuation of Default 44
18.4 45
18.5 45
18.6 Other Remedies 45
ARTICLE XIX - DISPOSITION OF PRODUCTION 45
19.1 Right and Obligation to Take in Kind 45
19.2 Offtake Agreement for Crude Oil 46
19.3 Separate Agreement for Natural Gas 47
ARTICLE XX - CONFIDENTIALITY 47
20.1 Confidentiality Data and Information 47
20.2 Trading Rights 48
ARTICLE XXI - PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS 49
21.1 49
21.2 49
21.3 49
ARTICLE XXII - OUTGOINGS AND GRANTS 49
22.1 Outgoings 49
22.2 Grants 50
ARTICLE XXIII - COVENANT, UNDERTAKING, RELATIONSHIP AND TAX 50
23.1 Covenant and Undertaking 50
23.2 Relationship 50
23.3 Tax 51
ARTICLE XXIV - ASSIGNMENT AND ENCUMBRANCES 51
24.1 Restriction 51
ARTICLE XXV - WITHDRAWAL 51
25.1 Restriction 51
25.2 Withdrawal 51
25.3 Conditions 52
ARTICLE XXVI - FORCE MAJEURE 53
26.1 53
26.2 54
ARTICLE XXVII - NOTICES 54
27.1 54
ARTICLE XXVIII - DISPUTE RESOLUTIONS PROVISIONS 54
28.1 54
28.2 54
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
JOINT OPERATING AGREEMENT
-------------------------
THIS JOINT OPERATING AGREEMENT is made effective the 30th day of June, 1998.
BETWEEN:
AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED, of Plot 1377B
Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, P.O. Box 54452, Falomo Ikoyi,
Lagos, Nigeria (hereinafter referred to as "AMNI."
and
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD., of 7th Floor, Folawiyo Plaza, 38 Warehouse
Road, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria (hereinafter referred to as "Liberty")
WHEREAS
1. Pursuant to the Joint Venture Agreement dated as of even date herewith (as
modified from time to time, a AJoint Venture Agreement@) AMNI and Liberty
entered into a joint venture for the exploration and development of the
Deep Zones associated with the IMA Field;
2. AMNI and Liberty each hold certain working and revenue interest in the Deep
Zones pursuant to the provisions contained in the Joint Venture Agreement;
3. The Joint Venture Agreement contemplates the execution of an agreement
providing for the joint exploration, development and production operation
of the Deep Zones as well as the management of the Deep Zones by the
Operator, all in accordance with the terms, provisions and conditions
hereinafter set forth;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises and covenants hereinafter set
forth, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I - DEFINITIONS
-----------------------
1.1 DEFINITIONS
Capitalized terms used herein but not defined herein shall have the
meanings specified by the Joint Venture Agreement.
1.1.1 "ABANDONMENT AGREEMENT" means the proper plugging and abandoning
of a well in compliance with the Regulations and the restoration of
the well site to the satisfaction of any governmental body having
jurisdiction with respect thereto and to the reasonable satisfaction
of the owner and occupier of the surface.
<PAGE>
1.1.2 "ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE" means the procedure set out in Schedule "A"
hereto.
1.1.3 "ACT"means the Petroleum Act of 1969 (Nigeria) and its subsidiary
legislation, all amendments thereto and all Regulations, policies and
statements passed in relation thereto.
1.1.4 "AFFILIATE" OR "AFFILIATED COMPANY" means a company, partnership or
other legal entity which controls, or is controlled by, an entity
which controls a Party, and for the purposes hereof, "control" means
the ownership directly or indirectly of more than fifty (50%) percent
of the shares or voting rights or privileges in a company, partnership
or legal entity.
1.1.5 "AGREEMENT" OR "JOINT OPERATING AGREEMENT," "HEREOF," "HEREIN,"
"HERETO" and similar expressions means this Joint Operating Agreement,
together with schedules attached hereto and any amendment or
amendments made between the Parties in writing from time to time.
1.1.6 "AGREED INTEREST RATE" means interest compounded on a monthly basis,
at the rate per annum equal to the one (1) month term LIBOR rate for
U.S. Dollar deposits, as published by The Wall Street Journal or, if
not published, then by the Financial Times of London plus two percent
(2%) application on the first Business Day prior to the due date of
payment and thereafter on the first Business Day of each succeeding
one (1) month term. If the aforesaid rate is contrary to any
applicable usury law, the rate of interest to be charged shall be the
maximum rate permitted by such applicable law.
1.1.7 "AMNI" means Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited.
1.1.8 "APPRAISAL WELL" means any well whose purpose at the time of
commencement of drilling such well is the determination of the extent
or the volume of Petroleum reserves contained in an existing
Discovery.
1.1.9 "ASSETS" means the fixed and moveable assets of the Joint Operations
including without limitation any OPL or OML establishing the Deep
Zones of the IMA Field, exploration, development, production,
transportation, storage, delivery and export facilities and associated
assets including but not limited to offices, housing and welfare
facilities.
1.1.10 "AUTHORITY FOR EXPENDITURE" OR "AFE" means a written statement of an
operation proposed to be conducted pursuant to this Agreement, which
statement shall include:
<PAGE>
(a) the type, purpose and location of such operation, in sufficient
detail to enable a Party to understand the nature, scope and
sequence of such operation, the proposed time frame over which
such operation will be conducted and, if such operation is the
drilling or deepening of a well, the projected total depth
thereof, the proposed surface coordinates of the well and, if
they will differ materially from the surface coordinates of the
well, the proposed bottomhole coordinates therefor; and
(b) the proposing Party's estimate of the anticipated costs of such
operation, which estimate shall be in sufficient detail to enable
a Party to identify, in summary form, the anticipated costs of
the various identifiable segments of such operation, including,
if applicable, those costs which relate to drilling, completing
and equipping a well.
1.1.11 "AVAILABLE PRODUCTION" means the quantity of Petroleum which can be
efficiently and economically produced and saved from the producing
wells subject to any production allowable within limitations imposed
by the Ministry or other technical limitations resulting from
operations.
1.1.12 "BARREL" means a quantity consisting of forty-two (42) United States
gallons, corrected to a temperature of sixty (60) degrees Fahrenheit
under one (1) atmosphere of pressure.
1.1.13 "BUSINESS DAY" means a day on which the banks in London, England and
Zurich, Switzerland are customarily open for business.
1.1.14 "CALENDAR QUARTER" means a period of three (3) consecutive months
commencing on January 1 and ending the following March 31, a period of
three (3) months commencing on April 1 and ending on the following
June 30, a period of three (3) months commencing on July 1 and ending
on the following September 30 or a period of three (3) months
commencing on October 1 and ending on the following December 31
according to the Gregorian Calendar.
1.1.15 "CALENDAR YEAR" means a period of twelve (12) months commencing on
January 1 and ending on the following December 31 according to the
Gregorian Calendar.
1.1.16 "CASH CALL" means the amount in Dollars (or such other currency as the
Operating Committee shall reasonably designate) which the Operating
Committee requires a Cash Call Party to pay into the Joint Account
during a Cash Call Month to meet such Party's Participating Interest
of Petroleum Costs required to be paid during the Cash Call Month,
after adjusting for balances or deficits in such bank account or the
Operator's accounting records (as the case may be) as well as any
credit receipts anticipated during such month, all in accordance with
Article VIII of this Agreement.
1.1.17 "CASH CALL MONTH" means the calendar month in which specific costs and
expenditures are to be incurred for the Joint Account.
<PAGE>
1.1.18 "CASH CALL PARTY" means a party that has an obligation, be it direct
or indirect, to pay for costs associated with the exploration,
development and production of Petroleum from the Deep Zones of the IMA
Field.
1.1.19 "CASH PREMIUM" means the payment made pursuant to Article XVI by a
Non-Consenting Party to reinstate its right to participate in a Sole
Risk Operation.
1.1.20 "COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION QUOTA" means the quantity of Petroleum fixed or
established by the National Petroleum Investments Management Services
("NAPIMS") (or any other regulatory agency from time to time on behalf
of the Ministry as the permissible quantity that may be produced from
the Deep Zones of the IMA Field (or a portion hereof), on a crude
stream basis for a particular month or Calendar Quarter.
1.1.21 "COMPLETION" means an operation intended to complete a well through
the Christmas tree as a producer of Petroleum in one or more Zones
including, but not limited to, the setting of production casing,
perforating, stimulating the well and production Testing conducted in
such operation. "COMPLETE" and other derivatives shall be construed
accordingly.
1.1.22 "CONCESSION" means a certain geographic area described and governed by
an OPL or OML and allocated to an owner for the purpose of exploration
and exploitation.
1.1.23 "CONCESSION BLOCK 237" means the surface area delineated in OPL 237
details of which are more particularly described in the survey plan
annexed to OPL 237, as such area may vary from time to time during the
term of OPL 237 and any extensions thereto, or Oil Mining Lease
arising therefrom.
1.1.24 "CRUDE OIL" means the liquid petroleum which has been treated but not
refined and includes condensates but excludes water and sediments.
1.1.25 "DATA" has the meaning set out in Article 20.2.1
1.1.26 "DAY(S)" means a calendar day unless otherwise specifically
provided.
1.1.27 "DEFAULTING PARTY" shall have the meaning ascribed in Article XVIII.
1.1.28 "DEEPENING" means an operation whereby a well is drilled to an
objective zone below the deepest zone in which the well was previously
drilled, or below the deepest zone proposed in the associated AFE,
whichever is the deeper. Deepen and other derivatives shall be
construed accordingly.
<PAGE>
1.1.29 ADEEP ZONES@ means all geological formations within and around the IMA
Field that are north (upthrown) and south (downthrown) of the
geological fault dividing the IMA field, all depths below the
geological producing reservoir within the IMA Field, known as the AF@
sand, as currently shown on the maps and schematic cross-section
materials covering the IMA Field, which are attached as Schedule AD@
to the Joint Venture Agreement between Amni International Petroleum
Company Limited and Liberty Technical Services Ltd, of even date
herewith or a depth of 12,150 feet (true vertical depth), whichever is
the lesser depth, lying within the geographical co-ordinates along the
northern boundary of OML 112 and OPL 237, to the southern boundary of
OML 112, to the western boundary of OML 112 and to the eastern
boundary of 550,000 meters East, as reflected on the maps of the IMA
Field attached to the Joint Venture Agreement.
1.1.30 "DEVELOPMENT PLAN" means a plan for the development of Petroleum from
an Exploitation Area covering all or a portion of the Deep Zones of
the IMA Field.
1.1.31 "DEVELOPMENT WELL" means any well drilled for the production of
Petroleum pursuant to a Development Plan.
1.1.32 "DISCOVERY" means the discovery of an accumulation of Petroleum whose
existence until that moment was unknown.
1.1.33 "DOLLARS" OR "US$" means dollars of the United States of America.
1.1.34 "EFFECTIVE DATE" means the date this Agreement comes into effect as
stated in Article II.
1.1.35 "ENTITLEMENT" means a quantity of Petroleum of which a Party has the
right and obligation to take delivery pursuant to the terms of the
Joint Venture Agreement or, if applicable, an offtake agreement, and
shall be derived from the Party's Participating Interest in the
Petroleum produced after adjustment for overlifts and underlifts.
1.1.36 "EXPLOITATION AREA" means that part of the Deep Zones of the IMA Field
which is delineated in a Development Plan approved as a Joint
Operation or as Sole Risk Operation.
1.1.37 "EXPLOITATION PERIOD" means any and all periods of exploitation during
which the production and removal of Petroleum from the Deep Zones of
the IMA Field is permitted under OML 112 or Concession Block 237.
1.1.38 "EXPLORATION WELL" means any well drilled during the course of
exploration work other than an Appraisal Well or Development Well.
1.1.39 "G & G DATA" means any geological, geophysical and geochemical data
and other information that is not obtained through a wellbore.
1.1.40 "GOVERNMENT" means the Federal government of Nigeria as represented by
the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
<PAGE>
1.1.41 AIMA FIELD@ means the area reflected on Schedule D, which area is
contained within Concession Block 469 as delineated in Nigeria Oil
Prospecting License 469, dated August 24, 1993, subsequently converted
to Oil Mining License 112 on February 18, 1998 and, if applicable,
Concession Block 237
1.1.42 "JOINT ACCOUNT" means those accounts maintained by the Operator and
the Liberty in accordance with the provisions of the Joint Venture
Agreement and this Agreement and of the Accounting Procedure for Joint
Operations.
1.1.43 "JOINT OPERATIONS" means those operations and activities carried out
by the Operator pursuant to this Agreement, the costs of which are
chargeable to all Parties.
1.1.44 "JOINT PROPERTY" means, at any point in time, all wells, facilities,
equipment, materials, information, funds and the property held for the
Joint Account and that has been acquired and/or will be paid for by
the Parties based on their Participating Interests.
1.1.45 "JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT" has the meaning specified in the
introduction on the first page hereof.
1.1.46 "LIBERTY" means Liberty Technical Services Ltd.
1.1.47 "MINISTRY" means the Ministry of Petroleum Resources of the
Government.
1.1.48 "NON-CONSENTING PARTY" means a Party who elects not to participate in
a Sole Risk Operation.
1.1.49 "NON-OPERATOR" means the Party or Parties to the Agreement other than
the Operator.
1.1.50 "OIL MINING LEASE" or "OML" means a lease called an oil mining lease
issued by the Ministry following the fulfilment of the minimum work
obligations or the discovery of Commercial Quantities of Petroleum.
1.1.51 "OIL MINING LEASE 112" or "OML 112" means the oil mining lease that
was issued by the Ministry to the holder of OPL 469 on February 18,
1998 and includes (a) all rights, title and interest granted
thereunder, including any extension, renewal or amendment thereof made
in writing, and (b) all schedules and plans attached thereto or
referred to therein pursuant to which the Amni has acquired an
interest in all Petroleum found and produced within the geographic
area defined and described therein including the right to prospect
for, take and remove and sell any petroleum.
<PAGE>
1.1.52 "OIL PROSPECTING LICENSE" OR "OPL" means a license called an oil
prospecting license issued by the Ministry and which grants to the
holder exclusive rights to explore and prospect for Petroleum within
the area of the license.
1.1.53 "OIL PROSPECTING LICENSE NO. 237" OR "OPL 237" means Oil Prospecting
License No. 237 issued by the Minister of Petroleum Resource of the
Government to the Owner on December 22, 1994, and includes: (a) all
rights, title and interest granted thereunder including any extension,
renewal or amendment thereof made in writing and (b) all schedules and
plans attached thereto or referred to therein pursuant to which the
Owner has acquired an interest in all Petroleum found and produced
within Concession Block 237, including the right to prospect for, take
and remove and sell any Petroleum.
1.1.54 "OPERATOR" means a Party to this Agreement designated as such in
accordance with this Agreement.
1.1.55 "OPERATING COMMITTEE" means the committee constituted in accordance
with Article VIII.
I.1.56 "OWNER" means AMNI.
1.1.57 "PARTICIPATING INTEREST" means the Participating Interests of the
Parties as defined in the Joint Venture Agreement.
1.1.58 "PARTIES" means collectively AMNI and Liberty and any respective
successor-in-title or assigns in accordance with the provisions of
this Agreement.
1.1.59 "PARTY" means AMNI or Liberty and any respective successors-in-title
or assigns in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
1.1.60 "PETROLEUM" means all mineral oil (or any related hydrocarbons)
natural gas, as it exists in its natural state in strata (including
condensate, sulphur and any and all other liquid and gaseous
hydrocarbons) and does not include coal or bituminous states or other
stratified deposits from which oil can be extracted by destructive
distillation.
1.1.61 "PETROLEUM COSTS" means those reasonable costs, claims and expenses
incurred by the Operator, from time to time on or after the Effective
Date, both within and outside of Nigeria, directly related to
exploration, development and production of Petroleum from the Deep
Zones of the IMA Field that have been properly incurred pursuant to
the terms of this Joint Operating Agreement.
1.1.62 "PETROLEUM OPERATIONS" means the entire process of exploring, drilling
and producing the Petroleum contained in the Deep Zones of the IMA
Field in accordance with the Regulations and the laws of the Federal
Republic of Nigeria.
<PAGE>
1.1.63 "PLUGGING BACK" means a single operation whereby a deeper Zone is
abandoned in order to attempt a Completion in a shallower Zone. "PLUG
BACK" and other derivatives shall be construed accordingly.
1.1.64 "RECOMPLETION" means an operation whereby a Completion in one
Zone is abandoned in order to attempt a Completion in a different Zone
within the existing wellbore. "RECOMPLETE" and other derivatives shall
be construed accordingly.
1.1.65 "REGULATIONS" means all rules, orders, policy statements and
regulations affecting Oil Prospecting Licenses and Oil Mining Leases
in effect from time to time and made by the Government in respect of
concession blocks and operations conducted thereon.
1.1.66 "REWORKING" means an operation conducted in the wellbore of a well
after Completion to secure, restore, or improve production in a Zone
which is currently open to production in the wellbore. Such operations
include but are not limited to well stimulation operations, but
exclude any routine repair or maintenance work, or drilling,
Sidetracking, Deepening, Completing, Recompleting, or Plugging Back of
a well. "REWORK" and other derivatives shall be construed accordingly.
1.1.67 "SENIOR SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL" means any supervisory employee of the
Operator who functions as the Operator=s designated manager or
supervisor who is responsible for, or in charge of onsite drilling,
construction or production and related operations or any other field
operation.
1.1.68 "SIDETRACKING" means the directional control and intentional deviation
of a well from vertical so as to change the bottom hole location
unless done to straighten the hole or to drill around junk in the hole
or to overcome other mechanical difficulties. "SIDETRACK" and other
derivatives shall be construed accordingly.
1.1.69 "SOLE RISK OPERATOR" means a Party who agrees to participate in and
pay its share of the cost of a Sole Risk Operation.
1.1.70 "SOLE RISK OPERATION" means those operations and activities carried
out by the Sole Risk Operator, pursuant to this Agreement, the costs
of which are chargeable to the account of less than all the Parties.
1.1.71 "SOLE RISK EXPLORATORY WELL" means a well drilled pursuant to a Sole
Risk Operation.
1.1.72 "TAX OIL" means thirty percent (30%) of the total production of
Petroleum from the Deep Zones of the IMA Field which shall be held
pursuant to an arrangement acceptable to the parties hereto pursuant
to which the Government will be paid all royalties, petroleum profits
taxes and other taxes and governmental levies due and owing with
respect to Joint Operations
<PAGE>
1.1.73 "TESTING" means an operation intended to evaluate the capacity of a
Zone to produce Petroleum. "TEST" and other derivatives shall be
construed accordingly.
1.1.74 "WORK PROGRAMME AND BUDGET" means a work programme for Joint
Operations and budget thereof as described and approved in accordance
with Articles 12, 13, 14 and 15.
1.1.75 "ZONE" means a stratum of earth containing or thought to contain a
common accumulation of Petroleum separately producible from any other
common accumulation of Petroleum.
1.2 SCHEDULES
1.2.1 The following Schedules are attached hereto and incorporated in this
Agreement:
(a) Schedule "A" which is the Uniform Accounting Procedure
(b) Schedule "B" which is the Uniform Project Implementation
Procedure;
(c) Schedule "C" which is the Uniform Nomination Scheduling
and Lifting Procedure;
(d) Schedule "D" which is a map showing the location of the IMA
Field; and
(e) Schedule "E" which is a copy of the AFE that has been
submitted to the insurance carriers regarding the drilling
of IMA #11.
1.3 INTERPRETATION
1.3.1 Save to the extent that the context or the express provisions of this
Agreement otherwise requires:
(a) Words importing the singular shall include the plural and vice
versa;
(b) Headings are for convenience of reference only and shall not
affect the construction of this Agreement;
(c) All references to articles and schedules shall be construed as
references to articles of and schedules to this Agreement.
(d) All references to documents or other instruments include all
amendments and replacements thereof and supplements thereto;
(e) All references to persons or corporations include their
successors-in-title, transferees, assigns and legal
representatives;
<PAGE>
(f) All references to any statute or statutory provision shall
include references to any statute or statutory provisions which
amends, extends, consolidates or replaces the same for which has
been amended, extended, consolidated or replaced by the same and
shall include any orders, Regulations, instrument or other
subordinate legislation made under the relevant statue.
ARTICLE II - DURATION
---------------------
2.1 EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM
This Agreement shall be deemed to have commenced on the Effective Date
of the Joint Venture Agreement and shall, subject to Article XXV,
continue for so long as the Joint Venture Agreement remains in force
or, otherwise until all materials, equipment and personal property
used in connection with the Joint Operations have been removed and
disposed of, and final settlement has been made among the Parties in
accordance with their respective rights and obligations hereunder.
For the avoidance of doubt, portions of this Agreement as described in
(a), (b), and (c) below shall remain in effect until:
(a) all wells have been properly abandoned in accordance with Article
6.10;
(b) all obligations, claims, arbitrations and lawsuits have been
settled or otherwise disposed of; and
(c) the time relating to the protection of confidential information
and proprietary technology has expired in accordance with Article
XX.
2.2 CONTINUING OBLIGATION
The provisions of this Agreement which for any reason require action
or forbearance after the expiration of the term of this Agreement or
the termination of this Agreement for whatever cause either generally
or in respect of the party by virtue of that Party withdrawing from
this Agreement or selling, transferring or assigning the whole of its
Participating Interest shall remain operative and in full force and
effect regardless of the expiry or termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE III - SCOPE AND UNDERSTANDING
-------------------------------------
3.1 SCOPE
3.1.1 The scope of this Agreement shall extend to the exploration for and
the production and marketing of Petroleum in respect of the Deep Zones
of the IMA Field.
<PAGE>
3.1.2 Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall not extend to any
joint financing arrangements or any joint marketing or joint sales of
Petroleum.
3.2 UNDERSTANDING
This Agreement and the Joint Venture Agreement represent the entire
understanding of the Parties in relation to the Deep Zones of the IMA
Field.
ARTICLE IV - PARTICIPATING INTEREST
-----------------------------------
4.1 PARTICIPATING INTEREST
The Participating Interests of the Parties in the Production and
Petroleum Costs are as set forth in the Joint Venture Agreement.
4.2 OWNERSHIP, OBLIGATIONS AND LIABILITIES GOVERNED BY JOINT VENTURE
AGREEMENT
(a) Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, all the rights and
interests in and under the Joint Venture Agreement, all Joint
Property and any Petroleum produced from the Deep Zones of the
IMA Field shall be owned by the Parties in accordance with the
provisions of the Joint Venture Agreement.
(b) Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, the obligations of
the Parties under the Joint Venture Agreement and all liabilities
and expenses incurred in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement by the Operator in connection with Joint Operations
shall be charged to the Joint Account and all credits to the
Joint Account shall be shared by the Parties, as among
themselves, in accordance with their respective Participating
Interests.
(c) Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, all liabilities and
costs incurred by any Party in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement in connection with Joint Operations shall be borne by
the Parties in accordance with the provisions of the Joint
Venture Agreement.
ARTICLE V - THE OPERATOR
------------------------
5.1 DESIGNATION OF THE OPERATOR
AMNI is hereby designated as the Operator, and agrees to act in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the Joint Venture
Agreement, all applicable Regulations and this Agreement, which terms
and conditions shall also apply to any successor Operator.
5.2 RESIGNATION OR REMOVAL OF THE OPERATOR
<PAGE>
Subject to Article 5.3, the Operator may resign as Operator at any
time by so notifying the other Parties at least one hundred twenty
(120) Days prior to the effective date of such resignation.
5.3 REMOVAL OF THE OPERATOR
(a) Subject to Article 5.3, the Operator shall be removed upon
receipt of notice from any Non-Operator if:
(i) an order is made by a court or an effective resolution is
passed for the dissolution, liquidation, winding up, or
reorganization of the Operator;
(ii) the Operator dissolves, liquidates or terminates its
corporate existence;
(iii)the Operator becomes insolvent, bankrupt or makes an
assignment for the benefit of creditors;
(iv) a receiver is appointed for a substantial part of the
Operator's assets;
(v) the Operator commits a substantial breach of a material
provision of this Agreement and fails to cure the breach
within thirty (30) Days after notice of the breach; or
(vi) the Operator or has its rights suspended pursuant to Section
15.1 of the Joint Venture Agreement.
(b) If the Operator together with any Affiliate of the Operator
ceases to be a holder of a Participating Interest, then the
Operator shall be required to promptly notify the other Parties.
The Operating Committee shall then vote within fourteen (14) Days
of such notification on whether or not a successor Operator
should be named pursuant to Article 5.4.
5.4 APPOINTMENT OF SUCCESSOR
When a change of Operator occurs pursuant to Article 5.2 or Article
5.3:
(a) The Operating Committee shall meet as soon as possible to appoint
a successor Operator pursuant to the voting procedure of Article
VIII. However, no Party may be appointed successor Operator
against its will.
(b) If an Operator is removed, neither the Operator nor any Affiliate
of the Operator shall have the right to vote for itself on the
appointment of a successor Operator, nor be considered as a
candidate for the successor Operator.
(c) A resigning or removed Operator shall be compensated out of the
Joint Account for its reasonable expenses directly related to its
resignation or removal.
<PAGE>
(d) The Operating Committee shall arrange for the taking of an
independent inventory of all Joint Property and Petroleum, and an
audit of the books and records of the removed Operator. Such
inventory and audit shall be completed, if possible, no later
than the effective date of the change of Operator. The
liabilities and expenses of such inventory and audit shall be
charged to the Joint Account.
(e) The resignation or removal of the Operator and its replacement by
the successor Operator shall not become effective prior to
receipt of any necessary governmental approvals.
(f) Upon the effective date of the resignation or removal, the
successor Operator shall succeed to all duties, rights and
authority prescribed for the Operator. The former Operator shall
transfer to the successor Operator custody of all Joint Property,
books of account, records and other documents maintained by the
Operator pertaining to the Deep Zones and to Joint Operations.
Upon delivery of the above-described property and data, the
former Operator shall be released and discharged from all
obligations and liabilities as Operator accruing after such date.
5.5 COMMINGLING OF FUNDS
The Operator may not commingle with its own funds the monies which it
receives from or for the Joint Account pursuant to the Joint Venture
Agreement and this Agreement.
ARTICLE VI - AUTHORITY AND DUTIES OF THE OPERATOR
-------------------------------------------------
6.1 RIGHTS
6.1.1 Subject to the terms and conditions of the Joint Venture Agreement and
this Agreement, the Operator shall have all of the rights, functions
and duties of the Operator under the Joint Venture Agreement and shall
have exclusive charge of and shall conduct all the Joint Operations
under the overall supervision of the Operating Committee. The Operator
may employ technical advisors, independent contractors and/or agents
in such Joint Operations.
6.1.2 The Operator shall remain responsible for all Joint Operations as the
Operator as and to the extent provided under this Agreement, whether
conducted by itself, its technical advisers, its Affiliates, its
agents or its contractors.
<PAGE>
6.1.3 Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (a) the
bottom hole location for the first well to be drilled under this
Agreement shall be determined by the Operator after consultation with
and consideration of the views of Liberty and (b) all wells drilled
under this Agreement shall be drilled pursuant to "turnkey" drilling
contracts upon such terms and with such contractors as are reasonably
acceptable to the Parties hereto.
6.2 RESPONSIBILITY
6.2.1 Subject to the overall supervision of the Operating Committee, the
responsibilities of the Operator shall include but not be limited to:
(a) the preparation of Work Programme and Budget and AFE's pursuant
to the provisions of this Agreement,
(b) the implementation of such Work Programme and Budget as shall
together with relevant AFE's have been approved by the Operating
Committee;
(c) the provision to each of the Parties of reports, data and
information concerning the Joint Operations pursuant to the
provisions of this Agreement;
(d) the planning for and obtaining of all requisite services and
material;
(e) the direction and control of statistical and accounting services;
and
(f) the provision of all technical and advisory services required for
the efficient performance of the Joint Operations.
6.2.2 The Operator shall conduct the Joint Operations in a proper and
workmanlike manner in accordance with methods and practices
customarily used in good and prudent oil and gas fields practice and
with that degree of diligence and prudence reasonably and ordinarily
exercised by experienced operators engaged in a similar activity under
similar circumstances and conditions. The Operator shall further do or
cause to be done with due diligence, all such acts and things within
its control as may be necessary to keep and maintain the Deep Zones of
the IMA Field in force and effect and shall conduct the Joint
Operations in compliance with the requirements of the Act, any OPL or
OML controlling as to the Deep Zones of the IMA Field and any other
applicable laws and Regulations and in accordance with approved Work
Programme and Budget.
6.2.3 The Operator shall only be liable for any loss or damage which results
from:
(a) its failure to obtain or maintain any insurance which it is
required to obtain and maintain under Article 11.2, unless the
Operator has used all reasonable endeavours to obtain or maintain
any such insurance but has been unable to do so and has promptly
so notified the parties participating or proposing to participate
therein; or
<PAGE>
(b) its willful misconduct;
provided that in neither case shall the Operator be liable for
any consequential loss, including but not limited to inability to
produce Petroleum, production or loss of profits. For the
avoidance of doubt, the Operator shall not be liable for any loss
or damage resulting from the negligence of the Operator, its
servants, agents, contractors or employees. Nothing in this
Article shall, however, be deemed to release the Party designated
as Operator from any costs, expense or liability attributable to
its Participating Interest share of Joint Operations.
6.3 LIENS AND ENCUMBRANCES
The Operator shall, insofar as it may be within its control, keep all
Joint Property, the Deep Zones of the IMA Field and any OPL or OML
controlling as to the Deep Zones of the IMA Field free from all liens,
charges and encumbrances arising out of the Joint Operations.
6.4 EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS
6.4.1 Subject to the provisions of the Joint Venture Agreement and this
Agreement, the Operator shall determine (based on the approved Work
Programme and Budget) the number of employees, the selection of such
employees, the hours of work and remuneration and such employees shall
be the employees of the Operator and not of the Parties. The Operator
shall employ only such employees, agents and contractors as are
reasonably necessary to conduct the Joint Operations.
6.4.2 In the case of any proposed contract for the Joint Operations where
the cost thereof will or is likely to exceed two hundred and fifty
thousand dollars ($250,000) or such lesser amounts as shall from time
to time be determined by the Operating Committee having regard (inter
alia) to the nature of the Joint Operations, the Operator shall,
unless otherwise agreed by the Operating Committee in the
circumstances referred to in Article 6.9.2:
(a) obtain competitive sealed bid tenders and consult fully with the
Operating Committee over the preparation of a list of the persons
to be invited to tender (including any sub-contractors or
suppliers) and the preparation of the tender documents, such
consultation to take place on a timely enough basis to allow the
members of the Operating Committee to make recommendations;
(b) after the expiration of the period allowed for tender, and the
bids have been opened, report details of all bids received and
any rebids, amendments to bids and subsequent negotiations to the
Operating Committee and make a recommendation to them;
<PAGE>
(c) obtain the approval of the Operating Committee to the material
terms of the recommended bid prior to entering into any contract
in respect thereof;
(d) use all reasonable endeavours to ensure that any such contract
can be freely assigned to any of the Non-Operators in the event
of the resignation or removal of the Operator under Article 5.2
and include provisions whereby (a) only the Operator shall incur
any liability to the contractor or supplier under the contract
and (b) the Operator shall be entitled to enforce the contract on
behalf of all the Parties and to recover on behalf of all the
Parties any loss or damage caused by them by breach of such
contract by the contractor or supplier subject to such
limitations and exceptions as may be provided in the contract;
(e) promptly notify the Operating Committee of each such contract and
of any subsequent revisions thereto and furnish copies of all
such contracts and revisions to the Operating Committee.
6.5 REPRESENTATION OF THE PARTIES
Subject to the provisions of the Joint Venture Agreement, the Operator
shall represent the Parties in all matters or dealings with the
Ministry, any other governmental authorities or third parties insofar
as the same relate to the Joint Operations, provided that there is
reserved to each Party the unfettered right to deal with the Ministry
or any other governmental authorities or third parties in respect of
matters relating solely to its own Participating Interest. The
Operator shall in any event give prior notice to the Parties of any
representations which it proposes to make as Operator to the Ministry,
any other governmental authority or third party, which may reasonably
be expected to have a material effect upon the interests of the
Parties, and shall also give notice to the Parties of the results of
any such representation. Non-Operators shall have the right to attend
or be represented at such meetings, and the Operator shall, as early
as practicable, before such meeting, notify the other Parties, of such
meeting. Any Non-Operator proposing to meet with the Ministry or other
governmental authorities shall, as early as practicable, before such
meeting, notify the other Parties and, so far as it may be within such
Party's power, arrange for the other Parties to attend or be
represented at such meeting.
6.6 RECORDS
The Operator shall prepare and maintain proper books, records and
inventories of the Joint Operations which shall be kept in compliance
with the Accounting Procedure and with due regard to the requirements
of the Act, the Joint Venture Agreement and any OPL or OML controlling
as to the Deep Zones of the IMA Field.
6.7 REPORTS
The Operator shall:
<PAGE>
(a) promptly provide each Party with daily drilling reports (by
telex) and monthly production reports of Joint Operations and
such other reports as the Operating Committee shall decide and,
at the sole cost of the Party requesting same, such additional
reports as such Party shall reasonably request; and
(b) promptly make all reports concerning the Joint Operations to the
appropriate governmental authorities as required under the Act
and the Governmental documents governing the Deep Zones of the
IMA Field after review by the Parties concurrently therewith,
furnish copies of all such reports to all the Parties together,
when furnishing to the Parties a copy of the quarterly report to
the Government with a brief commentary on exploration activity.
6.8 CONSULTATION AND INFORMATION
6.8.1 The Operator shall freely consult with the Parties and keep them
informed in a timely manner of matters concerning the Joint
Operations. In particular the Operator shall ensure that the Parties
are advised of circumstances which, in the reasonable opinion of the
Operator, may warrant the taking out of insurance either for the Joint
Account or by the Parties individually.
6.8.2 Without prejudice to the generality of Article 6.8.1, the Operator
shall:
(a) inform each Party of all logging, coring, testing and other
material Joint Operations with such advance notice as is
practicable in the circumstances, so that each Party may, subject
to Article 7.3 have one or more representatives present on
location during the conduct of Joint Operations; and
(b) provide each Party with copies of all well logs and core analyses
and such engineering, geological, geophysical, technical and
other material data and information relating to the Joint
Operations. Further, Operator shall provide a Party with such
additional data and information as such Party shall reasonably
request, at the sole cost of the Party requesting such data and
information.
6.9 JOINT ACCOUNT EXPENDITURES AND ACTIONS
6.9.1 The Operator is authorized to make such expenditures, incur such
commitments for expenditures and take such actions as are required to
properly maintain and operate the Joint Operations and Joint Property
and as shall have been authorized by the Operating Committee in
accordance with Articles XII, XIII, XIV and XV (but subject to Article
6.4.2) or as are authorized under Article 6.9.2.
<PAGE>
6.9.2 The Operator is authorized to make any expenditure or incur
commitments for expenditures or take any actions it deems necessary in
case of an emergency for the safeguarding of lives or property or the
prevention of mitigation of pollution. The Operator shall promptly
notify the Operating Committee of any such circumstances and the
amount of expenditures and commitments for expenditures so made and
incurred and actions so taken.
6.9.3 If necessary to carry out an approved Work Programme and Budget, the
Operator is authorized to make expenditures on a line item of an
approved Work Programme and Budget item in excess of the Work
Programme and Budget approved therefore up to but no exceeding ten
percent (10%) of the value stated in the Work Programme and Budget for
such item provided however that no cumulative total of such
expenditures shall exceed five percent (5%) of the total annual Work
Programme and Budget. Such excess expenditure shall be reported
promptly to the Operating Committee by the Operator.
6.9.4 The Operator is authorized to make expenditures for Joint Operations
in the Deep Zone of the IMA Field during any year not included in an
approved Work Programme and Budget or not provided for in an approved
Work Programme and Budget, limited, however, to a total, not exceeding
$100,000 provided that (a) such expenditures shall not be for purposes
theretofore rejected by the Operating Committee and (b) such
expenditures shall be reasonably necessary for the maintenance of the
Deep Zones of the IMA Field or any Joint Property, and provided
further that the said expenditures will be reported promptly to the
Operating Committee and thereafter the amount for which no prior
Operating Committee authorization is required shall be increased back
to the said maximum of $100,000.
6.10 DISPOSAL AND ABANDONMENT
6.10.1 If the Operator shall consider that any item of Joint Property is no
longer needed or suitable for the Joint Operations the Operator shall,
subject to the provisions of the Accounting Procedure, dispose of the
same. The Operator shall notify the Operating Committee of such
disposal as soon as practicable thereafter.
6.10.2 If the Parties shall decide to abandon the Joint Operations or any
part thereof, the Operator shall recover and endeavor to dispose of as
much of the Joint Property as can economically and reasonably be
recovered or as may be required to be recovered under the Act, any OPL
or OML controlling as to the Deep Zones of the IMA Field or any other
applicable law, and the net costs or net proceeds therefrom shall be
charged or credited to the Joint Account for eventual allocation in
proportion to the Participating Interests of the Parties.
<PAGE>
6.10.3 Without prejudice to Article 6.10.2, following any proposal made to
the Operating Committee for the Operator to prepare a development Work
Programme and Budget for a particular Discovery, the Parties shall,
before submission to the Ministry of a programme in good faith
negotiate, agree and execute an Abandonment Agreement relating to the
abandonment (which expression shall include demolition and removal
together with any necessary site reinstatement) of any offshore
installation and pipelines used in connection with the Joint
Operations. The terms of the Abandonment Agreement shall be prepared
in all respects with due regard to and in accordance with the
requirements of the Act and shall provide inter alia for:
(a) an equitable sharing between the Parties of their liability to
meet the costs of and other obligations relating to the
abandonment of such offshore installations and pipelines;
(b) the preparation and periodic review by the Operator for
submission to the Parties of estimates of the likely costs to the
Parties of such abandonment and of the amount and value of the
net recoverable reserves of the field in question, provided that
any Party shall have the right reasonably to require the
preparation of further reports and studies in relation thereto;
(c) the obligation of each party, when the estimated value of the net
recoverable reserves of the field in question equals one hundred
thirty-five percent (135%) of the said estimated abandonment
costs, to provide to the other Parties adequate security for its
liability to meet such abandonment costs;
(d) the determination and periodic review by the Parties (other than
the Party proposing the creation, or maintenance, amendment for
replacement of existing, security for its said liability to meet
such abandonment costs) of the adequacy of such proposal, such
determination to be made by the Operating Committee;
(e) without prejudice to the provisions of paragraphs (c) and (d)
above, the security to be provided by each Party may include but
shall not be limited to: (1) an irrevocable guarantee from such
Party's parent company; (2) an irrevocable guarantee or letter of
credit from a bank or other financial institution having a credit
rating satisfactory to the other Party acting reasonably; (3)
security in favor of the Parties over assets of such party or a
third party; or (4) the establishment of a trust fund to receive
proceeds from such Party's entitlement to production from the IMA
Field;
<PAGE>
(f) in the event of the failure of any Party to satisfy the relevant
proportion of the other Parties as to the adequacy of the
security which it proposes pursuant to paragraph (d) above, such
Party shall be obliged to pay proceeds from such Party's
entitlement to production from the IMA Field to the Operator or
an independent third party as trustee for the Parties, which
proceeds shall be deposited and retained in an interest-bearing
account; property in the payment into such account shall pass to
the trustee at the time of their payment into the account;
failure to make such payments shall constitute a default for the
purposes of Article 17; upon the liability of the Parties to meet
their respective abandonment obligations failing to be discharged
such proceeds shall be applied in the discharge of the said
respective liability of the Party obliged to make such payments
and any balance shall be returned to such Party;
(g) any Party intending to assign the whole or any part of its
interest in the Deep Zones in the IMA Field and in and under this
Agreement shall require the assignee of the interest to be
assigned and novated into the Abandonment Agreement and assumes
any liability thereunder corresponding to the said interest to be
assigned to it, and no person shall acquire such interest until
such obligation on the part of such Party has been discharged.
ARTICLE VII - RIGHTS OF THE PARTIES
-----------------------------------
7.1 RESERVATION OF RIGHTS
Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Joint Venture
Agreement, each Party reserves all its rights under the Deep Zones of
the IMA Field.
7.2 INSPECTION RIGHTS
Each Party shall have the right to inspect, at all reasonable times
during usual business hours, all books, records and inventories of any
kind or nature maintained by or on behalf of the Operator and relating
to the Joint Operations other than those books, records and
inventories maintained by the Operator as the owner of a Participating
Interest, provided that such Party gives the Operator not less than
fourteen (14) Days' prior notice of the date upon which it desires to
make such inspection and identifies the person or persons to conduct
such inspection.
7.3 ACCESS RIGHTS
Each Party shall have the right, at all reasonable times and at its
sole risk and expense, of access to the areas contained within the IMA
Field and/or the Joint Operations, provided such Party gives the
Operator reasonable notice of the date such access is required and
identifies the representative or representatives to whom such access
is to be granted. If any party wishes access to be given to more than
one representative at a time the Operator shall not be required to
grant such for the additional representatives if, and to the extent
that, the granting of such access will interfere with the conduct of
Joint Operations.
ARTICLE VIII - THE OPERATING COMMITTEE
--------------------------------------
8.1 ESTABLISHMENT AND POWERS
<PAGE>
To provide for the overall supervision and direction of the Joint
Operations, there is hereby established an Operating Committee which
shall exercise overall supervision and control of all matters
pertaining to the Joint Operations. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, but subject as otherwise provided in the Joint Venture
Agreement and elsewhere in this Agreement, the powers and duties of
the Operating Committee shall include:
(a) the consideration and determination of all matters relating to
general policies, procedures and methods of operation hereunder;
(b) the approval of any public announcement or statement regarding
this Agreement or the Joint Operations;
(c) the consideration, revision and approval or disapproval, of all
proposed Work Programme and Budget and AFE's, all of which are to
be prepared in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement;
(d) the determination of the timing and location of all wells drilled
under the Joint Operations and any change in the use or status of
a well;
(e) the determination of whether the Operator will represent the
parties regarding any matters or dealings with the Ministry, any
other governmental authorities or third parties insofar as the
same relate to the Joint Operations, provided that there is
reserved to each Party the unfettered right to deal with the
Ministry, any other governmental authorities or any third party
in respect of matters relating solely to its own Participating
Interest;
(f) the consideration and, if so required, the determination of any
other matter relating to the Joint Operations which may be
referred to it by the Parties or any of them (other than any
proposal to amend this Agreement) or which is otherwise
designated under the Joint Venture Agreement and this Agreement
for reference to it; and
(g) authorize and supervise Joint Operations that are necessary or
desirable to fulfill the Joint Venture Agreement and properly
explore and exploit the Deep Zones of the IMA Field in accordance
with this Agreement and in the manner appropriate in the
circumstances.
8.2 REPRESENTATION
The Operating Committee shall consist of seven members appointed by
the Parties from time to time on the following terms.
AMNI 6 representatives
Liberty 1 representative
<PAGE>
Each Party shall as soon as possible after the date of this Agreement,
give notice in writing to the other Parties and the Operator of the
name and address of its initial representatives to serve on the
Operating Committee. Any Party may change its representatives by
giving not less than seven (7) Days' written notice of such changes to
the other Party.
8.3 CHAIRMAN
One of the representatives of the Party which is the Operator shall be
the Chairman of the Operating Committee.
8.4 MEETINGS
8.4.1 The Operating Committee shall hold meetings every sixty (60) Days (or
at such other regular intervals as shall be agreed by the Operating
Committee) in Lagos, Nigeria, or at such other place as shall be
agreed by the Operating Committee. The Operator shall call such
meetings and shall give at least twenty-one (21) Business Days' notice
of the time and date of each meeting, together with an agenda and all
available data and information relating to the matters to be
considered at that meeting. By notice to the other Parties, any Party
can advise of additional matters which such Party desires to be
considered at the meeting, and provided such notice is given at least
seven (7) Business Days before the date of the meeting, those matters
will be considered.
8.4.2 The Operating Committee shall hold a special meeting upon the request
of any of the Parties. Such request shall be made by notice to all the
other Parties and state the matters to be considered at that meeting.
Upon receiving such request the Operator shall without delay call a
special meeting for a date not less than seven (7) nor more than ten
(10) Business Days after receipt of the request.
8.4.3 For any meeting of the Operating Committee, the period of notice
stipulated above may be waived with the consent of all the Parties.
8.4.4 Any Party not represented at a meeting may vote on any matter on the
agenda for such meeting by either:
(a) appointing a proxy in writing; or
(b) giving notice of such vote to the Operator prior to the
submission of such matter for vote at such meeting.
8.5 MINUTES
<PAGE>
The Chairman of the Operating Committee shall appoint a secretary for
the Operating Committee who will record resolutions and the result of
voting thereon as directed by the meeting or any Party and who will
prepare the minutes and provide each party with a copy thereof not
more than fifteen (15) Business Days after the end of the meeting.
Each Party shall notify all the other Parties of its approval or
disapproval of the minutes within ten (10) Business Days of receipt
thereof. A Party who fails to do so will be deemed to have approved
the minutes. Any minute approved as aforesaid shall be prima facie
evidence of the decisions taken by the Operating Committee in the
meeting to which such minutes relate. The disapproval of any minute as
aforesaid shall not affect the validity of any decision duly taken by
the Operating Committee in the meeting to which such minute relates.
8.6 ACTION WITHOUT A MEETING
8.6.1 The Parties may vote on and determine by notice to the Operator any
proposal which is submitted to them by the Operator by notice and
which they could validly determine at a meeting of the Operating
Committee if duly held for that purpose. Each Party shall cast its
vote within ten (10) Business Days after the proposal is received by
it except that where the Parties are required to vote on and determine
any proposal relating to the deepening, plugging back, testing,
suspension, or abandonment of a well on which drilling equipment is
then located or any other situation where the matter presented for
consideration by its nature requires determination in less than ten
(10) Business Days and such fact and lesser period are so stated in
the notice submitting the proposal, the Parties shall cast their votes
within such lesser period which shall not be less than forty-eight
(48) hours after receipt of the proposal. Failure by a Party to cast
its vote within the relevant period shall be regarded as a vote by
that Party against the proposal.
8.6.2 The Operator shall give prompt notice of the result of any such voting
to the Parties and any decision so taken shall be binding on the
Parties notwithstanding that any Party shall have requested a special
meeting to discuss any such proposal under Article 8.4.2.
8.7 SUB-COMMITTEES
The Operating Committee may establish such advisory sub-committees as
it considers desirable from time to time. Liberty shall be entitled to
have a representation on any such sub-committee. Each sub-committee so
established shall be given written terms of reference and shall be
subject to such procedures as the Operating Committee shall determine.
The meetings of sub-committees will as far as possible be arranged so
that the minutes of such meetings can be presented to the Parties in
sufficient time for consideration before the next following regular
meeting of the Operating Committee.
8.8 VOTING PROCEDURE
8.8.1 Each member of the Operating Committee shall be entitled to one vote.
<PAGE>
8.8.2 Save as otherwise provided in this Agreement including, without
limitation, Article 8.8.4, all decisions of the Operating Committee
shall be taken by majority vote.
8.8.3 Save as otherwise provided in this Agreement, all the Parties shall be
bound by each decision of the Operating Committee duly made in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
8.8.4 Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, decisions of the
Operating Committee relating to the following matters shall require
the affirmative vote of all members of the Operating Committee:
(a) any modification of or amendment to this Agreement, the Joint
Venture Agreement or the OPL and OML applicable to the Deep Zones
of the IMA Field;
(b) the selection of a new Operator; or
(c) any modification of or amendment to any approved Work Programme,
Budget or AFE, if as a result of such modification or amendment
the cost of the Work Programme, Budget or AFE would be altered by
more than 30%.
8.9 CONCESSION PROVISIONS
8.9.1 Working Obligations
In respect of the working obligations, the Operating Committee
shall, unless and to the extent that relief from such obligations
is sought and obtained from the Ministry, determine the location
and the time at which such obligations are to be discharged.
8.10 NOTIFICATION TO THE COMMITTEE
8.10.1 Information
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, with respect to
any requirement herein that the Operator consult with or inform
the Operating Committee, the Operator shall take all necessary
measures to ensure that all members of the Operating Committee
timely receive adequate notification of such matters and such
reasonable supporting information as any such member may request.
8.11 COSTS
8.11.1 Payment of Costs
<PAGE>
Each Party shall be solely responsible for the costs incurred by
such Party=s representatives with respect to serving on the
Operating Committee including, without limitation, all expenses
related to attending meetings of the Operating Committee.
ARTICLE IX - PROJECT MANAGER
----------------------------
9.1 Pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and Article 6.1.1., the
Operator may appoint a project manager to assist the Operator in the
discharge of its technical and operational functions under this
Agreement.
ARTICLE X - FUNDING OF THE JOINT OPERATIONS
-------------------------------------------
10.1 CASH CALL
Subject to the Joint Venture Agreement, each Party shall pay its
Participating Interest of Petroleum Costs incurred for the Joint
Account and such payment shall be made in accordance with the
following procedure:
10.1.1 The Operator shall, not later than thirty (30) Business Days prior to
the first day of the Cash Call Month, submit to each Party:
(a) an itemized estimate of such cost and expenditures (hereinafter
the "Estimated Expenditures"), as well as an itemized return of
the actual expenditures for the month (hereinafter the "Actual
Expenditure Month") which is two months preceding the Cash Call
Month (the total expenditure in any Actual Expenditure Month is
hereinafter referred to as the "Actual Expenditure" for such
month);
(b) an itemization of the cash available or cash deficit in the Joint
Account as the case may be as of such date as well as any credit
expected to be received in the Cash Call Month; and
(c) such Party's Cash Call for that month which shall be its
Participating Interest share of Estimated Expenditures adjusted
by the case or deficits and credits in (b) above.
10.1.2 Subject to Article 10.1.3, each party shall pay its respective Cash
Call into the Joint Account not later than the due date, which is the
first day of the Cash Call Month. Liberty shall have the right to
request reasonable documentation from Amni evidencing Amni=s deposit
of its portion of the Cash Call in to the Joint Account. Liberty=s
obligation to make payments as provided herein shall be suspended
until such time as Amni provides such reasonable documentation.
<PAGE>
10.1.3 The Parties may dispute a Cash Call on the basis that Operator's
estimated expenditure for the Cash Call Month exceeds what costs and
expenditure should reasonably be incurred for the Joint Account for
that month based on the approved Work Programme and Budget. In the
event that the Parties so dispute any portion of a Cash Call, the
Parties shall give to the Operator a notice in writing specifying the
amount in dispute and the reason therefore not later than eight (8)
Days from the date of receipt of such Cash Call. The Parties may not,
however, dispute any portion of a Cash Call required for the
protection of life and property or for the prevention of pollution
pursuant to sub-Article 6.9.2.
10.1.4 The undisputed portion of the Cash Call shall be paid by the Parties
into the Joint Account not later than the due date and the Parties
shall use their best endeavours to resolve the matter on the disputed
portion promptly. Upon settlement, the disputed portion or amount
agreed, as the case may be, shall be paid by the Parties into the
Joint Account not later than ten (10) days from the date of resolution
of the dispute. If the dispute is not settled by the date Parties
receive the Operator's itemized return of actual expenditures for the
Cash Call Month with respect to which the dispute arose, as included
with the submittal referred to in Article 10.1.1(a), provided such
actual expenditures are in accordance with approved Work Programme and
Budget under this Agreement, or are expenses incurred pursuant to
Article 6.9.2, the Parties shall pay the Joint Account, by the due
date of the next Cash Call, or shall receive a credit against the
amount of such Cash Call, as the case may be, the difference between:
(1) the undisputed portion of the Cash Call with respect to which the
dispute arose and which has already been paid by Parties, and
(2) the actual expenditure for such Cash Call Month.
10.1.5 Unless otherwise agreed, each Party shall pay its Cash Call entirely
in the currency of the Cash Call.
10.2 PAYMENTS FOR JOINT OPERATIONS EXPENDITURES
Except as may otherwise be agreed by the Parties, all payments for
Joint Operations expenditures shall be made solely from the Joint
Accounts.
10.3 FAILURE OF A PARTY TO PAY A CASH CALL
If a Party fails to meet its Cash Call by the due date specified in
Article 10.1.2 such Party shall become the Defaulting Party and
Article XVIII of this Agreement shall apply.
ARTICLE XI - INSURANCE AND LITIGATION
-------------------------------------
11.1 INTENTIONALLY DELETED
<PAGE>
11.2 JOINT ACCOUNT INSURANCE
The Operator shall at all times while Joint Operations are conducted,
subject to Operating Committee=s approval on policy terms and
conditions, obtain and maintain for itself and Non-Operator and pay
for, and charge to the Joint Account all insurance in the types and
amounts required by the Joint Venture Agreement and applicable laws,
rules and Regulations in respect of the Joint Property and Joint
Operations, including but not limited to the following:
(a) employer's liability insurance covering each employee engaged in
the Joint Operations when such employee is not covered by
workmen's compensation;
(b) comprehensive general third party liability and property damage
insurance covering Joint Operations endorsed to include offshore
operations, seepage and pollution to a limit of not less than US
$15,000,000 or its equivalent in local currency;
(c) motor vehicle liabilities insurance;
(d) aviation liability to a limit of not less than US $15,000,000 or
its equivalent in local currency;
(e) charterer's legal liability insurance to provide coverage arising
out of the use of any chartered barges or vessels;
(f) marine insurance; and
(g) any insurance required by any contract entered into by the
Operator in furtherance of Joint Operations including
contractor's all risk insurance.
11.2.1 The Operator shall obtain and maintain such other insurance at
competitive rates, as may be determined by the Operating Committee.
11.2.2 The insurance carried by the Operator pursuant to Article 11.2 hereof
shall name the Non-Operator as additional or coinsured and
underwriters shall waive all rights of subrogation in favour of the
Non-Operator and its employees.
11.2.3 In the event that the Operator fails to take out and maintain any of
the insurance policies provided for in Article 11.2, being an
insurance which the Operator is obliged to take out, the Operator
shall be solely responsible for any loss, claims, demands or damages
arising therefrom, except where the Operator has used all reasonable
endeavours to obtain or maintain such insurance but has been unable to
do so and has promptly notified the Non-Operator.
<PAGE>
11.2.4 The Operator shall use its best efforts to require all contractors and
subcontractors, if any, to maintain insurance of such types and in
such amounts required by any applicable laws, rules and Regulations or
any decision of the Operating Committee while performing work in
respect to Joint Operations, provided that such insurance policies
shall include waivers of all rights or recourse, by subrogation or
otherwise, against the Parties and their respective Affiliates,
directors, servants, agents and employees. The Operator shall use its
best efforts to require all such contractors to name the Parties as
additional insureds on the contractor's insurance policies.
11.2.5 Where applicable, the Operator shall use reasonable efforts to ensure
that marine drilling rigs and work boats used in Joint Operations are
insured by the owners of such vessels on a full form (hull, tackle and
machinery) or on an all risks form, that adequate protection and
indemnity, collision and tower's liability insurance is maintained by
such owners and that such insurance policies include waivers of all
rights, by subrogation or otherwise, against the Parties and their
respective Affiliates, directors, servants, agents and employees.
11.2.6 The Operator shall in respect of all insurance to be obtained pursuant
to this Article 11.2 from the Effective Date and thereafter before the
end of each year:
(a) upon notice to the Operating Committee, discuss and obtain the
approval of the Operating Committee on premium rates and policy
terms and conditions including but without limitation to
deductibles and insured value.
(b) promptly notify the Operating Committee of any loss.
(c) duly file all claims and take all necessary and proper steps to
collect any proceeds and credit them to the Joint Account.
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Article 11.2.6 herein,
Non-Operators may appoint an insurance broker or brokers to look after
their insured interests hereunder.
11.2.7 The Operator shall, not later than thirty (30) Days from the date of
the issuance of an Insurance Policy or renewal of same pursuant to
this Agreement, furnish Non-Operator with true copies of the Policies
or renewal endorsements with respect to the insurance required under
Article 11.2 hereof.
11.2.8 All policies and certificates of insurance obtained and maintained in
accordance with Articles 11.1 and 11.2 shall state:
(a) the types and amounts of insurance carried;
(b) the insurance company or companies underwriting the coverage;
(c) the effective and expiration dates of all policies;
<PAGE>
(d) that each Party shall be given not less than thirty (30) Days'
advance written notice of any material changes or cancellation of
any policy;
(e) that a written waiver of subrogation endorsement in favour of the
Party not carrying the insurance has been attached to all
policies of insurance required under Article 11.1 hereof; and
(f) the territorial limits of all policies.
11.2.9 Liability of Operator under Article 11.2.3 for failure to take out the
insurance required by Article 11.2, except where so agreed to by
Non-Operator in writing, shall not be diminished by the provision of
the information required under Article 11.2.8.
11.2.10 The limits of insurance coverage set forth in Article 11.1 or 11.2 are
meant to be minimum amounts only. Insurance Policies pursuant to this
Article XI shall be obtained and maintained, or extended as the case
may be, by the relevant Party to such further limits as the Operating
Committee shall determine and advised to the Parties, based on the
scope and risk of planned operations.
11.3 INDEMNITY
11.3.1 Except as otherwise provided in this Article XI and in Article 6.2.3,
any loss or damage suffered by the Parties or either of them from
third party claims arising out of the Operator's conduct of the Joint
Operations shall be for the Joint Account. Any loss, damage or costs
suffered by the Operator from claims arising out of the Operator's
conduct of the Joint Operations and any recovery from insurance
provided under Article 11.2 shall be for the Joint Account.
11.3.2 If any Party fails to take out and maintain any insurance policy which
such Party is obliged to take out under Article 11.1, such Party shall
hold harmless and indemnify the other Party from and against all
claims, actions causes of actions, loss and damage suffered by each
other Party arising out of, or in connection with, such failure.
11.4 LITIGATION
11.4.1 The Operator shall promptly notify the Parties of:
(a) any incidents, accidents or circumstances causing damage to Joint
Property, the cost of which may exceed $250,000 or such lesser
amounts as shall from time to time be determined by the Operating
Committee; and
<PAGE>
(b) any claim, litigation, lien, demand or judgment relating to the
Joint Operations where the total amount in dispute and/or the
total amount of damages together with any costs are estimated to
exceed $100,000, or such lesser amount as shall from time to time
be determined by the Operating Committee.
The Operator shall have the authority to commence, prosecute, defend,
pursue or settle any claim, litigation, lien, demand or judgment
relating to the Joint Operations (other than between the Parties) both
on behalf of itself and, if appropriate, the other Parties provided
that:
(i) in the case of any litigation (irrespective of the estimated
amount of damages and costs) to be pursued, prosecuted or
defended otherwise than in any court in Nigeria, the
Operator shall have no such authority without the prior
approval of all the Parties except such authority as may be
necessary:
(1) to prevent judgment being given against any Party while
full authority of the Parties is being sought; or
(2) solely to enable the Operator to contest the exercise
by the relevant court of jurisdiction in the matter,
provided that the Operator first obtain legal advice in
the relevant jurisdiction from an appropriate reputable
legal practitioner that the contest itself would not
constitute submission by the Operator to such
jurisdiction; and
(ii) where the total amount in dispute and/or the total amount of
damages together with any costs are estimated to exceed
$100,000 or such lesser amount as shall from time to time be
determined by the Operating Committee, the Operator shall
have no authority (subject to subparagraph (i) above)
without the prior approval of the Operating Committee.
11.4.2 Any Non-Operator shall promptly notify the other Parties of any claim,
litigation, lien, demand or judgment brought by it or against it
relating to, or which may affect the Joint Operations. If such claim,
litigation, lien, demand or judgment would give rise to any claim for
indemnity under Article 23.2.2, the Operator shall have the authority
to take over the conduct of such claim, litigation, lien, demand or
judgment and Article 11.4.1 shall apply thereto.
11.4.3 Notwithstanding Articles 11.4.1 and 11.4.2, each party shall have the
right to participate in any prosecution, defense or settlement
conducted in accordance with Articles 11.4.1 and 11.4.2 at its sole
cost and expense provided that such participation shall not prejudice
the conduct thereof by the Operator or the interests of the Joint
Operations.
<PAGE>
11.4.4 For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that the conduct of
any litigation involving a Sole Risk Project will be in the hands of
the Participating Party or Parties and at the sole cost and expense of
such Participating Party.
11.5 IMA #11 INSURANCE PROCEEDS
Attached as Schedule E is the AFE that has been submitted by Abacan to
the insurance carriers with respect the insurance claim resulting from
the blow-out of the IMA #9 well. The Parties agree that all insurance
payments received by Abacan with respect to the re-drill of the IMA
#11 well (the AInsurance Proceeds@) shall be Joint Property with each
Party being deemed to have contributed to the Joint Account its
Participating Interest. Amni acknowledges that Liberty shall conduct
all negotiations with the insurance companies liable for payment with
respect to the IMA #9 well blow-out. Liberty shall attempt to cause
the insurance carriers to fund Insurance Proceeds in such a way that
the contractors drilling the IMA #11 well receive payment directly
from the insurance carriers. Amni agrees to use reasonable efforts to
co-ordinate its operations to facilitate Liberty=s efforts to cause
such direct payment. To the extent Liberty is unable to cause the
insurance carriers to pay the contractors directly, then each Party
shall be responsible for its Participating Interest of Petroleum Costs
of the costs of drilling the IMA #11 well and as and when Insurance
Proceeds are received, each Party shall receive its Participating
Interest of Petroleum Costs of such Insurance Proceeds.
ARTICLE XII - EXPLORATION WORK PROGRAMME AND BUDGET
---------------------------------------------------
12.1 ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMME AND BUDGET
The Operator shall, within sixty (60) Days after the execution of this
Agreement and thereafter on an annual basis not later than September
1st in each Calendar Year submit to the Parties a proposed exploration
Work Programme and Budget for the next Calendar Year (the September 1,
1998 delivery shall also include the Work Programme and Budget for the
remainder of the 1998 Calendar Year), showing:
(a) Joint Operations to be performed in the Deep Zones of the IMA
Field and other work to be undertaken;
(b) the information required under the Account Procedure; and
(c) such other information as the Operating Committee shall have
required the Operator to provide.
<PAGE>
12.1.2 The proposed exploration Work Programme and Budget shall be subject to
consideration, revision and approval by the Operating Committee and
the Parties. The Operating Committee shall consider such exploration
Work Programme and Budget and make such revisions thereto as shall be
agreed as soon as practicable but in any event not later than November
30. Not later than December 31, the Operating Committee shall approve
an exploration Work Programme and Budget and such approval shall,
subject to Articles 12.2 and 12.3 authorize and oblige the Operator to
proceed with it.
12.2 AUTHORIZATION FOR EXPENDITURE
12.2.1 Such as provided in Articles 6.9.2, 6.9.3 and 6.9.4, the Operator
shall, before entering into any commitment or incurring any
expenditure under an approved exploration Work Programme and Budget,
submit to each Non-Operator an AFE. An AFE shall be prepared in
accordance with Section 3 of the Uniform Project Implementation
Procedure. Subject to the approval of the AFE hereunder, the Operator
shall be authorized and obliged, subject to Article 12.3, to proceed
with such commitment or expenditure. An AFE shall be approved by
affirmative decision of a majority of the Operating Committee or by
signature of the Parties having an aggregate Participating Interest
sufficient for an affirmative decision of the Operating Committee.
12.2.2 In the event that the Operating Committee gives its approval to any
exploration Work Programme and Budget or any AFE executed in
connection therewith, Liberty may, by notice to AMNI given not more
than thirty (30) Days following the date of Liberty's receipt of
notice of such approval, elect not to proceed with such Work Programme
and Budget or AFE as applicable, and the operations and work covered
by such Work Programme and Budget or AFE shall be conducted as Sole
Risk Operations in accordance with Article XVI with AMNI being the
Sole Risk Party.
12.3 AMENDMENT
At any time either Party may, by notice to the Operating Committee,
propose that an approved exploration Work Programme and Budget and/or
an approved AFE be amended. The Operating Committee shall consider
such proposal and, if the Operating Committee so requires, the
Operator shall prepare and submit to the Parties a revised exploration
Work Programme and Budget incorporating any such amendment and showing
the matter listed in Article 12.1.1 and the information required under
Section 3 of the Uniform Project Implementation Procedure. To the
extent that an amendment is approved by the Operating Committee, the
approved exploration Work Programme and Budget and/or AFE shall be
amended accordingly provided always that any such amendment shall not
invalidate any authorized commitment or expenditure made by the
Operator prior thereto, provided that any revised Work Programme and
Budget or AFE shall be subject to Liberty's rights under Article
12.2.2.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE XIII - APPRAISAL WORK PROGRAMME AND BUDGET
--------------------------------------------------
13.1 JOINT WORK PROGRAMME AND BUDGET
13.1.1 In the event of a Discovery, the Operator shall, if the Operating
Committee so decides and as soon as Practicable after such decision,
submit to each Non-Operator a proposed appraisal Work Programme and
Budget for such Discovery showing:
(a) the wells to be drilled and other projects and work to be undertaken;
(b) the information required under the Accounting Procedure;
(c) details of the number of employees and contract personnel required;
and
(d) such other information as the Operating Committee shall have required
the Operator to provide.
13.1.2 The proposed appraisal Work Programme and Budget shall be subject to
consideration, revision and approval by the Operating Committee. The
Operating Committee shall as soon as practicable consider such
appraisal Work Programme and Budget and make such revisions thereto as
shall be agreed. If the Operating Committee approves an appraisal Work
Programme and Budget, such approval shall be subject to Articles 13.2
and 13.3, authorize and oblige the Operator to proceed with it.
13.2 AUTHORIZATION FOR EXPENDITURE
13.2.1 Save as provided in Articles 6.9.2, 6.9.3 and 6.9.4, the Operator
shall, before entering into any commitment or incurring any
expenditure under an approved appraisal Work Programme and Budget,
submit to the Operating Committee an AFE therefor. An AFE shall be
prepared in accordance with Section 3 of the Uniform Project
Implementation Procedure. Subject to the approval of such AFE
hereunder, the Operator shall be authorized and obliged, subject to
Article 13.3, to proceed with such commitment or expenditure. An AFE
shall be approved by affirmative decision of the Operating Committee.
13.2.2 In the event that the Operating Committee gives its approval to any
appraisal Work Programme and Budget or any AFE executed in connection
therewith, Liberty may, by notice to AMNI given not more than twenty
(20) Days following the date of Liberty's receipt of notice of such
approval or of such AFE, elect not to proceed with such Work Programme
and Budget or AFE as applicable, and the operations and work covered
by such Work Programme and Budget or AFE shall be conducted as Sole
Risk Operations in accordance with Article XVI with AMNI being the
Sole Risk Party.
<PAGE>
13.3 REVIEW AND AMENDMENT
13.3.1 The Operator shall, as and when required by the Operating Committee,
review the approved appraisal Work Programme and Budget and submit to
the Parties a report thereon.
13.3.2 At any time either party may, by notice to the other Party propose
that an approved appraisal Work Programme and Budget and/or an
approved AFE be amended. The Operating Committee shall consider such
proposal and, if the Operating Committee so requires, the Operator
shall prepare and submit to the Parties a revised appraisal Work
Programme and Budget incorporating any such amendment and showing the
matter listed in Article 13.1.1 and the information required under
Section 3 of the Uniform Project Implementation Procedure. To the
extent that any such amendment or revised appraisal Work Programme and
Budget is approved by the Operating Committee, the approved appraisal
Work Programme and Budget and/or AFE shall be amended accordingly,
provided always that any such amendment shall not invalidate any
authorized commitment or expenditure made by the Operator prior
thereto, and further provided that any revised Work Programme and
Budget or AFE shall be subject to Liberty's rights under Article
13.2.2.
ARTICLE XIV - DEVELOPMENT WORK PROGRAMME AND BUDGET
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14.1 JOINT WORK PROGRAMME AND BUDGET
14.1.1 The Operator shall, if the Operating Committee so decides and as soon
as practicable after such decision, submit to the Non-Operators a
proposed development Work Programme and Budget for a Discovery
showing:
(a) the projects and other work to be undertaken;
(b) the information required under the Accounting Procedure;
(c) the manner in which the development is to be managed with details of
the number of employees and contract personnel required;
(d) the estimate of the date of commencement of production and of the
annual rates of production; and
(e) such other information as the Operating Committee shall have required
the Operator to provide.
<PAGE>
14.1.2 The proposed development Work Programme and Budget shall be subject to
consideration, revision and approval by the Operating Committee. The
Operating Committee shall meet to consider such development Work
Programme and Budget as soon as practicable and to make such revisions
thereto as shall be agreed. Unless the Operating Committee otherwise
agrees to an earlier date, the Operating Committee shall approve or
reject the development Work Programme and Budget within thirty (30)
Days of its submission by the Operator to the Parties provided that,
within the said period of thirty (30) Days any Party wishing to carry
out further work or studies in connection with the development of the
Discovery may, by notice to the other Party specifying the further
work or studies, require that the said period be extended up to a
maximum total period of:
(a) in the case of the carrying out of further appraisal drilling of the
Discovery, ninety (90) Days; and
(b) in all other cases, sixty (60) Days;
and in such event the said period shall be so extended. A Party proposing to
carry out further appraisal drilling of the Discovery shall, in its said notice
to the other Party, inform them of its intention and:
(i) the Operator shall carry out such drilling at the risk, cost and
expense of such Party and the provisions of Article XVI (other than
the first sentence of Article 16.3) shall apply as if such Party were
a Sole Risk Party and such drilling were Sole Risk Operation under
that Article;
(ii) such Party shall not be entitled to any reimbursement from the other
Party of the costs and expenses thereof, unless as a result of such
drilling all the Parties decide not to proceed with the development of
the Discovery in which event the other Party shall pay to such Party
within twenty-eight (28) Days of the decision not to proceed with the
development an amount equal to the lesser of the amount it would have
contributed to the Joint Account had such additional drilling or work
been carried out as part of the Joint Operations or its share of the
additional costs incurred; such amount shall be paid in Dollars or
other approved currencies as approved by the Parties applicable to the
costs and expenses; and
(iii) all data and information obtained from such additional drilling and
work shall promptly be made available to, and be owned jointly by, all
the Parties.
14.2 AUTHORIZATION FOR EXPENDITURE
<PAGE>
14.2.1 Save as provided in Articles 6.9.2, 6.9.3 and 6.9.4, the Operator
shall, before entering into any commitment or incurring any
expenditure with respect to the preparation of a development Work
Programme and Budget or under an approved development Work Programme
and Budget, submit to the Operating Committee an AFE therefor. An AFE
shall be prepared in accordance with Section 3 of the Uniform Project
Implementation Procedure. Subject to the approval of such AFE
hereunder, the Operator shall be authorized and obliged, subject to
Article 14.3, to proceed with such commitment or expenditure provided
always that an AFE within an approved development Work Programme and
Budget shall be deemed to have been approved by the Operating
Committee unless, within fourteen (14) Days (or such longer period as
shall have been agreed by the Parties) of its submission to the
Parties, any Party gives notice to the Operator that they require such
AFE to be formally approved by the Operating Committee.
14.2.2 In the event that the Operating Committee gives its approval to any
development Work Programme and Budget or any AFE executed in
connection therewith, Liberty may, by notice to AMNI given not more
than thirty (30) Days following the date of Liberty's receipt of
notice of such approval of such Work Programme, Budget or AFE, elect
not to proceed with such Work Programme, Budget or AFE as applicable,
and the operations and work covered by such Work Programme, Budget or
AFE shall be conducted as Sole Risk Operations in accordance with
Article XVI with AMNI being the Sole Risk Party.
14.3 REVIEW AND AMENDMENT
14.3.1 The Operator shall, in each Year, review the approved development Work
Programme and Budget and submit to the Operating Committee not later
than September 1st a report thereon together with an update of such
development Work Programme and Budget dealing separately with the next
Year and the remaining phase of the approved development Work
Programme and Budget and showing the matters listed in Article 14.1.1
and the information required under Section 3 of the Uniform Project
Implementation Procedure.
14.3.2 At any time either Party may, by notice to the other Party propose
that an approved development Work Programme and Budget and/or an
approved AFE be amended. The Operating Committee shall consider such
proposal and, if the Operating Committee agrees to such an amendment,
the Operator shall prepare and submit to the Operating Committee a
revised development Work Programme and Budget incorporating any such
amendment and showing the matters listed in Article 14.1.1 and the
information under Section 3 of the Uniform Project Implementation
Procedure. To the extent that any such amendment or revised
development Work Programme and Budget is approved by the Operating
Committee, the approved development Work Programme and Budget and/or
AFE shall, subject to obtaining any necessary consent or approval of
the Ministry, be deemed amended accordingly provided always that any
such amendment shall not invalidate any authorized commitment or
expenditure made by the Operator prior thereto, and further provided
that any revised Work Programme and Budget or AFE shall be subject to
Liberty's rights under Article 14.2.2.
ARTICLE XV - PRODUCTION WORK PROGRAMME AND BUDGET
-------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
15.1 ANNUAL WORK PROGRAMME AND BUDGET
15.1.1 The Operator shall not later than September 1st in the year prior to
the commencement of production and each subsequent Year, submit to the
Operating Committee a proposed production Work Programme and Budget
for the Year showing:
(a) the projects and other work to be undertaken;
(b) the information required under the Accounting Procedure:
(c) an estimate of the date of commencement of production (if
approximate) and of the total production by Quarters and the
maximum daily rate to be achieved in each Quarter;
(d) details of the number of employees and contract personnel
required; and
(e) such other information as the Operating Committee shall have
required the Operator to provide.
15.1.2 The proposed production Work Programme and Budget shall be subject to
consideration, revision and approval by the Operating Committee. The
Operating Committee shall consider such production Work Programme and
Budget and make such revisions thereto as shall be agreed as soon as
practicable but in any event not later than October 1st. Not later
than December 31st the Operating Committee shall approve a production
Work Programme and Budget and such approval shall subject to Articles
15.2 and 15.3 authorize and oblige the Operator to proceed with it.
15.2 AUTHORIZATION FOR EXPENDITURE
15.2.1 Save as provided in Articles 6.9.2, 6.9.3 and 6.9.4, the Operator
shall, before entering into any commitment or incurring any
expenditure under an approved Work Programme and Budget, submit to the
Operating Committee an AFE therefor. An AFE shall be prepared in
accordance with Section 3 of the Uniform Project Implementation
Procedure. Subject to the approval of the AFE hereunder, the Operator
shall be authorized and obliged, subject to Article 15.3, to proceed
with such commitment or expenditure. An AFE may be approved by
affirmative decision of the Operating Committee or by signature by
Parties having an aggregate Participating Interest sufficient for an
affirmative decision of the Operating Committee.
<PAGE>
15.2.2 In the event that the Operating Committee gives its approval to any
production Work Programme and Budget or any AFE executed in connection
therewith, Liberty may, by notice to AMNI given not more than thirty
(30) Days following the date of Liberty's receipt of notice of such
approval or of such AFE, elect not to proceed with such Work Programme
and Budget or AFE as applicable, and the operations and work covered
by such Work Programme and Budget or AFE shall be conducted as Sole
Risk Operations in accordance with Article XVI with AMNI being the
Sole Risk Party.
15.3 AMENDMENT
At any time either Party may, by notice to the Operating Committee, propose
that an approved production Work Programme and Budget and/or an approved
AFE be amended. To the extent that an amendment is approved by the
Operating Committee, the approved production Work Programme and Budget
and/or AFE shall be deemed amended accordingly provided always that any
such amendment shall not invalidate any authorized commitment or
expenditure made by the Operator prior thereto, and further provided that
any revised Work Programme and Budget or AFE shall be subject to Liberty's
rights under Article 15.2.2.
ARTICLE XVI - SOLE RISK OPERATIONS
----------------------------------
16.1 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Article XVI:
16.1.1 "Common Costs" means overhead expenses in respect of operating and
maintenance charges and depreciation on common user assets which are
shared by Sole Risk Operations and Joint Operations.
16.1.2 "Exploratory Well" means:
(a) a well drilled in the Deep Zones of the IMA Field in an area
lying outside the interpreted closure of any structural or
stratigraphic trap on which closure a well has been drilled which
is capable of producing Petroleum, or
(b) a well in the Deep Zones of the IMA Field in any area lying
inside the interpreted closure of any structural or stratigraphic
trap, to the extent to which it is deepened or plugged back to a
stratigraphic level different from that to which it had
previously been drilled and found capable of producing Petroleum;
or
(c) any well that has been agreed by the Parties to be an Exploratory
Well.
16.1.3 "Non-Proposing Party/ies" means the Parties not giving notice of an
intention to conduct a Sole Risk Operation.
16.1.4 "Non-Sole Risk Party/ies" means the parties not participating in a
Sole Risk Operation.
<PAGE>
16.1.5 "Production Facilities" means drilling and/or production, platforms
and/or petroleum storage and transportation facilities required to
produce and deliver any Petroleum that may be discovered from an
Exploratory Well within the Deep Zones of the IMA Field.
16.1.6 "Proposing Party/ies" means the Parties giving notice of its intention
to conduct a Sole Risk Operation as hereinafter defined.
16.1.7 "Sole Risk Exploratory Well" means an Exploratory Well drilled by a
Sole Risk Party/ies pursuant to this Article XVI.
16.1.8 "Sole Risk Notice" means a notice given pursuant to Article 16.4 of a
Party's intention to conduct a Sole risk Operation.
16.1.9 "Sole Risk Operation" means an operation conducted for only one of the
Parties in accordance with the provisions of this Article XVI.
16.1.10 "Sole Risk Party/ies" means the Party/ies who undertakes to conduct a
Sole Risk Operation pursuant to this Article XVI.
16.2 SOLE RISK OPERATIONS
Subject to Article 16.3, Sole Risk Operations shall only include and be
undertaken in respect of any one or more of the following activities:
(a) the deepening, side tracking or plugging back of an Exploratory Well;
(b) the drilling of an Exploratory Well including testing and coring
programmes;
(c) the drilling of appraisal and development wells and the installation
of Production Facilities to develop a discovery made by a Sole Risk
Exploratory Well, provided the purchase of such Facilities is not
otherwise to increase or accelerate production of Petroleum from
geological structures in the Deep Zones of the IMA Field other than
the geological structure on which such Sole Risk Exploratory Well was
Drilled;
(d) any other activity or project agreed by the Parties to be undertaken
as a Sole Risk Operation; and
(e) any operation governed by a Work Programme and Budget or an AFE made
pursuant to Articles XII, XIII, XIV or XV for which Liberty has
elected not to participate in pursuant to the terms of such Articles.
16.3 CONDITIONS FOR SOLE RISK OPERATIONS
<PAGE>
(a) No Sole Risk Operation may be conducted if it would adversely affect
Joint Operations or conflict with all or any part of any current Work
Programme and Budget.
(b) No Sole Risk Operation shall be undertaken until:
(i) The operations comprising the Sole Risk Operation shall first
have been proposed in writing to the Operating Committee in
complete form. The appropriate proposal to be in complete form
shall specify as Joint Operations such as location of proposed
well, scope of geological and geophysical programmes, proposed
depth, itemized estimate of the costs thereof, economic analysis,
expected date of commencement and the expected date of
completion.
(ii) The Operating Committee shall have disapproved or be deemed to
have disapproved the proposal, in accordance with the procedures
set forth in Article VIII.
(c) A Sole Risk Operation for the deepening or sidetracking of an
Exploratory Well in course of drilling may be proposed only if such
well has not encountered a Discovery and the Parties have decided to
abandon the well following their receipt of all drilling and Test
results.
16.4 SOLE RISK NOTICE
Within 6 months after the Operating Committee disagrees with a proposal for
Joint Operations or, in the case of Article 16.3 (c) within forty-eight
(48) hours after notice from the Operator recommending abandonment of an
Exploratory Well, any Party may give to the other Party a Sole Risk Notice,
in writing. The Non-Proposing Party shall have ninety (90) Days, after the
receipt of the sole Risk Notice, within which to notify the Party giving
the Sole Risk Notice, whether or not to participate in the costs of such
Sole Risk Operation ("Participation Notice"); provided, however, that in
the case of a Sole Risk activity pursuant to Article 16.3(c) the period in
which to give Participation Notice shall be forty-eight (48) hours.
16.5 SOLE RISK OPERATION AS JOINT OPERATION
If the Non-Proposing Party elects to participate in the proposal which is
the subject of a Sole Risk Notice within the applicable period specified in
Article 16.4, such Sole Risk Operation shall be carried out by the Operator
as Joint Operation and the current Work Programme and Budget shall be
deemed to be amended accordingly.
16.6 SOLE RISK OPERATION
<PAGE>
In the event the Non-Proposing Party does not elect, within the applicable
period specified in Article 16.4 to participate in a proposed Sole Risk
Operation, the Proposing Party shall be entitled to carry out the Sole Risk
Operation at its Sole Risk, cost and expenditure. Costs and expenses of the
Sole Risk Operation incurred by the Sole Risk Party shall be computed in
accordance with the Accounting Procedure.
16.7 OPERATOR OF SOLE RISK OPERATION
Notwithstanding that the Operator may not be the Sole Risk Party, the Sole
Risk Operation shall, subject to Article 16.7.3 and Article 16.8, be
carried out promptly and diligently by the Sole Risk Operator for the sole
account and benefit of the Sole Risk Party.
16.7.1 Any Sole Risk Operation shall be carried out at the sole risk, cost
and expense of, and under the overall supervision and control, of the
Sole Risk Party but otherwise pursuant to this Agreement.
16.7.2 The Sole Risk Operator shall keep and maintain separate books, records
and accounts (including bank accounts) with respect to the Sole Risk
Operations, including Sole Risk share of all Common Costs in
connection therewith, which shall be subject to the right of
examination and audit by the Sole Risk Party and Non-Consenting Party.
16.7.3 The Sole Risk Party shall be obligated to advance the estimated
expenditure for the Sole Risk Operation to the Operator within fifteen
(15) Days after receipt of the Operator's request therefor. The
Operator shall not use, or be required to use, Joint Account funds or
its own funds for the purpose of paying the costs and expenses of the
Sole Risk Operation.
16.8 COMMENCEMENT OF SOLE RISK OPERATION
It is hereby understood and agreed that the Sole Risk Party shall do all
things necessary to enable the Operator on its behalf to commence the Sole
Risk Operation within ninety (90) Days after expiration of the period
specified in Article 16.4 for giving a Participation Notice in the case of
a Sole Risk Operation under Articles 16.2(a), (b), (c) or (e); or within
one hundred eighty (180) Days after expiration of the period specified in
Article 16.4 for giving a Participation Notice in case of projects under
Article 16.2(d); or within 48 hours after expiry of the period specified in
Article 16.4 for giving a Participation Notice in case of projects under
Article 16.3(c). If the Sole Risk Operation specified in the Sole Risk
Notice is not commenced within the period specified in this Article 16.8
for reasons attributable to the Proposing Party, then the right of the
Proposing Party to carry out the Sole Risk Operation shall lapse.
16.9 INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLE RISK OPERATION
The Operator shall, in relation to the Sole Risk Operation, furnish to the
Parties all information and data which the Operator is obligated to give
the Non-Operators under the terms of this Agreement.
<PAGE>
16.10 ELECTION TO PARTICIPATE IN FURTHER WORK
A Non-Consenting Party may at any time, elect to participate in a Sole Risk
Operation by paying to the other Party, an amount equal to its
Participating Interest of Petroleum Costs share of the cumulative cost and
expenditure of the Sole Risk Operation, incurred as of the date of such
election plus 250% thereof ("Re-entry Penalty"). The whole or any part of
the Re-entry Penalty shall be paid in cash in the currency in which the
Sole Risk costs have been incurred or in kind or both as may be mutually
agreed by the Parties. Following an election and payment as aforesaid, such
operations shall be carried out as Joint Operations.
16.11 USE OF JOINT PROPERTY AND PERSONNEL OF THE OPERATOR FOR SOLE RISK
OPERATION
A Sole Risk Party shall be entitled to use Joint Property and personnel of
the Operator for the Sole Risk Operation upon terms and conditions agreed
by the Parties, provided however that it is understood that, at all times,
the Joint Operations shall take precedence over the Sole Risk Operation in
such use of Joint Property and personnel.
16.12 INDEMNIFICATION OF THE NON-CONSENTING PARTY
The Sole Risk Party shall indemnify and hold harmless the Non-Consenting
Party from all suits, claims, liens, liabilities, damages, costs, losses
and expenses whatsoever directly or indirectly caused to third parties or
incurred by the Non-Consenting Party as a result of anything done or
omitted to be done in the course of carrying out the Sole Risk Operation.
16.13 TITLE TO THE SOLE RISK OPERATION, PRODUCTION AND FACILITIES
16.13.1 Subject to Article 16.10, all property acquired through a Sole Risk
Operation, including data and information, shall be wholly owned by
the Sole Risk Party.
16.13.2 In case of a Sole Risk Operation under Article 16.2(d) the relevant
facilities as well as any Petroleum produced therefrom shall be owned
by the Sole Risk Party until such time as the Non-Consenting Party has
elected to participate in further work under the Sole Risk Operation
pursuant to Article 16.10.
16.13.3 Notwithstanding the election of a Non-Consenting Party to participate
in a Sole Risk Operation involving production of Petroleum discovered
as the result of a Sole Risk Exploratory Well, and the payment by the
Non-Consenting Party of the amount of money referred to in Article
16.10, the Non-Consenting Party shall not be entitled to receive any
payment in kind of cash or credit for any Petroleum which was produced
as a result of a discovery from such Exploratory Well prior to the
date of such election and payment. Upon such election and payment
however the Non-Consenting Party shall be entitled to its
Participating Interest of Petroleum produced as a result of a
discovery from such Exploratory Well following such election and
payment.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE XVII - ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE
-----------------------------------
17.1 The Accounting Procedure is hereby made part of this Agreement. In the
event of any conflict between any provision in the main body of this
Agreement and any provision in the Accounting Procedure, the provision
in the main body shall prevail.
ARTICLE XVIII - DEFAULT
-----------------------
18.1 FAILURE TO PAY
If any Party ("Defaulting Party") fails to pay in full its share of
any Cash Call or Advance by the due date as provided in Article X or
elsewhere in this Agreement (including all schedules thereto) (such
date being hereinafter the "Default Date"):
(i) the Operator shall notify by telex all the Parties of such
default as soon as practicable after the occurrence of such
default;
(ii) after the occurrence of such failure to pay, the Operator shall
serve on the Defaulting Party a formal notice (a "Default
Notice") declaring that the Defaulting Party is in default from
and including the Default Date;
(iii)each Non-Defaulting Party shall contribute, as hereinafter
provided, a share of the amount of default in the proportion that
its Participating Interest bears to the total of the
Participating Interests of the Non-Defaulting Parties, and
pending receipt of such additional contributions the Operator
shall make arrangements to meet any commitments falling due by
borrowing the necessary finance from outside sources or by making
the necessary finance available itself and all costs of any such
finance shall be charged to the Non-Defaulting Parties; finance
made available to the Operator shall bear interest calculated on
a day to day basis at the Agreed Interest Rate;
(iv) within five (5) Working Days following the date of notification
by the Operator under Article 18.1(i), the Operator shall notify
all the Parties of the liability of each of the Non-Defaulting
parties to contribute to the amount in default and shall make a
further Cash Call accordingly to take effect on the expiry of the
six (6) Business Days specified in Article 18.1(v);
(v) if such default continues for than six (6) Working Days after the
date of notification by the Operator under Article 18.1(i) each
of the Non-Defaulting Parties shall on the Business Day next
following such sixth Business Day pay the amount notified under
Article 18.1(iv), and thereafter shall continue to pay, in
addition to its share of subsequent Advances, the proportion
specified in Article 18.1(iii) of that part of all such
subsequent Advances attributable to the Defaulting Party until
such time as the Defaulting Party has remedied its default in
full, and failure by a Party to make such payment on behalf of a
Defaulting Party shall likewise and with the same results render
that Party in default; and
<PAGE>
(vi) no Party shall be entitled at any time to call into question any
aspect of the Default Notice or its service on the Defaulting
Party other than on the grounds (a) that the Defaulting Party had
not failed to pay in full its share of any Cash Call or Advance
by the due date as aforesaid, (b) that any such failure was not
continuing at the date of service of the Default Notice (whether
in respect of the whole or any part of the amount which the
Defaulting Party failed to pay as aforesaid), (c) that the
Default Notice was not served on the Defaulting Party.
18.2 REMEDY OF DEFAULT
The Defaulting Party shall have the right to remedy the default at any
time by payment in full to the Operator or, if the Non-Defaulting
Party has paid any amounts under Article 18.1(v), to the
Non-Defaulting Party, in proportion to the amounts so paid by the
Non-Defaulting Party of all amounts which the Defaulting Party has
failed to pay (including the amount of Cash Calls and Advances
attributable to the Defaulting Party which the Non-Defaulting Party
has become liable to pay in terms of Article 18.1(v) together with
interest thereon calculated on a day to day basis at the Agreed
Interest Rate, from and including the due date for payment of such
amounts until but not including the actual date of payment.
18.3 CONTINUATION OF DEFAULT
18.3.1 If a Party defaults after the commencement of commercial
production and has not remedied the default by the sixth Business
Day after Notice thereof from the Operator, the Defaulting Party
shall not be entitled to its Participating Interest of Production
which shall vest in and be the property of the Non-Defaulting
Parties in the proportions which their respective Percentage
Interests of Petroleum Costs bear to the total of the same, and
Operator shall be authorized to sell such Petroleum, at the best
price obtainable under the circumstances and, after deducting all
reasonable costs, charges and expenses incurred by Operator in
connection with such sale, pay the proceeds proportionately to
the Non-Defaulting Parties which proceeds shall be credited
against all monies advanced pursuant to Article 18.1 together
with interest accrued thereon. Any surplus remaining shall be
paid to the Defaulting Party, and any deficiency shall remain a
debt due from the Defaulting Party to the Non-Defaulting Parties.
18.3.2 During the continuation of any default the Defaulting Party shall
not be entitled to be represented at meetings of the Operating
Committee or any sub-committee thereof nor to vote thereat (so
that the voting interest of each Non-Defaulting Party shall be in
the proportion which its Participating Interest bears to the
total of the Participating Interest of all the Non-Defaulting
Parties) and shall have no further access to any data and
information relating to the Joint Operations. The Defaulting
Party shall be bound by decisions of the Operating Committee made
during the continuation of default.
<PAGE>
18.4 In the case of any Sole Risk Project pursuant to clause 16, the
provision of this clause 18 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Sole
Risk Parties.
18.5 From the Default Date the Defaulting Party shall have no further
rights with respect to the Deep Zone of the IMA Field or this
Agreement except as provided for in this clause 18.
18.6 OTHER REMEDIES
All remedies provided hereunder shall be without prejudice to any
other rights available to the Non-Defaulting Parties whether at common
law, pursuant to statute or otherwise.
ARTICLE XIX - DISPOSITION OF PRODUCTION
---------------------------------------
19.1 RIGHT AND OBLIGATION TO TAKE IN KIND
Except with respect to Tax Oil or as otherwise provided in this
Article, each Party shall have the right and obligation to own, take
in kind and separately dispose of its Participating Interest of
Production from any Exploitation Area in such quantities and in
accordance with such procedures as may be set forth in the offtake
agreement referred to in Article 19.2 or in the special arrangements
for natural gas referred to in Article 19.3. If Government is party to
the offtake agreement, then the Parties shall endeavour to obtain its
agreement to the principles set forth in this Article.
19.2 OFFTAKE AGREEMENT FOR CRUDE OIL
If Crude Oil is to be produced from an Exploitation Area, the Parties
shall in good faith, and not less than three (3) months prior to first
delivery of Crude Oil, negotiate and conclude the terms of an
agreement to cover, the offtake of Crude Oil produced under the Joint
Venture Agreement, which agreement shall also provide for the sale of
the Tax Oil by the Operator. The Government may, if necessary and
practicable, also be party to the offtake agreement. This offtake
agreement shall to the extent possible be consistent with the Joint
Venture Agreement, and make provision for:
(a) The delivery point, at which title and risk of loss of
Participating Interest of Production of Crude Oil shall pass to
the Parties (or as the Parties may otherwise agree);
(b) The Operator's regular periodic advice to the Parties of
estimates of totalavailable production for succeeding periods,
Participating Interest of Production and grades of Crude Oil, for
as far ahead as is necessary for the Operator and the Parties to
plan offtake arrangements. Such advice shall also cover for each
grade of Crude Oil total available production and deliveries for
the preceding period, inventory and overlifts and underlifts;
<PAGE>
(c) Nomination by the Parties to the Operator of acceptance of their
Participating Interest of Production of total available
production for the succeeding period. Such nominations shall in
any one period be for each Party's entire Participating Interest
of Production arising during that period subject to operational
tolerances and agreed minimum economic cargo sizes or as the
parties may otherwise agree;
(d) Elimination of overlifts and underlifts;
(e) If offshore loading or a shore terminal for vessel loading is
involved, risks regarding acceptability of tankers, demurrage and
(if applicable) availability of berths;
(f) Distribution to the Parties of Entitlements to ensure, to the
extent Parties take delivery of their Entitlements in proportion
to the accrual of such Entitlements, that each Party shall
receive currently Entitlements of grades, gravities and qualities
of Petroleum similar to Petroleum received by each other Party.
(g) To the extent that distribution of Entitlements on such basis is
impracticable due to availability of facilities and minimum cargo
sizes, a method of making periodic adjustments; and
(h) The option and the right of the other Parties to sell an
Entitlement which a Party fails to nominate for acceptance
pursuant to (c) above or of which a Party fails to take delivery,
in accordance with applicable agreed procedures, provided that
such failure either constitutes a breach of the Operator's or
Parties' obligations under the terms of the Contract, or is
likely to result in the curtailment or shut-in of production.
Such sales shall be made only to the limited extent necessary to
avoid disruption in Joint Operations. The Operator shall give all
Parties as much notice as is practicable of such situation and
that a sale option has arisen. Any sale shall be of the
unnominated or undelivered Entitlement as the case may be and for
reasonable periods of time as are consistent with the minimum
needs of the industry and in no event to exceed twelve (12)
months. The right of sale shall be revocable at will subject to
any prior contractual commitments. Sales to non-affiliated third
parties shall be for the realized price f.o.b. the delivery
point. Sales to any of the Parties or their Affiliates shall be
at current market value f.o.b. the delivery point. The Party
arranging the sale shall pay to the Party whose Entitlement is
involved the above price after deduction of all costs, including
storage costs, incurred in respect of such sale and a marketing
fee of an agreed percentage of the applicable price less
deductions, reflecting actual costs of disposal at immediate
notice. Current market value shall be the value of the
Entitlement in international markets (unless the Entitlement was
required to be delivered into the Government's domestic market,
in which case it shall be the value therein between a willing
buyer and seller and shall be agreed between the two Parties
concerned, or failing agreement, determined by an expert to be
appointed in accordance with procedures set forth in the offtake
agreement.
<PAGE>
19.3 SEPARATE AGREEMENT FOR NATURAL GAS
The Parties recognize that if natural gas is discovered it may be
necessary for the Parties to enter into special arrangements for the
disposal of the natural gas, which are consistent with the Development
Plan and subject to the terms of the Joint Venture Agreement.
ARTICLE XX - CONFIDENTIALITY
----------------------------
20.1 CONFIDENTIALITY DATA AND INFORMATION
All data and information (the "Data") acquired or obtained by any
Party in respect of the Joint Operations and under or pursuant to this
agreement shall be considered confidential and shall be kept
confidential and not be disclosed during the term of this Agreement
and for a period of five (5) years thereafter and shall not be
divulged in any way to any third party without the prior written
approval of all the Parties, provided that:
(a) any Party may, without such approval, disclose the whole or any
part of the Data in good faith:
(i) to any Affiliate of such Party upon obtaining an undertaking
of confidentiality (in similar terms to this Article 20.1)
from such Affiliate;
(ii) to any bona fide prospective assignee of such part upon
obtaining an undertaking of confidentiality (in similar
terms to this Article 20.1) from such assignee and subject
to such Party having given not less than two (2) Business
Days' notice to the other Parties specifying the extent to
which that Party intends to disclose the Data to the
prospective assignee and the name of such prospective
assignee;
(iii)to any outside professional consultants engaged by or on
behalf of such Party and acting in that capacity, upon
obtaining an undertaking of confidentiality (in similar
terms to this Article 20.1) from such consultants, provided
that such Party shall promptly inform the other Parties of
the name of such consultants and the data disclosed to them;
(iv) to any bank or financial institution from whom such Party is
seeking or obtaining an undertaking of confidentially (in
similar term to this Article 20.1) from such bank or
institution;
(v) to the extent required by the Act, the OPL and OML governing
the Deep Zones of the IMA Field, any other applicable law or
the Regulations of the Ministry;
(vi) to the extent that the same has become generally available
to the public other than as a result of any breach by such
Party of its obligations hereunder;
<PAGE>
(vii)pursuant to an order of any court of competent
jurisdiction; or
(viii) any government, stock exchange or securities commission
having jurisdiction over such Party.
(b) the Operator may disclose the Data to such persons as may be
necessary in connection with the conduct of the Joint Operations
upon obtaining an undertaking of confidentiality (in similar
terms to this Article 20.1) from such persons provided that the
Operator shall promptly inform the other Parties of the names of
such persons and of the Data disclosed to them.
In the event of any Party ceasing to hold a Participating Interest,
such Party shall nevertheless remain bound by this Article 20.1.
20.2 TRADING RIGHTS
20.2.1 The Operator may, with the prior approval of the Operating Committee
and on such terms and conditions as it shall approve, exchange any
Data for other similar data and information and the Operator shall
promptly provide all the Parties as shall request the same with
conformed copies of the agreement relating to such exchange and all
such other data and information provided that, notwithstanding the
foregoing provisions of this Article XX, if any Party is also the
owner or part owner of such other data and information it shall not be
entitled to prevent an exchange which has been approved by all the
other Parties.
20.2.2 A Party having acquired any data and information by the conduct of a
Sole Risk Project undertaken under Article XVI shall have the right to
take such data and information as its exclusive property without
seeking the prior approval of the Non-Consenting Parties, save that if
the Non-Consenting Party in accordance with Article 14.4 such data and
information shall thereafter become Joint Property and be subject to
the restrictions imposed by Article 20.1.
ARTICLE XXI - PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
----------------------------------
21.1 Subject to Articles 20.1, 21.2 and 21.3, the Operator shall be
responsible for the preparation and release of all announcements and
statements regarding this Agreement or the Joint Operations provided
always that no such public announcement or statement shall be issued
or made unless prior thereto all the Parties have been furnished with
a copy thereof and the approval of the Operation Committee has been
obtained.
<PAGE>
21.2 Except as provided in Article 21.3, if any Party shall itself wish to
issue or make any public announcement or statement regarding this
Agreement or the Joint Operations it shall not do so unless prior
thereto it furnished all the Parties with a copy of such announcement
or statement obtains the approval of the Operating Committee provided
that, notwithstanding any failure to obtain such approval, no Party or
Affiliate of such Party shall be prohibited from issuing or making any
such public announcement or statement if it is necessary to do so in
order to comply with any applicable law or the regulations of a
recognized stock exchange.
21.3 The Sole Risk Party carrying out a Sole Risk Project (or the operating
if acting as operator for the Sole Risk Operation on behalf of the
Sole Risk Party) shall be responsible for the preparation and release
of all public announcements and statement to the Sole Risk Operation.
The unanimous approval of the Sole Risk Parties (if more than one)
shall be obtained to the terms of any such announcement or statement
before it is released. If, prior to the release of such announcement
or statement, the Non-Consenting Parties shall have discharged in full
their liabilities to the Sole Risk Party in accordance with Article
14.4, the provisions of Article 21.1 will apply.
ARTICLE XXII - OUTGOINGS AND GRANTS
-----------------------------------
22.1 OUTGOINGS
The Parties shall be liable for payments in accordance with their
Participating Interest. The Operator shall pay all such sums for the
Joint Account excepting royalties, petroleum profit taxes and other
taxes and governmental levies. If the Ministry shall require a Party
to deliver Petroleum in place of royalty, the Operator shall, with the
prior consent of each of the Parties, make arrangements with the
Ministry of such delivery.
22.2 GRANTS
Grants received by any of the Parties from any governmental agency or
body in Nigeria or internationally in respect of their respective
expenditures made pursuant to this Agreement will be retained by the
Party receiving the same. The Operator shall supply to any Party
applying for a grant, at the sole cost of the Party requiring the
same, all requisite data and information which such Party may
reasonably require for the purpose.
ARTICLE XXIII - COVENANT, UNDERTAKING, RELATIONSHIP AND TAX
-----------------------------------------------------------
23.1 COVENANT AND UNDERTAKING
Subject to the overriding responsibility of the Operator under Article
6.2.2, each Party hereby covenants and undertakes with the other Party
that it will comply with all the applicable provisions and
requirements of the Act and the OPL and OML establishing the Deep
Zones of the IMA Field and will do all such acts and things within its
control as may be necessary to keep and maintain any OPL and OML
establishing the Deep Zones of the IMA Field in force and effect.
23.2 RELATIONSHIP
<PAGE>
23.2.1 The rights, duties, obligations and liability of the Parties
hereunder shall be several and not joint or collective. Each
Party shall be responsible only for its individual obligations
hereunder. It is expressly agreed that it is not the purpose or
intention of this Agreement to create, nor shall the same be
construed as creating, any mining partnership, commercial
partnership or other partnership, joint venture, association or
trust, or as authorizing any Party to act as an agent, servant or
employee for any other Party for any purpose whatsoever except as
explicitly set forth in the Joint Venture Agreement and this
Agreement.
23.2.2 Subject to Article 6.2.3 each Party agrees to indemnify each
other's Party, to the extent of its Participating Interest share
for any claim by or liability to (including any cost and expenses
necessarily incurred in respect of such claim or liability) any
person not being a Party hereto, arising from or in connection
with the Joint Operations including, without prejudice to the
generality of the foregoing, any claim or liability based on the
tort of negligence.
23.2.3 The Operator hereby covenants and undertakes that it will perform
such acts, execute such documents, and do all other things as may
be necessary to enable it to perform each and every agreement,
covenant, undertaking, obligation and liability made, undertaken
or assumed under this Agreement and further will not perform (or
omit to perform) any act the performance (or the omission of the
performance) of which would, if the Owner were a Party, render
the Owner in breach of any such agreement covenant, undertaking,
obligation or liability.
23.3 TAX
The Operator shall be responsible for reporting and discharging all
taxes relating to the ownership and operation of the properties
subject to this Agreement and shall satisfy such obligations out of
the Tax Oil.
ARTICLE XXIV - ASSIGNMENT AND ENCUMBRANCES
------------------------------------------
24.1 RESTRICTION
This Agreement and all the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and
enure to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns but neither this Agreement not any of the
rights, interest or obligations hereunder or under OML 112, OPL 237 or
in respect of the IMA Field shall be assigned or pledged by any Party
without the prior written consent of the other Party, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld, and the Government, if necessary,
but may be assigned to Affiliates without such consent subject to the
provisions of this Agreement. Further, AMNI hereby consents to a
pledge by Liberty to of its interests in this Joint Operating
Agreement, the Joint Venture and in the Deep Zones of the IMA Field to
financial institutions now or hereafter providing credit to Liberty.
<PAGE>
The Parties acknowledge that the interests conveyed to Liberty with
respect to its 10% undivided interest in the Deep Zones is subject to
obtaining all necessary governmental approvals required to consummate
the transactions provided for herein. The Parties agree to obtain such
approvals as promptly as possible. If by December 1, 1998 the
necessary government approvals have not been obtained, then the
Parties shall enter into such amendments to this Agreement and the
Joint Venture Agreement and such other contractual agreements as are
necessary to provide Liberty (or its nominee) with all of the rights
and benefits that were to be provided to Liberty pursuant to this
Agreement and the Agreements executed in connection herewith.
ARTICLE XXV - WITHDRAWAL
------------------------
25.1 RESTRICTION
No Party may withdraw from this Agreement unless it also withdraws
from the Joint Venture Agreement, and in such case in accordance with
the following provisions of this Article.
25.2 WITHDRAWAL
Subject to the provisions of this Article, any Party may withdraw from
this Agreement and the Joint Venture Agreement by giving notice to all
other Parties stating that it wishes to withdraw from the Joint
Venture Agreement and this Agreement and specifying a proposed
effective date of withdrawal which shall be at least sixty (60) Days,
but not more than one hundred eighty (180) Days after the date of such
notice. Such notice shall be unconditional and irrevocable when given.
Within twenty (20) Business Days of receipt of such notice, any of the
other Parties may similarly give notice that it wishes to withdraw
from the Joint Venture Agreement and this Agreement. If all the other
parties give such notice no assignment shall take place, the Parties
shall be deemed to have decided to abandon the Joint Operations and
the Joint Venture Agreement shall be determined on the earliest
possible date. If less than all the other Parties give such notice,
the withdrawing Parties shall withdraw from the Joint Venture
Agreement and this Agreement and the non-withdrawing parties shall
take the place of the withdrawing parties in accordance with Article
25.3 without compensation whatsoever.
25.3 CONDITIONS
With respect to Article 25.2:
(a) a withdrawing Party shall assign all of its said interest to the
non-withdrawing Parties and such interest shall (unless otherwise
agreed by such non-withdrawing parties) be allocated to them in
the proportions in which their respective Participating Interest
prior to the effective date of withdrawal (as hereinafter
defined) bear to the total of the same;
<PAGE>
(b) a withdrawing Party shall promptly join in such actions as may be
necessary or desirable to obtain any necessary or desirable to
obtain consent or approval of the Ministry in connection with,
and shall execute and deliver all documents necessary to effect
any such assignment and a withdrawal shall not be effective and
binding upon the Parties until the date upon which the same shall
have been done (the "effective date of withdrawal");
(c) a withdrawing Party shall promptly join in all actions required
by the other Parties for the maintenance of the Deep Zone of the
IMA Field provided that its participation in such actions shall
not cause it to incur after the date on which notice of
withdrawal shall have been given any financial obligations except
as provided in this Article XXV;
(d) a withdrawing Party shall pay all fines and penalties which may
be prescribed by the Ministry and all costs and expenses incurred
by the other Parties in connection with such withdrawal;
(e) a withdrawing Party shall not be allowed to withdraw from the
Joint Venture Agreement and this Agreement if its said interest
is subject to any liens, charges or encumbrances other than rent
and royalty payable under the OML and OPL governing the Deep
Zones of the IMA Field, unless the other Parties are willing to
accept the assignment subject to such additional liens, charges
and encumbrances;
(f) unless the Party or Parties acquiring its said interest agree to
accept the withdrawing Party's liabilities and obligations, a
withdrawing Party shall remain liable and obligated for its
Participating Interest share of all expenditure accruing to the
Joint Account under any Work Programme and Budget approved by the
Operating Committee and authorized by AFE prior to the date on
which notice of withdrawal is given even if the operations
concerned are to be implemented thereafter provided always that
this sub-paragraph (f) shall not render a withdrawing Party
liable for any amounts which such Party would not have been
obliged to pay had it not withdrawn; and
(g) a withdrawing Party shall remain liable and obligated for its
Participating Interest share of all net costs and obligations
that in any way relate to the abandonment of Joint Operations or
a Sole Risk Project in which such withdrawing Party participated
if abandonment occurs within five (5) years after the effective
date of withdrawal and, prior to such withdrawal, such
withdrawing Party shall provide the other Parties with such
security therefor as is acceptable to all such other Parties.
<PAGE>
(h) If such withdrawing Party has, at the effective date of the
withdrawal, already provided security for abandonment costs
pursuant to an Abandonment Agreement entered into pursuant to
Article 6.10.3 the adequacy of such security (both in terms of
the proposed withdrawal in question and otherwise) shall be
reviewed by the non-withdrawing Parties. Without prejudice to the
right of the majority in Participating Interests of the
non-withdrawing Parties to require the withdrawing Party to
provide additional or substitute security for its said share, if
the said majority of the non-withdrawing Parties determines that
the security in question should not be released, the withdrawing
Party shall not be entitled to any such release and the security
in question (together with such additional security as the
majority in Participating Interests of the non-withdrawing
Parties shall have required the withdrawing Party to provide)
shall be held as security for such withdrawing Party's said share
until its liability under this Article 25.3(h) has been
discharged.
ARTICLE XXVI - FORCE MAJEURE
----------------------------
26.1 The obligations, so far as and to the extent that the obligations are
affected, of each of the Parties hereunder, other than the obligations to
make payments of money or furnish security, shall be suspended during the
period and to the extent that such Party is rendered unable, wholly or in
part, from carrying out its obligations under this Agreement by 'Force
Majeure' (as hereinafter defined). In such event, such Party shall give
notice of suspension as soon as reasonably possible to the other Parties
stating the date and extent of such suspension and the cause thereof. Any
of the Parties whose obligations have been suspended as aforesaid shall use
all reasonable endeavours to remedy such cause and shall resume the
performance of such obligations as soon as reasonably possible after the
removal of the cause and shall so notify all the other Parties.
26.2 For the purposes of this Agreement, "Force Majeure" shall mean any event
beyond the reasonable control of a Party and which by the exercise of
reasonable efforts, the Party is not able to prevent, and includes, but is
not limited to, such events as governmental restrictions, strikes,
lockouts, shortages of labor or material, acts of God, insurrection, riots,
wars, fire, storms, hurricanes, floods and the like.
ARTICLE XXVII - NOTICES
-----------------------
27.1 Except as otherwise specifically provided, all notices authorized or
required between the Parties by any of the provisions of this Agreement
shall be delivered pursuant to Article 15.5 of the Joint Venture Agreement.
ARTICLE XXVIII - DISPUTE RESOLUTIONS PROVISIONS
-----------------------------------------------
28.1 This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, interpreted and applied in
accordance with the laws of England.
28.2 Any dispute arising out of and relating to this Agreement and which the
Parties have not settled by themselves, shall finally be decided, to the
exclusion of the courts, by arbitration in accordance with the arbitration
rules of the International Chamber of Commerce. Three arbitrators shall be
appointed, each party appointing one arbitrator, and the two arbitrators
thus appointed choosing the presiding arbitrator. In reaching a decision,
the arbitrators shall be guided by the terms of this Agreement and
international practice in similar agreements.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by
their duly authorized officers and representatives as of the day and year first
above written.
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED
for and on behalf of for and on behalf of
AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES
DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED LTD.
By: /s/ Tunde J. Afolabi By: /s/ Wade G. Cherwayko
----------------------- ------------------------
Name: TUNDE J. AFOLABI Name: Wade G. Cherwayko
Designation: Managing Director ------------------------
Chief Executive Officer Designation: President
------------------------
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE "A"
------------
ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE
--------------------
This Schedule "A" is attached to and forms part of the Joint Operating Agreement
made between AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED AND
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD. the 30th day of June, 1998, (the "Agreement").
I DEFINITIONS AND PURPOSE
-------------------------
1.1 Words and phrases defined in Article 1 of the Agreement, when used herein,
shall have the meaning assigned to them therein.
1.2 The purpose of this Accounting Procedure is to establish equitable methods
and rules for determining and reporting changes and credits applicable to
Joint Operations under this Agreement, to the end that the Operator shall,
subject to the provisions of this Agreement, neither gain nor lose by
reason of the fact that it acts as the Operator.
II CHARGEABLE COSTS AND EXPENDITURES
------------------------------------
The Operator shall charge the Joint Account for all reasonable costs and
expenses made in connection with the conduct of Joint Operations (the
Operator shall not charge the Joint Account, and the Parties shall not be
liable, for any unreasonable costs and expenses). Such costs shall include,
but not be limited to:
2.1 CONCESSION PAYMENTS
--------------------
All direct costs necessary to acquire and to maintain rights to the Deep
Zones of the IMA Field or to acquire and to maintain such permits as are
required for the Joint Operations.
2.2 LABOUR AND RELATED COSTS
---------------------------
Salaries and wages, including bonuses of employees of the Operator who are
directly engaged in the conduct of Joint Operations, whether temporarily or
permanently assigned, irrespective of the location of such employees. The
costs of salaries and wages referred to herein shall include, without
limitation, the costs of employee benefits, customary allowances and
personal expenses incurred under the Operator's allowances and personal
expenses incurred under the Operators' practice and policy, and amount
imposed by applicable Governmental authorities, which are applicable to
such employees. These costs and expenses shall include:
2.2.1 Cost of established plans for employee group life insurance,
hospitalization, pension, retirement, savings and other benefits
plan;
2.2.2 Cost of holidays, vacations, sickness and disability benefits;
<PAGE>
2.2.3 Cost of living, housing, and other customary allowances;
2.2.4 Reasonable personal expenses which are reimbursable under the
Operator's standard personnel policies;
2.2.5 Obligations imposed by Government authorities;
2.2.6 Cost of transportation of employees, other than as provided in
paragraph 2.3 below, as required in the conduct of Joint
Operations.
2.2.7 Charges in respect of employees temporarily engaged in Joint
Operations calculated to reflect the actual costs thereto during
the period or period of such engagement.
2.3 EMPLOYEE RELOCATION AND RELATED COSTS
-----------------------------------------
For the purposes of this paragraph 2.3, the following words shall have the
following respective meanings, namely:
"Relocation Costs" means, with respect to employees of the Operator
-----------------
relocation costs, Transportation Costs and transfer expenses, in conformity
with the Operator's established and Customary practices, including
transportation of such employees' families and their personnel and
household effects.
"Transportation Costs" for the above purpose shall include the cost of
---------------------
freight and passenger service, meals, hotels, and other expenditures
related to the transfer.
2.3.1 Relocation Costs, Transportation Costs and transfer expenses, within
Nigeria, for personnel engaged in Joint Operations.
2.3.2 Relocation Costs and Transportation Costs with respect to expatriate
employees, including:
(a) Relocation Costs and Transportation Costs for the Operator's
employees and their families transferring to the Joint
Operations;
(b) Relocation Costs and other related expenses incurred in the final
repatriation or transfer of the Operator's expatriate employees
and families in the case of such employees' retirement or
separation from the company, or
in the case of such employees' relation to the Operator's Head
Office.
<PAGE>
PROVIDED HOWEVER, that:
(a) Relocation Costs incurred in moving an expatriate employee and
his family beyond his point of origin, established at the time of
his transfer to Nigeria, will not be charged to the Joint
Account; and
(b) no charge shall be made to the Joint Account with respect to
expenses incurred in the final repatriation or transfer of the
Operators' expatriate employees and families to other areas
outside of the Contract Area.
2.3.3 Relocation Costs and Transportation Costs with respect to
Nigeria employees on training assignments outside the Contract
Area.
2.3.4 Charges in respect of employees temporarily engaged in Joint
Operations shall be calculated to reflect the actual costs
thereto during the period or periods of such engagement.
2.4 SERVICES PROVIDED BY THIRD PARTIES/MARKET ORIENTATED AFFILIATES
---------------------------------------------------------------------
The cost of professional, technical, consultation, utilities and other
services procured from third party sources pursuant to any contract or
other arrangement between such third parties and the Operator for the
purposes of the Joint Operations.
2.5 SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE OPERATOR'S AFFILIATES, NON-OPERATOR OR
----------------------------------------------------------------------
NON-OPERATORS AFFILIATES
-------------------------
The cost of professional, administrative, scientific and technical services
provided or performed by the Non-Operator, or by any Affiliate of the
Operator or Non-Operator for the direct benefit of Joint Operations,
including, but not limited to, services provided by the Producing,
Exploration, Legal, Financial, Purchasing, Insurance, Accounting, and
Computer Services Departments of Non-Operator or such Affiliates.
2.5.1 Costs and charges hereinabove referred to shall include, without
limitation, the costs and charges for specific projects or
studies carried out for the Joint Account by Non-Operators or
Non-Operators' Affiliates.
2.5.2 Charges for providing the above services shall reflect the actual
cost only of providing such services and shall not include any
element of profit.
2.5.3 The charge out rate shall include all costs and expenses
incidental to the employment of the personnel utilized for the
aforesaid services.
<PAGE>
2.5.4 The charges for services rendered for purchasing and/or for
coordinating forwarding and expediting shall be chargeable to the
extent that the same have not been fully reimbursed under
provisions of Article 3.1.3 hereof.
2.6 DAMAGE AND LOSS TO JOINT PROPERTY
--------------------------------------
Subject to the provisions of paragraph 2.6.2 hereunder, all costs or
expenses incurred for the repair or replacement of Joint Property resulting
from damages or losses by fire, flood, storm, theft, accident or any other
cause shall be for the Joint Account.
2.6.1 The Operator shall furnish the Non-Operators with written notice
of any occurrence of damage or loss incurred which is estimated
to exceed $50,000.00 as soon as practicable after the occurrence
of the event giving rise to the said damage or loss.
2.6.2 Where the loss or damage, referred to in this paragraph 2.6 is
insured against pursuant to this Agreement, any recoveries or
deductibles under the relevant insurance policies shall be for
the Joint Account. Recoveries or deductibles relating to
insurance obtained by an individual Party shall be for the sole
account of that Party.
2.7 LEGAL EXPENSES
---------------
All costs or expenses of handling, investigating, asserting defending and
settling litigation or claims arising our of or relating to Joint
Operations or necessary to protect or recover the Assets, including, but
not limited to legal fees, court costs, arbitration costs, cost of
investigation or procuring evidence and amounts paid in settlement or
satisfaction of any such litigation, arbitration or claims in accordance
with the provisions of this Agreement.
2.8 DUTIES AND TAXES
------------------
All duties and taxes, fees and government assessment of every kind and
nature except as excluded by this Agreement.
2.9 COSTS OF OFFICES, CAMPS, AND MISCELLANEOUS FACILITIES IN NIGERIA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net costs of establishing, maintaining, and operating offices, camps,
warehouses, housing and other facilities serving the Joint Operations. If
such facilities serve other operations in addition to the Joint Operations,
the net cost thereof shall be allocated to the properties and facilities
served on such equitable basis as may be approved by the Operating
Committee pursuant to Article 2.12 of this Agreement.
<PAGE>
2.10 OPERATOR'S PARENT COMPANY HEAD OFFICE OVERHEAD
---------------------------------------------------
The charge for the Operator's parent company overhead (hereinafter called
"Head Office Overhead Charge").
2.10.1 The Head Office Overhead Charge shall cover professional,
administrative and technical services which include, but are not
limited to, production, exploration, treasury, payroll,
communications, personnel, executive administrative management,
central engineering and process engineering services provided by
the Operator's parent company Head Office or any of its
Affiliates to the extent not chargeable under paragraph 2.5 of
this Schedule "A."
2.10.2 In respect to the Operator's Head Office Overhead Charge, the
Operator shall charge monthly to the Joint Operations an amount
based on one-twelfth (2) of the estimated annual Head Office
Overhead Charge. Adjustments of the Head Office Overhead Charge,
based on actual expenditures, will be made at the end of each
calendar year.
2.10.3 For the purpose of calculating the Head Office Overhead Charges
pursuant to paragraph 2.10.2 hereof, costs, charges, and
expenditures relating to royalties, Concession rentals, taxes,
fees and charges paid to any government or taxing authority,
shall be excluded.
2.11 COSTS OF MATERIAL
-------------------
The costs of materials purchased or furnished by the Operator for use in
Joint Operations as provided under Section 3 of this accounting procedure.
2.12 COST OF THE OPERATOR'S EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES
-----------------------------------------------------
The costs of equipment and Facilities owned and furnished by the Operator
or any of its Affiliates shall be charged to the Joint Account at rates
commensurate with the cost of ownership and operation.
2.12.1 The rates charged pursuant to this paragraph 2.12 shall not
exceed those currently prevailing for the supply of like
equipment and facilities on comparable terms in the area where
the Joint Operations are being conducted.
2.12.2 The equipment and facilities referred to herein shall exclude
major investment items such as, but not limited, to, drilling
rigs, producing platforms, oil treating facilities, oil and gas
loading and transportation systems, and terminal facilities and
other major facilities, charges for which shall be subject to a
separate agreement.
<PAGE>
2.13 OTHER EXPENDITURES AND COSTS
-------------------------------
Any other expenditures and costs, not covered or dealt within the foregoing
provisions of this Section 2, which are incurred by the Operator in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
III MATERIALS ADMINISTRATION
-------------------------
Costs, expenses, credits and other charges in respect of materials and
supplies, equipment, machines, tools and any other goods of a similar
nature acquired, used, consumed or disposed for the purposes of, or in the
course of the conduct of, the Joint Operations shall be for the Joint
Account as set forth in this Section 3.
3.1 MATERIALS ACQUISITION
----------------------
Materials purchased by the Operator shall be at Net Cost. "Net Cost" shall
include, but shall not be limited to, the invoice price less trade and cash
discounts actually received, purchase and procurement fees, freight and
forwarding charges, between point of supply and point of shipment, freight
to port of destination, insurance, customs duties, consular fees, excise
and other applicable taxes, other times chargeable against imported
materials and, where applicable, handling and transportation expenses from
point of importation to warehouse or operating site.
3.1.1 Except as otherwise provided in paragraph 3.1.4 and 3.1.5 below,
materials for use in the Joint Operations shall be purchased by
the Operator in arm's length transactions in the open market.
3.1.2 The Operator shall be under no obligation to purchase new, used
or surplus materials from the Non-Operators unless such materials
are of the specification required and have a competitive price.
3.1.3 Where an Affiliate of the Operator has arranged for the purchase,
coordinated the forwarding and expediting effort, a fee equal to
four percent (4%) of the FOB value of the materials will be added
to the cost of the materials purchased.
3.1.4 Whenever any material is not readily obtained at published or
listed prices because of national emergencies, strikes or other
usual causes over which the Operator has no control, the Operator
may charge Joint Account for the required material at the actual
cost incurred by the Operator in providing such material, and in
moving it to the Contract Area.
3.1.5 The Operator may purchase or otherwise acquire materials from an
affiliate on the same terms as set forth in this paragraph 3.1.
<PAGE>
3.2 MATERIALS DISPOSAL
-------------------
The operator shall have the right to dispose of surplus materials as
provided in Article 2.10 of this Agreement.
3.2.1 Disposals of surplus material requiring Operating Committee
approval under Article 2.10 of this Agreement shall be effected
in accordance with a disposal and tendering procedure established
for such disposals by the Operator.
3.2.2 Any disposal and tendering procedure established by the Operator
for the purposes of subparagraph 3.2.1 shall:
(i) provide for disposal in arms length transactions in the open
market; and
(ii) include, for the Parties, a preferential right to purchase
same at a competitive price.
3.2.3 Proceeds from each sale or other disposal of material hereunder
shall be credited to the Joint Account.
3.3 INVENTORIES
-----------
At reasonable intervals, inventories shall be taken by the Operator of all
Joint Property. The Operator shall give thirty (30) days written notice of
its intent to take inventory to permit the Non-Operators to be represented
at the taking of such inventory. Failure on the Non-Operators to be
represented after due notice shall bind the Non-Operators to accept the
inventory taken by the Operator as correct.
3.3.1 Reconciliation of the physical inventory with the account of the
Joint Operations shall be made by the Operator and a list of
overages and shortages with relevant explanation where
appropriate shall be furnished to the Non-Operators, if
requested. Appropriate inventory and accounting adjustments shall
thereupon be made to the accounts of the Joint Operations.
3.3.2 Wherever there is a sale or change of interest in the Joint
Property, a special inventory of such Joint Property may be
carried out by the Operator, provided the purchaser of such
interest agrees to bear all of the expenses thereof. In such
cases, both the seller and the purchaser shall be entitled to be
represented at such inventory and shall be bound by inventory
whether or not such representation is provided.
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE "B"
------------
UNIFORM PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURE
----------------------------------------
This Schedule "B" is attached to and forms part of the Joint Operating Agreement
made between AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED AND
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD. the 30th day of June, 1998 ("the Agreement").
I DEFINITIONS
-----------
Words and phrases defined in Article 1 of the Agreement, when used herein,
shall have the same meanings assigned to them therein.
II APPLICATION
-----------
II.1 This Schedule sets out the procedure for initiating projects, tendering for
and implementing contracts and procuring materials and equipment for the
Joint Operations subject to sections 2.2 and 2.4 of this Schedule "B."
II.2 The procedure shall be applicable to all contracts and purchase orders
whose values exceed the respective limits set forth in Article 4.4 of this
Agreement and which, pursuant thereto, require the prior concurrence of the
Operating Committee.
III PROCEDURE FOR INITIATING PROJECTS
------------------------------------
3.1 The Operator realizing the need for a project or contract to which this
procedure applies pursuant to section 2 hereinabove, shall introduce it as
part of the proposed work programmes and budget to be developed and
submitted by the Operator, under this Agreement, to the Operating
Committee.
3.1.1 The Operator shall provide adequate information with respect to the
project including, without limitation, the following:
(i) A clear definition of the necessity and objective of the project;
(ii) Scope of the project; and
(iii) Cost Estimate thereof.
<PAGE>
3.1.2 The Chairman of the Operating Committee shall forward or transmit the
project proposal along with all related documentation prepared and
provided by the Operator pursuant to Subsection 3.1.1 hereof to the
Sub-Committee established pursuant to Article 8.7 of the Agreement.
The Sub-Committee shall consider the proposal at its next meeting and,
if acceptable, shall recommend it to the Operating Committee for
approval.
3.1.3 The Operating Committee may, prior to confirming its approval, make
recommendations to the Operator regarding the selection, scope and
timing of the project. Such recommendations shall constitute an
instruction to the Operator who shall, where applicable, modify its
previous submittal as may be required by the said instruction of the
Operating Committee.
3.1.4 The project as approved pursuant to sub-sections 3.1.2 and 3.1.3 shall
form part of the Work Programme and Budget of the Joint Operations.
Such approval shall also constitute authorizations by the Operating
Committee to the Operator to initiate contacts and purchases relevant
to the project proposal.
3.1.5 Projects design and supervision/management shall first be drawn from
available Operator's in-house expertise or that of the Operator's
Affiliated Companies as approved by the Operating Committee under
approved budget.
3.1.6 After approval of the project/budget, the Operator shall:
(a) promptly provide the Operating Committee with copies of all
approved AFE's;
(b) prepare a detailed project implementation schedule including,
without limitation, detailed engineering design,
material/equipment procurement, inspection, transportation,
fabrication/construction, installation, testing and
commissioning; and
(c) shall present same to the Operating Committee including, without
limitation, the following:
(i) project definition;
(ii) project specification;
(iii)flow diagrams;
(iv) projects schedule;
(v) major equipment specifications; and
(vi) cost estimate of the project.
<PAGE>
(d) prepare an activity status report as directed by the Operating
Committee.
IV CONTRACT TENDER PROCEDURE
---------------------------
4.1 The following tender procedure shall apply to work not directly undertaken
by the Operator itself or by the Operator's Parent Company which have a
cost of $50,000 or less.
4.1.1 The Operator shall maintain a list of approved companies for the
purposes of contracts for the Joint Operations, (the "Approved
Contractors' List"). The Non-Operators shall have the right to
propose companies to be included in the list. Operator shall be
responsible for prequalifying any Contractor to be included in
the Approved Contractors' List.
4.1.2 Contractors included in the Approved Contractors' List shall be
both local and/or overseas companies or entities. They shall also
be registered with the Department of Petroleum Resources of the
Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
4.1.3 When a contract is to be bid, the Operator shall present a list
of proposed bidders to the Operating Committee for concurrence
not less that fifteen (15) working days before issuance of
invitations to bid to prospective contractors. Non-Operators may
propose additional names to be included in the list of proposed
bidders or the deletion of any one thereof. Contract
specifications shall be in English and a recognized format used
in the international petroleum industry.
4.1.4 If the Operating Committee has not responded within fifteen (15)
working days following the presentation of the list of proposed
bidders as aforesaid, the Operator's list shall be deemed to have
been approved.
4.2 The Operator shall establish a Bid Committee who shall be responsible for
prequalifying bidders, sending out bid invitations, receiving and
evaluating bids and determining successful bidders to whom contracts shall
be awarded.
4.3 Analyses and recommendations of bids received and opened by the Bid
Committee shall be sent by Operator to the Operating Committee for
concurrence before a contract is executed with the selected contractor. The
Operating Committee shall respond within fifteen (15) working days.
Approval shall be deemed to have been given if the Operating Committee has
not responded within said period.
4.4 Prospective vendors/Contractors for work estimated in excess of $250,000.00
shall submit the commercial summary of their Bids to the Operator not
earlier than 15 minutes before the closure of Bid as specified in the
letter of invitation to Bid, if requested by the Operator.
<PAGE>
4.5 In all cases in which an entity affiliated or otherwise related to Operator
is invited to bid, the Operator shall make full disclosure to the Operating
Committee of its relationship, if any, with the company or companies.
4.6 The foregoing procedures may be waived in emergency cases. In such cases
the Operator may negotiate directly with contractors. In respect of work
requiring specialized skill, upon the approval of Liberty, the Operator may
negotiate directly with the Contractors and promptly inform the Operating
Committee of the outcome of such negotiation.
V GENERAL CONDITIONS OF CONTRACTS
----------------------------------
Except as otherwise approved by the Parties, the following general
guidelines and conditions of contract shall apply.
5.1 PAYMENT OF TERMS
------------------
5.1.1 A minimum of 10% of contract price shall be held as a retention
payment until after the end of a guarantee period agreed with the
contractor which shall vary between six months and twelve months,
depending on the project, with the exception of drilling and
seismic data acquisition, well surveys and other such services. A
contractor may be given the option to provide other guarantee
equivalent to the 10% retention such as Letter of credit or
Performance Bond.
5.1.2 Provision shall be made for appropriate withholding tax as may be
applicable.
5.2 LANGUAGE OF CONTRACT
----------------------
The language of the contract shall be English.
5.3 LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND PERMITS
---------------------------------
5.3.1 The governing law of all agreements shall be the laws of England.
5.3.2 The Regulations shall apply to contractors performing in Nigeria
and, as far as practicable, they shall use indigenous human and
material resources.
5.3.3 All contracts shall include a provision whereby the Contractor
shall hold the Operator harmless and indemnify the Operator from
and against all liabilities, losses, damages and claims resulting
from claims and suits by third parties.
<PAGE>
5.4 TERMINATION
-----------
Each contract shall also provide for early termination upon notice and the
Operator shall use all reasonable endeavours to obtain a termination
provision with minimal penalty.
5.5 LOCATION SUBSIDIARY
--------------------
Contracts shall provide, in the case of a foreign contractor, that the
local part of the work, where practicable, shall be performed by
contractors' local subsidiary.
6 MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT PROCUREMENT PROCEDURE
-----------------------------------------------
6.1 The Operator may, through own in-house or Parent Company procure materials
and equipment subject to conditions set forth hereinbelow.
6.2 The provisions of this Section 6 shall not apply to lump sum or turnkey
contracts/projects.
6.3 In ordering the equipment/materials, the Operator shall obtain from
vendors/manufacturers such rebates/discounts and such warranties/guarantees
that such vendors/manufacturers normally offer, and all rebates, discounts,
guarantees and all other grants and responsibilities shall be for the
benefit of the Joint Operations.
6.4 The Operator shall:
6.4.1 by means of established policies and procedures ensure that its
procurement efforts provide the best total value, with proper
consideration of quality, service, price, delivery and operating
costs to the benefit of the Joint Operations;
6.4.2 maintain appropriate records, which shall be kept up to date,
clearly documenting procurement activities;
6.4.3 provide a quarterly listing of excess materials in its stock list
to the Operating Committee; and
6.4.4 check the listings from other operators pursuant to subsection
6.4.2 above, prior to initiating any foreign purchase order.
6.5 The Operator shall initiate and maintain policies and practices which
create a competitive environment/climate amongst local and/or overseas
suppliers. Competitive quotation processes shall be employed for all local
procurements where the estimated value exceeds the equivalent of
$150,000.00.
<PAGE>
6.5.1 Fabrication, whenever practicable shall be done locally provided
standards are not jeopardized. To this effective, the Joint
Operations recognize and shall accommodate local offers at a
reasonable premium.
6.5.2 Subject to Article 4.1.1, the Operator shall give preference to
Nigerian Indigenous Companies in the award of sub-contracts
provided the companies possess the requisite skill for the
execution of such contracts.
Contracts within the agreed financial limit of the Operator shall
be awarded to only competent Nigerian indigenous contractors.
Where there are no Nigerian Indigenous contractors possessing the
required skill/capability for the execution of such contracts,
the Operator shall notify the Operating Committee accordingly.
6.6 Analyses and recommendations of competitive quotations received pursuant to
section 6.5 shall be presented to the Operating Committee for approval
before a purchase order is issued to the selected vendor/manufacturer.
6.6.1 Approval shall be deemed to have been given if a response has not
been received within fifteen (15) working days of receiving the
analyses and recommendation presented pursuant to above section
6.6.
VII PROJECT MONITORING
-------------------
7.1 The Operator shall furnish monthly, a project report to the Operating
Committee.
7.1.1 For major contracts exceeding $1,000,000.00, or equivalent, the
Operator shall, in addition, furnish to Operating Committee a
detailed quarterly report which shall include:
(i) Approved budget total for each project;
(ii) Expenditure on each project;
(iii) Variances and explanation;
(iv) Number and value of construction change orders;
(v) Bar chart of schedule showing work in progress and work
already completed and schedule of mile-stones, and
significant events; and
(vi) Summary of progress during the reporting period, summary of
existing problems, if any, and proposed remedial action; and
anticipated problems; and percentage of completion.
<PAGE>
7.1.2 In case of an increase in excess of 10% on the project, the
Operator shall promptly notify and obtain the consent of the
Operating Committee.
7.1.3 Not later that three (3) months following the physical completion
of any major projects over $1,000,000.00, or equivalent, the
Operator shall prepare and deliver to the Operating Committee a
project completion report which shall include the following:
(a) Cost performance of the project in accordance with the work
breakdown at the commencement of the project;
(b) Significant variations in any item or subitems; and
(c) Summary of problems and unexpected events encountered during
the project.
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE "C"
------------
UNIFORM NOMINATION, SHIP SCHEDULING AND LIFTING PROCEDURE
---------------------------------------------------------
[The terms of this Schedule shall be negotiated by the Parties promptly after
the discover of a Commercial Quantities of Petroleum, with all Parties
negotiating in good faith]
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE "D"
------------
MAP OF THE IMA FIELD
--------------------
[MAP OF THE IMA FIELD]
IMA FIELD, OML 112 (FORMERLY OPL 469) ) AND OPL 237
- -------------------------------------------------------------
DEEP ZONES:
All geological formations within and around the Ima Field that are north
(upthrown) and south (downthrown) of the geological fault dividing the Ima
Field, all depths below the geological producing reservoir within the Ima Field,
known as the * F + sand, as currently shown on the maps and schematic
cross-section materials covering the Ima Field annexed hereto as Schedule A, or
a depth of 12,150 feet (true vertical depth), whichever is the lesser depth,
lying within the geological co-ordinates along the northern boundary of OML 112
and OPL 237, to the south boundary of OML 112, to the western boundary of OML
112 and to the eastern boundary of 550,000m E, as annexed hereto as Schedule B.
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE "E"
------------
AFE FOR IMA # 11
-------------------
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.5
DEBENTURE
Dated as of June 30,1998
BETWEEN
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
as the Chargor
AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED
as the Beneficiary
<PAGE>
THIS DEBENTURE is dated as of June 30, 1998 and is made BETWEEN:
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD., a company existing under the laws of the
Bahamas "LIBERTY@, also referred to as the "CHARGOR@); and
AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED, a company existing
under the laws of Nigeria ("AMNI", also referred to as the "BENEFICIARY").
PREAMBLE
WHEREAS Liberty has entered into a Sale/Purchase Agreement and related
Prepayment Agreement, with Total International Limited ("TOTAL") both dated July
29, 1997 (the "LIBERTY OIL CONTRACT" and the "PREPAYMENT AGREEMENT"
respectively), and
WHEREAS pursuant to the Prepayment Agreement, Total made a Prepayment (as
defined in the Prepayment Agreement) to Liberty in the amount of US.$35,000,000
(the APREPAYMENT@) of which approximately US[$2,916,666.67] has been reimbursed
to Total to date; and
WHEREAS Liberty requested Total to a limited extension of the period for
the reimbursement of the Prepayment (as defined in the Prepayment Agreement) as
described in Clause A of the amendment ("AMENDMENT NO. 1") of the Prepayment
Agreement dated 6 April 1998; and
WHEREAS it was a condition of Total entering into Amendment No 1 that the
Chargor enter into a Debenture dated 6th April 1998 for the purpose of securing
the payment and performance of the Liberty's Secured Liabilities as defined in
such Debenture;
WHEREAS Amni is the holder of OML No. 112 issued by the Federal Government
of Nigeria in respect of Concession Block 469 and an OPL also issued by the
Federal Government of Nigeria in respect of Concession Block 237, and Amni and
Liberty are Joint Venturers in the development and operation of the part of the
Concessions in Nigeria by virtue of which Liberty is the beneficial owner of 10%
interest in the Deep Zone in OML No 112 (as such term is hereinafter defined);
WHEREAS Liberty and Amni have pursuant to a Memorandum of Agreement of even
date herewith agreed (inter alia) that Amni will accept joint responsibility for
$5,000,000 of the debt currently owed by Liberty to Total under the Prepayment
Agreement as amended and that Liberty would grant Amni a charge over certain
assets owned by Liberty, currently charged to Total.
WHEREAS the respective rights of Total and Amni are set out in an
Intercreditor Agreement of even date herewith
WHEREAS it is intended by the parties to this Debenture that this document
shall take effect as a deed notwithstanding the fact that a party may only
execute this document under hand.
IT IS AGREED as follows:
<PAGE>
1 INTERPRETATION
1.1 DEFINITIONS
In this Debenture:
"AFFILIATES" means Abacan Resource Corporation, Dahomey Resource Corporation,
West African Resource Corporation, Abacan Resources (Benin) Limited, Abacan
Resources (Delta) Limited, Abacan Technical Services Ltd., Abacan Services (UK)
Limited, Abacan Services (USA) Limited, Abacan Resources (Nigeria) Ltd., Agbara
Resources Limited, Angus International Resources Ltd., Profile International
Ltd. and includes all other legal entities controlled directly or indirectly by
any of such companies.
"ASSUMPTION OF DEBT" means the acceptance by Amni of joint responsibility with
Liberty for up to $5,000,000 of the Secured Liabilities, which obligations may
be reduced to $2,500,000 of the Secured Liabilities if the first well drilled
fails to discover Economic Production [WHERE AECONOMIC PRODUCTION@ MEANS THAT
SUCH WELL IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING CONTINUOUSLY AN AMOUNT OF PRODUCTION AT A
MINIMUM LEVEL WHICH WOULD ENTITLE LIBERTY TO RECEIVE AN ENTITLEMENT TO OIL
HAVING AN ANNUAL VALUE OF NOT ---]
"ENFORCEMENT OFFICER" means the person defined as such in Clause 7.1
(Appointment of Enforcement Officer).
"EVENT OF DEFAULT" means Beneficiary has made a required payment with respect to
its obligations as to the Assumption of Debt and Chargor has failed to reimburse
Beneficiary for the amount of such payment within thirty (30) days after the
date the payment is made. For the purposes of this definition, Chargor shall be
deemed to have timely reimbursed Beneficiary if Beneficiary makes the payments
to Secured Lenders by using proceeds attributable to Chargor's interest in the
Security Assets.
"FINANCE DOCUMENTS" means that certain Credit Facility Agreement by and among
Chargor and certain of its Affiliates, as Borrowers and Guarantors, and Total
and Credit Suisse First Boston ('CSFB") (Total and CSFB are collectively
referred to here as the "Secured Lenders).
"PROJECT" means the development and operation of the Deep Zone capable of
producing continuously an amount of production at a minimum level that would
entitle Liberty to receive an entitlement to oil having an annual value of not
less than U.S. $5,000,000 (at then current oil prices) as determined by a
reputable firm of independent petroleum engineers.
"REALISATIONS ACCOUNT" means each amount maintained from time to time by the
Chargor for the purposes of Clause 6.2 (Contingencies) at such bank as the
Beneficiary may from time to time approve.
"SECURED LIABILITIES" means the Chargor's liability to the Beneficiary hereunder
in respect of the Assumption of Debt.
"SECURITY ASSETS" means all assets, rights and property of the Chargor the
subject of any security created by or pursuant to this Debenture and described
in the Schedule,
<PAGE>
"SECURITY PERIOD" means the period beginning on the date of this Debenture and
ending on the date on which (a) all the Secured Liabilities have been
unconditionally and irrevocably -paid and discharged in full and no further
Secured Liabilities can arise under or in respect of the Finance Documents; or
(b) the Beneficiary's obligation as to the Assumption of Debt is unconditionally
and irrevocably released and discharged.
"TSRA" means the Termination Settlement and Release Agreement between the
parties of even date herewith
1.2 CONSTRUCTION
(a) Capitalised terms defined in the TSRA and the Finance Documents have,
unless expressly defined in this Debenture, the same meaning in this
Debenture.
(b) If the Beneficiary (based upon appropriate legal advice in relevant
jurisdictions) considers that any amount paid by the Chargor to the
Beneficiary is capable of being avoided or otherwise set aside on the
liquidation or administration of the Chargor or otherwise, then that
amount shall not be considered to have been irrevocably paid for the
purposes of this Debenture until such time as the period during which
such payment may be set aside has expired.
2 COVENANT TO PAY
2.1 COVENANT
In consideration of the Assumption of Debt the Chargor covenants with the
Beneficiary that the Chargor will reimburse Beneficiary for payments made to the
Secured Lenders with respect to the Assumption of Debt, which reimbursement may
take the form of proceeds out of Chargor=s interest in n production from the
Security Assets.
3 FIXED AND FLOATING CHARGES
3.1 CREATION OF FIXED CHARGES
As security for the Assumption of Debt the Chargor charges in favor of the
Beneficiary by way of a fixed charge all of their present and future right,
title and interest in and to the assets and interests described in the Schedule.
4 CONTINUING SECURITY, ETC
4.1 CONTINUING SECURITY
The security constituted by this Debenture shall be continuing and until the
Assumption of Debt: is terminated or discharged will extend to the ultimate
balance of all sums payable by the Chargor under the Finance Documents,
regardless of any intermediate payment or discharge in whole or in part.
<PAGE>
4.2 BREAKING OF ACCOUNTS
If for any reason the security constituted by this Debenture ceases to be a
continuing security, the Beneficiary may open a new account with or continue any
existing account with the Chargor and the liability of the Chargor in respect of
the Secured Liabilities and the Assumption of Debt at the date of such cessation
shall remain regardless of any payments in or out of any such account.
4.3 REINSTATEMENT
(a) Where any discharge (whether in respect of the obligations of the
Chargor or any other person or any security for those obligations or
otherwise) is made in whole or in part, or any arrangement is made on
the faith of any payment, security or other disposition, which is
avoided or must be restored on insolvency, liquidation or otherwise
without limitation, the liability of the Chargor under this Debenture
shall continue as if such discharge or arrangement had not occurred.
(b) The Beneficiary may concede or compromise any claim that any payment,
security or other disposition is liable to avoidance or restoration.
5 WHEN SECURITY BECOMES ENFORCEABLE
The security constituted by this Debenture shall only become immediately
enforceable upon the occurrence of an Event of Default and the power of sale and
other powers conferred by the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act 1881 of
Nigeria as varied or amended by this Debenture shall be immediately exerciseable
upon and at any time after the occurrence of any Event of Default provide the
same is continuing. After the security by this Debenture has become enforceable,
the Beneficiary may in its absolute discretion enforce all or any part of the
security in any manner it sees fit
6 ENFORCEMENT OF SECURITY
6.1 GENERAL
For the purposes of all powers implied by statute the Secured Liabilities shall
be deemed to have become due and payable on the date of this Debenture and
Section 20 of the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act 1881 of Nigeria
(restricting the power of sale) and Section 17 of the same Act (restricting the
right of consolidation) shall not apply to this security.
6.2 CONTINGENCIES
(a) If the Beneficiary enforces the security constituted by this Debenture
(whether by the appointment of an Enforcement Officer Or otherwise) at
a time when no amounts are due under the Finance Documents (but at a
time when amounts may become so due), the Beneficiary (or the
Enforcement Officer) may pay the proceeds of any recoveries effected
by it into any Realisations Accounts as it considers appropriate.
<PAGE>
(b) The Beneficiary (or the Enforcement Officer) may (subject to the
payment of any claims having priority to this security) withdraw
amounts standing to the credit of the Realisations Accounts to:
(i) meet all costs, charges and expenses incurred and payments made
by the Beneficiary (or such Enforcement Officer) in the course of
such enforcement;
(ii) pay remuneration to the Enforcement Officer as and when it
becomes due and payable; and
(iii)meet amounts due and payable under the Finance Documents as and
when they become due and payable,
in each case, together with interest thereon (before as well as after
judgment and payable on demand) at the Default Rate from the date they
become due and payable until the date they are unconditionally and
irrevocably paid and discharged in full.
(c) The Chargor will not be entitled to withdraw all or any moneys
(including interest) standing to the credit of any Realisations
Accounts until the expiry of the Security Period.
7 ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
7.1 APPOINTMENT OF ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
(a) At any time after the security constituted by this Debenture becomes
enforceable or (if the Chargor so requests the Beneficiary in writing)
at any time, the Beneficiary may without further notice, appoint,
under seal or in writing under its hand, any one or more qualified
persons to be a receiver or receiver and manager (each an AENFORCEMENT
OFFICER@) of all or any part of the Security Assets in like manner in
every respect as if the Beneficiary had become entitled to exercise
all of the rights, powers and discretions conferred by the
Conveyancing and Law of Property Act 1881 of Nigeria.
(b) In paragraph (a) above "qualified person" means a person who, under
the Companies and Allied Matters Decree 1990 of Nigeria, is qualified
to act as a receiver/manager of the property of any company with
respect to which he is appointed.
7.2 REMOVAL
The Beneficiary may by writing under its hand:
(a) remove any Enforcement Officer appointed by it; and
(b) may, whenever it deems it expedient, appoint a new Enforcement Officer
in the place of any Enforcement Officer whose appointment may for any
reason have terminated.
<PAGE>
7.3 REMUNERATION
The Beneficiary may fix the remuneration of any Enforcement Officer appointed by
it provided that such remuneration shall be reasonable having regard to the
circumstances.
7.4 RELATIONSHIP WITH BENEFICIARY
To the fullest extent permitted by law, any fight, power or discretion conferred
by this Debenture (either expressly or impliedly) upon an Enforcement Officer
may be exercised by the Beneficiary in relation to any Security Assets without
first appointing an Enforcement Officer or notwithstanding the appointment of an
Enforcement Officer.
8 POWERS OF ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
8.1 GENERAL
(a) Each Enforcement Officer has, and is entitled to exercise, all of the
rights, powers and discretions set out below in this Clause 8 in
addition to those conferred by the Conveyancing and Law of Property
Act 1881 of Nigeria on any receiver appointed thereunder and those
conferred by the Companies and Allied Matters Decree 1990 of Nigeria
on an administrative receiver appointed thereunder.
(b) If there is more than one Enforcement Officer holding office at the
same time, each Enforcement Officer may (unless the document
appointing him states otherwise) exercise all of the powers conferred
on an Enforcement Officer under this Debenture individually and to the
exclusion of any other Enforcement Officer.
8.2 POSSESSION
An Enforcement Officer may take immediate possession at get in and collect any
Security Assets.
8.3 SALE OF ASSETS
An Enforcement Officer may sell, exchange, convert into money and realise any
Security Assets by public auction or private contract and generally in any
manner and on any terms which he reasonably thinks proper. The consideration for
any such transaction may consist of cash or other valuable consideration and any
such consideration may be payable on such terms as he thinks fit.
8.4 COMPROMISE
An Enforcement Officer may settle, adjust, refer to arbitration, compromise and
arrange any claims and disputes with or by any person who is or claims to be a
creditor of the Chargor or relating in anyway to any Security Assets.
<PAGE>
8.5 LEGAL ACTIONS
An Enforcement Officer may bring, prosecute, enforce, defend and abandon all
actions, suits and proceedings in relation to any Security Assets which may seem
to him to be expedient.
8.6 RECEIPTS
An Enforcement Officer may give valid receipts for all moneys and execute all
assurances and things which may be proper or desirable for realising any
Security Assets.
8.7 SUBSIDIARIES
An Enforcement Officer may form a subsidiary company of the Chargor and transfer
to that subsidiary any Security Assets.
8.8 OTHER POWERS
An Enforcement Officer may:
(a) do all other acts and things which he may reasonably consider
desirable or necessary for realising any Security Assets or incidental
or conducive to any of the rights, powers or discretions conferred on
an Enforcement Officer under or by virtue of this Debenture; and
(b) exercise in relation to any Security Assets all the powers,
authorities and things which he would be capable of exercising if he
were the absolute beneficial owner with full title guarantee of the
same, and may use the names of the Chargor for any of the above
purposes.
9 APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS
All moneys received by the Beneficiary and the Enforcement Officer pursuant to
enforcement of this security shall be applied:
FIRST in satisfaction of or provision for all costs, charges and
expenses incurred and payments made by the Beneficiary or an Enforcement Officer
in the enforcement of the security and of all remuneration due to the
Beneficiary or an Enforcement Officer;
SECOND in or towards payment of all other fees and interest due to Total by
Amni as a result of the Assumption of Debt
.
THIRD in or towards payment of all other amounts due to the Beneficiary
under this Debenture.
FOURTH in payment to the Chargor.
10 NO LIABILITY AS MORTGAGEE IN POSSESSION ETC.
<PAGE>
(a) The Beneficiary shall riot, nor shall any Enforcement Officer
appointed as aforesaid by reason of it or the Enforcement Officer
entering into possession of the Security Assets, or any part of them,
be liable to account as mortgagee in possession or be liable for any
loss on realisation or for any default or omission for which a
mortgagee in possession might be liable.
(b) Every Enforcement Officer shall be deemed to be the agent of the
Chargor for all purposes and shall as agent for all purposes be deemed
to be in the same position as an Enforcement Officer duly appointed by
a mortgagee under the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act 1881
Nigeria. The Chargor alone shall be responsible for its contracts,
engagements, acts, omissions, defaults and losses and for liabilities
incurred by it and the Beneficiary shall not incur any liability
(either to the Chargor or to any other person) by reason of the
Beneficiary's making his appointment as an Enforcement Officer.
(c) Every such Enforcement Officer and the Beneficiary shall be entitled
to all the rights, powers, privileges and immunities conferred on
mortgagees and Enforcement Officers by the Conveyancing and Law of
Property Act 1981 of Nigeria when such Enforcement Officers have been
duly appointed under that Act but so that Section 20 of that Act shall
not apply.
(d) The Beneficiary. and the Enforcement Officer shall be entitled to
exercise its powers under this Assignment in such a manner and at such
times as the Beneficiary and the Enforcement Officer in its absolute
discretion may determine and the Beneficiary and the Enforcement
Officer shall not in any circumstances be answerable for any loss
occasioned by the same or resulting from postponement thereof (unless
caused by its negligence or willful default).
11 PROTECTION OF THIRD PARTIES
No purchases, mortgagee or other person or company dealing with the Beneficiary
or an Enforcement Officer or its or his agents shall be concerned to enquire
whether the Secured Liabilities have become payable or whether any power which
the Beneficiary or Enforcement Officer is purporting to exercise has become
exerciseable or whether any money remains due under the Finance Documents or to
see to the application of any money paid to the Beneficiary or to any
Enforcement Officer.
12 EXPENSES
12.1 UNDERTAKING TO PAY
<PAGE>
Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default all
costs, charges and expenses properly incurred and all payments made by the
Beneficiary, any Enforcement Officer or other person appointed under this
Debenture in the lawful exercise of the powers conferred by this Debenture
whether or not occasioned by any act, neglect or default of the Chargor shall
carry interest (before as well as after judgment) at the Default Rate from the
date of it being incurred or becoming payable until the date it is
unconditionally and irrevocably paid and discharged in full. The amount of all
such costs, charges, expenses and payments and all interest thereon and all
remuneration payable under this Debenture shall be payable by the Chargor on
demand. All such costs, charges, expenses and payments shall be paid and charged
as between the Beneficiary and the Chargor on the basis of a fall indemnity and
not on the basis of party and party or any other kind of taxation.
12.2 INDEMNITY
The Beneficiary and every Enforcement Officer, attorney, manager or other person
appointed by the Beneficiary under this Debenture shall, be entitled to be
indemnified out of the Security Assets in respect of all. liabilities and
expenses properly incurred by them in the execution or attempted execution of
any of the powers, authorities or discretions vested in them by this Debenture
and against all actions, proceedings, costs, claims and demands in respect of
any matter or thing properly done or omitted in any way relating to the Security
Assets and the Beneficiary and any Enforcement Officer may retain and pay all
sums in respect of the same out of any moneys received under the powers
conferred by this Debenture.
13 DELEGATION BY BENEFICIARY
The Beneficiary and any Enforcement Officer may at any time and from time to
time delegate by power of attorney or in any other manner to any person or
persons all or any of the powers, authorities and discretions which are for the
time being exercisable by the Beneficiary or an Enforcement Officer (as
appropriate) under this Debenture in relation to the Security Assets or any part
of them. Any such delegation may be made upon such terms (including power to
sub-delegate) and subject to such regulations as the Beneficiary or the
Enforcement Officer (as appropriate) may think fit Neither the Beneficiary nor
any Enforcement Officer shall be in any way liable or responsible to the Chargor
for any loss or damage arising from any act, default, omission or misconduct on
the part of any such delegate or sub-delegate.
14 ASSURANCES
The Chargor shall at its own expense take whatever reasonable action the
Beneficiary or an Enforcement Officer may require for:
(a) perfecting or protecting the security intended to be created by this
Debenture over any Security Assets; or
(b) facilitating the realisation of any Security Assets or the exercise of
any right, power, authority or discretion vested in the Beneficiary or
any Enforcement Officer of the Security Assets or any of its or their
delegates or sub-delegates.
15 REDEMPTION OF PRIOR MORTGAGES
The Beneficiary may, at any time after the security constituted by this
Debenture has become enforceable, redeem any prior Security Interest other than
the pledge made to the Secured Lenders against the Security Assets or procure
the transfer of any such Security Interest to itself and may settle and pass the
accounts of the prior mortgagee, chargee or encumbrancer. Any accounts so
settled and passed shall be conclusive and binding on the Chargor, All.
principal moneys, interest, costs, charges and expenses of and incidental to any
redemption and transfer shall be paid by the Chargor to the Beneficiary on
demand.
<PAGE>
16 POWER OF ATTORNEY
16.1 APPOINTMENT
The Chargor, by way of security, irrevocably appoints the Beneficiary and every
Enforcement Officer of the Security Assets appointed by the Debenture and. their
delegates and sub-delegates to be its attorney and take any action which the
Chargor is obliged to take under this Debenture (including, without limitation,
to make any demand upon or to give any notice or receipt to any person owing
moneys to the Chargor and to execute and deliver any charges, legal mortgages,
assignments or other security and any transfers of securities) and generally in
their name and on their behalf to exercise all or any of the rights, powers,
authorities and discretions conferred by or pursuant to this Debenture or by
statute on the Beneficiary or any Enforcement Officer, delegate or sub-delegate
and(without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing) to seal and deliver
and otherwise perfect any deed, assurance, agreement, instrument or act which it
or he may reasonably deem proper in or for the purpose of exercising any of the
powers, authorities and discretions. Such powers shall only be exercisable in
the circumstances contemplated by Clause 6.
16.2 RATIFICATION
The Chargor hereby ratifies and confirms and agrees to ratify and confirm
whatever any attorney as is mentioned in Clause 16.1 (Appointment) does or
purports to do in the exercise or purported exercise of all or any of the
powers, authorities and discretions referred to in this Clause 16.
17 NEW ACCOUNTS
If the Beneficiary receives or is deemed to be affected by notice whether actual
or constructive of any subsequent charge or other interest affecting any part of
the Security Assets and/or the proceeds of sale any Security Assets, other than
the pledge made to the Secured Lenders the Beneficiary may open a new account or
accounts with the Chargor. If the Beneficiary does not open a new account it
shall nevertheless be treated as if it had done so at the time when it received
or was deemed to have received notice. As from that time all payments made to
the Beneficiary shall be credited or be treated as having been credited to the
new account and shall not operate to reduce the amount for which this Debenture
is security.
18 STAMP DUTIES
The Chargor shall. pay and, forthwith on demand, indemnify the Beneficiary
against any liability it incurs in respect of any stamp, registration and
similar tax which is or becomes payable in connection with the entry into,
performance or enforcement of this Debenture.
19 WAIVERS, REMEDIES CUMULATIVE
(a) The rights of the Beneficiary under this Debenture:
(i) may be exercised as often as necessary;
(ii) are cumulative and not exclusive of its rights under general law;
and
<PAGE>
(iii) may be waived only in writing and specifically.
Delay in exercising or non-exercise of any right is not a waiver of that right.
(b) The Beneficiary may waive any breach by the Chargor of any of the
Chargor's obligations under this Debenture if so instructed by the
Beneficiary.
20 MISCELLANEOUS
20.1 SEVERABILITY
If a provision of this Debenture is or becomes illegal or unenforceable in any
jurisdiction, that shall not affect:
(a) the validity or enforceability in that jurisdiction of any other
provision of this Debenture; or
(b) the validity or enforce ability in other jurisdictions of that or any
other provision of this Debenture.
20.2 COUNTERPARTS
This Debenture may be executed in any number of counterparts and this will have
the same effect as if the signatures on. the counterparts were on a single copy
of this Debenture.
20.3 NOTICES
Any notice or other communication given or made under this Agreement shall be in
writing and may be delivered personally or sent by telex or facsimile
transmission or by recorded delivery letter addressed as follows:
(a) If to the Chargor, to:
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED
Suite 140
14811 St. Mary's Lane
Houston, Texas 77079
USA
Attn. Tim Stephens
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED
39 Warehouse Road, Apapa,
Lagos, Nigeria
<PAGE>
Attention: Wade G. Cherwayko
Telex No. 2915 Abacan Ny
Facsimile transmission No: 234 1 5454 03 01
(b) If to the Beneficiary, to:
AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LTD. PLOT 1377b Tiamiyu
Savage Street
Victoria Island, P.O. Box 54452
Falomo, Ikoyi
Fax: 011 234 262 1526
Attn: Tunde J. Afolabi
Managing Director
or to such other address or telex or facsimile transmission number as the
relevant addressee may hereafter by notice hereunder substitute.
Any such notice shall be deemed to have been duly served, given or made:
(i) in the case of delivery, when left at the relevant address; or
(ii) in the case of telex, when the sender receives the answer-back of
the addressee at the end to the telex message, or
(iii)in the case of a facsimile transmission, on receipt by the
addressee of the complete text in legible form.
21 COVENANT TO RELEASE
The Beneficiary shall, at the request and cost of the Chargor, take any action
necessary (including re-assigning to the Chargor) to release or reassign the
Security Assets from the security constituted by this Debenture upon the expiry
of the Security Period.
22 GOVERNING LAW
This Debenture shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Nigerian
law.
23 JURISDICTION
23.1 SUBMISSION
For the benefit of each party to this Debenture, each party to this Debenture
agrees that the courts of Nigeria have non-exclusive jurisdiction to settle any
disputes in connection with this Debenture and accordingly submit to the
jurisdiction of the Nigerian courts.
<PAGE>
23.2 SERVICE OF PROCESS
Without prejudice to any other mode of service, service of process relating to
any proceedings in connection with this Debenture shall be made upon the Chargor
at the address set forth in Article 20.3 hereof.
23.3 FORUM CONVENIENCE AND ENFORCEMENT ABROAD
The Chargor:
(a) waives objection to the Nigerian courts on grounds of inconvenient
forum or otherwise as regards proceedings in connection with this
Debenture; and
(b) agrees that a judgment or order of a Nigerian court in connection with
this Debenture is conclusive and binding on it and may be enforced
against them in the courts of any jurisdiction.
23.4 NON-EXCLUSIVITY
Nothing in this Clause 23 (Jurisdiction) limits the right of the Beneficiary to
bring proceedings against the Chargor in connection with this Debenture in any
other court of competent jurisdiction or concurrently in more than one
jurisdiction.
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE
ASSETS AND INTERESTS
THE DEEP ZONE OF NIGERIA
MINING LEASE OML 112
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS whereof this Debenture has been duly executed as a deed on the date
stated at the beginning of this deed.
SIGNED and SEALED
for and an behalf of [Seal]
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED
By: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
--------------------
Name: Wade Cherwako
--------------------
Title: Director
SIGNED and SEALED
for and on behalf of [Seal]
AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM
DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED
By:
--------------------
Name:
--------------------
Title: Vice President
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.6
CONSENT AGREEMENT
-----------------
On even date herewith Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited
(AAmni@) and Liberty Technical Services Ltd. (ALiberty@) have entered into a
Joint Venture Agreement regarding the Deep Zones of the IMA Field. All
capitalised terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed
to such terms in the Joint Venture Agreement (AJoint Venture Agreement@).
Liberty has requested the consent of Amni to a pledge by Liberty of its interest
in the Joint Venture Agreement, the Joint Operating Agreement and the other
agreements executed in connection therewith (collectively, the AJoint Venture
Interests@) to Credit Suisse First Boston. The pledge shall be accomplished
pursuant to the form of the Debenture attached hereto. Such pledge is being
made in accordance with the terms of a Credit Facility Agreement being executed
on even date herewith by Liberty, Abacan Resource Corporation, and certain other
subsidiaries of Abacan Resource Corporation, as borrowers and guarantors, and
Credit Suisse First Boston.
Amni hereby consents to the granting of a pledge on the Joint Venture Interests
pursuant to the terms of the Debenture.
Liberty Technical Services Ltd.
By: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
--------------------
Name: Tunde Folawiyo
---------------
Title: Secretary
---------
Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited
By: /s/ Tunde Afolabi
-------------------
Name: Tunde J. Afolabi
------------------
Title: Managing Director/CEO
----------------------
[The Debenture referenced herein has been filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Form
10-KSB dated effective March 1, 1999.]
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.7
DATED 30th June 1998
(1) ABACAN TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED
(2) LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED
(3) AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM
DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED
(4) SEDCO FOREX INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(5) SCHLUMBERGER OVERSEAS S.A.
AGREEMENT
FOR THE ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN INTERESTS IN PROCESS
AND OTHER EQUIPMENT, FIXTURES AND FITTINGS ATTACHED TO, OR
CONNECTED WITH, A MOBILE OFFSHORE PRODUCTION UNIT ("THE LANGLEY")
Gouldens
22 Tudor Street
London EC4Y OJJ
Tel: 0171 583 7777
Facsimile: 0171 583 3051
<PAGE>
CONTENTS
CLAUSES Page No.
1. Interpretation: -1-
2. Transfer: -2-
3. Debts: -2-
4. Completion: -3-
5. Warranties: -4-
6. Taxation etc: -5-
7. General: -5-
8. Waiver of Claims -6-
9. Jurisdiction: -6-
SCHEDULE 1EQUIPMENT -7-
SCHEDULE 2BILL OF SALE -8-
SCHEDULE 3PERMITTED SECURITY INTERESTS -9-
SCHEDULE 4NOTICE -10-
<PAGE>
WBS(8) 738914
THIS AGREEMENT is made this 30th day of June 1998
BETWEEN:
(1) ABACAN TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of
the Bahamas ("Abacan");
(2) LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws
of the Bahamas ("Liberty");
(3) AMNI INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED, a company
incorporated under the laws of Nigeria ("Amni");
(4) SEDCO FOREX INTERNATIONAL, INC., a company incorporated under the laws of
Panama ("Sedco"); and
(5) SCHLUMBERGER OVERSEAS S.A., a company incorporated under the laws of Panama
("Schlumberger").
WHEREAS:
1. Pursuant to an Integrated Services Contract dated 20 October 1995 Sedco and
Schlumberger have provided to Liberty and Amni the use of a Mobile Offshore
Production Unit ("the Langley") and of certain process and other equipment
attached or fixed thereto, and provide certain continuing services in
connection therewith.
2. The parties have agreed that any interests of Liberty and Amni in the
foregoing equipment shall be transferred to Sedco on the following terms
and conditions.
NOW IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:
1. Interpretation:
In this Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following
expressions have the following meanings:
"Completion" has the meaning given by Clause 4;
-1-
<PAGE>
"Equipment" means all process equipment and any other equipment, fixtures and
fittings attached to, or connected with, the MOPU, including
(without limitation) the power plant (comprising three gas
turbines) and that equipment specified in Schedule 1 hereto;
"ISA" means the Integrated Services Contract dated 20 October 1995
between Liberty, Amni, Sedco and Schlumberger (as amended by a
Deed of Amendment of even date herewith);
"MOPU" means the Mobile Offshore Production Unit (the ALangley");
"Schlumberger
Group" means Schlumberger and any holding company of Schlumberger and
any subsidiary of Schlumberger or of any such holding company
(and in this Agreement "subsidiary" and "holding company" shall
have the meanings given them by the Companies Act 1985);
"US$"
means the currency of the United States of America.
2. Transfer:
2.1 Liberty and Amni hereby confirm that Amni has waived in favour of
Liberty all right, title and interest that it may have in the Equipment as part
of a settlement between the parties, which settlement is evidenced in a separate
agreement of even date herewith.
2.2 Liberty agrees to transfer to Sedco, and Abacan agrees to procure the
transfer to Sedco of, any right, title and interest that Liberty may have in the
Equipment free from all liens, charges and encumbrances at and with effect from
(other than the Permitted Lien as hereinafter defined).
2.3 For the avoidance of doubt, it is hereby confirmed and acknowledged by
Liberty that full payment for the process equipment referred to in Clause 7.2.1
of the ISA has not been received by Sedco and Schlumberger; and that accordingly
the Bill of Sale referred to in such Clause has not been delivered to Liberty
and that, notwithstanding any payments that may have been made to Sedco and
Schlumberger, title and ownership of such equipment has not been transferred to
it.
2.4 The parties agree that the right, title and interest transferred
pursuant to this Clause 2 shall be valued at US$ [ ].
3. Debts:
3.1 In consideration for the transfer referred to in Clause 2, Sedco and
Schlumberger agree that the debts comprising:
-2-
<PAGE>
(a) the sum of US$[ ] owed to them by Abacan as at 18
June 1998 in respect of the Trident 8 Drilling Contract dated 1
November 1996 between Sedco and Abacan (as amended);
(b) the sum of US$[ ] owed to them by Liberty and Amni as
at 18 June 1998 under the ISA;
(c) the sum of US$ [ ] owed to them under Clause 14.1.3.2(d)
of the ISA in respect of the termination of the ISA;
(d) subject to and without prejudice to Clause 3.2, the sum of
approximately US$[ ] owed to them under Clause
14.1.3.2 (b) of the ISA in respect of the demobilisation expenses; and
(e) any other amounts owed to members of the Schlumberger Group as at 26
June 1998 by Abacan, Liberty and Amni or any of their subsidiaries or
holding companies,
shall be extinguished and cease to be payable.
3.2 Amni acknowledges and agrees that, following the termination of the ISA,
and notwithstanding Clause 8 hereof, Amni shall be liable to pay, and shall pay,
demobilisation expenses to Sedco and Schlumberger (including under Clause
14.1.3.2) up to a maximum amount of US$750,000, provided that Amni shall not be
required to make such payment if the MOPU and the Equipment shall have been
chartered under contract to a third party on terms that such charter contract
commences immediately upon the termination of the ISA (or at the latest within
15 days of the date of such termination).
4. Completion:
4.1 The transfer contemplated by this Agreement shall be completed
immediately upon execution of this Agreement (time being of the essence). At
such completion ("Completion") Liberty and Amni will deliver to Sedco:
(a) a Bill of Sale in the form set out in Schedule 2 executed by Liberty;
(b) a Deed of Amendment amending the terms of the ISA in the form agreed
between the parties executed by Liberty and Amni;
(c) a notice in the form set out in Schedule 4 executed by Amni; and
(d) confirmation that they have made payment to Sedco by wire transfer of
the sum of US$252,600 in respect of the period from 19 June 1998 to 30
June 1998 (both days inclusive) for services rendered pursuant to ISA.
-3-
<PAGE>
5. Warranties:
5.1 Liberty, Abacan and Amni represent and warrant to Sedco and Schlumberger as
follows:
(a) Liberty, Abacan and Amni have the requisite power and authority to
enter into and perform this Agreement.
(b) This Agreement constitutes and any other documents which are to be
delivered at Completion will, when executed, constitute binding
obligations of such of Liberty, Abacan and Amni as are parties to them
in accordance with their respective terms.
(c) The execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the performance by
Liberty, Abacan and Amni of their obligations under it, will not:
(i) result in a breach of any provision of the documents of
constitution of Liberty, Abacan or Amni;
(ii) result in a breach of, or constitute a default under, any
instrument to which Liberty, Abacan and Amni are parties or by
which they are bound; or
(iii)result in a breach of any order, judgment or decree of any court
or governmental agency to which Liberty, Abacan or Amni are
parties or by which they are bound.
(d) All consents and agreement of third parties which are required for the
transfer contemplated by this Agreement have been obtained in writing.
(e) Other than the Permitted Lien (as hereinafter defined), no third party
(other than Sedco or Schlumberger) has any right, title or interest in
or to the Equipment.
(f) Neither Liberty, Abacan, nor Amni has any right, title or interest in
or to the MOPU nor, to the best of their knowledge and belief, does
any third party other than the Permitted Lien.
(g) Other than the Permitted Lien or as set out in Schedule 3 hereto, no
option, right to acquire, mortgage, charge, pledge, lien (other than a
lien arising by operation of law in the ordinary course of trading) or
other form of security or encumbrance or equity on, over or affecting
the whole or any part of the Equipment is outstanding and there is no
agreement or commitment to give or create any and no claim has been
made by any person to be entitled to any.
(h) Neither Liberty nor Amni has agreed to acquire any asset comprised in
the Equipment on terms that the property is not passed until full
payment is made.
-4-
<PAGE>
(i) Following the transfer of the Equipment at Completion, Liberty and
Amni will have no further right, title or interest in or to the
Equipment.
For the purposes of this Clause 5.1, "Permitted Lien" means any charge or
security interest in favour of Credit Suisse First Boston or Total International
Limited.
5.2 Liberty, Abacan and Amni accept that Sedco and Schlumberger are entering
into this Agreement in reliance upon each of the warranties set out above.
6. Taxation etc:
6.1 Sedco shall be responsible for any VAT or customs duties arising from the
transfer of the Equipment hereunder.
7. General:
7.1 Liberty, Abacan and Amni shall from time to time and at all times after
Completion execute all such deeds and documents and do all such things as
Sedco or Schlumberger may reasonably require for perfecting the
transactions intended to be effected under or pursuant to this Agreement
and for vesting in Sedco the full title and benefit of the Equipment.
Without limiting the foregoing, Liberty and Amni agree to execute all such
documents and do all such things as may be necessary to vest in Sedco the
benefit of manufacturer's and supplier's warranties in respect of the
Equipment of which they may have the benefit.
7.2 Liberty and Amni undertake to preserve and transfer to Sedco all
documentation relating to government duties, taxation and customs levies
that may be relevant to or relate to the Equipment.
7.3 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties
relating to the sale and purchase of the Equipment and no party has relied
on any representation made by any other party or any other person except as
expressly set out herein.
7.4 The parties agree that the contents of this Agreement, and all details of
the transactions contemplated in it, shall be kept strictly confidential
and shall not be disclosed to any other person.
7.5 This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, but shall not
be effective until each party has executed at least one counterpart. Each
counterpart shall constitute an original of this Agreement, but all the
counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument.
7.6 The obligations of Liberty, Abacan and Amni under this Agreement are
several and not joint.
8. Waiver of Claims
-5-
<PAGE>
8.1 Schlumberger and Sedco hereby waive and release (on behalf of themselves
and the Schlumberger Group) all claims against and indebtedness due from
Liberty, Abacan, Abacan Resource Corporation and all of its subsidiaries
and affiliates arising under the terms of the ISA or in respect of or in
connection with operations related thereto. Schlumberger and Sedco hereby
waive and release all claims against and indebtedness due from Amni arising
under the terms of the ISA arising on or before 30 June 1998, or in respect
of or in connection with operations related thereto and arising on or
before 30 June 1998. Schlumberger and Sedco accept that Amni, Liberty and
Abacan are entering into this Agreement in reliance upon the foregoing
waiver.
9. Jurisdiction:
9.1 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
English law. All disputes or claims arising in connection with this
Agreement shall be settled under the Rules of Arbitration of the
International Chamber of Commerce by three arbitrators appointed in
accordance with such rules.
AS WITNESS the hands of the duly authorized representatives of the parties the
day and year first above written.
-6-
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 1
EQUIPMENT
See attached document
-7-
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 2
BILL OF SALE
Know all men by these presents, that:
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED, a company incorporated under the laws of the
Bahamas (hereinafter called the ASeller"), does hereby bargain and sell all its
right, title and interest in all process equipment and other equipment, fixtures
and fittings attached to, or connected with, the Mobile Offshore Production Unit
(the ALangley"), including, without limitation, the power plant (comprising
three gas turbines) and that equipment specified in Schedule 1 hereto
(hereinafter called the AEquipment") unto:
SEDCO FOREX INTERNATIONAL, INC., a company incorporated under the
laws of Panama, its successors and assigns ("Sedco")
for a consideration valued at US$8,000,000.
FURTHER, that the Seller hereby warrants that no third party (other than Sedco
or Schlumberger Overseas S.A.) has any right, title or interest in or to the
Equipment and that title to the Equipment is free and clear of all liens,
charges, claims, mortgages or encumbrances (and there is no agreement or
commitment to give any).
NO WARRANTY AS TO MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS GIVEN
BY THE SELLER.
In testimony whereof, the Seller has executed this Bill of Sale by its
authorized representative this 30th day of June 1998.
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED
- -------------------------------------
Signature
Name:
Title:
-8-
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 3
PERMITTED SECURITY INTERESTS
None
-9-
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 4
NOTICE
Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited hereby gives six (6)
months' notice to Sedco Forex International, Inc. ("Sedco") and Schlumberger
Overseas S.A. ("Schlumberger") that the Integrated Services Contract dated 20
October 1995 (as amended by a Deed of Amendment dated 30 June 1998) ("ISA")
shall be terminated on 30 December 1998 pursuant to Article 14.1.1 thereof In
connection therewith, it acknowledges that such termination is for reasons other
than the material breach or default of Sedco or Schlumberger.
Authorized signatory for and on
behalf of Amni International Petroleum
Development Company Limited 30 June 1998
-10-
<PAGE>
SIGNED by T.B. Folawiyo )
)
)
for and on behalf of ABACAN ) /s/ T.B. Folawiyo
TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED )
in the presence of: )
J. Harvie )
SIGNED by T.B. Folawiyo )
)
)
for and on behalf of LIBERTY ) /s/ T.B. Folawiyo
TECHNICAL SERVICES )
LIMITED in the presence of: )
J. Harvie )
SIGNED by )
)
)
for and on behalf of AMNI ) /s/ Tunde Afolabi
INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM )
DEVELOPMENT COMPANY )
LIMITED in the presence of: )
Musa Bello Mustapha )
SIGNED by Didier Fontaine )
)
)
for and on behalf of SEDCO FOREX ) /s/ Didier Fontaine
INTERNATIONAL, INC. in the )
presence of: )
name unrecognizable )
SIGNED by Michael McGuiny )
)
)
for and on behalf of SCHLUMBERGER ) /s/ Michael McGuiny
OVERSEAS S.A. in the )
presence of: )
name unrecognizable )
-11-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.08
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
and
DAHOMEY RESOURCE CORPORATION
and
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED
(as the Borrowers)
THE GUARANTORS herein referred to
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
(as Agent)
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
(as Security Trustee)
and
THE LENDERS herein referred to
$30,702,500
CREDIT FACILITY AGREEMENT
<PAGE>
FACILITY AGREEMENT (the "AGREEMENT") made on 2 July 1998
BETWEEN
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION, an Alberta, Canada corporation, whose registered
office is at Suite 1600, 407 Second Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
(sometimes referred to individually herein as "ARC") and DAHOMEY RESOURCE
CORPORATION, a Bahamas limited company, whose registered office is at Chambers,
Suite 304, Beaumont House, Bay Street, P.O. Box CB 11986, Nassau, The Bahamas
(sometimes referred to individually herein as "DAHOMEY"), and LIBERTY TECHNICAL
SERVICES LIMITED, a Bahamas limited company, whose registered office is at
Chambers, Suite 304, Beaumont House, Bay Street, P.O. Box CB 11986, Nassau, The
Bahamas (sometimes referred to individually herein as "LIBERTY") (in their
capacities as borrowers and guarantors together the BORROWERS and each a
BORROWER);
EACH OF THE COMPANIES LISTED IN SCHEDULE 6 HERETO, (together the ORIGINAL
GUARANTORS and each an ORIGINAL GUARANTOR),
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON (as AGENT);
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON (as SECURITY TRUSTEE);
THE LENDERS listed on the execution pages of this Agreement.
IT IS AGREED
------
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
1.1 DEFINITIONS: In this Agreement, except where the context otherwise
requires:
ADVANCE means the principal amount of the Dollar amount made available to
the Borrowers hereunder by way of loan or (as the context requires) the
principal amount thereof for the time being outstanding;
ADDITIONAL GUARANTOR means any Subsidiary which shall accede to this
Agreement pursuant to clause 12.2(j), in each case, so long as it remains an
Additional Guarantor;
AGENT'S SPOT RATE OF EXCHANGE means the spot rate of exchange of the Agent
for the purchase with one currency of any other relevant currency in the London
foreign exchange market at or about 10.00 a.m. (London time) on the day in
question for delivery two Business Days later, the Agent's certificate as to
such rate being conclusive in the absence of manifest error;
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<PAGE>
AMNI GUARANTEE means the agreement executed or to be executed in favour of
the Security Trustee and issued by Amni International Petroleum Development
Company Limited pursuant to clause 4.1(i);
APPLICABLE LAWS means, in relation to any member of the Consolidated Group, all
and any laws, statutes, regulations and judgments relating to its business as in
force from time to time;
AVAILABILITY PERIOD means the period commencing on the Closing Date of this
Agreement and ending seven (7) days thereafter;
BORROWER means each of ARC, Dahomey and Liberty and as the context requires
together the BORROWERS;
BORROWERS' AGENT means ARC or any other person for the time being nominated as
such by the then current Borrowers' Agent and agreed by the Agent (such
agreement not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed);
BUSINESS DAY means a day on which banks are open in New York, London, and Z rich
for the transaction of business of the nature required by this Agreement and in
relation to a day on which a payment is to be made, in the place of the
principal domestic market of the currency of such payment;
CLOSING DATE means the date that the Agent has given to the Lenders and the
Borrowers' Agent the notice referred to in clause 4.2;
COMMITMENT means, in relation to a Lender, the aggregate principal amount set
opposite its name in Schedule 1 or as applicable, the amount set out in a
Transfer Certificate for a Lender duly completed and accepted for transfer
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, in any case to the extent not
transferred, canceled or reduced in accordance with the provisions hereof;
CONSOLIDATED GROUP means at any particular date the Borrowers and the
Guarantors;
DEBENTURES mean the agreements executed or to be executed by each of the
Obligors pursuant to clause 4.1(f) and 12.2(k) in favour of the Security
Trustee creating a first ranking Security Interest over the assets and
undertakings required to be covered by the Security Trustee in accordance with
the terms hereof;
DOLLARS AND $ means the lawful currency of the United States of America;
DRAWING DATE means a Business Day upon which the Advance is to be made as set
forth in the Drawing Notice relating thereto or is made on or before July 2,
1998;
DRAWING NOTICE means a notice of drawing substantially in the form set out in
Schedule 2 duly completed and signed by the Borrowers and the Borrowers' Agent;
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<PAGE>
ENVIRONMENT means:
(i) any land including, without limitation, surface land and sub-surface
strata, sea bed or river bed under any water (as defined in paragraph
(ii) below) and any natural or man-made structures;
(ii) water including, without limitation, coastal and inland waters,
surface waters, ground waters and water in drains and sewers; and
(iii)air including, without limitation, air within buildings and other
natural or man-made structures above or below ground;
ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIM means any claim from any third party, governmental authority
or agency or any regulatory body, notice of violation, prosecution, demand,
action, abatement or other order, relating to Environmental Matters and any
notification or order requiring compliance with the terms of any Environmental
Licence or Environmental Law;
ENVIRONMENTAL LAW includes, in relation to any member of the Consolidated Group,
all or any laws, statutes, regulations, treaties, and judgments of any
governmental authority or agency or any regulatory body in any jurisdiction in
which that member of the Consolidated Group is formed or carries on business
relating to Environmental Matters applicable to it and/or any other activities
from time to time carried on by it and/or the occupation or use of any property
owned, leased or occupied by it as in force from time to time;
ENVIRONMENTAL LICENCE means, in relation to any member of the Consolidated
Group, any permit, licence, authorisation, consent or other approval required at
any time by any Environmental Law for the business from time to time carried on
by it as in force from time to time;
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS means (i) any release or threatened release, generation,
deposit, disposal, keeping, treatment, transportation, transmission, handling or
manufacture of any waste or any Substance; (ii) nuisance, noise, defective
premises, health and safety at work or elsewhere; and (iii) the pollution,
conservation or protection of the Environment or of man or of any living
organisms supported by the Environment;
EVENT OF DEFAULT means any of the events mentioned in clause 13.1 upon the
expiration of any applicable cure or grace period set forth therein;
FACILITY means the advance facility the terms and conditions of which are set
out in this Agreement;
FACILITY MARGIN means 4.0 percent per annum.
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<PAGE>
FACILITY OFFICE means, in relation to any Lender, the office listed in Schedule
1, or such replacement office as any Lender nominates in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement;
FINAL MATURITY DATE in respect of the Total Outstandings in the amount of
$20,702,500 plus all capitalised interest hereunder means the date falling 364
calendar days after the date of this Agreement (unless extended as set forth in
this definition) or if such day is not a Business Day the immediately preceding
Business Day. At any time after the date falling ten months after this Agreement
the Borrowers' Agent, by giving the Agent not less than thirty Business Days nor
more than 60 days notice thereof, may request the Lenders to extend the Final
Maturity Date by 180 days or less (the FIRST EXTENSION DATE) commencing on the
date of such request to the Agent. If the Final Maturity Date is so extended,
the Borrowers' Agent may request further extensions of the Final Maturity Date
of up to 180 days each by giving notice to the Agent thereof not less than
thirty Business Days nor more than 60 days following the expiration of each
three-month interval following the First Extension Date and during the
then-current Availability Period. No extension of the Final Maturity Date shall
be binding unless and until notified in writing to the Borrowers' Agent by the
Agent, and shall not be binding on any Lender unless accepted by such Lender, in
its sole discretion, by written notice thereof to the Agent. The Obligors
acknowledge that any extension of the Final Maturity Date may be conditioned
upon the acceptance by the Obligors of certain financial covenants then required
by the Lenders;
FINAL MATURITY DATE in respect of the Total Outstandings in excess of the amount
of $20,702,500 plus all capitalised interest hereunder means the date falling
544 days after the Closing Date or such earlier date as may be agreed between
the Agent and the Borrowers' Agent;
FINANCING DOCUMENTS means this Agreement, the Share Pledges, the Security Trust
Deed, the Guarantor Accession Deeds, the Debentures, the Amni Guarantee, the
Warrant and any other agreement or document executed pursuant to this Agreement
which is expressed therein to be a Financing Document;
GUARANTOR means each of the Borrowers, any of the Original Guarantors and any
Additional Guarantor as shall accede to this Agreement pursuant to clause
12.2(j) in each case, so long as they remain Guarantors and as the context
requires, together the Guarantors;
GUARANTOR ACCESSION DEED means in respect of an Additional Guarantor a deed
substantially in the form set out in Schedule 5 with such amendments as the
Agent may approve or reasonably require duly executed on behalf of the proposed
Additional Guarantor, the Borrowers' Agent and the Agent;
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY means all letters patent, trade marks, service marks,
designs, utility models, copyrights, design rights, applications for
registration of any of the foregoing and rights to apply for them in any part of
the world, moral rights, inventions, confidential information, know-how and
rights of like nature arising or subsisting anywhere in the world in relation to
any of the foregoing, whether registered or unregistered and the benefit of all
licences and other rights to use any of the same now or hereafter owned by or
otherwise belonging to any Obligor;
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<PAGE>
INTEREST ADJUSTMENT means the amount of interest plus Facility Margin equal to
the difference between the interest and Margin calculated in accordance with
clause 6.2 (a) and (b) less the interest and Facility Margin which would have
been payable hereunder if the Total Outstandings hereunder were $20,702,500.
INTEREST PAYMENT DATE means, for any Advance, the last day of an Interest
Period;
INTEREST PERIOD means, for any Advance, the period determined in accordance with
clause 6.1;
JOINT VENTURE DOCUMENTS means the Joint Venture Agreement dated November 27,
1996 between Optimum Petroleum Development Limited and Agbara Resources Limited
(Nigerian Oil Prospecting License 310); the Purchase and Sale Agreement between
Addax Petroleum Benin Limited and Abacan Resources (Benin) Ltd. dated July 21,
1997; Contrat pour l'Exploration et l'Exploitation P troli res, Bloc Offshore
Profond No. 4 dated February 1, 1997 between Addax Petroleum Benin, Abacan
Resource Limited (Benin), and the Government of Benin; Contrat pour
l'Exploration et l'Exploitation P troli res, Bloc Offshore No. 1 et SEME dated
February 2, 1997 between Addax Petroleum Benin, Abacan Resource Limited (Benin),
and the Government of Benin; and Joint Venture Agreement dated March 8, 1998
(Nigerian Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 309) between Liberty Technical Services
Limited and Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company Limited; and the Joint Venture
Agreement dated June 30, 1998 between Liberty Technical Services Limited and
Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited, in each case as
amended, modified, extended or renewed;
LENDERS means those of the banks listed in Schedule 1 and their respective
successors and any permitted transferees or assigns which are for the time being
participating in the Facility;
LICENCES means, in relation to any member of the Consolidated Group, any public
law permits for the carrying out of its business together with any other public
law or administrative law consents, concessions, licences or public law permits
required for the carrying out of any such business (including planning consents
and licences);
MAJORITY LENDERS means Lenders whose Outstandings then aggregate more than 66.66
per cent. of the Total Outstandings;
MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT has the meaning asc
ribed thereto in clause 11.1 (c);
MATERIAL ENVIRONMENT CLAIM means any Environmental Claim which would, if
adversely decided, entitle any person to shut down or suspend all or any
material part of the business of any member of the Consolidated Group, or result
in any cost, claim, liability, expense or damages in excess of $1,000,000 to be
suffered or incurred by any member of the Consolidated Group or otherwise have a
Material Adverse Effect upon the business, properties, results of operations or
financial condition of any member of the Consolidated Group;
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<PAGE>
MOPU AGREEMENT means the agreement executed or to be executed pursuant to Clause
4.1(i) between Sedco Forex, Inc. and the Security Trustee in respect of the
Mobile Offshore Production Unit referred to therein in substantially the form of
Schedule 7;
OBLIGOR means the Borrowers and the Guarantors or as the context requires any of
them;
OIL AND GAS means any and all liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons and each of them
produced and to be produced from the Oil Properties;
OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT means any agreement (other than a Joint
Venture Document) now or hereafter entered into between any of the Borrowers or
Guarantors or any Subsidiary of any of them pursuant to the terms of which such
person directly or indirectly participates with any other person in any capital
investment or joint ownership or profit sharing arrangement in respect of any
Oil or Gas Property or any related pipeline or other transport facility or
equipment, power generating plant, Oil and Gas Sale agreement, or power sale
agreement and such agreement may reasonably be expected to have a material
benefit for or impose any material obligation upon such Borrower or Guarantor or
Subsidiary;
OIL AND GAS PARTNER means each party (other than an Obligor) which is a party to
any Joint Venture Agreement or Oil and Gas Development Agreement;
OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES means each of the concessions, operating licenses, oil
mining leases and other interests referred to in any of the Joint Venture
Documents or Oil and Gas Development Agreements and any other concession,
operating license, oil mining license, or similar agreement or interest in which
any Obligor or Subsidiary of any Obligor has direct or indirect interest or
participation and which interest could reasonably be expected to have a material
benefit to such Person;
OUTSTANDINGS means, in relation to a Lender, its aggregate participation in the
Advance then outstanding;
PERMISSIONS means, in relation to any member of the Consolidated Group, any
consents, concessions, contractual licences or permits required for the carrying
out of any of its business;
PERMITTED PURPOSE means any purpose for which the proceeds of the Advance may be
used in accordance with and subject to the terms of this Agreement;
PERMITTED SECURITY INTEREST means:
(a) a lien or right of set-off arising in the normal course of trading or by
operation of law securing obligations not more than thirty days overdue and
liens for taxes not yet due and payable;
(b) any conditional sale or title retention arising under or pursuant to any
contract for the purchase or leasing of goods in the normal course of
trading;
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<PAGE>
(c) the Security Interests existing as at the date of this Agreement details of
which have been disclosed in writing to the Agent;
(d) Security Interests incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of
trading to secure the performance of tenders, statutory obligations, bids,
leases, government contracts, performance bonds, fee and expense
arrangements with trustees and fiscal agents and other similar obligations
(exclusive of obligations incurred in connection with Borrowings);
(e) any Security Interest created or permitted to subsist with the prior
written consent of the Majority Lenders, such consent not to be
unreasonably withheld in circumstances where in the opinion of the Majority
Lenders the interests of the Lenders are reasonably protected after taking
into account the reasonable requirements of the Obligors to develop their
assets,;
(f) any Security Interest over any asset acquired by any member of the
Consolidated Group, if such acquisition is not prohibited pursuant to the
terms hereof, as security for any Borrowings which are incurred solely to
finance all or part of the acquisition cost of that asset;
(g) any Security Interest securing Borrowings incurred to refinance other
Borrowings permitted to be secured pursuant to any of the paragraphs (a) to
(f) above provided that the replacement Security Interest does not cover
any assets other than the original assets subject to the original Security
Interest and that the aggregate principal amount secured thereby is not
increased;
(h) any Security Interest created after the date hereof (other than Security
Interests permitted under paragraphs (a) to (g) above) and securing
indebtedness in aggregate for the Consolidated Group not exceeding $250,000
(or its equivalent at the Agent's Spot Rate of Exchange); and
(i) any Security Interest now or hereafter created in favour of the Security
Trustee under or subject to the Security Trust Deed;
(j) any Security Interest granted for the benefit of Amni International
Petroleum Development Company Limited in the interest acquired pursuant to
a Joint Venture Agreement with Liberty dated June 30, 1998 with the written
consent of the Agent securing the reimbursement obligations of Liberty to
Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited in respect of
amount paid by Amni International Petroleum Development Company Limited to
the Security Trustee under the Amni Guarantee;
(k) any Security Interest in respect of taxes payable by any Obligor in respect
of its interest in OPL 237 and OML 112 (other than in respect of the Deep
Rights as defined in the Joint Venture Agreement referred to in paragraph
(j) above); and
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<PAGE>
(l) any Security Interest in favour of the Security Trustee created under any
Financing Document.
POTENTIAL EVENT OF DEFAULT means any event which with the giving of notice,
lapse of time or making of any determination specified in clause 13.1 may
constitute (after the expiration of any applicable grace or cure period set
forth therein) an Event of Default;
REFERENCE BANKS means, subject to clause 6.6, the principal London office of
each of The Chase Manhattan Bank, ABN Amro Bank N.V., and Credit Suisse First
Boston, and any replacement Lender nominated under that clause;
SECURITY INTEREST means any mortgage, charge, pledge, lien, right of set-off,
assignment by way of security, retention of title or any security interest
whatsoever or any other agreement or arrangement having the effect of conferring
security, howsoever created or arising;
SECURITY TRUST DEED means the security trust deed dated of even date herewith
between the Borrowers, the Guarantors, Credit Suisse First Boston as Agent,
Credit Suisse First Boston as Security Trustee and others as the same may be
amended from time to time;
SHARE PLEDGES means the pledges executed or to be executed by the Borrowers and
Guarantors pursuant to clause 4.1(f) in favour of the Security Trustee creating
a first ranking Security Interest over the common stock of each of the Borrowers
(other than ARC) and each Guarantor;
SUBSTANCE means (i) any radioactive emissions, (ii) electricity and any
electrical or electromagnetic emissions and (iii) any substance whatsoever,
(including but not limited to any "hazardous substances" under the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1990 of the United
States of America, sections 964 - 965 and whether in solid or liquid form or in
the form of a gas or vapour, and whether alone or in combination with any other
substance) which is generally considered or known to be harmful to man or any
other living organism supported by the Environment or damaging to the
Environment or public health or welfare;
TAX means any present or future tax, impost, duty, levy or charge of a similar
nature payable to or imposed by any supra-national, governmental, federal,
state, provincial, local governmental or municipal taxing authority, body or
official (together with any related penalties, fines, surcharges and interest);
TIL means Total International Limited, a Bermuda limited company;
TOTAL COMMITMENTS means at any time the aggregate amount of all the Commitments
in respect of all the Lenders;
TOTAL OUTSTANDINGS means at any time the aggregate amount of all Outstandings in
respect of all the Lenders;
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<PAGE>
TRANSFER CERTIFICATE means a certificate in the form of Schedule 4 delivered
pursuant to clause 19.1;
TRANSFEREE has the meaning ascribed thereto in clause 19.1; and
WARRANT means an agreement in the form of Schedule 8 entered into or to be
entered into in accordance with clause 4.1(l).
1.2 FINANCIAL DEFINITIONS: In this Agreement except where the context
otherwise requires:
ACCOUNTS means the Reference Accounts and any other audited or unaudited
accounts of the Borrowers whether or not consolidated, delivered or required to
be delivered by the Borrowers to the Agent in accordance with this Agreement;
but so that if the Reference Accounts and other Accounts prepared in respect of
the same period are in conflict in any way, the Reference Accounts shall
prevail;
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES means the accounting principles, standards, conventions
and practices complying with generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States of America which are generally adopted and practised by companies
in the United States of America or otherwise with the prior written consent of
the Agent;
BORROWINGS means and includes as at any date:
(a) all moneys borrowed (with or without security) or raised by way of debt
finance by the Borrowers or any other member of the Consolidated Group;
(b) receivables sold, assigned or discounted (save to the extent that the same
are sold, assigned or discounted without recourse);
(c) the acquisition cost of any asset to the extent payable before or after the
time of acquisition and possession by the party liable therefor where the
advance or deferred payment is arranged primarily as a method of raising
finance or financing the acquisition of that asset;
(d) any obligation under any lease which is required to be capitalised under
Accounting Principles;
(e) the net exposure (meaning the amount payable by the party liable thereunder
on termination or closing out determined on a marked to market basis) of
any derivative transactions entered into which have the commercial or
financial effect of any Borrowing set out within this definition;
(f) the principal amount raised by the Borrowers or any other member of the
Consolidated Group by acceptances (not being acceptances in relation to the
purchase of goods or services in the ordinary course of trading which have
been outstanding for 180 days or less) or under any acceptance credit
opened on its behalf by a bank or accepting house;
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<PAGE>
(g) the principal amount (including any fixed or minimum premium payable on
final redemption or repayment) of any notes, bonds, debentures, loan stock
or other securities of the Borrowers or any other member of the
Consolidated Group; and
(h) any guarantee, indemnity or similar assurance against the Borrowings of any
person;
but excluding:
(i) any Borrowings by the Borrowers or any other member of the Consolidated
Group which would otherwise be taken into account and are intended to be
applied in the repayment of the whole or part of any other moneys taken
into account as Borrowings pending such application provided that they are
so applied within three months of their being so borrowed; or
(k) amounts which would otherwise be taken into account which are for the time
being owing by any member of the Consolidated Group to any other member of
the Consolidated Group;
and so that:
(l) no amount shall be taken into account more than once in the same
calculation; and
(m) when the aggregate amount of Borrowings required to be taken into account
for the purpose of this paragraph on any particular day is being
ascertained, any such Borrowings denominated or repayable in a currency
other than dollars shall be converted for the purpose of calculating the
dollar equivalent at the Agent's Spot Rate of Exchange on that day for the
purchase of that currency with dollars;
CURRENT ASSETS means, as at the date on which it falls to be determined, the
aggregate consolidated amount of all assets of the Consolidated Group realisable
in the ordinary course of business within 12 months of such date as shown in the
Accounts for the Calculation Period during which such date falls and determined
in accordance with the Accounting Principles (for the avoidance of doubt, all
intercompany receivables having been eliminated in determining the consolidated
amount of all such assets);
CURRENT LIABILITIES means, as at the date on which it falls to be determined,
the aggregate consolidated amount of all liabilities of the Consolidated Group
payable within 12 months of such date as shown in the Accounts for the
Calculation Period during which such date falls and determined in accordance
with the Accounting Principles;
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<PAGE>
INTEREST CHARGES means the aggregate interest paid or payable by the
Consolidated Group (including guarantee commission and any other commitment,
arrangement and similar fee in respect thereof, amounts in the nature of
interest, discount charges, the interest element of rental under finance leases)
on Borrowings less interest received during the relevant period (excluding in
either case amounts paid or received intra Consolidated Group) and determined in
accordance with the Accounting Principles;
OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES means the aggregate of all expenses (including
capital expenditures) incurred in respect of any Joint Venture Document, Oil and
Gas Development Agreement or Oil and Gas Property (without duplication) as
stated in the Accounts for the relevant period and determined in accordance with
the Accounting Principles; and
REFERENCE ACCOUNTS means, at any time, the audited combined consolidated profit
and loss account and balance sheet of the Consolidated Group most recently
delivered by the Borrowers to the Agent in accordance with clause 12.1 (b).
1.3 CONSTRUCTION: Except where the context otherwise requires, any reference
in this Agreement to:
the AGENT, and the SECURITY TRUSTEE include its successors and permitted
transferees and assigns;
an AGREEMENT also includes a concession, contract, deed, franchise, licence,
treaty or undertaking (in each case, whether oral or written);
the ASSETS of any person shall be construed as a reference to the whole or any
part of its business, undertaking, property, assets and revenues (including any
right to receive revenues);
CONTROL means the ability, directly or indirectly, to appoint and/or remove all
or the majority of the board of directors or management committee of the person
or otherwise to direct its affairs in any material respect;
DERIVATIVE TRANSACTION includes any rate swap transaction, basis swap, forward
rate transaction, commodity swap, commodity option, equity linked swap, equity
or equity index option, bond option, interest rate option, foreign exchange
transaction, cap transaction, floor transaction, collar transaction, currency
swap transaction, currency option, spot or spot deferred oil or gas transaction,
forward oil or gas transaction, oil or gas option, oil or gas lease, loan or
consignment, EFP (exchange for physical), oil or gas swap, oil or gas forward
rate transaction or any other similar transaction (including any option with
respect to any of these transactions) or any combination of any of the foregoing
transactions;
a FINANCING DOCUMENT or other agreement includes any amendments, novations or
supplements thereto;
a GUARANTEE also includes any other obligation (whatever called) of any person
to pay, purchase, provide funds (whether by way of the advance of money, the
purchase of or subscription for shares or other securities, the purchase of
assets or services, or otherwise) for the payment of, indemnify against the
consequences of default in the payment of, or otherwise be responsible for, any
indebtedness of any other person;
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<PAGE>
INDEBTEDNESS means any obligation (whether present or future, actual or
- -contingent, secured or unsecured, as principal or surety or otherwise) for the
payment or repayment of money;
a LAW includes common or customary law and any constitution, decree, judgment,
legislation, order, ordinance, regulation, statute, treaty or other legislative
measure in any jurisdiction or any present or future directive, regulation,
request or requirement (in each case, whether or not having the force of law
but, if not having the force of law, the compliance with which is in accordance
with the general practice of persons to whom the directive, regulation, request
or requirement is addressed);
a PERSON includes any corporation, association, partnership or other entity and
includes its successors and permitted transferees and assigns;
a provision of law is a reference to that provision as amended or re-enacted;
SUBSIDIARY in relation to any person means (i) any corporate entity of which
more than 50 per cent of the issued share capital or voting rights in relation
thereto is -owned directly or indirectly by such person and/or one or more
subsidiaries of such person or (ii) any corporate entity which is controlled by
such person;
references to a TIME OF DAY are to London time; headings and the table of
contents are for ease of reference only.
AMOUNT AND PURPOSE
2.1 AMOUNT: In accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, the Lenders
shall make an Advance to the Borrowers. The maximum aggregate principal amount
of the Facility is $30,702,500 (thirty million seven hundred two thousand five
hundred dollars).
2.2 PURPOSE: The Facility shall be used only for the purpose of refinancing
certain obligations of the Borrowers to Total pursuant to the Prepayment
Agreement between Liberty and TIL dated July 29, 1997, as amended April 6, 1998,
and to secure the release of the guarantees made by ARC and Dahomey to TIL dated
July 20, 1997 in respect of the obligations of Liberty under the aforesaid
Prepayment Agreement.
SYNDICATE AND BORROWERS
3.1 PARTICIPATION: Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, each of the
Lenders shall participate in the Advance under the Facility in the proportion
which its Commitment bears to the Total Commitments up to an aggregate principal
amount not exceeding its Commitment.
3.2 OBLIGATIONS SEVERAL: In participating in the Facility:
(a) the rights and obligations of each of the Lenders under the Financing
Documents are several. Failure of a Lender to perform its obligations under
the Financing Documents shall neither:
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<PAGE>
(i) result in the Agent, the Security Trustee or any Lender incurring any
liability whatsoever; nor
(ii) relieve the Agent, the Security Trustee, any Obligor or any Lender
from their respective obligations under the Financing Documents; and
(b) the aggregate of the amounts due to each Lender under the Financing
Documents at any time is a separate and independent debt and subject to
clause 13.2 each Lender shall have the right to protect and enforce its
rights under the Financing Documents and it shall not be necessary (except
as otherwise provided in the Financing Documents) for any other Lender or
the Agent to be joined as an additional party in any proceedings to this
end.
3.3 LIABILITY OF BORROWERS: The obligations of each Borrower hereunder are
joint and several.
3.4 BORROWERS' AGENT: Each Obligor irrevocably authorises and instructs the
Borrowers' Agent to give and receive as agent on its behalf all notices and take
such other action (including, without limitation, the giving of consents, the
signing of certificates or the acceptance of any proposal) as may be necessary
or desirable under or in connection with the Financing Documents and confirms
that it will be bound by any action taken by the Borrowers' Agent under or in
connection with the Financing Documents.
3.5 Actions of Borrowers' Agent: The respective liabilities of each of the
Obligors hereunder shall not be in any way affected by:
(a) any irregularity in any act done by or any failure to act by the Borrowers'
Agent;
(b) the Borrowers' Agent acting in any respect outside any authority conferred
upon it by any Obligor; and
(c) the failure by or inability of the Borrowers' Agent to inform any Obligor
of receipt by it of any notification hereunder. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
4.1 CONDITIONS TO THE FACILITY: The Facility shall become available on the
date upon which the Agent has notified the Borrowers' Agent that it received the
following documents dated not more than two days before the Drawing Date or such
earlier date as the Agent may in its discretion accept and in each case in form
and content satisfactory to the Agent:
(a) a certificate signed by 2 directors of each of the Borrowers substantially
in the form set out in Part I of Schedule 3 and the documents therein
referred to;
(b) a certificate in respect of each of the Original Guarantors signed by 2
directors of each of the Original Guarantors substantially in the form set
out in Part II of Schedule 3 and the documents therein referred to;
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(c) opinions of the Obligors' independent legal counsel in each jurisdiction in
which an Obligor is incorporated opining as to the due execution of each of
the Financing Documents;
(d) a letter from Ogilvie and Company describing and listing each of the Oil
and Gas Development Agreements and each of the Oil and Gas Properties of
which such firm has any knowledge or information in form and substance
satisfactory to the Agent;
(e) a certified copy of the Joint Venture Documents and Oil and Gas Development
Agreements now in effect (including without limitation any agreements
referred to in the letter described in paragraph (d) above), and in each
case any agreements ancillary thereto in each case duly executed by all the
parties thereto, and up to date copies as at the date not more than 10 days
before the Drawing Date together with all consents, resolutions, documents
and other matters necessary for the effectiveness of the same and
appropriate evidence that each has become wholly unconditional and
effective and none of the conditions precedent thereto has been waived
without the consent of the Lenders;
(f) an executed copy of each of the Share Pledges, together with the share
certificates representing 100 per cent of the common stock of each of
Liberty, Dahomey and each Guarantor in the name of the respective Guarantor
or Borrower which is the pledgor under the respective Share Pledge and any
other documents required to be delivered pursuant thereto;
(g) an executed copy of two Debentures issued by West African Resource
Corporation (each in respect of Concession 309), an executed copy of a
Debenture issued by Agbara Resources Limited in respect of Concession 310),
and an executed copy of a Debenture issued by Liberty in respect of OPL 237
and OML 112 (Deep Rights) in form and content satisfactory to the Agent;
(h) an executed copy of the Security Trust Deed;
(i) an executed copy of the MOPU Agreement and the Amni Guarantee;
(j) an executed copy of a Certificate issued by Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum
Company Limited in form and content satisfactory to the Agent;
(k) an executed copy of a Certificate signed by each ARC Director in the form
of Part III of Schedule 3; and
(l) an executed copy of the Warrant.
4.2 NOTICE: The Agent shall promptly notify each of the Lenders and the
Borrowers' Agent after it has received all documents and confirmations required
pursuant to clause 4.1.
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4.3 CONDITIONS TO THE ADVANCE: The Advance is subject to the further
conditions precedent that both on the date of the Drawing Notice and on the
Drawing Date no Event of Default or Potential Event of Default has occurred or
would occur as a result of making the Advance.
DRAWDOWN OF THE ADVANCE
5.1 DRAWDOWN: Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Borrowers'
Agent may on Business Days during the Availability Period draw the Advance by
delivering to the Agent no later than 10.00 am (London time) a duly completed
Drawing Notice in the form set out in Schedule 2, specifying in respect of the
proposed Advance:
(a) the proposed Drawing Date, which shall be a Business Day;
(b) the amount of the Advance, which shall not exceed $30,702,500; and
(c) the Interest Period which shall be for successive periods of three months
provided that the final Interest Period shall coincide with the Final
Maturity Date.
5.2 IRREVOCABILITY: A Drawing Notice shall be irrevocable and, subject to
the provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower named therein shall draw the
Advance on the Drawing Date specified in the Drawing Notice.
5.3 NOTICE TO LENDERS: Subject to clause 4.3, when the Agent actually
receives a Drawing Notice pursuant to clause 5.1, it shall notify each of the
Lenders of the amount of the proposed Advance and the proposed Drawing Date and
each Lender shall, subject to the provisions of this Agreement, make available
to the Agent on the Drawing Date its participation in that Advance.
INTEREST
6.1 DURATION OF PERIODS: The following provisions shall apply to the
duration of Interest Periods:
(a) the Interest Period for each Advance shall commence on the date of that
Advance and end on the date determined in accordance with and subject to
clause 5.1(c); and
(b) an Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which is not a
Business Day shall end on the next succeeding Business Day unless the
result of such extension would be that such Interest Period would end on a
day in the next following calendar month, in which event such Interest
Period shall end on the last preceding Business Day.
6.2 RATE: The rate of interest payable on an Advance for each Interest
Period shall be the rate per annum determined by the Agent to be the aggregate
Of
(a) the applicable Facility Margin; and
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(b) (i) the rate which appears on the display designated as the British
Bankers Association's Interest Settlement Rate as quoted on page 3750
of the Dow Jones/Telerate Monitor for dollars (or such other page or
service as may replace page 3750 on such system for the purpose of
displaying London Inter-bank offered rates for dollars of leading
banks, from time to time) as at 11.00 a.m. (London time) on the second
Business Day before the commencement of that Interest Period; or
(ii) if no such display rate is then available for dollars, the arithmetic
mean (rounded to four decimal places with the mid-point rounded up) of
the rates notified to the Agent at its request by each of the
Reference Banks as the rate at which deposits in dollars are offered
for the same period as that Interest Period by that Reference Lender
to leading banks in the London Inter-bank market at or about 11.00
a.m. (London time) on the second Business Day before the commencement
of that Interest Period; less
(c) the Interest Adjustment.
6.3 PAYMENT: Interest under this Agreement shall accrue from the date the
Advance is made and shall be calculated on the basis of actual days elapsed (not
counting within an Interest Period the last day of that Interest Period) and a
year of 360 days and shall be paid on the Advance by the Borrower to the Agent
for the account of the Lenders in arrears on each Interest Payment Date in
dollars.
6.4 AGENT'S CERTIFICATE: The Agent shall notify the Borrowers' Agent and
each of the Lenders of the rate of interest as soon as it is determined under
this Agreement. The certificate of the Agent as to a rate of interest shall, in
the absence of manifest error, be conclusive.
6.5 FAILURE OF REFERENCE BANK: If any Reference Bank for any reason fails to
notify to the Agent the rate referred to in clause 6.2(b)(ii), subject to clause
10.3(d), the rate of interest shall be determined on the basis of the rates
notified to the Agent by the remaining Reference Lenders.
6.6 NEW REFERENCE BANK: If any Reference Bank ceases to provide rates at
which deposits in dollars are offered to leading banks in the London interbank
market:
(a) it shall cease to be a Reference Bank; and
(b) the Agent shall, with the approval (which shall not be unreasonably
withheld or delayed) of the Borrowers' Agent, nominate as soon as
reasonably practicable another Bank to be a Reference Bank in place of such
Reference Bank. REPAYMENT
7.1 REPAYMENT OF ADVANCES: The Borrowers shall on the Final Maturity Date
repay the Advance to the Agent for the account of the Lenders in accordance with
clause 9.1.
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7.2 NETTING OFF: If on the Drawing Date:
(a) a Lender is required to participate in an Advance; and
(b) a payment is due to that Lender pursuant to this clause 7, then the Agent
shall (without prejudice to the Borrowers' obligation to make the payment
in question pursuant to this clause 7 prior to any application pursuant to
this clause and without prejudice to the Borrowers' remaining obligation in
relation to such payment after any such application) apply any amount
payable by such Lender to that Borrower on the Drawing Date in or towards
satisfaction of the amount payable by that Borrower to such Lender on such
Drawing Date pursuant to this clause 7.
7.3 Fees: In order to induce the Lenders to make the Advance hereunder the
Borrowers will pay to the Agent for the account of the Lenders a Facility Fee in
the amount of $500,000 on June 29, 1999 or such earlier date upon which the
Total Outstandings are repaid in full.
PREPAYMENT
8.1 PREPAYMENT: The Borrowers' Agent may at any time and from time to time,
serve a notice of prepayment through the Agent in respect of all or any portion
of the Advance provided that the minimum principal amount of the Advance prepaid
shall be $1,000,000 and the principal amount of any prepayment shall be in an
integral multiple of $500,000. On the date falling 5 Business Days after the
date of service of the notice, the Borrowers shall prepay the principal amount
designated in such notice. On prepaying the Advance under this clause, the
Borrowers shall pay to the Agent for the account of the Lenders accrued interest
together with all other amounts due to the Lenders in respect of such Advance
(including, without limitation, any sum payable under the indemnity contained in
clause 14.1 (a)).
PAYMENTS
9.1 MECHANICS: The following provisions shall apply to the making of
payments:
(a) all payments by an Obligor or a Lender under this Agreement shall be made
to the Agent to its account at such office or Lender as it may notify in
writing to the Borrowers' Agent or the Lenders;
(b) payments under this Agreement to the Agent shall be made in dollars for
value on or before 10.00 a.m. (London time) on the due date;
(c) each payment received by the Agent under this Agreement for another person
shall, subject to paragraph (d) below, be made available by the Agent to
that person by payment (on the date and in the currency and funds of
receipt) to that person's account with such office or Lender in the
principal center of the country of the relevant currency as it may notify
to the Agent for this purpose by no less than 5 Business Days' prior
notice; and
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(d) the Agent is not obliged to make payment under paragraph (c) above until it
has actually received the corresponding sum. If the Agent makes available
to a person any amount which has not been made unconditionally available to
the Agent and that amount is not actually and unconditionally made
available, the person concerned shall forthwith on notice from the Agent
repay that amount to the Agent together with interest on the amount until
its repayment at a rate determined by the Agent to reflect its cost of
funds.
9.2 NO SET-OFF OR COUNTERCLAIM: All payments made by an Obligor under this
Agreement shall be made without set-off or counterclaim.
9.3 WITHHOLDINGS: All payments by an Obligor under this Agreement, whether
in respect of principal, interest, fees or any other item, shall be made in full
without any deduction or withholding in respect of Tax or otherwise (other than
a Tax imposed on the overall net income of a Lender's Facility Office by the
jurisdiction in which such Lender is incorporated or in which the Facility
Office is located (an EXCLUDED TAX)) unless the deduction or withholding is
required by law, in which event the Obligor shall:
(a) ensure that the deduction or withholding does not exceed the minimum
amount legally required;
(b) forthwith pay to the Agent for the account of each Lender such
additional amount so that the net amount received by that Lender will equal the
full amount which would have been received by it had no such deduction or
withholding in respect of Tax (other than an Excluded Tax) been made;
(c) pay to the relevant taxation or other authorities within the period for
payment permitted by applicable law the full amount of the deduction or
withholding (including, but without prejudice to the generality of the
foregoing, the full amount of any deduction or withholding from any additional
amount paid pursuant to this sub-clause); and
(d) furnish to the Agent on behalf of the Lender concerned, within the
period for payment permitted by the relevant law, either:
(i) an official receipt of the relevant taxation or other authorities
involved in respect of all amounts so deducted or withheld; or
(ii) if such receipts are not issued by the taxation or other authorities
concerned on payment to them of amounts so deducted or withheld, a certificate
of deduction or equivalent evidence of the relevant deduction or withholding.
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<PAGE>
If any deduction or withholding in respect of Tax or otherwise is required to be
made by the Agent in respect of any payment under this Agreement, the Obligor
concerned shall take the action referred to in paragraph (b), the certificate of
the Agent as to the amount required to be paid being conclusive, and the Agent
shall take the action referred to in paragraphs (a) and (c) and itself furnish
the documents referred to in paragraph (d).
9.4 TAX FORMS: Each Lender agrees, with respect to each Borrower and in
respect of its Facility Office for lending to such Borrower, in order to assist
such Borrower to secure the benefit of any available exemption for (or reduced
rate in respect of) any deduction or withholding for or on account of Taxes, it
shall, if requested in writing to do so by the Borrowers' Agent through the
Agent, as soon as practicable after receipt of such request, from time to time,
furnish such Borrower (at the expense of such Borrower) through the Borrowers'
Agent or the appropriate governmental or other authority, duly completed copies
of such certificates and documents as are necessary for such purpose.
9.5 TAX CREDITS: If and to the extent that any Obligor pays any additional
amount under clause 9.3(b) and any Lender receives and retains the benefit of a
refund of Tax or credit against Tax on its overall net income which is
identified by the Lender in its sole opinion as attributable to the tax that was
withheld or deducted (a TAX CREDIT), then that Lender shall reimburse to the
Obligor such amount as it shall determine in its absolute discretion so as to
leave that Lender, after that reimbursement, in no better or worse position than
it would have been in if payment of the relevant additional amount had not been
required. Each Lender shall have absolute discretion as to whether to claim any
Tax Credit and, if it does so claim, the extent, order and manner in which it
does so and in which reliefs and credits are to be regarded as used for these
purposes. No Lender shall be obliged to disclose any information regarding its
tax affairs or computations to any Obligor and its certificate as to the amount
to be reimbursed shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and
shall not be questioned by the Obligor.
9.6 DATE: If any payment would otherwise be due on a day which is not a
Business Day, it shall be due on the next succeeding Business Day unless the
result of such an extension would be that such payment would be due on a day in
the following calendar month, in which event such payment shall be due on the
last preceding Business Day.
9.7 DEFAULT INTEREST: If a Borrower fails to pay any amount in accordance
with this Agreement:
(a) the Borrower shall pay interest on that amount from the time of default up
to the time of actual payment (as well after as before judgment) at the
rate per annum which is the sum of
(i) the Facility Margin plus two per cent; and
(ii) the rate (as determined by the Agent) for a deposit in dollars of an
amount comparable to the defaulted amount, offered to the Agent in the
London Inter-bank market, for such period as the Agent may from time
to time select, at or about 10.00 a.m. (London time) on the Business
Day succeeding that on which the Agent becomes aware of the default
for value two Business Days later;
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(b) if an amount unpaid in accordance with this Agreement is of principal due
on a day during, but not the last day of, an Interest Period relating
thereto, the period selected by the Agent under clause 9.7(a) shall equal
the unexpired portion of the Interest Period and there shall be substituted
for the rate specified in clause 9.7(a) the rate of one per cent. above the
rate calculated in accordance with clause 6.2 and applicable to the unpaid
amount immediately before it fell due;
(c) interest under this clause shall accrue daily on the basis of a year of 360
days from and including the first day to the last day of each period for
which a rate of interest is determined under this clause and shall be due
and payable by the Borrower at the end of each such period. So long as the
default continues, the rate referred to in clause 9.7(a) shall be
calculated on a similar basis at the end of each period selected by the
Agent and notified to the Lenders and interest payable under this
sub-clause which is unpaid at the end of each such period shall thereafter
itself bear interest at the rates provided in this sub-clause.
9.8 JUDGMENT CURRENCY: If, under any applicable law, whether as a result of
a judgment against an Obligor or the liquidation of an Obligor or for any other
reason, any payment under or in connection with this Agreement is made or is
recovered in a currency (the other currency) other than that in which it is
required to be paid hereunder (the original currency), then, to the extent that
the payment to any Lender (when converted at the rate of exchange on the date of
payment or, in the case of a liquidation, the latest date for the determination
of liabilities permitted by the applicable law) falls short of the amount unpaid
under this Agreement, the Obligor shall as a separate and independent
obligation, fully indemnify that Lender against the amount of the shortfall; and
for the purposes of this sub-clause rate of exchange means the rate at which the
Lender concerned is able on the relevant date to purchase the original currency
in London with the other currency.
9.9 CERTIFICATES: Any determination or notification by the Agent or any
Lender concerning any rate or amount under this Agreement shall, in the absence
of manifest error, be conclusive evidence as to that matter.
CHANGES IN CIRCUMSTANCES
10.1 ILLEGALITY: Where the introduction, imposition or variation of any law
or any change in the interpretation or application of any law makes it unlawful
or impractical without breaching such law for any Lender to allow all or part of
its participation in this Facility to remain outstanding or to fund all or part
of its participation in an Advance or to carry out all or any of its other
obligations under this Agreement or to charge or receive interest at the rate
applicable under this Agreement, upon that Lender notifying the Agent:
(a) the Agent shall notify the Borrowers' Agent and that Lender's Commitment
shall forthwith be reduced to the extent necessary to cure such illegality;
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(b) the Borrower shall, within 5 Business Days of being so notified (and only
to the extent necessary to cure such illegality), prepay to the Agent for
the account of that Lender that Lender's participation in the Advance and
any accrued interest thereon in accordance with the provisions of clause
8.1.
10.2 INCREASED COSTS: Where any Lender determines that the introduction or
variation of any law or any change in the interpretation or application of any
law or compliance with any request (whether or not having the force of law) from
any central bank or other fiscal, monetary or other authority or agency would
increase the cost, whether by loss of reliefs or other benefits that would
otherwise have been available or otherwise, to that Lender (or the holding
company of that Lender) of making or maintaining or funding that Lender's
Commitment or reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by that Lender
in respect of its Commitment or oblige it (or its holding company) to make any
payment or suffer any cost or loss of relief or other benefits (except in
respect of tax on overall net income) or forego any interest or other return on,
or calculated by reference to, the amount of any sum received or receivable by
that Lender from an Obligor under this Agreement or reduce the effective return
to it (or its holding company) under this Agreement or on its (or its holding
company's) overall capital as a result of its entry into and/or compliance with
this Agreement, then:
(a) that Lender shall notify the Borrowers' Agent through the Agent of such
event promptly upon its becoming aware of such event; and
(b) such Obligor shall on demand pay, against evidence of the amount claimed,
to the Agent for the account of that Lender or its holding company such
amounts as that Lender from time to time and at any time notifies the Agent
to be necessary to compensate it, or its holding company, for such
increased cost, reduction, payment or foregone interest or return.
10.3 MARKET DISRUPTION: If, in relation to any Advance:
(a) the Agent (after consultation with the Reference Banks) determines that, by
reason of circumstances affecting the London Inter-bank market generally,
reasonable and adequate means do not or will not exist for ascertaining
under clause 6.2 a rate of interest applicable to an Advance; or
(b) the Agent is notified by the Majority Lenders that deposits in dollars are
not in the ordinary course of business available in the London Inter-bank
market for a period equal to the forthcoming Interest Period in amounts
sufficient to fund their participations in an Advance; or
(c) the Agent is notified by Lenders which are banks (the AFFECTED LENDERS)
whose Commitments aggregate more than 30 per cent. of the Total Commitments
that the arithmetic mean of the offered quotations or rates referred to in
clause 6.2(b) does not represent their effective cost of funding their
participations in such Advances during the forthcoming Interest Period; or
(d) only one Reference Lender notifies a rate to the Agent in accordance with
clause 6.2(b)(ii), the Agent shall forthwith notify the Borrowers' Agent
and each Lender, and:
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(e) no further Advances shall be made while such circumstances continue to
exist;
(f) unless within thirty days of the giving of the notice, the Borrowers' Agent
and the Agent (in consultation with the Lenders or, in the case of (c), the
Affected Lenders) arrive, by negotiation in good faith, at an alternative
basis acceptable to the Borrowers' Agent and the Lenders for continuing the
Facility or the participations of the Affected Lenders (and any alternative
basis agreed in writing shall be retroactive to and effective from the
commencement of the relevant Interest Period) the Commitments of the
Lenders or, in the case of (c), the Affected Lenders, shall be canceled and
the Borrowers shall prepay to the Agent for the account of the Lenders the
Total Outstandings or, in the case of (c), the participations of the
Affected Lenders, within 10 Business Days after the end of the 30 day
period with accrued interest payable to each Lender or Affected Lender, as
applicable, at a rate equal to the Facility Margin plus the aggregate of
the amounts certified by such Lender, and notified through the Agent to the
Borrowers' Agent, as being the cost to that Lender of continuing to fund
its Outstandings during the two periods referred to in this paragraph; and
(g) while any agreed alternative basis is in force, the Agent in consultation
with the Lenders or, in the case of (c), the Affected Lenders, shall
periodically (but at least monthly) determine whether circumstances are
such that the basis is no longer necessary; and if the Agent so determines,
it shall forthwith notify the Borrowers' Agent and each Lender and that
basis shall cease to be effective on a date specified by the Agent after
consultation with the Lenders.
10.4 TAX: If and to the extent either:
(a) an amount deducted or withheld from any payment, or an additional amount
payable for the account of any Lender by reason of a deduction or
withholding, pursuant to clause 9.3; or
(b) an amount in respect of increased costs payable pursuant to clause 10.2, is
brought into account by a Lender as a receipt for the purposes of taxation
and proves inadequate, by reason of the absence of a credit, deduction or
other relief which is (in any case) immediately and effectively received,
fully and immediately to indemnify the relevant Lender on an after-tax
basis against the cost, payment, deduction or withholding in question; then
in either case the Obligor will on demand pay such further sum to the Agent
for the account of the Lender as is necessary to remedy the inadequacy.
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10.5 MITIGATION: If a Lender becomes aware of circumstances that will or are
likely to lead to that Lender serving a notice under clause 10.1 or additional
amounts becoming payable under clause 10.2 or clause 9.3, that Lender shall
promptly notify the Agent accordingly, whereupon the Agent shall notify the
Borrowers' Agent and such Lender shall, without prejudice to the obligations of
any of the Borrowers, take such steps as are reasonably open to it to mitigate
the effects of those circumstances (including, without limitation, the transfer
of its rights and obligations hereunder to another Facility Office or to any
other bank or financial institution willing to assume its participation in the
Facility). Nothing in this clause imposes a legal obligation on any Lender to
take any steps that might be prejudicial to it or which might conflict with its
general banking policies.
10.6 CERTIFICATES AND INFORMATION: The certificate of the Agent or the
relevant Lender as to the amount that is payable under clause 10.2, 10.3 or 10.4
shall, in the absence of manifest error, be conclusive and nothing in this
clause 10 shall oblige any Lender to disclose any information regarding its
affairs or business to any Obligor.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
11.1 ON SIGNING: Each Obligor acknowledges that each of the Lenders, the
Agent and the Security Trustee has entered into the Financing Documents, and
that the Security Trustee has consented to be Security Trustee in relation
thereto in each case in full reliance on representations by each Obligor in the
following terms, and each Obligor now represents and warrants to each of them in
respect of itself (and each of the Borrowers warrants and represents in relation
to the Consolidated Group in clauses 11.1 (g), (h), (i), (j) and (k)) that:
(a) Status: it is duly incorporated with limited liability, validly existing
and in good standing, under the laws of its place of incorporation (except
where failure to be so qualified would not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect) and is duly qualified and authorised to do
business and is in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which the
conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified or authorised
(except where failure to be so qualified would not reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect);
(b) POWERS AND AUTHORISATIONS: the documents which contain or establish its
constitution include provisions which give power, and all necessary
corporate authority has been obtained and action taken, for it to own its
assets, carry on its business and operations as they are now being
conducted, to sign and deliver, and perform the transactions contemplated
in, the Financing Documents to which it is a party and the Financing
Documents to which it is a party constitute valid and binding obligations
on it enforceable in accordance with their terms;
(c) NON-VIOLATION: neither the signing and delivery of the Financing Documents
to which it is a party nor the performance of any of the transactions
contemplated in any of them does or will contravene or constitute a default
under, or cause to be exceeded, any limitation on it or the powers of its
directors imposed by or contained in:
(i) any law, rule, regulation, writ, order, determination or award by
which it or any of its assets is bound or affected;
(ii) any document which contains or establishes its constitution; or
(iii)any agreement to which it or any of its subsidiaries is a party or by
which any of its or their assets is bound,
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which default could be reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on
the business, properties, results of operations or financial condition of the
Consolidated Group (a MATERIAL ADVERSE EFFECT);
(d) Consents: no authorisation, approval, consent, licence, exemption,
registration, recording, filing or notarisation and no payment of any duty,
charge or tax and no other action whatsoever is necessary or desirable to
ensure the validity, legality, enforceability or priority of the
liabilities and obligations of it or the rights of the Lenders, the Agent
or the Security Trustee (or any of them) under the Financing Documents
except such authorizations, etc. as have been obtained or will be obtained
within 30 days following the Drawing Date;
(e) NO DEFAULT: no event has occurred which constitutes, or which with the
giving of notice and/or the lapse of time and/or a relevant determination
would constitute, a contravention of, or default under, any Joint Venture
Document or Oil and Gas Development Agreement or any other agreement or
instrument by which it or any of its assets is bound or affected, being a
contravention or default which could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect or materially and adversely affect its ability to
observe or perform its obligations under the Financing Documents to which
it is a party except as disclosed in a certificate executed in accordance
with Clause 4.1(a) or (b);
(f) LITIGATION: no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding or
claim which by itself or together with any other such proceedings or claims
could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect or
materially and adversely affect its ability to observe or perform its
obligations under the Financing Documents to which it is a party, is
presently in progress or pending or, to the knowledge of any Obligor,
threatened against it or any of its assets except as disclosed in a
certificate executed in accordance with Clause 4.1(a) or (b);
(g) Tax: no member of the Consolidated Group is in default in the payment of
any taxes which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect, and no material claim is being asserted with respect to taxes which
is not disclosed in the most recent Accounts except as disclosed in a
certificate executed in accordance with Clause 4.1(a) or (b);
(h) ACCOUNTS:
(i) the statement of the Consolidated Group as at December 31, 1997
prepared by Deloitte & Touche has been prepared on a basis
consistently applied in accordance with the Accounting Principles and
gives a true and fair view of the Consolidated Group for that year and
the state of the affairs of the Consolidated Group at that date, and
in particular accurately disclose or reserve against all the
liabilities (actual or contingent) of the Consolidated Group as a
whole that are required to be disclosed or reserved against in
accordance with the Accounting Principles; and
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(ii) the most recent financial statements of the Consolidated Group
delivered to the Agent pursuant to clause 12.1(b) below have been
prepared on a basis consistently applied in accordance with the
Accounting Principles and give a true and fair view of the results of
its operations for that year and the state of its affairs at that date
and in particular accurately disclose or reserve against all the
liabilities (actual or contingent) that are required to be disclosed
or reserved against in accordance with the Accounting Principles;
(i) ENVIRONMENT:
(i) so far as any officer or director is aware, it has at all times
complied with all Environmental Laws and Environmental Licences in all
material respects and obtained and maintained in full force and effect
in all material respects all Environment Licences and there are no
facts or circumstances entitling any such Environmental Licences to be
revoked, suspended, amended, varied, withdrawn or not renewed; and
(ii) so far as any officer or director is aware, no Material Environmental
Claim is pending or has been made or threatened against any member of
the Consolidated Group, save to the extent that the same is a
notification or order requiring compliance with the terms of any
Environmental Licence or Environmental Law which is in the process of
being complied with in the time specified therein for compliance;
(j) MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE: there has been no material adverse change in the
consolidated financial condition of the Consolidated Group since the date
referred to in paragraph (h)(i);
(k) NO SECURITY: none of the assets of any member of the Consolidated Group is
affected by any Security Interest, and no member of the Consolidated Group
is a party to, nor is it or any of its assets bound by, any order,
agreement or instrument under which any member of the Consolidated Group
is, or in certain events may be, required to create, assume or permit to
arise any Security Interest, other than any Permitted Security Interest;
(l) CERTIFICATES: the information provided in the Certificates executed in
accordance with clause 4.1, when prepared and as of the date of this
Agreement:
(i) is true and accurate in all material respects and is not misleading in
any material respect; and
(ii) does not omit to state any fact necessary to make such information not
misleading in any material respect;
(m) INFORMATION: the information furnished from time to time by the Borrowers
in connection with the Facility is true and accurate in all material
respects and is not misleading in any material respect when so furnished;
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(n) SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS: the Subsidiaries of each Obligor which the Agent has
requested to the Borrowers' Agent accede to this Agreement have acceded to
this Agreement as Additional Guarantors or are the Original Guarantors; and
each Subsidiary of each Obligor has been notified to the Agent within not
more than ten days following the date upon which such Person has become a
Subsidiary of any Obligor.
11.2 AFTER SIGNING: Each Obligor shall be deemed to represent and warrant
to each of the Lenders, the Agent and the Security Trustee on each day that the
Advance or any portion thereof is outstanding, with reference to the facts and
circumstances then subsisting, that each of the representations and warranties
made by it contained in clause 11.1 (other than paragraph (h)(i) and (j)) and
each certificate issued pursuant to clause 12.1(b)(iv) remains true, accurate
and correct.
UNDERTAKINGS
12.1 ACCOUNTS AND INFORMATION: Each Borrower undertakes with each of the
Lenders, the Agent and the Security Trustee that, from the date of this
Agreement until all its liabilities under the Financing Documents have been
discharged:
(a) PREPARATION OF ACCOUNTS: it will prepare the financial statements referred
to in paragraph (b) on a basis consistently applied in accordance with the
Accounting Principles and those financial statements shall give a true and
fair view of the results of the Consolidated Group for the period in
question and the state of the affairs of the Consolidated Group as at the
date to which the financial statements are made up and shall accurately
disclose or reserve against all the liabilities (actual or contingent) of
the Consolidated Group required to be disclosed or reserved against in
accordance with the Accounting Principles;
(b) INFORMATION: it will deliver to the Agent in sufficient numbers for each of
the Lenders:
(i) as soon as they become available (and in any event within 105 days of
31 December in each year) copies of the audited combined consolidated
and consolidating financial statements for the twelve-month period
then ended of the Consolidated Group which shall be shown in dollars,
contain an income statement, a balance sheet and a cash flow statement
and be audited and certified by a firm of independent accountants of
recognised international standing;
(ii) as soon as they become available (and in any event within 60 days of
the end of each of its financial quarters) copies of the unaudited
consolidated and consolidating financial statements for that financial
quarter of the Consolidated Group each of which shall contain an
income statement and a balance sheet;
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(iii)promptly, all notices or other documents despatched by each Borrower
to its shareholders or Oil and Gas Partners (or in either case, any
class thereof) and, in the case of ARC, to the Toronto Stock Exchange
(including, without limitation, the Borrowers' annual budget and
business plan for each calendar year) or its creditors generally;
(iv) within 10 days following the close of each calendar month, an Officers
Certificate signed by two Directors of ARC in the form of Part III of
Schedule 3 describing any changes in the information set forth in the
Certificate given since the delivery of the previous certificate; and
(v) promptly, such additional financial or other information as the Agent
may from time to time reasonably request.
12.2 GENERAL UNDERTAKINGS: Each Obligor undertakes with each of the Lenders,
the Agent and the Security Trustee that, from the date of this Agreement until
all its liabilities under the Financing Documents have been discharged:
(a) CONSENTS: it will obtain and promptly renew from time to time, and will
promptly deliver to the Agent certified copies of, any authorisation,
approval, consent, licence, exemption, registration, recording, filing or
notarisation as may be necessary or desirable to ensure the validity,
enforceability or priority of the liabilities and obligations of it or the
rights of the Lenders, the Agent and the Security Agent (or any of them)
under the Financing Documents to which it is a party and it shall comply
with the terms of the same;
(b) DEFAULT: if it becomes aware of the occurrence of an Event of Default or
Potential Event of Default it will forthwith notify the Agent and provide
the Agent with full details of any steps which it is taking, or is
considering taking, in order to remedy or mitigate the effect of the Event
of Default or Potential Event of Default or otherwise in connection with
it;
(c) LITIGATION: promptly, and in any event within 10 days, after becoming aware
of the same inform the Agent of any litigation, arbitration or
administrative proceeding or claim of the kind described in clause 11.1
(f);
(d) INSURANCE: it will:
(i) procure that it takes out and maintains insurance cover over its
assets and undertaking with reputable underwriters or insurance
companies (including, without limitation, reinsurance companies)
reasonably acceptable to the Agent, of a type and in an amount which
is consistent with good business practice in the precious metal
industry;
(ii) punctually pay all premiums and other sums payable under each policy
taken out pursuant to this clause 12.2(d);
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(iii)upon receipt of a written request from the Agent to such effect,
deliver to the Agent such information as to the policies of insurance
taken out pursuant to this clause 12.2(d) (or as to any matter which
may be relevant to such insurances) as the Agent may reasonably
request and upon renewal of any such policy, produce to the Agent, on
or before its expiry date, evidence of such renewal;
(iv) promptly upon becoming aware of the same notify the Agent of any
insurance claim where the amount of such claim exceeds $5,000,000 (or
its equivalent, on the date on which the claim is made, in the
currency in which such claim is made) or such other amount as may,
from time to time, be specified by the Agent;
(v) procure that no material reductions in limits or coverage (including
those resulting from extensions) or material increases in deductibles,
exclusions or exceptions shall be made to any insurance effected
pursuant to this clause 12.2(d) without the prior consent of the
Agent;
(vi) not, at any time, do (or omit to do), anything whereby any of the
insurances taken out under this clause 12.2(d) may be rendered void,
voidable, unenforceable, suspended or impaired in whole or in part or
which may otherwise render any sum paid out under any such policy
repayable in whole or in part;
(vii)promptly upon becoming aware thereof, inform the Agent of any
substantial change in the insurances on and in relation to its
business and assets;
(e) PARI PASSU RANKING: its unsecured obligations under this Agreement do and
will rank at least pari passu with all its other present and future
unsecured obligations other than obligations in respect of national,
provincial and local taxes and employees' remuneration and taxes and for
certain other statutory exceptions;
(f) ENVIRONMENT: it will:
(i) comply in all material respects with the terms and conditions of all
laws, regulations, agreements, licences and concessions including,
without limitation, all Environmental Laws and all Environmental
Licences, all Applicable Laws and all Licences and Permissions;
(ii) save as disclosed in writing to the Agent on or prior to the date
hereof, ensure that no Substance is at or brought on to any property
owned, leased or occupied by any member of the Consolidated Group
which may give rise to a Material Environmental Claim and shall take
or procure the taking of all necessary action to deal with, remedy or
remove from such property or prevent the incursion of (as the case may
be) the Substance in order to prevent such Environmental Claim (or in
order to comply with any notification or order requiring compliance
with the terms of any Environmental Licence or Environmental Law
within the time specified therein for such compliance) and in a manner
that complies in all material respects with all requirements of
Environmental Law;
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(g) RECORDS ETC: at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable
notice, it will permit the Agent or any Lender or any agent or
representative thereof to examine and make copies of and abstracts from the
records and books of account of, and visit the properties of it to discuss
its affairs, finances and accounts with any of their respective officers
and directors and its independent accountants, at the expense of the Agent
or Lender, unless a Potential Event of Default or Event of Default shall
have occurred and be continuing in which case at the expense of the
Borrowers;
(h) INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: preserve and maintain in all material respects the
substance and the validity of the Intellectual Property and where
appropriate, use its best endeavours to protect and safeguard the
Intellectual Property which is material from and against theft, loss,
destruction, unauthorised access, copying or use by third parties; and
(i) TAX RETURNS: except with respect to tax matters relating to the alleged
failure of Liberty Technical Services Limited and Abacan Technical Services
Inc to make past payments to the Nigerian government in connection with the
operation of OPL 237 and OML 112, ensure all necessary tax returns and
filings are delivered by or on behalf of each member of the Consolidated
Group in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and promptly
provide to the Agent a complete and correct copy of each such tax return;
(j) ADDITIONAL GUARANTORS: promptly (and in all cases within 30 days) following
the close of each calendar month it will procure that each Subsidiary
(other than an Original Guarantor and any Subsidiary that has previously
issued a Guarantor Accession Deed) not earlier notified to the Agent. At
the request of the Agent the Borrowers will cause any Subsidiary of any
Obligor to execute a Guarantor Accession Deed in the form of Schedule 5
duly completed and signed by the Borrowers' Agent and such Subsidiary, and
deliver to the Agent (x) a certificate signed by 2 directors of such
Subsidiary substantially in the form set out in Schedule 3 and the
documents referred to therein; and (y) an opinion of an independent firm of
lawyers acceptable to the Agent;
(k) FUTURE DEBENTURES: promptly (and in all cases within 30 days) following the
written request of the Agent to the Borrowers' Agent, any Obligor as to
which the Agent has made such request shall enter into a Debenture in form
and content and covering any property or interests requested as may be
requested by the Agent (provided that the reasonable value of the property
covered by such Debenture is $500,000 or more), and provided further that
all necessary authorisations, approvals or consents are or can reasonably
be obtained.
12.3 NEGATIVE UNDERTAKINGS: Each Obligor undertakes with each of the
Lenders, the Agent and the Security Trustee that, from the date of this
Agreement until all its liabilities under the Financing Documents have been
discharged:
(a) SECURITY: it will not and will procure that no Subsidiary will:
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(i) create or permit to subsist any Security Interest on the whole or any
part of its present or future property, assets or revenues;
(ii) sell or otherwise dispose of any of its assets on terms whereby such
property or asset is or may be leased to or re-acquired or acquired by
it (except to the extent that the proceeds of such sale or disposition
are applied to the repayment of loans made to it);
(iii)sell or otherwise dispose of any of its receivables on recourse terms
except for the discounting of bills or notes in the ordinary course of
business; except for Permitted Security Interests;
(b) DISPOSALS: without the prior written consent of the Agent, such consent not
to be unreasonably withheld in circumstances where in the opinion of the
Majority Lenders the interests of the Lenders are reasonably protected
after taking into account the reasonable requirements of the Obligors to
develop their assets, it will not, and will procure that no Subsidiary
will, either in a single transaction or in a series of transactions whether
related or not and whether voluntarily or involuntarily, sell, transfer,
lease or otherwise dispose of all or any material part of their property or
assets except that, without limitation, the following disposals shall not
be taken into account:
(i) disposals made with the prior consent of the Majority Lenders;
(ii) disposals (other than any disposal in respect of an Oil and Gas
Property, any interest under a Joint Venture Document or any Interest
under an Oil and Gas Development Agreement) (including repayment of
loans) made in the ordinary course of business of the disposing
entity;
(iii)disposals of property or assets (other than any disposal in respect
of an Oil and Gas Property, any interest under a Joint Venture
Document or any Interest under an Oil and Gas Development Agreement)
in exchange for other property or assets comparable as to type and
value;
(iv) any other disposal (other than any disposal in respect of an Oil and
Gas Property, any interest under a Joint Venture Document or any
Interest under an Oil and Gas Development Agreement) made for market
value in money or money's worth on an arm's length basis in any
financial year which, when aggregated with disposals made in that
financial year, does not exceed $1,000,000;
(c) Accounting Reference Date: it will not, without the prior consent of the
Agent, change the date of its financial year end or that of any member of
its Group from 31 December;
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(d) DIVIDENDS: it will not declare, make or pay any dividend or other
distribution to its shareholders or vote or consent to do any of the
foregoing with respect to its Oil and Gas Partners (except as otherwise
expressly required in the Joint Venture Documents or Oil and Gas
Development Agreements).
(e) PROCEEDS OF ADVANCES: it will not, and will procure that no Subsidiary
will, use the proceeds of any Advance other than as permitted under clause
2.2.
(f) SHARE SALES: without the prior written consent of the Agent, such consent
not to be unreasonably withheld in circumstances where in the opinion of
the Majority Lenders the interests of the Lenders are reasonably protected
after taking into account the reasonable requirements of the Obligors to
develop their assets, it will not, and will procure that no Subsidiary
will, dispose of all or any part of the share capital, partnership capital
or capital stock of any other Obligor;
(g) Derivatives: it will not, and will procure that no member of the Group
will, enter into any derivative transaction which is not entered into in
the ordinary course of business and for the purposes of hedging future
exposure to fluctuations in values of assets or liabilities in relation to
which the net exposure thereunder could reasonably be expected to be
greater than $2,000,000 or otherwise to have a major impact on the business
of such person; and
(h) RING-FENCING OF OBLIGORS: it will not, and will procure that no Subsidiary
will:
(i) make any loan or lease to or grant any credit to or make any
investment in any member of the Consolidated Group which is not an
Obligor;
(ii) sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of all or any part of its
property or assets for less than market value to any member of the
Consolidated Group which is not an Obligor;
(iii)purchase, acquire or otherwise receive a transfer or lease in any
property or assets of any member of the Consolidated Group which is
not an Obligor for more than market value;
(iv) issue any guarantee in respect of indebtedness of any member of the
Consolidated Group which is not an Obligor; or
(v) deal or contract with, or provide to or receive services from, any
member of the Consolidated Group which is not an Obligor except on
arm's length terms and for full consideration.
12.4 ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES: except as otherwise expressly provided in this
Agreement, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, and all
matters required to be delivered to the Agent hereunder shall be prepared, in
accordance with the Accounting Principles used in the preparation of the audited
financial statements as at December 31, 1997 referred to under clause 12.1(b)(i)
hereof.
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12.5 JOINT VENTURE DOCUMENTS AND OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS: Each of
the Borrowers agrees that it shall:
(a) observe and perform all the obligations on its part contained in and
assumed by it under the Joint Venture Documents and Oil and Gas Development
Agreements;
(b) to the extent that, in the opinion of the Agent, it is commercially
reasonable to do so, take all reasonable steps to enforce the performance
by the Oil and Gas Partners of each of their respective obligations under
the Joint Venture Documents and Oil and Gas Development Agreements and
diligently pursue any remedies available to it in respect of any breach of
any of the Joint Venture Documents or Oil and Gas Development Agreements or
in respect of any claim arising thereunder or in relation thereto;
(c) to the extent that, in the opinion of the Agent, it is commercially
reasonable to do or not to do so, not give, withhold or grant any consent,
waiver, release, notice, approval or discharge to any Oil and Gas Partner
in respect of its rights or obligations under the Joint Venture Documents
which or Oil and Gas Development Agreements;
(d) forthwith upon becoming aware of the same notify the Agent of any breach by
it or any other party to the Joint Venture Documents or Oil and Gas
Development Agreements of any provision thereof or any dispute relating
thereto;
(e) not sell, transfer, sign or otherwise dispose of or create any Security
Interest over its rights, title or interest in the Joint Venture Documents
or Oil and Gas Development Agreements or Oil and Gas Properties; and
(f) not cause, suffer or permit any amendment or modification in any Joint
Venture Document.
12.6 CERTAIN AGREEMENTS WITH THIRD PARTIES: Each of the Obligors agrees that
it will not and will not permit any Subsidiary to enter into or commit to enter
into any agreement with any third party in respect of the sale of any Oil and
Gas or Oil and Gas Property or enter into any Oil and Gas Development Agreement
or any interest therein or enter into or commit to enter into any Oil and Gas
Development Agreement without the prior written consent of the Agent (such
consent not to be withheld in circumstances where in the opinion of the Majority
Lenders the interests of the Lenders are reasonably protected after taking into
account the reasonable requirements of the Borrowers to develop the Oil and Gas
Properties).
DEFAULT
13.1 EVENTS: If any of the events set out below occurs, the Agent, the
Security Trustee and the Lenders may take any action as is provided for in any
of the Financing Documents:
(a) NON-PAYMENT: any Obligor fails to pay any amount due under any Financing
Document on the due date or on demand, if so payable;
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(b) Breach of principal obligations: any Obligor fails to observe or perform
any of its obligations under clauses 12.1 (a), 12.2 (b), (c), (e), (j),
12.3, 12.4, 12.5 or 12.6 of this Agreement;
(c) BREACH OF OTHER OBLIGATIONS: any Obligor fails to observe or perform any of
its obligations under the Financing Documents (other than those referred to
in clauses 13.1 (a) or (b) above) and, if the same is capable of remedy
within 20 days, the same is not remedied within 20 days after the relevant
failure in observation or performance;
(d) MISREPRESENTATION: any material representation, warranty or statement which
is made (or deemed or acknowledged to have been made) by any Obligor in the
Financing Documents or which is contained in any certificate, written
statement, legal opinion or written notice provided under or in connection
with the Financing Documents proves to be incorrect;
(e) Invalidity: any provision of any of the Financing Documents is or becomes,
for any reason, invalid or unenforceable;
(f) CESSATION OF BUSINESS: any member of the Consolidated Group changes or
threatens to change the nature or scope of its business, suspends or
threatens to suspend a substantial part of the present business operations
which it now conducts directly or indirectly, or any governmental authority
expropriates or threatens to expropriate all or part of its assets or any
Joint Venture Partner cancels or gives written or constructive notice of
intention to cancel and Joint Venture Document or any Joint Venture
Document expires and the result of any of the foregoing is, in the
determination of the Majority Lenders, materially and adversely to affect
the financial condition of either of the Groups, or any Obligor's ability
to observe or perform its obligations under any Financing Document to which
it is a party;
(g) CROSS-DEFAULT: default shall be made with respect to any agreement or other
evidence of indebtedness or liability for borrowed money, or a guarantee
for any of the foregoing, in excess of $1,000,000 (or its equivalent in any
other currency) (other than hereunder) of any member of the Consolidated
Group if the effect of such default is to accelerate the maturity of such
indebtedness or liability or to require the prepayment thereof or to permit
the holder or holders thereof (or a trustee on behalf of the holder or
holders thereof) to cause such indebtedness to become due prior to the
stated maturity thereof, or any such indebtedness or liability shall become
due and shall not be paid prior to the expiration of any period of grace,
provided, that the aforesaid -------- provisions shall not apply to any
indebtedness outstanding on the date of this Agreement which is referred to
in any certificate delivered hereunder and is identified as being in
default;
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(h) APPOINTMENT OF RECEIVER, LEGAL PROCESS: an encumbrancer takes possession
of, or a trustee or administrative or other receiver or similar officer is
appointed in respect of, all or any part of the business or assets of any
member of the Consolidated Group, or distress, judgment, judgment, lien,
execution, writ, warrant of attachment or other legal process is levied or
enforced upon or sued out against any such assets and is not discharged
within seven days of being levied, enforced or sued out, or any Security
Interest which may for the time being affect any of its assets becomes
enforceable;
(i) INSOLVENCY: any member of the Consolidated Group is unable to pay its debts
or becomes unable to pay its debts as they fall due or suspends or
threatens to suspend making payments (whether of principal or interest)
with respect to all or any class of its debts;
(j) COMPOSITION: any member of the Consolidated Group convenes a meeting of its
creditors or proposes or makes any arrangement or composition with, or any
assignment for the benefit of, its creditors;
(k) ADMINISTRATION, WINDING UP: a petition is presented or a meeting is
convened for the purpose of considering a resolution or other steps are
taken for making an administration order against or for the winding up of
any member of the Consolidated Group or an administration order or a
winding up order is made against any member of the Consolidated Group
(other than for the purposes of and followed by a reconstruction previously
approved in writing by the Majority Lenders, unless during or following
such reconstruction any member of the Consolidated Group becomes or is
declared to be insolvent);
(l) ANALOGOUS PROCEEDINGS: anything analogous to any of the events specified in
paragraphs (f), (g), (h), (i), (j) or (k) occurs under the laws of any
applicable jurisdiction;
(m) MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE: any event or series of events whether related or
not occurs which would be likely materially and adversely to affect the
financial condition of either of the Consolidated Group or the ability of
any Obligor to perform its obligations under any of the Financing
Documents;
(n) CHANGE OF CONTROL OR OWNERSHIP: without the prior written consent of the
Agent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld in circumstances where
in the opinion of the Majority Lenders the interests of the Lenders are
reasonably protected after taking into account the reasonable requirements
of the Obligors to develop their assets, any person whether alone or
together with other persons acting in association with it, acquires control
of any of the Obligors and/or there is a change in ownership of the share
capital of the Obligors;
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(o) JOINT VENTURE DOCUMENTS OR GAS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS: without the prior
written consent of the Agent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld
in circumstances where in the opinion of the Majority Lenders the interests
of the Lenders are reasonably protected after taking into account the
reasonable requirements of the Obligors to develop their assets, any
amendment, modification or variation is made to any of the Joint Venture
Documents or material Oil and Gas Development Agreement (such materiality
to be determined by the Agent), any party thereto is in default under or
commits a breach of any of the Joint Venture Documents or material Oil and
Gas Development Agreement (such materiality to be determined by the Agent),
or any of the Joint Venture Documents is terminated or expires, and any
such event could in the opinion of the Majority Lenders reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;
(p) ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS: any Environmental Claim in which there is a
reasonable likelihood of any adverse decision is brought against any member
of the Consolidated Group which, if adversely decided, would be likely to
entitle any person to shut down or suspend all or any material part of the
business of any member of the Consolidated Group, or result in any cost,
claim, liability, expense or damages in excess of $5,000,000 to be suffered
or incurred by any member of the Consolidated Group or otherwise have a
Material Adverse Effect upon the business properties, results of operations
or financial condition of any member of the Consolidated Group.
13.2 ACTION ON EVENT OF DEFAULT: In the case of any of the events described
in clause 13.1 shall have occurred and be continuing then, at once or at any
time thereafter (so long as any such event shall be continuing), the Agent may,
and upon the request of the Majority Lenders shall, by notice to the Borrowers'
Agent:
(a) cancel the Total Commitments; and/or
(b) declare all or part of the Total Outstandings to be immediately due and
payable whereupon they shall become so due and payable together with
accrued interest thereon and any other amounts then payable under this
Agreement, such payment to be effected on a date to be notified by the
Agent to the Borrowers' Agent; and/or
(c) demand immediate repayment of any amounts to which paragraph (b) above
applies; and/or
(d) place all or part of the Advance on demand, whereupon it shall immediately
become repayable on demand and at any time thereafter:
(i) make any further amendment to the repayment obligations relating to
such Advance; and/or
(ii) demand repayment of all or part of the Advance placed on demand
together with accrued interest and any other amounts then payable
under this Agreement.
13.3 NOTICE: If the Agent is notified under this Agreement of the occurrence
of an Event of Default it shall inform each of the Lenders.
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13.4 SECURITY: The Borrowers hereby irrevocably agree with the Agent, the
Security Trustee and the Lenders that upon any enforcement of the rights
conferred upon the Security Trustee pursuant to the Share Pledges, the
Debentures, and any other Security Interest created in favour of the Security
Trustee, the liabilities satisfied as a result of such enforcement shall be
limited to the net amount distributed to the Lenders pursuant to clause 7.1
(Distribution) of the Security Trust Deed. The Borrowers further agree that as
security for the payment of the Borrowers' obligation to pay interest hereunder
the Borrowers will instruct TIL to pay to the Security Agent the amount of
$500,000 payable by TIL to the Borrowers under the Sale/Purchase Agreement dated
July 29, 1997 between Liberty and TIL for deposit by the Security Trustee in an
interest bearing deposit account for application to interest payments payable by
the Borrowers hereunder as and when due or, upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default, as otherwise provided in clause 7.1 of the Security Trust Deed.
INDEMNITIES
14. Each Obligor shall fully indemnify each of the Lenders, the Agent and
the Security Trustee from and against any expense, loss, damage or liability
(including without limitation "response costs" and "natural resource damages"
with respect to any Environmental Claims) which any of them may incur as a
consequence of the occurrence of
(a) GENERAL INDEMNITY: any Event of Default, or any failure to draw down in
accordance with a Drawing Notice (other than as a result of any failure by
such indemnified party) or of any prepayment under this Agreement or
otherwise in connection with this Agreement. Without prejudice to its
generality, the foregoing indemnity shall extend to any interest, fees or
other sums whatsoever paid or payable on account of any funds borrowed in
order to carry any unpaid amount and to any loss (including loss of
profit), premium, penalty or expense which may be incurred in liquidating
or employing deposits from third parties acquired to make, maintain or fund
the Total Outstandings (or any part of them) or any other amount due or to
become due under this Agreement; and
(b) ENVIRONMENTAL INDEMNITY: any of the following:
(i) the breach of any representation or warranty of the Obligors made or
repeated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement -regarding
Substances or applicable Environmental Laws,
(ii) the failure of any Obligor to perform any obligation herein required
to be performed regarding Substances or applicable Environmental Laws,
(iii)any applicable Environmental Law in effect during the term hereof,
and
(iv) any act, omission, event or circumstance existing or occurring
(including without limitation the presence on or in any property or
release from any property or the generation on any property of any
Substance disposed of or otherwise released), resulting from or in
connection with the ownership, construction, occupancy, operation,
manufacture, sale, storage, distribution, use and/or maintenance of
its property regardless of whether the act, omission, event or
circumstance constituted a violation of any applicable Environmental
Law at the time of its existence or occurrence.
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GUARANTEE
15.1 GUARANTEE: Each Guarantor as principal debtor and not merely as surety
unconditionally and irrevocably and jointly and severally guarantees to the
Agent, the Security Trustee and each of the Lenders payment by the Borrowers and
the Borrowers' Agent (in that capacity) of the Guaranteed Amounts in accordance
with the Financing Documents and unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to
the Agent, the Security Trustee and each of the Lenders that if and each time
any Borrower does not make payment of any of the Guaranteed Amounts in
accordance with the Financing Documents, the Guarantors shall pay the amounts
not so paid upon first written demand by the Agent.
In this clause GUARANTEED AMOUNTS means any and all amounts whatsoever- which
the Financing Documents provide are to be paid by the Borrowers and the
Borrowers' Agent to the Lenders, the Agent and the Security Trustee (or any of
them) and references to the Guaranteed Amounts include references to any part of
them.
15.2 INDEMNITY: As a separate, additional, continuing and primary
obligation, each Guarantor unconditionally and irrevocably and jointly and
severally undertakes with the Agent, the Security Trustee and the Lenders (and
each of them) that, should the Guaranteed Amounts not be recoverable from the
Guarantor under clause 15.1 for any reason whatsoever (including, but without
prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, by reason of any other provision
of the Financing Documents being or becoming void, unenforceable or otherwise
invalid under any applicable law) then, notwithstanding that it may have been
known to the Agent, the Security Trustee or any of the Lenders, the Guarantor
shall upon first written demand by the Agent under clause 15.1, make payment of
the Guaranteed Amounts by way of a full indemnity in such manner as is provided
for in the Financing Documents and shall indemnify the Agent, the Security
Trustee and the Lenders (and each of them) against all losses, claims, costs,
charges and expenses to which they may be subject or which they may incur under
or in connection with the Financing Documents.
15.3 CONTINUING GUARANTEE: The above guarantees shall be continuing and
shall extend to the ultimate balance of the Guaranteed Amounts, regardless of
any intermediate payment or discharge in whole or in part. If any of the above
guarantees ceases to continue in force, the Agent, the Security Trustee and each
Lender may open a new account with or continue any existing account with the
Borrowers and the liability of the relevant Guarantor in respect of the
Guaranteed Amounts at the date of the cessation shall remain regardless of any
payments in or out of any such account.
15.4 DISCHARGE AND RELEASE: None of the Guarantors may terminate its
guarantee by notice to the Agent, the Security Trustee or any Lender or
otherwise. Subject to clause 15.5, and provided the Guaranteed Amounts have
been paid in full and the agreement has been canceled, terminated or expired and
the Lenders have no further Commitment hereunder, the Agent shall on behalf of
itself, the Security Trustee and the Lenders discharge or release the Guarantors
by written instrument signed by the Agent.
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15.5 CLAWBACK: Any discharge or release referred to in clause 15.4, and any
composition or arrangement which any of the Guarantors may effect with the
Agent, the Security Trustee and any of the Lenders, shall be deemed to be made
subject to the condition that it will be void, if any payment or security which
the Agent, the Security Trustee and the Lenders (or any of them) may previously
have received or may thereafter receive from any person in respect of the
Guaranteed Amounts, is set aside, refunded or reduced, in whole or in part under
any applicable law or proves to have been for any reason invalid. If such
condition is satisfied, the Agent shall be entitled to recover from the
Guarantor on demand the value of such payment as if such discharge, release,
compromise or arrangement had not occurred.
15.6 WAIVER OF DEFENCES: The liabilities and obligations of each of the
Guarantors under this Agreement shall remain in force notwithstanding any act,
omission, neglect, event or matter whatsoever, except the proper and valid
payment of all the Guaranteed Amounts and without prejudice to its generality,
the foregoing shall apply in relation to anything which would have discharged
the Guarantors (wholly or in part) or which would have afforded the Guarantors
any legal or equitable defence, and in relation to any winding up,
reconstruction, reorganisation or dissolution of, or any change in constitution
or corporate identity or loss of corporate or partnership (as the case may be)
identity by, any of the Obligors, any partner of an Obligor, or any other person
and any incapacity or lack of corporate power or authority of any person.
Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing none of the liabilities or
obligations of the Guarantors under this Agreement shall be impaired by the
Agent, the Security Trustee or the Lenders (or any of them):
(a) agreeing with any Obligor any variation or departure (however substantial)
of or from any Financing Document and any such variation or departure
shall, whatever its nature, be binding upon each Guarantor in all
circumstances, notwithstanding that it may increase or otherwise affect the
liability of the Guarantors provided that if any variation which would
increase the liability of any Guarantor is made, without such Guarantor's
prior written consent the amount of such Guarantor's liability under this
clause shall be limited to the amount for which it would have been liable
had such variation not been made;
(b) releasing or granting any time or any indulgence whatsoever to any Obligor
and, in particular, waiving any of the pre-conditions for the Advance under
this Agreement or any contravention by any Obligor of any of the Financing
Documents or entering into any transaction or arrangements whatsoever with
or in relation to any Obligor and/or any third party;
(c) taking, accepting, varying, dealing with, enforcing, abstaining from
enforcing, surrendering or releasing any security for the Guaranteed
Amounts in such manner as it or they think fit; or
(d) claiming, proving for, accepting or transferring any payment in respect of
the Guaranteed Amounts in any composition by, or winding up of, any Obligor
and/or any third party or abstaining from so claiming, proving, accepting
or transferring.
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15.7 DEMANDS: Demands under this clause may be made from time to time, and
the liabilities and obligations of the Guarantors under this Agreement may be
enforced, irrespective of whether any demands, steps or proceedings are being or
have been made or taken against any of the Obligors and/or any third party
and/or any other Guarantor and each Guarantor waives diligence, presentment,
protest, demand for repayment and notice of default to or upon any Obligor.
15.8 SUSPENSE ACCOUNT: Until all amounts which may be or become payable by
the Borrowers hereunder or in connection herewith have been irrevocably paid and
discharged in full, the Agent, the Security Trustee and each Lender may:
(a) refrain from applying or enforcing any other security, moneys or rights
held or received by the Agent, the Security Trustee or such Lender in
respect of such amounts or apply and enforce the same in such manner and
order as the Agent, the Security Trustee or such Lender sees fit (whether
against such amounts or otherwise) and none of the Guarantors shall be
entitled to the benefit of the same; and
(b) hold in suspense account (subject to the accrual of interest thereon at
market rates for the account of the relevant Guarantor(s)) any moneys
received from any Guarantor or on account of that Guarantor's liability
hereunder.
15.9 SUBORDINATION: So long as any Guarantor has any liability under this
Agreement:
(a) the Guarantors shall not take or accept any Security Interest from any
other Obligor or, in relation to the Guaranteed Amounts, from any third
party, without first obtaining the Agent's written consent;
(b) after the occurrence of an Event of Default, no Guarantor shall, without
first obtaining the Agent's written consent, seek to recover, whether
directly or by set-off, lien, counterclaim or otherwise, nor accept any
moneys or other property, nor exercise any rights, in respect of any sum
which may be or become due to the Guarantor on any account by any Borrower
or, in relation to the Guaranteed Amounts, from any third party, nor claim,
prove for or accept any payment in any composition by, or any winding up
of, any Borrower or, in relation to the Guaranteed Amounts, any third
party;
(c) if, notwithstanding the foregoing, any Guarantor holds or receives any such
security, moneys or property, it shall forthwith pay or transfer the same
to the Agent. THE AGENT
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16.1 APPOINTMENT AS AGENT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Each Lender irrevocably
authorises the Agent, to take such action on its behalf and to exercise and
carry out such powers, discretions, authorities and duties as are specifically
delegated to it by the Financing Documents and such powers as the Agent
reasonably considers are incidental thereto. The Agent shall have only those
powers, discretions, authorities and duties which are expressly specified in the
Financing Documents. From time to time, the Agent shall give such directions,
instructions or notices to the Security Trustee as directed by the Majority
Lenders. The Agent shall promptly notify the Security Trustee of any notice sent
to the Borrowers pursuant to clause 13.2.
16.2 RELATIONSHIP: In connection with its powers, discretions, authorities
and duties under the Financing Documents, the Agent:
(a) shall act solely as the agent of each of the Lenders, and shall not assume,
and shall not be deemed to have assumed, any obligations to, or fiduciary
relationship with, the Lenders other than those for which specific
provision is made by the Financing Documents or any obligations to, or
fiduciary relationship with, any of the Obligors;
(b) shall not be liable for any failure of any of the parties to this Agreement
duly and punctually to observe and perform any of its obligations under the
Financing Documents;
(c) shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted by it under or in
connection with the Financing Documents in good faith;
(d) may act under the Financing Documents through its personnel and agents.
16.3 MAJORITY BANK DIRECTIONS: In the exercise of any power or discretion
given to the Agent under the Financing Documents and as to any matter not
expressly provided for in the Financing Documents or where a decision of
the Majority Lenders is provided for, the Agent shall act or refrain from
acting and shall give instructions to the Security Trustee in accordance
with the instructions of the Majority Lenders. In the absence of any such
instructions, the Agent may act or refrain from acting as it shall see fit.
Any such instructions of the Majority Lenders or any such decision of the
Agent shall be binding on all the Lenders and the Agent shall not be liable
to the Obligors, the Lenders or any of them for the consequences of any
such instructions or decision.
16.4 CREDIT APPROVAL: In favour of the Agent and the Security Trustee, each
Lender acknowledges in connection with the Financing Documents:
(a) that it has made such enquiries on its own behalf and taken such care as
would have been the case had its participation in the Facility been made
directly by that Lender to the Borrowers without the intervention of the
Agent or the Security Trustee and that it has not relied, and does not
rely, upon any information or advice provided, or any appraisal of, or
investigation into the financial condition, credit worthiness, affairs,
status or nature of the Consolidated Group effected by the Agent or the
Security Trustee in such capacity;
(b) that, subject to clause 16.8, none of the Agent or the Security Trustee was
or will be obliged either before or at any time after the signing of this
Agreement to provide that Lender with any information or advice or to make
any such investigation or appraisal.
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16.5 DOCUMENTATION: None of the Agent nor the Security Trustee nor any of
their respective directors, officers, employees or agents shall be liable:
(a) for the execution, validity, enforceability or effectiveness of any of the
Financing Documents or any document delivered pursuant thereto or connected
therewith; or
(b) for any statements, representations or warranties made or referred to in
any of the Financing Documents or any information given in connection with
any of the Financing Documents.
16.6 RELIANCE: None of the Agent nor the Security Trustee shall be liable:
(a) for the consequences of relying on any communication or document believed
by it to be genuine and correct and to have been communicated or signed by
the person by whom it purports to be communicated or signed;
(b) for the consequences of relying on any statement made by any director,
officer or employee of any person on any matter which may reasonably be
assumed to be within his knowledge or within his power to verify; or
(c) for the consequences of relying on the advice of any professional advisers
selected by it in connection with the Financing Documents.
16.7 DEFAULT: The Agent shall not be obliged to take:
(a) any steps to ascertain whether any Event of Default or Potential Event of
Default has occurred and until the Agent has received express notice to the
contrary from the Borrowers' Agent or a Lender, it shall be entitled to
assume that no such event has occurred; or
(b) any proceedings against the Obligors for the recovery of any sum due under
any of the Financing Documents or otherwise in connection therewith unless
it has been fully indemnified to its satisfaction by each of the Lenders in
the proportion which its Outstandings bear to the Total Outstandings (or,
if no Outstandings, its Commitment bears to the Total Commitments). The
Agent may not bring any action or proceedings in any court in the name of
any Lender without the prior written consent of such Lender (but for the
avoidance of doubt without prejudice to the ability of any other Lender or
the Security Trustee (or the Agent on behalf of any of the same) to bring
such action or proceeding).
16.8 INFORMATION: The Agent shall:
(a) send a copy of all notices served by the Borrowers' Agent under this
Agreement and of all other documents delivered to it under the Financing
Documents to each of the Lenders affected by such notice or document;
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(b) not be obliged to transmit to the Lenders any information in any way
relating to any of the parties to the Financing Documents which the Agent
may have acquired otherwise than in its capacity as agent for the Lenders
in connection with this Agreement.
16.9 COMPLIANCE:
(a) Each of the Agent and the Security Trustee may refrain from doing anything
which might, in its opinion, constitute a breach of any law or regulation
or be otherwise actionable at the suit of any person, and may do anything
which, in its opinion, is necessary or desirable to comply with any law or
regulation of any jurisdiction; and
(b) without limiting paragraph (a) above, none of the Agent nor the Security
Trustee need disclose any information relating to any of the Obligors or
any of its related entities if the disclosure might, in its opinion,
constitute a breach of any law or regulation or any duty of
confidentiality.
16.10 RESIGNATION: The Agent may at any time tender its resignation without
assigning any reason therefor and without being responsible for any costs
occasioned by such resignation. In that event, the Majority Lenders shall,
subject to the prior written consent of the Borrowers' Agent (such consent not
to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), appoint a Lender or any bank or
financial institution to act as Agent in its stead or, if no such person is so
appointed within 30 days of the Agent tendering its resignation, the Agent may,
in consultation with the Borrowers' Agent, appoint a Lender or any reputable
bank or financial institution so to act. Such resignation shall take effect
simultaneously with (and cannot take effect before) the appointment of the
successor Agent and thereupon:
(a) the retiring Agent shall be discharged from any further obligation under
the Finance Documents; and
(b) the successor Agent and each of the other parties to this Agreement shall
have the same rights and obligations amongst themselves as they would have
had if the successor had been a party to this Agreement as agent for the
Lenders.
16.11 AGENCY DIVISION: In acting as Agent for the Lenders, the agency
division of the Agent shall be treated as a separate entity from any other of
its divisions or departments, and, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of
this clause 16, in the event that the Agent should act for any of the Obligors
or any of their Subsidiaries in any capacity in relation to any other matter,
any information given by any such Obligor or Subsidiary to the Agent in such
other capacity may be treated as confidential by the Agent.
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16.12 INDEMNITY: Each of Lenders shall fully indemnify the Agent and the
Security Trustee rateably in the proportion which its Outstandings bears to the
Total Outstandings (or if no Outstandings, its Commitment bears to the Total
Commitments), from and against any claims, proceedings, expenses, losses,
damages and liabilities of every description (except in respect of any agency
fee due to the Agent) which may be incurred by the Agent or the Security Trustee
in such capacity in good faith and which in any way relate to or arise out of
the Financing Documents or any related documents or any action taken or omitted
by the Agent or the Security Trustee in enforcing or preserving, or in
attempting to enforce or preserve, any of the rights of the Lenders under the
Financing Documents or any related documents.
16.13 AMENDMENTS: The Agent may (except where any other authority is
required for the same by the express provisions of the Financing Documents)
grant waivers or consents or vary the terms of this Agreement if authorised by
the Majority Lenders. Any such waiver, consent or variation so authorised and
effected by the Agent shall be binding on all the Lenders and the Agent shall be
under no liability whatsoever in respect of any such waiver, consent or
variation. This clause 16.13 shall not authorise, except with the prior consent
of all the Lenders:
(a) any change in the rate at which interest or any fees are payable under this
Agreement;
(b) any extension of the date for, or alteration in the amount or currency of,
any payment of principal, interest, fee, commission or any other amount
payable under the Financing Documents;
(c) any increase in any Lender's Commitment;
(d) any extension of the Availability Period; or
(e) any variation of
(i) the definition of Majority Lenders;
(ii) clause 4.3;
(iii) clause 10.2;
(iv) clause 18.2; or
(v) this clause 16.13; or
any release of all or any part of the shares pledged to the Security
Trustee pursuant to the Share Pledges or the assets covered by the
Debentures. EXPENSES
17.1 EXPENSES: The Borrowers' Agent shall on demand from time to time pay,
in each case on the basis of a full indemnity to the Agent (for the account of
the Arrangers or the Agent):
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(a) all costs and expenses (including legal and out-of-pocket expenses)
reasonably incurred in connection with the negotiation, preparation or
completion of the Financing Documents and any related documents; and
(b) at such daily and/or hourly rates as the Agent shall from time to time
reasonably determine, all costs and expenses (including, without
limitation, telephone, fax, copying, travel, legal and personnel costs) in
connection with the Agent taking such action as it may deem appropriate, in
complying with any instructions from the Majority Lenders or any request by
the Borrowers' Agent in connection with:
(i) the granting or proposed granting of any waiver or consent under any
of the Financing Documents;
(ii) any amendment or proposed, amendment to any of the Financing
Documents;
(iii)any breach by any Obligor of any of its obligations under any of the
Financing Documents or any investigation as to whether any such breach
may have occurred;
(iv) the occurrence of any Potential Event of Default or an Event of
Default;
(v) the review, preservation and/or enforcement or the attempted
presentation or enforcement of any of the rights of the Agent, the.
Arrangers and the Lenders under the Financing Documents or any related
documents; and
(vi) the transfer or possible transfer of the role of Agent to another
person.
17.2 STAMP DUTY: The Obligors shall pay any stamp, documentary and other
similar duties and taxes to which this Agreement or any other Financing
Documents may be subject or give rise and shall fully indemnify the Agent, the
Security Trustee and each of the Lenders from and against any losses or
liabilities which any of them may incur as a result of any delay or omission by
the Obligors to pay any such duties or taxes.
17.3 VALUE ADDED TAX: The amounts stated in this Agreement to be payable by
the Obligors are exclusive of value added tax (VAT) and accordingly:
(a) the Obligors shall pay on demand any VAT properly chargeable in respect of
supplies to the Obligors as contemplated by this Agreement (including any
VAT chargeable by the Agent and the Security Trustee in respect of its
supplies to the Obligors under this Agreement); and
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(b) in the case of goods or services supplied to or other costs, fees and
expenses incurred by the Agent, the Security Trustee or the Lenders in
connection with this Agreement and which are to be met by the Obligor or in
respect of which the Obligors are to indemnify the Lenders, the Security
Trustee or the Agent, the Obligors (for the avoidance of doubt) shall pay
to the Agent (for itself or the Lender or Lenders in question) or the
Security Trustee by way of additional remuneration such amount as shall
represent any associated VAT (whether charged by the supplier or suffered
by reason of the reverse charge provisions contained in Section 7 of the
Value Added Tax Act 1983 or analogous provisions under the laws of any
applicable jurisdiction).
SET-OFF AND PRO RATA SHARING
18.1 SET-OFF: Following an Event of Default, any Lender may without notice
to the Borrowers' Agent combine, consolidate or merge all or any of an Obligor's
accounts with, and liabilities to, that Lender and may set-off or transfer any
sum standing to the credit of any such accounts in or towards satisfaction of
any of the Obligor's liabilities to that Lender under the Financing Documents,
and may do so notwithstanding that the balances on such accounts and the
liabilities may not be expressed in the same currency and each Lender is hereby
authorised to effect any necessary conversions at the Bank's own rate of
exchange then prevailing.
18.2 PRO RATA SHARING: If a Lender receives or recovers any amount (other
than from the Agent) in respect of sums due from an Obligor under the Financing
Documents (whether by set-off or otherwise) it shall promptly notify the Agent
of such amount and the manner of its receipt or recovery and the following shall
apply:
(a) the Agent shall, as soon as practicable, having regard to the
circumstances, consult with the Lenders to establish the aggregate amount
of sums received or recovered by the Lenders and what payments are
necessary amongst the Lenders for such aggregate amount to be divided
amongst the Lenders in proportion to their Outstandings or if there are no
Outstandings at such time, in proportion to their Commitments;
(b) the Lenders shall promptly make such payments to each other, through the
Agent, as the Agent shall direct to effect the proportionate division
referred to in paragraph (a);
(c) if a Lender makes a payment or payments pursuant to paragraph (b), any
payment previously received by that Lender shall, subject to paragraph (d),
be deemed to have been made by the Obligor, as the case may be, on the
understanding that it was received by that Lender as agent for the Lenders
and that the payments described in paragraph (b) would be made and the
liabilities of the Obligor to each of the Lenders shall accordingly be
determined on the basis that such payment or payments pursuant to paragraph
(b) would be made;
(d) if a Lender makes a payment or payments pursuant to paragraph (b),
paragraph (c) shall not apply if, as a result, the indebtedness of the
Obligor to the Lender has been extinguished, discharged or satisfied by the
amount received or recovered (for example because of set-off). In this
event, for the purpose only of determining the liabilities of the Obligor
to the Lenders (other than the Lender making the said payment or payments)
and the liabilities of the Lenders to each other, the said payment or
payments by the Lender shall be deemed to have been made on behalf of the
Obligor in respect of its obligations under the Financing Documents and to
the extent the Facility is thereby discharged the Obligor, shall fully
indemnify the Lender for such payment or payments;
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(e) any moneys payable by the Obligor under paragraph (d) by way of indemnity
shall be payable from the date the Lender makes the payment or payments
under paragraph (b), shall carry interest from such date and for such
purpose and all other purposes of this Agreement, be treated in the same
way as other amounts payable under this Agreement as though such moneys
were payable in respect of the Outstandings of the Lender which has the
benefit of the indemnity contained in paragraph (d) (whether or not the
indebtedness attributable to such participation has been extinguished,
discharged or satisfied in whole or in part); and
(f) the parties shall make such payments and take such steps as may be just and
equitable to re-adjust the position of the parties if a Lender, having
followed the procedures required above, is required to return any sum
originally received or recovered by it in respect of sums due from an
Obligor (together with any interest accrued thereon).
ASSIGNMENTS AND TRANSFERS
19.1 TRANSFERS: Any Lender (the TRANSFEROR) may at any time transfer to any
other person (the TRANSFEREE) the whole or any part of its rights and/or
obligations hereunder by the delivery to the Agent of a certificate
substantially in the form of Schedule 4 (a TRANSFER CERTIFICATE), with the
approval of the Borrowers' Agent (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld
or delayed). A Lender which is proposing to transfer the whole or any part of
its rights and/or obligations hereunder shall give notice thereof to the Agent
which shall give notice thereof to the Borrowers' Agent in accordance with
clause 20.7. The Borrowers' Agent shall indicate as soon as possible whether it
approves (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of such
Transferee. If the Borrowers' Agent does not respond to such a notice within
twenty days then approval shall be deemed to be given and the Transferor shall
be entitled to deliver a Transfer Certificate to the Agent. Each Transfer
Certificate delivered to the Agent shall only be valid if it is in writing
signed by each of the Transferor and the Transferee and is contained in one
document or two counterparts. Each party to this Agreement (other than the
Transferor and the Transferee) irrevocably authorises the Agent to execute any
duly completed Transfer Certificate on its behalf. Any Transferee which is not a
party hereto shall further accede to the Security Trust Deed by delivery of a
supplemental trust deed in accordance with clause 2.2 of the Security Trust
Deed.
19.2 TRANSFER CERTIFICATES: Following receipt by the Agent of a Transfer
Certificate from each of a Transferor and a Transferee and with effect from the
date of the Transfer Certificate or any later date specified in the Transfer
Certificate:
(a) the Transferor shall cease to be entitled to the rights and shall be
released from the obligations hereunder which are specified in the Transfer
Certificate; and
(b) the Transferee shall become a party hereto as a Lender entitled to rights
and liable to observe obligations which differ from those referred to in
(a) only insofar as the Transferee is entitled thereto and liable in
respect thereof in place of the Transferor.
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19.3 TRANSFEREES: Each Transferee shall, by its execution of a Transfer
Certificate, accept that none of the Agent or the Lenders is in any way
responsible for:
(a) the accuracy and/or completeness of any information supplied to the
Transferee in connection herewith;
(b) the financial condition, creditworthiness, condition, affairs, status and
nature of any of the Obligors or the observance by any of the Obligors of
any of its obligations under this Agreement or any document relating
hereto; or
(c) the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of this
Agreement or any document relating hereto and, save as otherwise expressly
provided herein, none of such parties shall, or shall be deemed to be, the
agent or trustee of such Transferee in connection herewith.
19.4 NO OBLIGATION: The Transferor shall not be obliged by any Financing
Document to:
(a) accept a re-transfer from the Transferee of any of the rights and/or
obligations assigned or novated under this clause 19; or
(b) indemnify the Transferee for any losses arising by reason of any Obligor's
failure to perform its obligations under the Financing Documents or
otherwise.
19.5 DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION: Each of the Agent, the Security Trustee and
each Lender agree to keep information obtained by it pursuant to the Financing
Documents confidential and agrees that it will only use such information in
connection with the transactions contemplated by the Financing Documents and not
to disclose any of such information other than (i) to its affiliates and
advisers, officers, employees, representatives and agents of itself and its
affiliates who are or are expected to be involved in the evaluation of such
information in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Financing
Documents or who otherwise have any need to know all or any part of such
information and who are advised of the confidential nature of such information,
(ii) to the extent such information presently is or hereafter becomes available
to it on a non-confidential basis from a source other than any Obligor or is or
comes into the public domain, (iii) to the extent used by it in preparation for
or in the conduct of any proceeding relating to the Financing Documents or the
transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, (iv) to the extent disclosure is
required by law, regulation or judicial order or requested or required by
regulators, examiners or auditors, (v) to any person providing credit to it or
to any rating agency in connection with the evaluation of its credit-worthiness
and who are advised of the confidential nature of, and agree to keep
confidential such information, or (vi) to transferees or sub-participants or
potential transferees or sub-participants who agree to be bound by the
provisions of this clause 19.5.
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19.6 OBLIGORS: To the extent required by applicable law, the Obligors hereby
acknowledge and approve the terms of this clause 19 and any transfer effected
pursuant to this clause 19 and hereby beforehand give their permission or
co-operation to such transfer. To the extent that applicable law requires that
any Obligor be notified of a transfer effected pursuant to this clause 19, it is
hereby agreed that the relevant Transfer Certificate shall be sufficient for the
purposes of giving such notification and each Obligor hereby irrevocably
authorises and instructs the Agent to receive as agent on its behalf such
notification for such purpose but not otherwise.
19.7 FACILITY OFFICE: Any Lender may make its participation in any Advance
available from, and may receive the benefit of any payment due to it under this
Agreement at any of its Facility Offices. A Lender shall give the Agent prior
written notice of any change in any of its Facility Offices for the purposes of
this Agreement.
FURTHER PROVISIONS
20.1 EVIDENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS: In any proceedings relating to this
Agreement:
(a) a statement as to any amount due to the Lenders under this Agreement which
is certified as being correct by an officer of the Agent; and
(b) a statement as to any amount due to a Lender under this Agreement which is
certified as being correct by an officer of the Lender; shall, unless
otherwise provided in this Agreement, be prima facie evidence that such
amount is in fact due and payable.
20.2 APPLICATION OF MONEYS: If any sum paid or recovered in respect of the
liabilities of a Borrower under this Agreement is less than the amount then due,
the Agent may apply that sum to principal, interest, fees or any other amount
due under this Agreement in such proportions and order and generally in such
manner as the Agent shall determine.
20.3 RIGHTS CUMULATIVE, WAIVERS: The respective rights of the Agent and the
Lenders under this Agreement are cumulative, may be exercised as often as they
consider appropriate and are in addition to their respective rights under the
applicable law. The respective rights of the Agent, the Security Trustee and
the Lenders in relation to the Facility (whether arising under this Agreement or
under the applicable law) shall not be capable of being waived or varied
otherwise than by an express waiver or variation in writing; and in particular
any failure to exercise or any delay in exercising any of such rights shall not
operate as a waiver or variation of that or any other such right; any defective
or partial exercise of any of such rights shall not preclude any other or
further exercise of that or any other such right; and no act or course of
conduct or negotiation on their part or on their behalf shall in any way
preclude them from exercising any such right or constitute a suspension or any
variation of any such right.
20.4 ENGLISH LANGUAGE: All notices or communications under or in connection
with this Agreement shall be in the English language or, if in any other
language, accompanied by a translation into English. In the event of any
conflict between the English text and the text in any other language, the
English text shall prevail.
- 48 -
<PAGE>
20.5 INVALIDITY OF ANY PROVISION: If any of the provisions of this Agreement
becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any law, the
validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in
any way be affected or impaired.
20.6 SEVERABILITY: Any provision of this Agreement which is prohibited or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective
to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the
remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any
jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any
other jurisdiction. To the extent permitted by applicable law, each Obligor
hereby waives any provision of law which renders any provision of this Agreement
prohibited or unenforceable in any respect.
20.7 NOTICES: Any notice or communication under or in connection with this
Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally, or by post,
telex or fax to the addresses given in this Agreement or at such other address
as the recipient may have notified to the other parties in writing or in the
case only of communications by the Agent to Lenders, may be by SWIFT. Proof of
posting or despatch of any notice or communication to or by the Borrowers' Agent
shall be deemed to be proof of receipt:
(a) in the case of a letter, on the third Business Day after posting;
(b) in the case of a telex, and provided that the correct answer-back has been
received, immediately on actual receipt, or, if the time of such receipt is
not during normal working hours, then on the next working day in the place
of receipt;
(c) in the case of a fax, when received, or, if the time of such receipt is not
during normal working hours, then on the next working day in the place of
receipt; or
(d) in the case of transmission by SWIFT, when an acknowledgement of receipt by
SWIFT is received.
20.8 CHOICE OF LAW: This Agreement is governed by, and shall be construed in
accordance with, the laws of England.
20.9 SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION: For the benefit of the Agent, the Security
Trustee and each of the Lenders:
(a) all the parties agree that the courts of England are, subject to paragraphs
(b) and (c) below, to have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any disputes
which may arise in connection with the legal relationships established by
this Agreement (including, without limitation, claims for set-off or
counterclaim) or otherwise arising in connection with this Agreement;
- 49 -
<PAGE>
(b) the agreement contained in paragraph (a) above is included for the benefit
of the Agent, the Security Trustee and each of the Lenders. Accordingly,
notwithstanding the exclusive agreement in (a) above, the Agent, the
Security Trustee and each of the Lenders shall retain the right to bring
proceedings in any other court which has jurisdiction by virtue of the
Convention on Jurisdiction and the Enforcement of Judgments signed on 27
September 1968 (as from time to time amended and extended) or by virtue of
the Convention on Jurisdiction and the Enforcement of Judgments signed on
16 September 1988 (or from time to time amended and extended);
(c) the Agent, the Security Trustee and each of the Lenders may in its absolute
discretion take proceedings in the courts of any other country which may
have jurisdiction, to whose jurisdiction each of the Obligors irrevocably
submits;
(d) each Obligor irrevocably waives any objections on the ground of venue or
forum non conveniens or any similar grounds; and
(e) each Obligor irrevocably consents to service of process by mail or in any
other manner permitted by the relevant law.
20.10 TRIAL BY JURY: Each of the Obligors, the Agent, the Security Trustee
and the Lenders hereby irrevocably waives all right to trial by jury in any
action, proceeding or counterclaim (whether based on contract, tort or
otherwise) arising out of or relating to any of the Financing Documents, the
Advance, or the actions of the Agent, the Security Trustee or any Lender in the
negotiation, administration, performance or enforcement thereof.
20.11 AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS: Each of the Obligors shall at all times
maintain an agent for service of process and any other documents in proceedings
in England or any other proceedings in connection with this Agreement. Such
agent shall be Law Debenture Corporate Services Limited, the address of which on
the date hereof is Princes House, 95 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7LY, England
and any writ, judgment or other notice of legal process shall be sufficiently
served on the Obligors if delivered to such agent at its address for the time
being. The Obligors undertake not to revoke the authority of the above agent
and if, for any reason, the Agent requests any of the Obligors to do so such
Obligor shall promptly appoint another such agent with an address in England and
advise the Agent thereof. If following such a request such Obligor fails to
appoint another agent, the Agent shall be entitled to appoint one on behalf of
the Obligors.
20.12 COUNTERPARTS: This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each
of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original but all the
counterparts shall together constitute but one and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date
first above written.
- 50 -
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 1
LENDER COMMITMENT
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON US$ 30,702,500
Credit Suisse First Boston
Bleicherweg 10
P.O. Box 900
CH-8070 Z rich
Switzerland
Address for Notices: As Above
Attention: Mr. Thomas Patrick
Telephone: 41 1 333 7618
Fax: 41 1 333 7620
- 51 -
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 2
FORM OF DRAWING NOTICE
Date: *____ 19*__
Dear Sirs,
Facility Agreement dated July 2, 1998
1. We refer to clause 5 of the Facility Agreement. Terms defined in the Facility
Agreement have the same meanings in this Drawing Notice.
2. We wish to borrow the Advances with the following specifications:
(a) Borrowers: Abacan Resource Corporation, Dahomey Resource Corporation and
Liberty Technical Services Limited, jointly and severally;
(b) Drawing Date: July 2, 1998-
(c) Amount: $30,702,484
(d) Interest Period: successive interest periods of three-months
(e) Payment Instructions: Pay to the account designated by Total International
Limited against written confirmation that such payment is received in
satisfaction of all amounts outstanding under the Prepayment Agreement and
Guarantees referred to in Clause 2.2 of the Facility Agreement.
3. We confirm that the matters represented and warranted by each Obligor set
out in clause 11.2 of the Facility Agreement are true and accurate on the
date of this Drawing Notice as if made with reference to the facts and
circumstances now prevailing and that no Event of Default or Potential
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result from the
Advance. Yours faithfully,
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
- 52 -
<PAGE>
For and on behalf of
Abacan Resource Corporation, [Seal]
as Borrower's Agent
By: ____________________
Director
By: ____________________
Director
For and on behalf of
Abacan Resource Corporation, [Seal]
as Borrower
By: ____________________
Director
By: ____________________
Director
- 53 -
<PAGE>
For and on behalf of
Dahomey Resource Corporation, [Seal]
as Borrower
By: ____________________
Director
By: ____________________
Director
For and on behalf of
Liberty Technical Services Limited, [Seal]
as Borrower
By: ____________________
Director
By: ____________________
Director
- 54 -
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 3
PART I
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF BORROWER
[Letterhead of Borrower]
To: Credit Suisse First Boston as Agent
We [*name] and [*name], both Directors of [*name of Borrower] of [*address] (the
Company)
HEREBY CERTIFY that:
(a) attached hereto marked "A", are true and correct copies of all documents
which contain or establish or relate to the constitution of the [Company];
(b) attached hereto marked "B", is a true and correct copy of resolutions duly
passed at a meeting of the shareholders of the Company duly convened and
held on July ___, 1998 authorising the Company to:
(i) borrow at any time up to $30,702,500 at a variable rate of interest
pursuant to the Facility Agreement;
(ii) guarantee the performance by all other Obligors of their respective
obligations under the Financing Documents;
(iii) sign, deliver and perform the Facility Agreement;
(c) attached hereto marked "C", is a true and correct copy of resolutions duly
passed at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company duly convened
and held on July ___, 1998 approving the Facility Agreement and authorising
its signature, delivery and performance and such resolutions have not been
amended, modified or revoked and are in, full force and effect;
(d) attached hereto marked "D", is a true and correct copy of the acceptance by
the agents in England of their appointment as agent of the Company for the
purpose of accepting service of process.
Does not apply to Abacan Resource Corporation
- 55 -
<PAGE>
The following signatures are the true signatures of the persons who have been
authorised to sign the Facility Agreement and to give notices and
communications, including notices of drawing, under or in connection with the
Facility Agreement.
Name Position Signature
* *
* *
* *
Signed:
Director Director
Date: *________ 19*_____
1, [*name], the Secretary of [*name of Borrower] (the Company) hereby certify
that [*names of two Directors] giving above certificate] are duly appointed
Directors of the Company and that the signature of each of them above is his
signature.
Signed:
Secretary
Date: *______ 19*_____
- 56 -
<PAGE>
PART II
FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF GUARANTOR
[Letterhead of Guarantor]
To: Credit Suisse First Boston
We [*name] and [*name], both Directors of [*name of Guarantor] of [*address]
(the COMPANY)
HEREBY CERTIFY that:
(a) attached hereto marked "A", are true and correct copies of all documents
which contain or establish or relate to the constitution of the Company;
(b) attached hereto marked "B", is a true and correct copy of resolutions duly
passed at a meeting of the shareholders of the Company duly convened and
held on July ___, 1998 authorising the Company to:
(i) guarantee the performance by all other obligors of their respective
obligations under the Financing Documents; and
(ii) sign, deliver and perform the Facility Agreement; and
(c) attached hereto marked "C", is a true and correct copy of resolutions duly
passed at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Company duly convened
and held on July ___, 1998 approving the Facility Agreement and authorising
its signature, delivery and performance and such resolutions have not been
amended, modified or revoked and are in full force and effect;
(d) attached hereto marked "D", are true and correct copies of the acceptance
by the agent in England of their appointments as agent of the Company for
the purpose of accepting service of process.
The following signatures are the true signatures of the persons who have been
authorised to sign the Facility Agreement and to give any notices and
communications under or in connection with the Facility Agreement.
- 57 -
<PAGE>
Name Position Signature
* *
* *
* *
Signed:
Director Director
Date: *______ _____ 19*__
1, [*name], the Secretary of [*name of Borrower] (the Company) hereby certify
that [*names of two Directors giving above certificate] are duly appointed
Directors of the Company and that the signature of each of them above is his
signature.
Signed:
Secretary
Date: *_____ _____ 19*-__
- 58 -
<PAGE>
PART III
CERTIFICATE OF ARC DIRECTORS
To: Credit Suisse First Boston, as Agent under the Credit Facility Agreement
dated ________, 1998.
Date:
The undersigned directors hereby certify as follows according to our best
knowledge, information and belief (having made due enquiry) that as of the date
of this certificate.
1. All Subsidiaries of any Obligor (as such terms are defined in the Credit
Facility Agreement) are Guarantors under the Credit Facility Agreement (except
such Subsidiaries as have been notified to the Agent in writing and as to which
the Agent has not requested that they accede to the Credit Facility Agreement as
Guarantors).
2. No Obligor is a party to any Oil and Gas Agreement except the agreements
listed on the schedule attached hereto.
3. The attached schedule includes a complete and correct list of all Current
Liabilities and Current Assets of each Obligor.
4. No Obligor has any legal or beneficial interest in any Oil and Gas
Property other than the properties described in the Joint Venture Documents and
the Oil and Gas Properties described in the attached Schedule.
5. No Obligor has filed or has had filed against it any petition under any
bankruptcy or other proceeding under any analogous law.
6. No Obligor is a party to any legal action or litigation other than the
matters described on the attached schedule, and no judgement or attachment has
been made or granted against any Obligor or its assets except as shown on the
attached schedule.
7. Except as described in the attached schedule no Obligor has received any
notice of default and is not in default under any Joint Venture Document or Oil
and Gas Agreement.
8. No Obligor has granted or has committed to grant any Security Interest
(as such term is defined in the Credit Facility Agreement) other than a
Permitted Security Interest.
_____________________ _____________________
- 59 -
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 4
FORM OF TRANSFER CERTIFICATE
To: Credit Suisse First Boston
TRANSFER CERTIFICATE
relating to a Credit Facility Agreement (the FACILITY AGREEMENT) dated ______
1998 and made between the Borrowers and Guarantors named therein, Credit Suisse
First Boston as Agent, Credit Suisse First Boston as Security Trustee, and
certain Lenders named therein. Terms defined in the Facility Agreement have the
same meanings herein.
1. [Transferor] (the LENDER):
(a) confirms that to the extent that details appear in the Schedule hereto
against, as the case may be, the heading LENDER'S COMMITMENT and/or
LENDER'S PARTICIPATION, such details accurately summarise, as the case may
be, its participation in the Facility (as defined in the Facility
Agreement); and
(b) requests [Transferee Lender] (the TRANSFEREE) to accept and procure the
transfer to the Transferee of the portion specified in the Schedule of, as
the case may be, its participation in the Facility by counter-signing and
delivering this Transfer Certificate to the Agent at its address for the
service of notices specified in the Facility Agreement.
2. The Transferee hereby requests the Agent to accept this Transfer
Certificate as being delivered to the Agent pursuant to and for the purposes of
clause 19 of the Facility Agreement so as to take effect in accordance with the
terms thereof on [date of transfer].
3. The Transferee confirms that it has received a copy of the Facility
Agreement together with such other documents and information as it has required
in connection with this transaction and that it has not relied and will not
hereafter rely on the Lender to check or enquire on its behalf into the
execution, validity, enforceability, effectiveness, adequacy, accuracy or
completeness of any such documents or information and further agrees that it has
not relied and will not rely on the Lender to assess or keep under review on its
behalf the financial condition, creditworthiness, condition, affairs, status or
nature of any of the Obligors or of any other party to any of the Financing
Documents.
4. The Transferee hereby undertakes with the Lender and each of the other
parties to the Facility Agreement that it will perform in accordance with their
terms all those obligations which by the terms of the Facility Agreement will be
assumed by it after delivery of this Transfer Certificate to the Agent and
satisfaction of the conditions (if any) subject to which this Transfer
Certificate is expressed to take effect.
- 60 -
<PAGE>
5. The Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no
responsibility with respect to the legality, validity, effectiveness, adequacy
or enforceability of the Facility Agreement or any document relating thereto and
assumes no responsibility for the financial condition of any of the Obligors or
any other party to the Financing Documents or for the performance and observance
by any of the Obligors or any other such party of any of its obligations under
the Financing Documents or any document relating thereto and any and all such
conditions and warranties, whether express or implied by law or otherwise, are
hereby excluded.
6. This Transfer Certificate and the rights and obligations of the parties
hereunder shall be governed by and construed in accordance with English law.
THE SCHEDULE
LENDER'S COMMITMENT
*______ ______ _______
LENDER'S PARTICIPATION
*_____ ______ _______
AMOUNT
*_____ _____ ________
TERM
*____ _____ ________
PORTION TRANSFERRED
*______ _____ ______
*Transferor [*Transferee]
Address: *
Telex: *
Fax: *
Signed Signed
Credit Suisse First Boston,
as Agent:
Signed .
Dated *______ ___19*___
- 61 -
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 5
FORM OF GUARANTOR ACCESSION DEED
To: Credit Suisse First Boston, as Agent
From: [*Proposed additional Guarantor].
Date: *____ _____ 19*___
1. We refer to an agreement (the Facility Agreement) dated ______ 1998 and
made between the Borrowers and Guarantors named therein, Credit Suisse First
Boston as Agent, Credit Suisse First Boston as Security Trustee and the Lenders
as referred to therein. Terms defined in the Facility Agreement shall bear the
same meanings herein.
2. We [name of the company] of [Registered Office] (Registered no. *____
____) agree to become a Guarantor under the Facility Agreement and to be bound
by the terms of the Facility Agreement as Guarantor.
3. Our address for notices is:
* ______ ________ _________
4. This Deed is governed by English law.
EXECUTED as a DEED by )
[PROPOSED GUARANTOR] )
[acting by two directors/a director )
and the secretary] )
Director
Director/Secretary
SIGNED by )
for and on behalf of [Borrowers' Agent] )
in the presence of: )
- 62 -
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 6
THE ORIGINAL GUARANTORS
ABACAN RESOURCES (BENIN) LIMITED, whose registered office is at:
WEST AFRICA RESOURCE CORPORATION, whose registered office is at:
AGBARA RESOURCES LIMITED, whose registered office is at:
ABACAN POWER (BENIN) LIMITED, whose registered office is at:
ABACAN-ADDAX BENIN CONSORTIUM S.A., whose registered office is at:
ANGUS INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES LTD., whose registered office is at:
PROFILE INTERNATIONAL LTD., whose registered office is at:
- 63 -
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 7
[FORM OF MOPU AGREEMENT]
[Intentionally excluded as Mopu Agreement is not an Agreement
to which the Company is a party]
- 64 -
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 8
The purpose of this document is to set forth the terms and conditions of the
transaction entered into between
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON, ZURICH ("Party A")
And
ABACAN RESOURCES CORP, TORONTO ("Party B")
(collectively, the "Parties")
on the Trade Date specified below (the "Transaction").
The definitions and provisions contained in the 1991 ISDA Definitions (the "1991
Definitions") and the 1996 ISDA Equity Derivatives Definitions (the "1996
Definitions") both as published by the International Swap and Derivatives
Association, Inc. are incorporated by reference into this Confirmation. In the
event of any inconsistency between the Definitions and this Confirmation, this
Confirmation will govern.
The Parties hereby agree to enter into the Transaction as a condition precedent
to the on-going restructuring of an existing loan facility between CSFB Zurich
and a subsidiary of Party B.
1. The terms of the particular Transaction to which this Confirmation
relates are as follows:
GENERAL TERMS:
Trade Date: 26 July 1998
Option Style: European
Option Type: Call
Seller: Party B
Buyer: Party A
Shares: ABACAN RESOURCE CORP REGISTERED SHARES
ISIN CODE: CA 002 919 108 1
SECURITY NO: 346 665
- 65 -
<PAGE>
Number of Options: 500,000
Option Entitlement: 1 Share per Option
Strike Price: CAD 0.91
Premium: ZERO
Seller Business Day: Any day on which commercial banks are open for
Business (including dealings in foreign exchange
and foreign currency deposits) in Toronto.
Currency Business Day: Any day on which commercial banks are open for
Business (including dealings in foreign exchange
and foreign currency deposits) in the principal
financial centre for the relevant currency.
Exchange: Toronto Stock Exchange, or any successor to such
exchange or quotation system. If the exchange
ceases to list or otherwise to include the
Shares the parties will negotiate in good faith
to agree on another exchange or quotation
system.
Clearance System: Cedel, or any successor to or transferee of such
Clearance System. If the Clearance System ceases
to clear the Shares, the parties will negotiate
in good faith to agree on another manner of
delivery.
PROCEDURE FOR EXERCISE:
Expiration Time: Close of business on the Exchange on the
Expiration Date
Expiration Date: 26 July 2000 or, if that date is not an Exchange
Business Day, the first following day that is an
Exchange Business Day.
Automatic Exercise: Applicable
Seller's Contact Details
for Purpose of Giving Notice: Mr.
Telephone Number:
Fax Number:
- 66 -
<PAGE>
VALUATION:
Valuation Time: At the Close of trading on the Exchange
Valuation Dates: The last 15 Exchange Business Days before and
including the Expiration Date
Averaging Dates: Each Valuation Date
Averaging Market Disruption: Modified Postponement
SETTLEMENT TERMS:
Cash Settlement: Applicable
Relevant Price: Bid / Offer / Mid-Market / Last traded price per
share as quoted by the Exchange
Cash Settlement Payment Date: Two / Three Currency Business Days after the last
Valuation Date
ADJUSTMENTS:
Method of Adjustment: Calculation Agent Adjustment
EXTRAORDINARY EVENTS:
Consequences of Merger Events:
a. Share-for-Share: Alternative Obligation
b. Share-for-Other: Cancellation and Payment
c. Share-for-Combined: Cancellation and Payment
NATIONALIZATION OR INSOLVENCY: Cancellation and Payment
- 67 -
<PAGE>
3. Calculation Agent: Party A whose determinations and calculations
will be binding and conclusive in the absence of
manifest error. The Calculation Agent will have
no responsibility for good faith errors or
omissions in making any determination as provided
herein.
4. Account Details: CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON, TORONTO in favour of
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON, ZURICH, a/c
T1000000.01.CAD.
5. Governing Law: English Law
Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets forth the terms of our
agreement by executing the copy of this Confirmation enclosed for that purpose
and returning it to us marked for the attention of:
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
Attn. Mr. Walter Bachmann / FMLS 32
P.O. Box 900
8070 Zurich
Switzerland
In the case of any queries
- - regarding the transaction, please contact Mr Thomas Patrick phone: 01- 333 76
18,
- - regarding settlement, please contact Mr Heiko Zimmermann phone: 01 - 333 64 95
or
- - regarding documentation, please contact Mr Walter Bachmann phone: 01 - 333 87
77.
It has been a pleasure being of service to you and we thank you for your
co-operation.
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
NAME THOMAS PATRICK
Title Title
- 68 -
<PAGE>
Confirmed as of the date first above written:
For and on behalf of
ABACAN RESOURCES CORP, TORONTO
YYYYYYYYY
- 69 -
<PAGE>
SIGNING SCHEDULE
BORROWERS:
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION,
as a Deed
By: [J. Harvie ] Signature: /s/ James Harvie
---------------------
By [W.G.Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/Wade Cherwayko
---------------------
DAHOMEY RESOURCE CORPORATION
As a Deed
By: [W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
---------------------
By: [T.B. Folawayo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
---------------------
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED
As a Deed
By: [W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
---------------------
By: [T.B. Folawayo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
---------------------
- 70 -
<PAGE>
ORIGINAL GUARANTORS:
ABACAN RESOURCES (BENIN) LIMITED
By: [W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
---------------------
By: [T.B. Folawayo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
---------------------
WEST AFRICAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
By: [W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
---------------------
By: [T.B. Folawayo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
---------------------
AGBARA RESOURCES LIMITED
By: [W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
---------------------
By: [T.B. Folawayo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
---------------------
ABACAN POWER (BENIN) LIMITED
By: [W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
---------------------
By: [T.B. Folawayo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
---------------------
- 71 -
<PAGE>
ABACAN-ADDAX BENIN CONSORTIUM S.A.
By: [W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
---------------------
By: [T.B. Folawayo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
---------------------
ANGUS INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES LTD.
By: [W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
---------------------
By: [T.B. Folawayo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
---------------------
PROFILE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
By: [W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
---------------------
By: [T.B. Folawayo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
---------------------
- 72 -
<PAGE>
LENDERS:
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
As Lender
By: [T. Patrick ] Signature: /s/ Tom Patrick
---------------------
By: [Alex Gantner ] Signature: /s/ Alex Gantner
---------------------
AGENT AND SECURITY TRUSTEE:
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON,
As Agent and Security Trustee
By: [Tom Patrick ] Signature: /s/ Tom Patrick
---------------------
By: [Alex Gantner ] Signature:/s/ Alex Gantner
---------------------
- 72 -
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.9
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION and DAHOMEY RESOURCE CORPORATION and LIBERTY
TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD. and ABACAN RESOURCES (BENIN) LIMITED and WEST AFRICAN
RESOURCE CORPORATION and AGBARA RESOURCES LIMITED and ABACAN POWER (BENIN)
LIMITED and ABACAN-ADDAX BENIN CONSORTIUM S.A. and ABACAN RESOURCES (NIGERIA)
LTD. and ANGUS INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES LTD. and PROFILE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
And
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
(as Agent)
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
(as Security Trustee)
and
THE LENDERS herein referred to
SECURITY TRUST DEED
Dated July 2, 1998
<PAGE>
SECURITY TRUST DEED (the AAGREEMENT@) made on July 2, 1998
BETWEEN
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION, an Alberta, Canada corporation, whose registered
office is at Suite 1600, 407 Second Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada
(sometimes referred to individually herein as AARC@); DAHOMEY RESOURCE
CORPORATION, a Bahamas limited company, whose registered office is at Chambers,
Suite 304, Beaumont House, Bay Street, P.O. Box CB-11986, Nassau, The Bahamas
(sometimes referred to individually herein as ADAHOMEY@); LIBERTY TECHNICAL
SERVICES LTD., a Bahamas limited company, whose registered office is at 38
Warehouse Road, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria (sometimes referred to individually herein
as ALiberty@); ABACAN RESOURCES (BENIN) LIMITED, whose registered office is at
Chambers, Suite 304, Beaumont House, Bay Street, P.O. Box CB 11986, Nassau,
N.P., The Bahamas; WEST AFRICAN RESOURCE CORPORATION, a Bahamas limited company,
whose registered office is at Chambers, Suite 304, Beaumont House, Bay Street,
P.O. Box CB 11986, Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas; AGBARA RESOURCES LIMITED, a
Bahamas limited company, whose registered office is at Chambers, Suite 304,
Beaumont House, Bay Street, P.O. Box CB 11986, Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas; ABACAN
POWER (BENIN) LIMITED, a Bahamas limited company, whose registered office is at
Chambers, Suite 304, Beaumont House, Bay Street, P.O. Box CB 11986, Nassau,
N.P., The Bahamas; ABACAN-ADDAX BENIN CONSORTIUM S.A., a Benin limited company,
whose registered office is at Villas de la Francophonie, Fadoul 1 08 B.P. 0428,
Cotonou, Benin; ABACAN RESOURCES (NIGERIA) LTD., a Nigerian limited company,
whose registered office is at 38 Warehouse Road, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria; ANGUS
INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES LTD., a Bahamas limited company, whose registered office
is at Chambers, Suite 304, Beaumont House, Bay Street, P.O. Box CB-11986,
Nassau, The Bahamas; and PROFILE INTERNATIONAL LTD., a Bahamas limited company,
whose registered office is at Chambers, Suite 304, Beaumont House, Bay Street,
P.O. Box CB-11986, Nassau, The Bahamas.
(individually and collectively, the AOBLIGORS@);
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON (as AGENT);
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON (as SECURITY TRUSTEE);
THE LENDERS listed on the execution pages of this Deed.
WHEREAS:
(A) The Lenders have agreed to make available to the ARC, Liberty and
Dahomey as Borrowers the Facility (each as defined in the Facility Agreement)
upon the terms and conditions of the Facility Agreement (as defined below).
(B) The Security Trustee has agreed to act as Security Trustee of this Deed
and to hold the benefit of the Security Documents (as defined below) and the
security thereby created on trust for the Beneficiaries (as defined below).
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(C) Pursuant to the provisions of the Facility Agreement, as a condition
precedent to the Facility becoming available, the Obligors are required to
execute the Security Documents (as defined below) in favour of the Security
Trustee to be held by it on trust for the Beneficiaries (as defined below) in
accordance with the terms and conditions of this Deed.
NOW IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:-
INTERPRETATION
1.1 DEFINITIONS: In this Deed (including the recitals) words and expressions
defined in the Facility Agreement shall bear the same respective meanings when
used herein, unless otherwise defined herein or the context otherwise requires.
The following words and expressions have, except where the context otherwise
requires, the meanings respectively shown opposite them:
BENEFICIARIES means the Agent, the Security Trustee and the Lenders;
THIS DEED means this deed as amended or modified from time to time, including
any other deed or instrument expressed to be supplemental hereto;
ENFORCEMENT NOTICE means a notice from the Agent to the Security Trustee stating
that the Agent has issued a notice to the Borrowers' Agent pursuant to clause
13.2 of the Facility Agreement;
FACILITY AGREEMENT means the $30,702,500 Credit Facility Agreement dated of even
date herewith between Abacan Resource Corporation, Liberty Technical Services
Limited and Dahomey Resource Corporation as the Borrowers, the Guarantors
therein referred to, Credit Suisse First Boston as Agent and as Security Trustee
and the Lenders therein referred to as the same may be amended from time to
time;
PROCEEDS means all moneys and other property held or received by the Security
Trustee or any Receiver under any of the Security Documents and the proceeds of
realisation of the Secured Property;
RECEIVER means any person or persons appointed (and any additional person or
persons appointed or substituted) as receiver, administrative receiver, receiver
and manager, manager or similar insolvency officer appointed by the Security
Trustee pursuant to any of the Security Documents;
SECURED AMOUNTS means all moneys and liabilities (including without limitation
amounts payable under this Deed) whatsoever which may be due, owing or payable
by the Obligors to the Beneficiaries in any currency, as principal or as surety,
individually or jointly, on any account whatsoever pursuant to the Financing
Documents or as a consequence of any breach, non-performance, disclaimer or
repudiation by the Obligors of any of their obligations under the Financing
Documents and "Secured Amounts" shall have a like meaning with respect to a
particular Security Document or Beneficiary;
SECURITY DOCUMENTS means this Deed, the Debentures, the Share Pledges, the MOPU
Agreement, the Amni Guarantee, and any other mortgages, charges, assignments or
other security interests from time to time granted by the Obligors to the
Security Trustee pursuant to the Financing Documents.
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SECURED PROPERTY means the property described in clause 2.1;
1.2 CONSTRUCTION: In this Deed, except where the context otherwise requires:
(a) Headings and the table of contents are for ease of reference only;
(b) references to clauses, sub-clauses, paragraphs or the Schedule are, unless
otherwise specified, to be construed as references to clauses, sub-clauses
and paragraphs of and the Schedule to this Deed;
(c) a provision of law is a reference to that provision as amended or
re-enacted;
(d) references to documents include any deed (including this Deed), negotiable
instrument, certificate, notice or other document of any kind and
references to any document (or a provision thereof) shall be construed as a
reference to that document or provision as from time to time amended,
supplemented, varied or replaced (in whole or in part);
(e) references to any party hereto or any person include references to any
successor or assignee of such party or other person; and
(f) unless the context otherwise requires, words denoting the singular number
shall include the plural and vice versa. DECLARATION OF TRUST; GENERAL
2.1 TRUST: The Security Trustee shall stand possessed of and shall hold all
the covenants, undertakings, charges, assignments and other security interests
made, given or to be made or given under or pursuant to any of the Security
Documents, upon trust for the Beneficiaries rateably in proportion to their
respective Secured Amounts.
2.2 ADDITIONAL BENEFICIARIES: Upon the delivery to the Security Trustee by
the Agent of a supplemental deed substantially in the form of Schedule 1
executed by an Obligor and by any person intended to become a beneficiary
hereunder, such person shall thereafter be entitled to the benefit of and
subject to the provisions of this Deed as a Beneficiary. Each Obligor party
hereto agrees that it will promptly execute such a Deed upon request by the
Agent.
2.3 AGENT: Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Facility
Agreement, the Security Trustee shall be entitled to assume that the interests
of each Bank are represented by the Agent. The Security Trustee shall not be
obliged or required to act in accordance with the directions of any of the
Lenders given otherwise than through the Agent.
2.4 SECURITY TRUSTEE'S NOTIFICATION: The Security Trustee shall promptly
advise the Agent of any breach of the provisions of this Deed which comes to the
notice of the Security Trustee.
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2.5 JURISDICTION: It is hereby declared and agreed that, in relation to any
jurisdiction the courts of which would not recognise or give effect to the trust
expressed to be created by this Deed, the relationship of the Beneficiaries to
the Security Trustee shall be construed as one of principal and agent but, to
the extent permissible under the laws of such jurisdiction, all the other
provisions of this Deed shall have full force and effect between the parties
hereto.
2.6 EFFECTIVE DATE: This Deed shall take effect on the date hereof.
COVENANTS BY THE OBLIGORS
3.1 COVENANTS: Each Obligor hereby covenant with the Security Trustee that,
so long as any of the Secured Amounts remains outstanding, it will:
(a) at all times give to the Security Trustee such information as the Security
Trustee may reasonably require for the purpose of the discharge of the
trusts, powers, rights, duties, authorities and discretions vested in it
hereunder or by operation of law; and
(b) execute and do all such assurances, acts, deeds and things as the Security
Trustee may reasonably require for protecting or perfecting the security
over the Secured Property and the exercise of all powers, authorities and
discretions vested in the Security Trustee or in any receiver of the
Secured Property and shall in particular execute all transfers,
conveyances, assignments, assurances and registrations of the Secured
Property, whether to the Security Trustee or its nominees or purchasers or
subpurchasers, and give all notices, orders and discretions which the
Security Trustee may reasonably require as necessary or expedient.
SECURED PROPERTY AND POWERS OF ENFORCEMENT
4.1 SECURITY:
(a) The security created by the Security Documents shall be held by the
Security Trustee as a continuing security for the payment in full of the
Secured Amounts notwithstanding any settlement of account or any other act,
event or matter whatsoever;
(b) The security created by the Security Documents shall not be satisfied by
any intermediate payment or satisfaction of any amount hereby or thereby
secured and the security so created shall be in addition to and shall not
be prejudiced by any other security or guarantee now or hereafter held by
the Security Trustee or any other person for all or any part of the Secured
Amounts hereby and thereby secured or the liability of any person for the
whole or any part of the Secured Amounts;
(c) Every power and remedy given to the Security Trustee herein shall be in
addition to and not a limitation of any other power or remedy vested in the
Security Trustee under any of the Security Documents, or by statute, rule
or law or otherwise and all such powers may be exercised from time to time
and as often as the Security Trustee deems expedient.
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(d) Neither Section 93 nor Section 103 of the Law of Property Act 1925 shall
apply to any assignment created hereunder.
4.2 ENFORCEMENT: Upon receipt by the Security Trustee of an Enforcement
Notice from the Agent, the security constituted by the Security Documents shall
become immediately enforceable. Upon the security constituted by the Security
Documents becoming enforceable, the Security Trustee shall, subject to it being
indemnified to its satisfaction, be bound without further notice to any party to
this Deed to enforce the same and shall incur no responsibility to any such
party for so doing.
SUSPENSE ACCOUNT, INVESTMENT AND ACCUMULATIONS
5.1 SUSPENSE ACCOUNT: Pending appropriation and distribution under clause 7,
the Security Trustee may place any sum received, recovered or held by it
representing or constituting Proceeds at any time after the security constituted
by the Security Documents becomes enforceable in a suspense account which it may
maintain for as long as it thinks fit until the Secured Amounts have been
discharged in full.
5.2 INVESTMENT OF PROCEEDS: The Security Trustee may invest in the name or
under the control of the Security Trustee an amount equal to the balance from
time to time standing to the credit of any suspense account in any of the
investments for the time being authorised by English law for the investment by
Security Trustees of trust moneys or in any other investments (whether similar
to the aforesaid or not) which may be selected by the Security Trustee as if the
Security Trustee were an absolute beneficial owner or by placing the same on
deposit in the name or under the control of the Security Trustee and in such
currency as the Security Trustee may think fit The Security Trustee may at any
time vary or transfer any of such investments for or into any other such
investments or convert any other moneys so deposited into any other currency and
shall not be responsible for any loss occasioned thereby (whether by
depreciation in value, fluctuation in exchange rates or otherwise) unless such
loss is occasioned by the wilful misconduct or fraud of the Security Trustee.
The Security Trustee shall not be under any obligation to diversify any
investment or investments made by it pursuant to this sub-clause.
5.3 ACCUMULATIONS: The resulting income arising on any investments made
pursuant to clause 5.2 above may, at the discretion of the Security Trustee, be
accumulated PROVIDED THAT if the Proceeds shall amount to a sum sufficient to
pay at least 5 per cent. of the principal amount of the Secured Amounts then
outstanding the Security Trustee shall thereupon appropriate and distribute the
Proceeds and any such accumulations in the manner and order provided in clause
7.1 BUT SO THAT for the purposes of this proviso (and this proviso alone) the
expression Proceeds shall not include any part thereof held on a suspense
account pursuant to clause 5.1 above.
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RELEASE OF SECURED PROPERTY, CONTINUATION AND PERPETUITY PERIOD
6.1 RELEASE OF SECURED PROPERTY: On the payment or discharge of' the Secured
Amounts in full and subject to the Beneficiaries having no actual or contingent
liability to the Obligors with respect to obligations under the Facility and at
the written direction of the Agent, the Security Trustee will, at the cost and
expense of the relevant Obligor, (i) release the security constituted by the
Security Documents and reassign to the relevant Obligor or such other person as
the relevant Obligor may direct or such other person as may be entitled thereto
all of the Secured Property, and (ii) assign to Borrower's Agent any remaining
rights in the MOPU Agreement. Further, CSFB agrees and agrees to cause TIL to
obtain the Borrowers' Agent's written consent to any amendment, modification or
waiver to or under the MOPU Agreement, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld. The Obligors covenant and agree to comply with the terms of Section
6.3 of the MOPU Agreement.
6.2 CONTINUATION OF TRUSTS: The trusts constituted by the Security Documents
shall (subject to clause 6.3) remain in full force and effect for so long as any
amounts remain due to the Security Trustee, any Receiver or delegate of the
Security Trustee pursuant to the Security Documents and any of the Secured
Amounts remain due to any of the Beneficiaries or any Beneficiary has any actual
or contingent liability to the Borrowers in respect of the Facility.
6.3 PERPETUITY PERIOD: The perpetuity period applicable hereto under the
rule against perpetuities shall be the period of eighty years from the date of
these presents and every power, authority or discretion to which the said rule
applies which is conferred upon the Security Trustee or any other person by
these presents shall only be exercisable during that period.
DISTRIBUTION OF PROCEEDS
7.1 DISTRIBUTION: Subject to clause 5, after the security constituted by the
Security Documents shall have become enforceable, the Security Trustee shall
appropriate and distribute all Proceeds (subject to the payment of debts which
by law have priority) in the following manner and order (but so that in each
case only if and to the extent that appropriations and distributions of a higher
priority have been made in full):-
(a) First, in or towards payment of all costs, charges, expenses and
liabilities (together with accrued interest thereon as provided in any
other Security Document) properly incurred by the Security Trustee or any
Receiver, attorney, agent, delegate or other person appointed by the
Security Trustee under any of the Security Documents in the exercise or
purported exercise of any powers, authorities or discretions vested in it
or him pursuant to any of the Security Documents in respect of any security
interest created by any Obligor or any Security Document executed by any
Obligor;
(b) Second, in or towards payment of all costs, charges, expenses and
liabilities (together with accrued interest thereon as provided in any
other Financing Document) properly incurred by the Agent in the exercise or
purported exercise of any powers, duties, obligations or discretions vested
in it or him pursuant to any of the Financing Documents;
(c) Third, in or towards payment pro rata of any interest due to the
Beneficiaries in respect of the Secured Amounts;
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(d) Fourth, in or towards payment pro rata of any principal due to the
Beneficiaries in respect of the Secured Amounts;
(e) Fifth, in or towards payment pro rata of all remaining sums or liabilities
due or owed to the Beneficiaries in respect of the Secured Amounts; and the
surplus (if any) after the payment in full of the Secured Amounts shall be
paid to or to the order of the Borrower's Agent or to such other person as
the Borrowers' Agent may notify to the Security Trustee, or as otherwise
required by any court of competent jurisdiction or applicable law, PROVIDED
THAT:
(i) distributions by the Security Trustee shall be made at such times as
the Security Trustee in its absolute discretion determines to be as
soon as reasonably practical, having regard to all relevant
circumstances;
(ii) as between the Beneficiaries, a Beneficiary shall be deemed to have
received from the Security Trustee any amount which the Security
Trustee is at any time required by law to deduct or withhold on
account of tax from any distribution received by that Beneficiary
under this Deed. However, this shall not prejudice any right which
that Beneficiary may have against the Obligors (whether under a
grossing-up clause or otherwise) but as between the Beneficiaries, any
such indebtedness shall rank after all other sums due and owing in
respect of the Secured Amounts;
(iii)for the purposes of any distribution by the Security Trustee (which
shall be made in accordance with clause 7.2), the Security Trustee may
fix a date as at which the amount of the Secured Amount is to be
calculated. For the purposes of determining the amount of any payment
to be made pursuant to paragraphs (c), (d) or (e) above to any
Beneficiary, the Security Trustee shall be entitled to call for a
certificate from the Agent as to the amount, currency and nature of
any Secured Amount owing or incurred to the relevant Beneficiary at
the date fixed by the Security Trustee for such purpose and as to such
other matters as the Security Trustee may deem necessary or desirable
to enable it to make a distribution. The Security Trustee shall be
entitled to rely on any such certificate:
(iv) if, after discharge of the costs, charges, expenses and liabilities
(together with accrued interest thereon) referred to in paragraphs (a)
and (b) above, the Proceeds remaining are insufficient to discharge in
full any of the aggregate amounts referred to in any of paragraphs
(c), (d) or (e) above, as the case may be, such remaining Proceeds
shall be paid to the Agent to be distributed pari passu and rateably
to the Beneficiaries in proportion to the respective portions of the
Secured Amounts owing to each Beneficiary;
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(v) if any Proceeds shall be denominated in a currency (the "relevant
currency") other than that in which any Secured Amount is expressed to
be payable (the "contractual currency") the Security Trustee shall
convert the relevant Proceeds into the contractual currency upon
receipt or recovery of the same unless such sums are to be credited to
a suspense account and apply the same in accordance with the foregoing
provisions, but so that no action taken by the Security Trustee
pursuant to this proviso (v) shall in any way prejudice or affect the
rights or claims which any Beneficiary may have pursuant to the terms
of the Financing Documents; and
(vi) any distribution payment or transfer required to be made by the
Security Trustee pursuant to this Deed shall only be made subject to
any applicable laws and regulations.
7.2 DISTRIBUTIONS AND PAYMENTS: Distributions or payments of or on account
of any of the Secured Amounts described in paragraphs (c), (d) and (e) of clause
7.1 shall be made by the Security Trustee to the Agent. An acknowledgment of
receipt signed by the Agent or, as the case may be, the Borrowers' Agent or its
appointee shall be a good discharge of the Security Trustee.
7.3 UNWINDING: If and to the extent that any appropriation or distribution
shall at any time thereafter transpire to have been invalid or any sum so
distributed has to be refunded to any person under any law relating to
bankruptcy, insolvency or winding up or otherwise, the relevant distribution
shall be deemed never to have been made provided that any benefit obtained by
the person to whom the relevant distribution was originally made from the use of
the amount so distributed shall so long as it is retained (free from
liabilities) by such person, be deducted from any interest which becomes payable
in accordance herewith on such amount from the date of such distribution to the
(date on which it is deemed never to have been made (such resulting amount never
however to be a negative amount).
7.4 REQUIRED PREPAYMENTS: Any amounts received by the Security Trustee
pursuant to the terms of either the MOPU Agreement or the Amni Agreement shall
be applied by the Agent as a prepayment against the Outstandings; provided any
amounts received shall first be applied to reimburse the Agent for (i)
reasonable collection costs incurred with respect to the Amni Guaranty and (ii)
any payments made by the Agent to Sedco Forex as required pursuant to the terms
of MOPU Agreement.
SECURITY TRUSTEE'S RIGHTS, DUTIES AND SUPPLEMENTAL POWERS
8.1 RIGHTS AND DUTIES:
(a) The Security Trustee shall have only those duties, obligations and-
responsibilities expressly specified in this Deed or the other
Security Documents and shall not have any implied duties, obligations
or responsibilities. In performing or carrying out its duties,
obligations and responsibilities, the Security Trustee shall be
considered to be acting only in a mechanical and administrative
capacity (save as expressly provided in this Deed or the other
Security Documents) and shall not have or be deemed to have any duty,
obligation or responsibility to or relationship of trust or agency
with any of the Obligors;
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(b) The Security Trustee may refrain from taking any (or any further)
action or exercising any rights under or in respect of this Deed or
any other Security Documents until it has received instructions from
the Agent (or other person for the time being entitled to give such
instructions) as to whether (and, if it is to be, the way in which) it
is to be taken or exercised. In the absence of such instructions, the
Security Trustee may act or refrain from acting as it shall see fit.
The Security Trustee shall in all cases when acting or refraining from
acting as the case may be, be in no way responsible for any loss
except in the case of wilful misconduct or where the Security Trustee
has failed to show the degree of diligence and care required of it
having regard to the provisions of this Deed or the Security
Documents;
(c) The Security Trustee shall not be liable for any action taken or
omitted by it under or in connection with the Security Documents in
good faith;
(d) The Security Trustee shall not be liable to bring any proceedings
against the Obligors for the recovery of any sum due under any of the
Financing Documents or otherwise in connection therewith unless it has
been fully indemnified to its satisfaction by each of the Lenders in
the proportion which its Outstandings bear to the Total Outstandings
(or if no Outstandings, its Commitment bears to the Total
Commitments);
(e) Notwithstanding that the Security Trustee is a Beneficiary, it may
take, or refrain from taking, any action which it would be entitled to
take in its capacity as a Beneficiary if it was not the Security
Trustee and shall not be precluded by virtue of its position as a
Beneficiary from exercising any of its discretions, powers and duties
as Security Trustee;
(f) Each of the Lenders shall fully indemnify the Security Trustee
rateably in the proportion which its Outstandings bears to the Total
Outstandings (or if no Outstandings, its Commitment bears to the Total
Commitments), from and against all claims, proceedings, expenses,
losses, damages and liabilities of every description (except in
respect of any remuneration due to the Security Trustee) which may be
incurred by the Security Trustee in such capacity in good faith and
which in any way relate to or arise out of the Financing Documents or
any related documents or any action taken or omitted by the Security
Trustee in enforcing or preserving, or in attempting to enforce or
preserve, any of the rights of the Beneficiaries under the Financing
Documents or any related documents.
8.2 By way of supplement to the Trustee Act 1925 it is expressly declared as
follows:
(a) RELIANCE ON EXPERTS: The Security Trustee may in relation to the
Financing Documents act on the opinion or advice of, or a certificate
or any information obtained from, any lawyer, banker, valuer,
surveyor, securities company, broker, auctioneer, accountant or other
expert in the United Kingdom or elsewhere, whether obtained by the
Security Trustee, any Receiver or the Agent, and shall not be
responsible for any loss occasioned by so acting.
(b) CERTIFICATES: Any such opinion, advice, certificate or information may
be sent or obtained by letter, telegram, telex, facsimile reproduction
or in any other form and the Security Trustee shall not be liable for
acting on any opinion, advice, certificate or information purporting
to be so conveyed although the same shall contain some error or shall
not be authentic PROVIDED THAT such error or lack of authenticity is
not manifest.
(c) DISCRETION: The Security Trustee shall (save as expressly otherwise
provided in any of the Security Documents) as regards all rights,
powers, authorities and discretions vested in it by any of the
Security Documents, or by operation of law, have complete discretion
as to the exercise or non-exercise thereof.
(d) INVESTMENT BY WAY OF NOMINEES: Any investment made by the Security
Trustee pursuant to clause 5 may, at its discretion, be made or
retained in the name or names of a nominee or nominees.
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(e) DOCUMENT PLACEMENT: The Security Trustee shall be at liberty to place
this Deed, any of the other Security Documents and all deeds and other
documents relating to this Deed or any of the other Security Documents
with any bank or banking company, or lawyer or firm of lawyers
believed by it to be of good repute, in any part of the world, and the
Security Trustee shall not be responsible for or be required to insure
against any loss incurred in connection with any such deposit and the
Borrowers' Agent shall pay all sums required to be paid on account of
or in respect of any such deposit.
(f) AGENTS: The Security Trustee may, in the conduct of the trust
business, instead of acting personally, employ and pay an agent to
transact or conduct, or concur in transacting or conducting, any
business and to do or concur in doing all acts required to be done by
the Security Trustee (including the receipt and payment of money). The
Security Trustee shall not be responsible for any misconduct on the
part of any person appointed by it in good faith hereunder or be bound
to supervise the proceedings or acts of any such persons.
(g) SECURITY TRUSTEE REFRAINING FROM ACTING: The Security Trustee may
refrain from doing anything which would or might in its opinion be
contrary to any law of any jurisdiction or any directive or regulation
of any agency of any state or which would or might otherwise render it
liable to any person and may do anything which is, in its absolute
discretion, necessary to comply with any such law, directive or
regulation.
(h) DISCLAIMERS AND EXCLUSIONS:
(i) The Security Trustee shall not be responsible for recitals or
statements, warranties or representations of any party (other
than the Security Trustee) contained in any of the Financing
Documents and shall not be required to examine or enquire into
the title of the Obligors to the Secured Property or any other
part of the undertaking, property and assets charged by any of
the Security Documents, or the right of the Obligors to exercise
the powers and discretions described in the Financing Documents
to the intent that the Security Trustee shall not in any way be
responsible for its inability to exercise any of the rights
conferred herein or in any of the other Security Documents or for
any loss or damage thereby occasioned;
(ii) The Security Trustee shall not be bound to give notice to any
person of the execution of the Security Documents nor shall it be
liable for any failure, omission or defect in perfecting the
security intended to be constituted by the Security Documents
including, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing,
(a) failure to obtain any license, consent or other authority for
the execution of the same, (b) failure to register the same in
accordance with the provisions of any of the documents of title
of the Obligors to any of the Secured Property, and (c) failure
to effect or procure registration of or otherwise protect any of
the Security Documents by registering the same under any
registration laws in any territory, or by registering any notice,
caution or other entry prescribed by or pursuant to the
provisions of the said laws;
(iii)The Security Trustee shall not be responsible for the
genuineness, validity or effectiveness of any of the Security
Documents or any obligations or rights created or purported to be
created thereby or any security constituted or purported to be
constituted by or pursuant to any of the Security Documents, nor
shall it be responsible or liable to any person because of any
invalidity of any provision of such documents, whether arising
from statute, law or decision of any court;
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(iv) The Security Trustee shall not be liable or responsible for any
loss, cost, damage, expense or inconvenience which may result
from anything done or omitted to be done by it under any of the
Security Documents, except such as arise as a result of the
wilful misconduct or fraud of the Security Trustee. SUPPLEMENTAL
PROVISIONS REGARDING THE SECURITY TRUSTEE
9.1 OBLIGORS' PERFORMANCE: Except as herein otherwise expressly provided,
the Security Trustee shall be and is hereby authorised to assume without
enquiry, and it is hereby declared to be the intention of the Security Trustee
that it shall assume without enquiry, that the Obligors are duly performing and
observing all the covenants and provisions contained in the Financing Documents
and on their part to be performed and observed and that no Event of Default or
Potential Event if Default has occurred. No Beneficiary other than the Agent
shall be entitled to require the Security Trustee to take any action or
proceedings under any of the Security Documents whatsoever, whether to enforce
the performance of any covenant or obligation by the Obligors or otherwise.
9.2 DELEGATION: The Security Trustee may, in the execution of an or any of
the trusts, powers, authorities and discretions vested in it by any of the
Security Documents, act by responsible officers or a responsible officer for the
time being of the Security Trustee. The Security Trustee may also, whenever it
thinks expedient in the interests of the Beneficiaries, whether by power of
attorney or otherwise, delegate to any person or persons all or any of the
trusts, rights, powers, duties, authorities and discretions vested in it by any
of the Security Documents. Any such delegation may be made upon such terms and
conditions and subject to such regulations (including power to sub-delegate) as
the Security Trustee may think fit in the interests of the Beneficiaries and,
PROVIDED THAT the Security Trustee shall have exercised reasonable care in the
selection of such delegate and, where a power to sub-delegate has been given,
has obliged the delegate to exercise reasonable care in the selection of any
sub-delegate, the Security Trustee shall not be responsible for any loss
incurred by any misconduct or default on the part of such delegate or
sub-delegate. The Security Trustee shall give prompt notice to the Borrowers'
Agent and the Agent of the appointment of any delegate as aforesaid and shall
procure that any delegate shall also give prompt notice of the appointment of
any sub-delegate to the Borrowers' Agent and the Agent.
9.3 CONTRACTS: The Security Trustee shall not, and no director or officer of
the Security Trustee shall, by reason of the fiduciary position of the Security
Trustee, be in any way precluded from making any contracts or entering into any
transactions in the ordinary course of business with the Obligors or from
accepting the trusteeship of any stock, shares, debenture stock, debentures or
securities of the Obligors. Without prejudice to the generality of the
foregoing, it is expressly declared that such contracts and transactions include
any contract or transaction in relation to the placing, underwriting,
purchasing, subscribing for or dealing with or lending money upon or making
payments in respect of any stock, shares, debenture stock, debentures or other
securities of the Obligors or any contract of banking or insurance with the
Obligors. Neither the Security Trustee nor any such director or officer shall be
accountable to any Lender or the Obligors for any profit, fees, commissions,
interest, discounts or share of brokerage earned, arising or resulting from any
such contracts or transactions. The Security Trustee and any such director or
officer shall be at liberty to retain the same for its or his own benefit.
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9.4 ADDITIONAL POWERS: The powers conferred by this Deed and the other
Security Documents upon the Security Trustee shall be in addition to any powers
which may from time to time be vested in it by applicable law.
SECURITY TRUSTEE'S REMUNERATION AND INDEMNITIES
10.1 REMUNERATION:
(a) If the Security Trustee finds it expedient or is required to undertake
any material duties in the course of its trusteeship under any of the
Security Documents (which shall, without limitation, be presumed once
the Security Trustee shall have become bound to enforce the security
constituted by the Security Documents or when, in the opinion of the
Security Trustee acting in good faith, circumstances exist in which
such event may occur), the Borrowers shall pay such remuneration as
shall be agreed between the Security Trustee and the Borrowers' Agent.
If the Security Trustee and the Borrowers' Agent fail to agree the
amount of any remuneration as aforesaid, it shall be determined by a
chartered accountant selected by the Security Trustee and approved by
the Borrowers' Agent or, failing such approval, nominated by the
President for the time being of the Institute of Chartered Accountants
in England and Wales. The expenses involved in such nomination and the
fees of such chartered accountant shall be paid by the Borrowers'
Agent. The determination of such chartered accountant (who shall be
deemed to be acting as an expert and not as an arbitrator) shall be
conclusive and binding upon the Security Trustee and the Borrowers'
Agent (absent fraud or manifest error);
(b) The Borrowers' Agent shall pay to the Security Trustee an amount equal
to the amount of any value added tax or similar tax chargeable in
respect of its remuneration hereunder.
10.2 EXPENSES AND COSTS: The Borrowers' Agent shall on demand from time to
time pay, in each case on the basis of a full indemnity to the Security Trustee:
(a) all costs and expenses (including legal, printing, publicity and
out-of-pocket expenses) reasonably incurred in connection with the
negotiation, preparation or completion of the Security Documents;
(b) all costs, charges and expenses (including travelling expenses) which
the Security Trustee may reasonably incur in relation to the exercise
of the rights, powers, duties, authorities and discretions or the
execution of the trusts vested in it by or pursuant to any of the
Security Documents; and
(c) at such daily and/or hourly rates as the Security Trustee shall from
time to time reasonably determine, all costs and expenses (including
without limitation, telephone, fax, copying, travel, legal and
personnel costs) in connection with the Security Trustee taking such
action as it may deem appropriate, in complying with any instructions
from the Agent or any request by the Borrowers' Agent in connection
with:
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(i) the granting or proposed granting of any waiver or consent under
any of the Security Documents;
(ii) any amendment or proposed amendment to any of the Security
Documents;
(iii)any breach by any Obligor of any of its obligations under any of
the Security Documents or any investigation as to whether any
such breach may have occurred;
(iv) the occurrence of any Event of Default;
(v) the review, preservation and/or enforcement or the attempted
presentation or enforcement of any of the rights of the Security
Trustee, the Agent and the Lenders under the Security Documents;
and
(vi) the transfer or possible transfer of the role of Security Trustee
to another person. Reference in this sub-clause to costs, charges
and expenses shall include value added tax or similar tax charged
in respect thereof
10.3 GENERAL INDEMNITY: The Obligors shall jointly and severally fully
indemnify the Security Trustee and keep it indemnified:
(a) in respect of all liabilities and expenses properly incurred by it or
by any person appointed by it to whom any trust, power, authority or
discretion may be delegated by it in the execution or purported
execution of the trusts, powers, authorities or discretions vested in
it by any of the Security Documents, except to the extent that they
are sustained or incurred as a result of the wilful misconduct or
fraud of the Security Trustee; and
(b) against all losses, liabilities, actions, proceedings, costs, claims
and demands in respect of any matter or thing done or omitted in any
way relating to any of the Security Documents, except to the extent
that they are sustained or incurred as a result of the wilful
misconduct or fraud of the Security Trustee.
10.4 COSTS INDEMNITY: To the extent that the Obligors do not perform its
indemnity obligations described in this clause 10 or fails to make any payment
which it is obliged to discharge under clause 17, the Agent shall indemnify the
Security Trustee and keep it indemnified against any cost, expense or liability
(including duties and taxes) sustained or incurred by the Security Trustee:
(a) in complying with an Enforcement Notice and in enforcing the security
constituted by the Security Documents or otherwise under any of the
Security Documents, except to the extent that it is sustained or
incurred as a result of the wilful misconduct or fraud of the Trustee;
(b) by any person appointed by it to whom any trust, rights, powers,
duties, authorities or discretions may be delegated in the execution
or exercise or purported execution or exercise of the trusts, rights,
powers, duties, authorities or discretions vested in it by any of the
Security Documents; and
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(c) in respect of any matter or thing done or omitted in any way relating
to any of the Security Documents, except to the extent that it is
sustained or incurred as a result of the wilful misconduct or fraud of
the Security Trustee.
10.5 PAYMENT: All sums payable under sub-clauses 10.2 and 10.3 of this
clause shall be payable on demand. All sums payable by the Obligors under this
clause shall carry interest at the rate of two per cent (2%) per annum. above
the normal lending rate of a leading bank that is available to the Security
Trustee in the principal financial centre relevant to the currency in which the
same are due for overdraft facilities in that currency from the date of the same
being demanded.
10.6 CONTINUATION: Unless otherwise specifically stated in any discharge of
these presents, the provisions of this clause 10 shall continue in full force
and effect notwithstanding such discharge.
ACTION OF SECURITY TRUSTEES
11.1 MAJORITY DECISIONS: Whenever there shall be more than two Security
Trustees hereof the majority of such Security Trustees shall (provided such
majority includes a trust corporation) be competent to execute and exercise all
the trusts, rights, powers, duties, authorities and discretions vested by any of
the Security Documents in the Security Trustee generally.
11.2 RELIANCE: The Security Trustee shall be entitled to rely upon any
directions or any instructions given or purported to be given by the Agent,
notwithstanding any error in transmission or that such directions or
instructions prove not to be genuine, and such directions or instructions shall
be conclusively deemed to be valid directions or instructions from the Agent to
the Security Trustee for the purposes of this Deed PROVIDED THAT the Security
Trustee may decline to act on any such directions or instructions where in the
opinion of the Security Trustee they are insufficient, incomplete, inconsistent
or not received by the Security Trustee in sufficient time to act thereon or in
accordance therewith.
APPOINTMENT OF NEW OR FURTHER SECURITY TRUSTEES
12.1 POWER TO APPOINT: The power of appointing new Security Trustees shall
be vested in the Agent acting on the directions of the Majority Lenders, with
the consent of the Borrowers' Agent (not to be unreasonably withheld). The
Agent, acting on the instructions of the Majority Lenders, may at any time by
notice in writing to the Borrowers' Agent and the Security Trustee remove any
Security Trustee or Security Trustees for the time being hereof. The removal of
a Security Trustee shall not become effective unless there remains a Security
Trustee or Security Trustees in office after such removal. The Security Trustee
shall notify the Agent of its removal and/or the proposed appointment of a new
Security Trustee.
12.2 CO-SECURITY TRUSTEES: Notwithstanding the provisions of clause 12.1,
the Security Trustee may, with the consent of the Borrowers' Agent (not to be
unreasonably withheld) and the Agent, appoint any person (whether a trust
corporation or not) to act either as a separate Security Trustee or as a
co-Security Trustee jointly with the Security Trustee:
(a) if the Security Trustee considers such appointment to be in the
interests of the Beneficiaries, or
(b) for the purposes of conforming to any legal requirement or
restriction.
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Such person shall (subject always to the provisions of the Security Documents)
have such trusts, rights, powers, duties, authorities and discretion (not
exceeding those conferred on the Security Trustee by the Security Documents) and
such duties and obligations as shall be conferred or imposed by the instrument
of appointment. The Security Trustee shall have power in like manner to remove
any such person. Such reasonable remuneration as the Security Trustee may pay to
any such person, together with any attributable costs, charges and expenses
reasonably incurred by it in performing its function as such separate Security
Trustee or co-Security Trustee, shall, to the extent payable if the same had
been incurred by the Security Trustee, for the purposes of this Deed, be treated
as costs, charges and expenses incurred by the Security Trustee.
RESIGNATION OF SECURITY TRUSTEE
13.1 Any Security Trustee for the time being of these presents may retire at
any time without assigning any reason therefor and without being responsible for
any costs occasioned by such retirement. In that event, the Agent shall, subject
to the prior written consent of the Borrowers' Agent (such consent not to be
unreasonably withheld or delayed), appoint a Beneficiary or any other bank or
financial institution to act as Security Trustee in its stead or, if no such
person is so appointed within 30 days of the Security Trustee tendering its
resignation, the Security Trustee may, in consultation with the Borrowers'
Agent, appoint a Beneficiary or, with the prior written consent of the
Borrowers' Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) any
other reputable bank or financial institution so to act. The retirement of a
sole Security Trustee shall not take effect until the appointment of a new
Security Trustee or two or more new Security Trustees has been effected.
13.2 Upon the retirement of any Security Trustee:
(a) the retiring Security Trustee shall be discharged from any further
obligation under the Financing Documents; and
(b) the successor Security Trustee and each of the other parties to this
Deed shall have the same rights and obligations amongst themselves as
they would have had if the successor had been a party to this Deed as
Security Trustee for the Beneficiaries.
MODIFICATIONS
14. The Security Trustee may from time to time and at any time with the
consent of the Agent and the Borrowers' Agent, concur in making any modification
of any Security Document, if in the opinion of the Security Trustee such
modification:
(a) is of a formal, minor or technical nature; or
(b) is made to correct a manifest error; or
(c) is not Prejudicial in the opinion of the Security Trustee to the
interests of the Beneficiaries, or
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(d) is made to perfect or give effect to any charge or security created or
intended to be created by that Security Document or to facilitate the
exercise, or the proposed exercise, of any of the Security Trustee's
or any Receiver's powers or the protection, management or realisation
of any of the Secured Property.
NOTICES
15.1 NOTICES: Each notice, request, demand, approval, certificate or other
communication to be given or made by one person to another under these presents
shall be given, made or served by telex, facsimile or letter to its address,
telex or facsimile number in the Facility Agreement, or to such other address,
telex or facsimile number as such person may have notified to the Security
Trustee and the other parties hereto by not less than 15 days notice in writing
as the address, telex or facsimile number for the time being of such person. All
notices, requests, demands or other communications to or from any Beneficiary
under or with respect to these presents shall be made or given through the
Agent.
15.2 TIME FOR NOTICE: When any provision is made in these presents for
notice of a specified number of days' or Business Days' duration, no account
shall be taken, in computing the period of days' or Business Days' notice given,
of the day on which such notice is delivered.
15.3 EFFECTIVENESS OF NOTICES: No communication from the Borrowers' Agent
shall be effective until received by the Security Trustee. Any other
communication to any person shall be deemed to be received by that person (if
sent by telex or facsimile) when such communication has been dispatched and the
appropriate answerback or confirmation received or (if sent by letter) when left
at the appropriate address or (as the case may be) three days after being
deposited in the post (first class postage prepaid) in an envelope addressed to
such person at that address.
LANGUAGE
16. All documents to be furnished or communications to be given or made
pursuant to this Deed shall be made in the English language or, if in another
language, shall be accompanied by a translation into English on which
translation the Security Trustee shall be entitled to rely.
STAMP DUTIES
17. The Borrowers' Agent will pay all stamp duties, capital duties and other
similar duties on or in connection with the execution, maintenance or
enforcement of any of the Security Documents. If, in consequence of an Event of
Default the Security Trustee (or any Receiver or person delegated by the
Security Trustee) shall take any proceedings permitted to be taken by the terms
of this Deed to enforce the obligations of the Borrowers' Agent under any of the
Security Documents and for the purposes of such proceedings any of the Security
Documents are taken into any jurisdiction and stamp duties, capital duties or
other similar duties or taxes become payable on any of the Security Documents
before or in connection with such proceedings in such jurisdiction, the
Borrowers' Agent will forthwith pay (or reimburse the person making payment of)
all such stamp duties, capital duties and other similar duties and taxes,
including penalties (if any).
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WAIVERS
18.1 WAIVER OF BREACH: The Security Trustee may (without prejudice to its
rights in respect of any subsequent breach) from time to time and at any time
authorise or waive, on such terms and conditions as it may specify, any breach
by the Borrowers' Agent of any of the covenants or provisions contained in any
of the Security Documents, PROVIDED ALWAYS THAT the Security Trustee shall not
exercise any powers conferred on it by this sub-clause unless it has been
directed to do so by the Agent. No such direction shall affect any authorisation
or waiver previously given or made. Any such waiver or authorisation shall be
binding on all of the Beneficiaries.
18.2 IMPLIED WAIVER: No course of dealing by the Security Trustee with any
person and no failure or delay on the part of the Security Trustee to execute or
exercise any trust, right, power, duty, discretion or authority under any of the
Security Documents or provided by statute or by law or in equity or otherwise
shall impair or operate as a waiver of any such trust, right, power, duty,
discretion or authority or be construed as a waiver of any default or as an
acquiescence therein. Any single or partial execution or exercise of any such
trust, right, power, duty, discretion or authority shall not preclude any other
or further execution or exercise thereof or the execution or exercise of any
other rights, privileges or remedies. The rights and remedies contained in the
Security Documents are cumulative and not exclusive of any other right and
remedy which the Beneficiaries or any of them would have for the effective
enforcement of the rights accorded in any of the Security Documents.
TAXES
19. Notwithstanding anything herein contained, to the extent required by any
applicable law, if the Security Trustee shall be required to deduct or withhold
from any distribution or payment made by it hereunder or if the Security Trustee
shall otherwise be liable to tax as a consequence of performing its duties
hereunder, any amount for which the Security Trustee may be liable, whether as
principal or agent, by reason of any assessment or prospective assessment to
taxation of whatsoever nature and whensoever made upon the Security Trustee in
connection with or arising from any sums received by it or to which it may be
entitled under any of the Security Documents (other than in connection with its
remuneration specified in clause 10) or any investments from time to time
representing the same, including any income or gains arising therefrom or any
action of the Security Trustee in or about the administration of the trusts of
any of the Security Documents (other than the remuneration specified in clause
10), the Security Trustee shall be entitled to make such deduction or
withholding in respect of taxation. If the Security Trustee incurs any loss,
cost, liability or expense by reason of any such assessment for which no such
deduction or withholding has been made by the Security Trustee or if any such
deduction or withholding is insufficient, the Borrowers' Agent will indemnify
the Security Trustee therefor and the Security Trustee shall be entitled to
reimbursement of such amounts from the Secured Property.
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POWER OF ATTORNEY
20.1 APPOINTMENT: Each Obligor by way of security irrevocably appoints the
Security Trustee and every Receiver of the Secured Property, each with full
power of substitution and each with full power to act alone, to be its attorney
and in its name and on its behalf to execute and as its act and deed or
otherwise to do all such assurances, acts or things which the Obligor ought to
do under the covenants and provisions contained in the Security Documents, and
generally in its name and on its behalf to exercise all or any of the powers,
authorities and discretions conferred by or pursuant to the Security Documents
on the Security Trustee or any Receiver and (without prejudice to the generality
of the foregoing):
(a) to execute, seal and deliver and otherwise perfect any deed,
assignment, transfer, assurance, agreement, instrument or act which
may, in the opinion of such attorney, be required or deemed necessary
for the purposes of giving effect to the Security Documents and for
the purpose of the exercise of any of the powers conferred on such
attorney pursuant to this Deed; and
(b) on and after the Security Trustee becoming bound to enforce the
security constituted by the Security Documents in accordance with
clause 4, to ask, require, demand, receive, compound, give acquittance
for, settle and compromise any and all moneys and claims for moneys
due and to become due under or arising out of the Security Documents,
to endorse any cheques or other instruments or orders in connection
therewith, to file any claim, to take any action or institute any
proceedings which the Security Trustee may deem to be necessary or
advisable and to execute any documents and do anything necessary or
desirable under this Deed or any of the other Security Documents and
with full power to delegate any of the rights and powers hereby
conferred upon it, PROVIDED THAT the appointment hereby made shall
cease to have any force or effect when the provisions for release
under clause 6.1 have been satisfied.
20.2 RATIFICATION: Each Obligor hereby ratifies and confirms and agrees to
ratify and confirm whatever any such attorney as is mentioned in clause 20.1
shall do or purport to do in the exercise or purported exercise of all or any of
the powers, authorities and discretions referred to therein.
PARTIAL INVALIDITY
21. If any of the provisions of this Deed becomes invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect under any law, the validity, legality or
enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or
impaired.
COUNTERPARTS
22. This Deed may be executed in any number of copies which taken together
shall constitute a single deed.
GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
23.1 GOVERNING LAW: This Deed shall be governed by, and interpreted and
construed in accordance with English law.
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23.2 JURISDICTION:
(a) All the parties agree that the courts of England are (subject to (b)
and (c) below, to have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any disputes
(including claims for set-off or counterclaim) which may arise in
connection with the validity, effect, interpretation or performance
of, or the legal relationships established by, this Deed or otherwise
arising in connection with this Deed;
(b) the agreement contained in paragraph (a) above is included for the
benefit of the Security Trustee. Accordingly, notwithstanding the
exclusive agreement in (a) above the Security Trustee shall retain the
right to bring proceedings in any other court which has jurisdiction
by virtue of the Convention on Jurisdiction and the Enforcement of
Judgments signed on 27 September 1968 (as from time to time amended
and extended) or by virtue of the Convention on jurisdiction and the
Enforcement of Judgments signed on 16 September 1988 (as from time to
time amended and extended);
(c) the Security Trustee may in its absolute discretion take proceedings
in the courts of any other country which may have jurisdiction, to
whose jurisdiction each of the other parties irrevocably submits;
(d) the Obligors irrevocably waive any objections on the ground of venue
or forum non conveniens or any similar grounds; and
(e) the Obligors irrevocably consent to service of process by mail or in
any other manner permitted by the relevant law.
23.3 TRIAL BY JURY: Each of the parties hereby irrevocably waives an the
rights to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim (whether based
on contract, tort or otherwise) arising out of or relating to any of the
Security Documents or the actions of the parties in the negotiation,
administration, performance or enforcement thereof.
23.4 AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS: Each of the Obligors shall at all times
maintain an agent for service of process and any other documents in proceedings
in England or any other proceedings in connection with this Deed. Such agent
shall be Law Debenture Corporate Services Limited, the address of which on the
date hereof is Princes House, 95 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7LY, England and
any writ, judgment or other notice of legal process shall be sufficiently served
on the Obligors or any of them if delivered to such agent at its address for the
time being. The Obligors each undertakes not to revoke the authority of the
above agent and if, for any reason, the Security Trustee requests it to do so it
shall promptly appoint another such agent with an address in England and advise
the Security Trustee thereof. If, following such a request, any Obligor fails
to appoint another agent, the Security Trustee shall be entitled to appoint one
on its behalf.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF this Deed has been executed by the parties hereof as a Deed
the day and year first above written.
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION,
as a Deed
By: [ J. Harvie ] Signature: /s/ James S. Harvie
------------------
By [ T.B. Folawiyo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
------------------
DAHOMEY RESOURCE CORPORATION
As a Deed
By: [ W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade G. Cherwayko
------------------
By: [ T.B. Folawiyo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
------------------
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
As a Deed
By: [ W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade G. Cherwayko
------------------
By: [ T.B. Folawiyo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
------------------
ABACAN RESOURCES (BENIN) LIMITED
As a Deed
By: [ W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade G. Cherwayko
------------------
By: [ T.B. Folawiyo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
------------------
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WEST AFRICAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
As a Deed
By: [ W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade G. Cherwayko
------------------
By: [ T.B. Folawiyo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
------------------
AGBARA RESOURCES LIMITED
As a Deed
By: [ W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade G. Cherwayko
------------------
By: [ T.B. Folawiyo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
------------------
ABACAN POWER (BENIN) LIMITED
As a Deed
By: [ W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade G. Cherwayko
------------------
By: [ T.B. Folawiyo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
------------------
ABACAN-ADDAX BENIN CONSORTIUM S.A.
As a Deed
By: [ W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade G. Cherwayko
------------------
By: [ T.B. Folawiyo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
------------------
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ANGUS INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES LTD.
As a Deed
By: [ W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade G. Cherwayko
------------------
By: [ T.B. Folawiyo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
------------------
PROFILE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
As a Deed
By: [ W.G. Cherwayko ] Signature: /s/ Wade G. Cherwayko
------------------
By: [ T.B. Folawiyo ] Signature: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
------------------
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
As Lender, Agent and Security Trustee
By: [ T. Patrick ] Signature: /s/ T. Patrick
------------------
By: [ Alex Gantner ] Signature: /s/ Alex Gantner
------------------
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SCHEDULE 1
SUPPLEMENTAL DEED - NEW PARTICIPANT
SUPPLEMENTAL DEED dated __________ 19__
BETWEEN:
[NAME OF NEW PARTICIPANT] of [principal office] (the NEW BENEFICIARY);
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION, DAHOMEY RESOURCE CORPORATION, LIBERTY TECHNICAL
SERVICES LTD., ABACAN RESOURCES (BENIN) LIMITED, WEST AFRICAN RESOURCE
CORPORATION, AGBARA RESOURCES LIMITED, ABACAN POWER (BENIN) LIMITED,
ABACAN-ADDAX BENIN CONSORTIUM S.A., ABACAN RESOURCES (NIGERIA) LTD., ANGUS
INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES LTD., and PROFILE INTERNATIONAL LTD., (individually and
collectively, the AObligors@);
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON (as AGENT); and
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON (as SECURITY TRUSTEE).
WHEREAS:
(A) This Deed is entered into pursuant to clause 2.2 of the Security Trust
Deed (the TRUST DEED) dated July 2, 1998 between the Obligors, Credit Suisse
First Boston as Agent, the Security Trustee and others.
(B) The New Beneficiary has entered into a Transfer Certificate dated
_________ 19__ with [name of Transferor] pursuant to clause 19 of the Facility
Agreement.
(C) The New Beneficiary has agreed to accede to the Trust Deed.
NOW THIS DEED WITNESSETH as follows:
1. Words and expressions defined in the Trust Deed bear the same respective
meanings in this Deed (including the recitals) unless the context otherwise
requires.
2. The New Beneficiary shall with effect from the date hereof be bound by
the provisions of the Trust Deed as a Beneficiary and shall have an the rights
and obligations set out in the Trust Deed as rights and obligations of a
Beneficiary. In particular (without limitation) the Security Trustee agrees that
it shall hold the Secured Property in accordance with the provisions of the
Security Documents on trust for the New Beneficiary (in addition to the other
Beneficiaries) in accordance with the Trust Deed. The New Beneficiary confirms
its acceptance of all the provisions of the Trust Deed.
3. The Agent shall be the representative of the New Beneficiary.
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4. The provisions of clause 23 of the Trust Deed shall apply to this Deed as
if each reference therein to "this Deed" included a reference to this Deed.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF this Deed has been executed the day and year first above
written.
[ ],
as the New Beneficiary
Signature:_________________________
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
as a Deed
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
By [ ] Signature:_________________________
DAHOMEY RESOURCE CORPORATION
As a Deed
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
As a Deed
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
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ABACAN RESOURCES (BENIN) LIMITED
As a Deed
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
WEST AFRICAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
As a Deed
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
AGBARA RESOURCES LIMITED
As a Deed
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
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ABACAN POWER (BENIN) LIMITED
As a Deed
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
ABACAN-ADDAX BENIN CONSORTIUM S.A.
As a Deed
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
ABACAN RESOURCES (NIGERIA) LTD.
As a Deed
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
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ANGUS INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES LTD.
As a Deed
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
PROFILE INTERNATIONAL LTD.
As a Deed
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
As Agent and Security Trustee
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
By: [ ] Signature:_________________________
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EXHIBIT 10.10
ROYALTY AGREEMENT
NIGERIAN OIL CONCESSION BLOCK 309
Date effective the 8th day of March, 1992.
BETWEEN:
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
a body corporate, having an office in the City of
Lagos, Nigeria (the "Grantor")
- and -
ABACAN INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT INC.
a body corporate, having an office in the City of
Lagos, Nigeria (the "Royalty Owner")
RECITALS:
1. The Royalty Owner was instrumental in introducing the Grantor to the
Nigerian Oil Industry, the Indigenous Nigerian Oil Program and certain
indigenous Nigerian oil concession owners;
2. The Royalty Owner was instrumental in assisting the Grantor with obtaining
recognition with the Nigerian Ministry of Petroleum Resources, such
recognition being a requirement of the Ministry for a company to acquire
and maintain a Participating Interest in oil concession properties located
in Nigeria;
3. The Grantor and Royalty Owner have agreed that the Royalty Owner shall be
entitled to a gross overriding royalty on petroleum substance production by
or through the Grantor in Nigeria as follows:
NOW THEREFORE, the Grantor and Royalty Owner agree as follows:
1. The Grantor hereby grants to the Royalty Owner, effective as of the
effective date hereof, and subject to the limitations set forth in
Paragraph 2 herein, an overriding royalty (the "Overriding Royalty") on any
and all oil, natural gas and condensate ("Petroleum Substances") produced
from Nigerian oil concession block 309 ("Concession Block 309"). The gross
volume of Petroleum Substances comprising the Overriding Royalty shall be
one and one half percent (1.5) of the gross monthly production of Petroleum
Substances generated from producing wells attributable to the Grantor. For
greater certainty, the Royalty Owner shall be entitled to receive 1.650% of
all Petroleum Substances produced from Concession Block 309 before payout
and 0.840% of all Petroleum Substances produced from Concession Block 309
after payout. The Overriding Royalty shall not be considered to be an
interest in land, but rather an interest only in the Petroleum Substances
actually produced from Concession Block 309.
<PAGE>
2. The grant of the Overriding Royalty Owner shall not include Petroleum
Substances which the Grantor uses and considers to be reasonably necessary
for the Grantor's drilling and production operations for Concession Block
309 and shall not include Petroleum Substances which the Grantor
unavoidably loses in those drilling and production operations. These
drilling and production operations include the use of the Petroleum
Substances in batteries, treaters, compressors, separators, satellites and
similar equipment serving only royalty wells on Concession Block 309 but
shall not include the use of Petroleum Substances for any enhanced recovery
operations or fuel stock for any battery or satellite serving wells in
addition of royalty wells on Concession Block 309 or for any gas plant or
refinery.
3. The proceeds of sale of the Overriding Royalty which the Grantor realizes
from the disposition of Petroleum Substances produced from the Royalty
Lands shall be subject to the same adjustments for costs and expenses of
bringing the Petroleum Substances to the point of sale as the Grantor would
be entitled to deduct therefrom if the Overriding Royalty were the lessor
royalty accruing to the Nigerian Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Regulations pertaining to prices for the calculation of royalties payable
to the Government of Nigeria for Concession Block 309 shall apply to the
Petroleum Substances relating the Overriding Royalty in determining the
value of the Overriding Royalty.
4. When the Grantor receives any money on account of or as the proceeds of
sale of the Petroleum Substances relating to the Overriding Royalty, the
Grantor shall receive that money as trustee for the Royalty Owner. The
Grantor shall remit to the Royalty Owner all monies accruing to the Royalty
Owner on account of the Overriding Royalty on or before the last day of the
calendar month next following the calendar month in which such Petroleum
Substances were sold. The Grantor shall enclose with that payment a copy of
all reports the Grantor is required to submit under any applicable
government regulations for the production of such Petroleum Substances and
a written statement showing in reasonable detail the manner in which the
Grantor calculated that payment.
5. The Grantor shall comply with all terms and conditions of the oil
prospecting license or oil mining lease in effect for Concession Block 309,
including the payment of rentals, royalties and the performance of all
things necessary to maintain the title documents in good standing and in
full force and effect, all in accordance with and subject to the provisions
of the Joint Venture Agreement between the Grantor and the owner of
Concession Block 309. This clause shall not, however, obligate the Grantor
to conduct any drilling, geophysical or geological operation on Concession
Block 309 or to pay compensatory royalty to maintain a title document, as
it pertains to Concession Block 309, in full force and effect where the
requirement to conduct such operation or to pay compensatory royalty may be
avoided by the surrender of lands subject to the affected title document to
the issuer thereof. The Grantor shall comply with all terms and conditions
of any encumbrances agreed to be borne by the Grantor.
6. Each Party entitled to information obtained hereunder may use such
information for its sole benefit. However, the parties shall take such
measures with respect to operations and internal security as are
appropriate in the circumstances to keep confidential from third persons
all such information, except information which the Parties have expressly
agreed among themselves to release and information disclosed by a Party:
(a) When and to the extent required by any government regulations and
securities laws applicable to such Party, provided that such Party
shall invoke any confidentiality protection permitted by such
government regulations and securities law;
(b) to an affiliate, provided that such Party shall be deemed to have
required such affiliate to maintain the confidential status of the
disclosed information and that such affiliate shall be deemed to have
accepted such obligation and that such Party shall be liable for any
loss suffered by the Parties, or any of them, because of the failure
of such affiliate to maintain such information confidential;
(c) to a third party to which such Party has been permitted to assign a
portion of its interest hereunder, provided that a binding covenant is
obtained from such third person prior to disclosure which provides,
inter alia, that none of such information shall be disclosed by it to
any other third person;
2
<PAGE>
(d) to the technical, financial or other professional consultants of such
Party which requires such information to provide their service to such
Party or to a bank or other financial institution from which such
Party is attempting to obtain financing, provided that a binding
covenant is obtained from such consultant or financier, as the case
may be, prior to such disclosure, which provides, inter alia, that
none of such information shall be disclosed by it to any other third
person or use for any purpose other than advising such Party or
providing financing to such Party, as the case may be; and
However, the confidentiality obligation in this Clause shall not extend to
information to the extent it is in the public domain, provided that specific
items of information shall not be considered to be in the public domain merely
because more general information is in the public domain.
7. If any Party is prevented by force majeure from fulfilling any obligation
hereunder, the obligations of the Party, insofar only as its obligations
are affected by the force majeure, shall be suspended while the force
majeure continues to prevent the performance of such obligation and for
that time thereafter as that Party may reasonably require to commence to
fulfil such obligation. A Party prevented from fulfilling any obligation by
force majeure shall promptly give the other Parties notice of the force
majeure and the affected obligations.
8. For the purpose of this Clause, "force majeure" means an occurrence beyond
the reasonable control of the Party claiming suspension of an obligation
hereunder, which has not been caused by such Party's negligence and which
such Party was unable to prevent or provide against by the exercise of
reasonable diligence at a reasonable cost and includes, without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, an act of God, war, revolution,
insurrection, blockage, riot, strike, a lockout or other industrial
disturbance, fire, lightning, unusually severe weather, storms, floods,
explosion, accident, shortage of labour or materials or government
restraint, action, delay or inaction.
9. No waiver by any Party of any breach (whether actual or anticipated) of any
of the covenants, provisos, conditions, restrictions or stipulations herein
contained shall take effect or be binding upon that Party unless the same
is expressed in writing under the authority of that Party. Any waiver so
given shall extend only to the particular breach so waived and shall not
limit or affect any rights with respect to any other future breach.
10. Each Party shall from time to time and at all times do all such further
acts and execute and deliver all further deeds and documents as may be
reasonably required in order to perform and carry on the terms of this
Royalty Agreement.
11. This Royalty Agreement supersedes all other requirements, documents,
writing and verbal understandings among the Parties relating to Concession
Block 309 and any production facilities, and expresses all of the terms and
conditions agreed upon by the Parties with respect to the Concession Block
309.
12. This Royalty Agreement shall for all purposes be construed and interpreted
according to the laws of England applicable therein. The courts having
jurisdictions with respect to matters relating to this Royalty Agreement
shall be the Courts of England.
THIS AGREEMENT EFFECTIVE as of the day and year first above written.
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
Per: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
----------------------
3
<PAGE>
ABACAN INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT INC.
Per: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
----------------------
4
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.11
ROYALTY/REVENUE INTEREST SALE AGREEMENT
NIGERIAN OIL CONCESSION BLOCK 469
THIS AGREEMENT made and entered into this 31st day of March, 1997:
BETWEEN:
YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED, a
corporation incorporated pursuant to the laws of Nigeria,
(hereinafter referred to as "YFP")
and
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD. of 7th Floor, Folawiyo
Plaza, 38 Warehouse Road, Lagos, Nigeria,
(hereinafter referred to as "Liberty")
RECITALS
WHEREAS:
1. By virtue of a Participation Agreement dated February 23, 1994 (the
"Participation Agreement"), YFP acquired an overriding royalty (the
"Overriding Royalty") consisting an entitlement to receive the proceeds of
sale of 0.7500% of all Petroleum Substances produced and sold from Nigerian
oil Concession Block OPL 469 ("Concession Block 469") before payout and
0.3817% of all Petroleum Substances produced and sold from Concession Block
469 after payout;
2. Under the terms of the Participation Agreement, in addition to the
Overriding Royalty, YFP acquired a revenue interest (the "Revenue
Interest") on Concession Block 469 that provides YFP with an entitlement to
receive the proceeds of sale of 1.70775% of all Petroleum Substances
produced and sold from Concession Block 469 before payout and 0.8694% of
all Petroleum Substances produced and sold from Concession Block 469 after
payout;
3. YFP has agreed to sell, assign and convey to Liberty, all of its Overriding
Royalty and a portion of its Revenue Interest in the percentages set forth
herein, in consideration of the payment by Liberty to YFP of
U.S.$3,732,504.95, to be satisfied by the issuance of 477,761 common shares
of Abacan Resource Corporation to YFP at a price of 7.8125 per common
share;
NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the
Parties hereto agree as follows:
<PAGE>
1. YFP shall and hereby does irrevocably sell, convey, assign and transfer
unto Liberty, all of YFP's right, title and interest to and in the
Overriding Royalty consisting of an entitlement to receive the proceeds of
sale of 0.7500% of all Petroleum Substances produced and sold from
Concession Block 469 before payout and 0.3817% of all Petroleum Substances
produced and sold from Concession Block 469 after payout (the "Sold
Overriding Royalty Interest").
2. YFP shall and hereby does irrevocably sell, convey, assign and transfer
unto Liberty, 6.5% of YFP's right title and interest to and in the Revenue
Interest consisting of an entitlement to receive the proceeds of sale of
0.11125% of all Petroleum Substances produced and sold from Concession
Block 469 before payout and 0.05671% of all Petroleum Substances produced
and sold from Concession Block 469 after payout (the "Sold Revenue
Interest").
3. Liberty hereby agrees to pay to YFP a purchase price of U.S.$3,732,504.95
for the Sold Overriding Royalty Interest and the Sold Revenue Interest,
which sums shall be satisfied by the delivery of 477,761 common shares of
Abacan Resource Corporation (the "Abacan Shares"). YFP agrees to accept the
Abacan Shares subject to any and all restrictions on trading imposed by
applicable regulatory authorities.
4. YFP and Liberty hereby acknowledge, confirm and agree that upon the
fulfilment of the conditions set out in Paragraph 7 herein and the payment
of the consideration set out in Paragraph 3 above, the interests and right
to the proceeds of sale of the Parties in the Overriding Royalty Interest,
expressed as a percentage of all Petroleum Substances produced and sold
from Concession Block 469, both before and after payout shall be as
follows:
NAME OF PARTY BEFORE PAYOUT AFTER PAYOUT
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company Limited 0.0% 0.0%
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Liberty Technical Services Ltd. 0.7500% 0.3817%
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
5. YFP and Liberty hereby acknowledge, confirm and agree that upon the
fulfilment of the conditions set out in Paragraph 7 herein and the payment
of the consideration set out in Paragraph 3 above, the interests and the
right to the proceeds of sale of the Parties in the Revenue Interest,
expressed as a percentage of all Petroleum Substances produced and sold
from Concession Block 469, both before and after payout shall be as
follows:
NAME OF PARTY BEFORE PAYOUT AFTER PAYOUT
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company Limited 1.59650% 0.81269%
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Liberty Technical Services Ltd. 0.11125% 0.05671%
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
<PAGE>
6. YFP represents and warrants to Liberty that the Sold Overriding Royalty
Interest and the Sold Revenue Interest are each free and clear of any
charges, liens or other encumbrances to any and all third parties and that
any and all corporate steps, consents, resolutions or approvals necessary
to give effect to the sale and assignment of the Sold Overriding Royalty
Interest and Sold Revenue Interest has been duly and fully obtained.
7. The completion of this transaction and the issuance of the Abacan Shares
contemplated herein shall be subject to receipt by Abacan Resource
Corporation of all necessary and applicable regulatory approvals. This
condition is for the sole benefit of Liberty and may be waived by it in
writing at its sole discretion.
8. Each Party shall from time to time and at all necessary times do all such
further acts and execute and deliver all further deeds and documents as may
be reasonably required in order to perform and carry out the terms of this
Royalty/Revenue Interest Sale Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties hereto have caused the within presents to be
executed by their duly authorized representatives on the day and year first
above written.
Liberty Technical Services Ltd. Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company
Limited
Per: /s/ Wade Cherwayko Per: /s/ T.B. Folawiyo
---------------------- ---------------------
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.12
ROYALTY AGREEMENT
NIGERIAN OIL CONCESSION BLOCK 469
Date effective the 19th day of August, 1993.
BETWEEN:
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
a body corporate, having an office in the City of
Lagos, Nigeria (the "Grantor")
- and -
ABACAN INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT INC.
a body corporate, having an office in the City of
Lagos, Nigeria (the "Royalty Owner")
RECITALS:
1. The Royalty Owner was instrumental in introducing the Grantor to the
Nigerian Oil Industry, the Indigenous Nigerian Oil Program and certain
indigenous Nigerian oil concession owners;
2. The Royalty Owner was instrumental in assisting the Grantor with obtaining
recognition with the Nigerian Ministry of Petroleum Resources, such
recognition being a requirement of the Ministry for a company to acquire
and maintain a Participating Interest in oil concession properties located
in Nigeria;
3. The Grantor and Royalty Owner have agreed that the Royalty Owner shall be
entitled to a gross overriding royalty on petroleum substance production by
or through the Grantor in Nigeria as follows:
NOW THEREFORE, the Grantor and Royalty Owner agree as follows:
<PAGE>
1. The Grantor hereby grants to the Royalty Owner, effective as of the
effective date hereof, and subject to the limitations set forth in
Paragraph 2 herein, an overriding royalty (the "Overriding Royalty") on any
and all oil, natural gas and condensate ("Petroleum Substances") produced
from Nigerian oil concession block 469 ("Concession Block 469"). The gross
volume of Petroleum Substances comprising the Overriding Royalty shall be
one and one half percent (1.5) of the gross monthly production of Petroleum
Substances generated from producing wells attributable to the Grantor. For
greater certainty, the Royalty Owner shall be entitled to receive 0.825% of
all Petroleum Substances produced from Concession Block 469 before payout
and 0.420% of all Petroleum Substances produced from Concession Block 469
after payout. The Overriding Royalty shall not be considered to be an
interest in land, but rather an interest only in the Petroleum Substances
actually produced from Concession Block 469.
2. The grant of the Overriding Royalty Owner shall not include Petroleum
Substances which the Grantor uses and considers to be reasonably necessary
for the Grantor's drilling and production operations for Concession Block
469 and shall not include Petroleum Substances which the Grantor
unavoidably loses in those drilling and production operations. These
drilling and production operations include the use of the Petroleum
Substances in batteries, treaters, compressors, separators, satellites and
similar equipment serving only royalty wells on Concession Block 469 but
shall not include the use of Petroleum Substances for any enhanced recovery
operations or fuel stock for any battery or satellite serving wells in
addition of royalty wells on Concession Block 469 or for any gas plant or
refinery.
3. The proceeds of sale of the Overriding Royalty which the Grantor realizes
from the disposition of Petroleum Substances produced from the Royalty
Lands shall be subject to the same adjustments for costs and expenses of
bringing the Petroleum Substances to the point of sale as the Grantor would
be entitled to deduct therefrom if the Overriding Royalty were the lessor
royalty accruing to the Nigerian Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Regulations pertaining to prices for the calculation of royalties payable
to the Government of Nigeria for Concession Block 469 shall apply to the
Petroleum Substances relating the Overriding Royalty in determining the
value of the Overriding Royalty.
4. When the Grantor receives any money on account of or as the proceeds of
sale of the Petroleum Substances relating to the Overriding Royalty, the
Grantor shall receive that money as trustee for the Royalty Owner. The
Grantor shall remit to the Royalty Owner all monies accruing to the Royalty
Owner on account of the Overriding Royalty on or before the last day of the
calendar month next following the calendar month in which such Petroleum
Substances were sold. The Grantor shall enclose with that payment a copy of
all reports the Grantor is required to submit under any applicable
government regulations for the production of such Petroleum Substances and
a written statement showing in reasonable detail the manner in which the
Grantor calculated that payment.
-2-
<PAGE>
5. The Grantor shall comply with all terms and conditions of the oil
prospecting license or oil mining lease in effect for Concession Block 469,
including the payment of rentals, royalties and the performance of all
things necessary to maintain the title documents in good standing and in
full force and effect, all in accordance with and subject to the provisions
of the Joint Venture Agreement between the Grantor and the owner of
Concession Block 469. This clause shall not, however, obligate the Grantor
to conduct any drilling, geophysical or geological operation on Concession
Block 469 or to pay compensatory royalty to maintain a title document, as
it pertains to Concession Block 469, in full force and effect where the
requirement to conduct such operation or to pay compensatory royalty may be
avoided by the surrender of lands subject to the affected title document to
the issuer thereof. The Grantor shall comply with all terms and conditions
of any encumbrances agreed to be borne by the Grantor.
6. Each Party entitled to information obtained hereunder may use such
information for its sole benefit. However, the parties shall take such
measures with respect to operations and internal security as are
appropriate in the circumstances to keep confidential from third persons
all such information, except information which the Parties have expressly
agreed among themselves to release and information disclosed by a Party:
(a) When and to the extent required by any government regulations and
securities laws applicable to such Party, provided that such Party
shall invoke any confidentiality protection permitted by such
government regulations and securities law;
(b) to an affiliate, provided that such Party shall be deemed to have
required such affiliate to maintain the confidential status of the
disclosed information and that such affiliate shall be deemed to have
accepted such obligation and that such Party shall be liable for any
loss suffered by the Parties, or any of them, because of the failure
of such affiliate to maintain such information confidential;
(c) to a third party to which such Party has been permitted to assign a
portion of its interest hereunder, provided that a binding covenant is
obtained from such third person prior to disclosure which provides,
inter alia, that none of such information shall be disclosed by it to
any other third person;
(d) to the technical, financial or other professional consultants of such
Party which requires such information to provide their service to such
Party or to a bank or other financial institution from which such
Party is attempting to obtain financing, provided that a binding
covenant is obtained from such consultant or financier, as the case
may be, prior to such disclosure, which provides, inter alia, that
none of such information shall be disclosed by it to any other third
person or use for any purpose other than advising such Party or
providing financing to such Party, as the case may be; and
However, the confidentiality obligation in this Clause shall not
extend to information to the extent it is in the public domain,
provided that specific items of information shall not be considered to
be in the public domain merely because more general information is in
the public domain.
-3-
<PAGE>
7. If any Party is prevented by force majeure from fulfilling any obligation
hereunder, the obligations of the Party, insofar only as its obligations
are affected by the force majeure, shall be suspended while the force
majeure continues to prevent the performance of such obligation and for
that time thereafter as that Party may reasonably require to commence to
fulfil such obligation. A Party prevented from fulfilling any obligation by
force majeure shall promptly give the other Parties notice of the force
majeure and the affected obligations.
8. For the purpose of this Clause, "force majeure" means an occurrence beyond
the reasonable control of the Party claiming suspension of an obligation
hereunder, which has not been caused by such Party's negligence and which
such Party was unable to prevent or provide against by the exercise of
reasonable diligence at a reasonable cost and includes, without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, an act of God, war, revolution,
insurrection, blockage, riot, strike, a lockout or other industrial
disturbance, fire, lightning, unusually severe weather, storms, floods,
explosion, accident, shortage of labour or materials or government
restraint, action, delay or inaction.
9. No waiver by any Party of any breach (whether actual or anticipated) of any
of the covenants, provisos, conditions, restrictions or stipulations herein
contained shall take effect or be binding upon that Party unless the same
is expressed in writing under the authority of that Party. Any waiver so
given shall extend only to the particular breach so waived and shall not
limit or affect any rights with respect to any other future breach.
10. Each Party shall from time to time and at all times do all such further
acts and execute and deliver all further deeds and documents as may be
reasonably required in order to perform and carry on the terms of this
Royalty Agreement.
11. This Royalty Agreement supersedes all other requirements, documents,
writing and verbal understandings among the Parties relating to Concession
Block 469 and any production facilities, and expresses all of the terms and
conditions agreed upon by the Parties with respect to the Concession Block
469.
12. This Royalty Agreement shall for all purposes be construed and interpreted
according to the laws of England applicable therein. The courts having
jurisdictions with respect to matters relating to this Royalty Agreement
shall be the Courts of England.
THIS AGREEMENT EFFECTIVE as of the day and year first above written.
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
Per: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
-------------------
ABACAN INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT INC.
Per: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
-------------------
-4-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.13
ROYALTY/REVENUE INTEREST SALE AGREEMENT
NIGERIAN OIL CONCESSION BLOCK 237
THIS AGREEMENT made and entered into this 31st day of March, 1997:
BETWEEN:
YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED, a
corporation incorporated pursuant to the laws of Nigeria,
(hereinafter referred to as "YFP")
and
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD. of 7th Floor, Folawiyo
Plaza, 38 Warehouse Road, Lagos, Nigeria,
(hereinafter referred to as "Liberty")
RECITALS
WHEREAS:
1. By virtue of a Participation/Royalty Agreement dated effective April 5,
1995, (the "Participation/Royalty Agreement") YFP acquired an overriding
royalty (the "Overriding Royalty") consisting an entitlement to receive the
proceeds of sale of 0.77379% of all Petroleum Substances produced and sold
from Nigerian oil Concession Block OPL 237 ("Concession Block 237") before
payout and 0.39393% of all Petroleum Substances produced and sold from
Concession Block 237 after payout;
2. Under the terms of the Participation/Royalty Agreement, in addition to the
Overriding Royalty, YFP acquired a revenue interest (the "Revenue
Interest") on Concession Block 237 that provides YFP with an entitlement to
receive the proceeds of sale of 1.707% of all Petroleum Substances produced
and sold from Concession Block 237 before payout and 0.869% of all
Petroleum Substances produced and sold from Concession Block 237 after
payout;
3. YFP has agreed to sell, assign and convey to Liberty, all of its Overriding
Royalty and a portion of its Revenue Interest in the percentages set forth
herein, in consideration of the payment of U.S.$3,767,495.05 to be
satisfied by the issuance of 482,239 common shares of Abacan Resource
Corporation to YFP at a price of $7.8125 per common share;
NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the
Parties hereto agree as follows:
<PAGE>
1. YFP shall and hereby does irrevocably sell, convey, assign and transfer
unto Liberty, all of YFP's right, title and interest to and in the
Overriding Royalty consisting of an entitlement to receive the proceeds of
sale of 0.7739% of all Petroleum Substances produced and sold from
Concession Block 237 before payout and 0.39393% of all Petroleum Substances
produced and sold from Concession Block 237 after payout (the "Sold
Overriding Royalty Interest").
2. YFP shall and hereby does irrevocably sell, convey, assign and transfer
unto Liberty, 5.6% of YFP's right title and interest to and in the Revenue
Interest consisting of an entitlement to receive the proceeds of sale of
0.09554% of all Petroleum Substances produced and sold from Concession
Block 237 before payout and 0.04863% of all Petroleum Substances produced
and sold from Concession Block 237 after payout (the "Sold Revenue
Interest").
3. Liberty hereby agrees to pay to YFP a purchase price of U.S.$3,767,495.05
for the Sold Overriding Royalty Interest and the Sold Revenue Interest,
which sums shall be satisfied by the delivery of 482,239 common shares of
Abacan Resource Corporation (the "Abacan Shares"). YFP agrees to accept the
Abacan Shares subject to any and all restrictions on trading imposed by
applicable regulatory authorities.
4. YFP and Liberty hereby acknowledge, confirm and agree that upon the
fulfilment of the conditions set out in Paragraph 7 herein and the payment
of the consideration set out in Paragraph 3 above, the interests and right
to the proceeds of sale of the Parties in the Overriding Royalty Interest,
expressed as a percentage of all Petroleum Substances produced and sold
from Concession Block 237, both before and after payout shall be as
follows:
NAME OF PARTY BEFORE PAYOUT AFTER PAYOUT
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company Limited 0.0% 0.0%
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Liberty Technical Services Ltd. 0.7739% 0.39393%
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
5. YFP and Liberty hereby acknowledge, confirm and agree that upon the
fulfilment of the conditions set out in Paragraph 7 herein and the payment
of the consideration set out in Paragraph 3 above, the interests and the
right to the proceeds of sale of the Parties in the Revenue Interest,
expressed as a percentage of all Petroleum Substances produced and sold
from Concession Block 237, both before and after payout shall be as
follows:
NAME OF PARTY BEFORE PAYOUT AFTER PAYOUT
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company Limited 1.61146% 0.82037%
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
Liberty Technical Services Ltd. 0.09554% 0.04863%
- ---------------------------------------- -------------- -------------
2
<PAGE>
6. YFP represents and warrants to Liberty that the Sold Overriding Royalty
Interest and the Sold Revenue Interest are each free and clear of any
charges, liens or other encumbrances to any and all third parties and that
any and all corporate steps, consents, resolutions or approvals necessary
to give effect to the sale and assignment of the Sold Overriding Royalty
Interest and Sold Revenue Interest has been duly and fully obtained.
7. The completion of this transaction and the issuance of the Abacan Shares
contemplated herein shall be subject to receipt by Abacan Resource
Corporation of all necessary and applicable regulatory approvals. This
condition is for the sole benefit of Liberty and may be waived by it in
writing at its sole discretion.
8. Each Party shall from time to time and at all necessary times do all such
further acts and execute and deliver all further deeds and documents as may
be reasonably required in order to perform and carry out the terms of this
Royalty/Revenue Interest Sale Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties hereto have caused the within presents to be
executed by their duly authorized representatives on the day and year first
above written.
Liberty Technical Services Ltd. Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company
Limited
Per: /s/ Wade Cherwayko Per: /s/ T.B. Folawiyo
----------------------- ---------------------
3
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.14
ROYALTY AGREEMENT
Date effective the 2nd day of December, 1994.
BETWEEN:
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
body corporate, having an office in the City of
Lagos, Nigeria (the "Grantor")
- and -
ABACAN INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT INC.
a body corporate, having an office in the City of
Lagos, Nigeria (the "Royalty Owner")
RECITALS:
1. The Royalty Owner was instrumental in introducing the Grantor to the
Nigerian oil industry, the Indigenous Nigerian Oil Program and certain
indigenous Nigerian oil concession owners;
2. The Royalty Owner was instrumental in assisting the Grantor with obtaining
recognition with the Nigerian Ministry of Petroleum Resources, such
recognition being a requirement of the Ministry for a company to acquire
and maintain a Participating Interest in oil concession properties located
in Nigeria;
3. The Grantor and Royalty Owner have agreed that the Royalty Owner shall be
entitled to a gross overriding royalty on petroleum substance production by
or through the Grantor in Nigeria.
NOW THEREFORE, the Grantor and Royalty Owner agree as follows:
1. The Grantor hereby grants to the Royalty Owner, effective as of April 5,
1995, and subject to the limitations set forth in Paragraph 2 herein, an
overriding royalty (the "Overriding Royalty") on any and all oil, natural
gas and condensate ("Petroleum Substances") produced from Nigerian oil
concession block OPL 237 ("Concession Block 237"). The gross volume of
Petroleum Substances comprising the Overriding Royalty shall be three
percent (3%) of the gross monthly production of Petroleum Substances
generated from producing wells attributable to the Grantor. For greater
certainty, the Royalty Owner shall be entitled to receive 1.501% of all
Petroleum Substances produced from Concession Block 237 before payout and
0.764% of all Petroleum Substances produced from Concession Block 237 after
payout. The Overriding Royalty shall not be considered to be an interest in
land, but rather an interest only in the Petroleum Substances actually
produced from Concession Block 237.
<PAGE>
2. The grant of the Overriding Royalty to the Royalty Owner shall not include
Petroleum Substances which the Grantor uses and considers to be reasonably
necessary for the Grantor's drilling and production operations for
Concession Block 237 and shall not include Petroleum Substances which the
Grantor unavoidably loses in those drilling and production operations.
These drilling and production operations include the use of the Petroleum
Substances in batteries, treaters, compressors, separators, satellites and
similar equipment serving only royalty wells on Concession Block 237 but
shall not include the use of Petroleum Substances for any enhanced recovery
operations or fuel stock for any battery or satellite serving wells in
addition of royalty wells on Concession Block 237 or for any gas plant or
refinery.
3. The proceeds of sale of the Overriding Royalty which the Grantor realizes
from the disposition of Petroleum Substances produced from the Royalty
Lands shall be subject to the same adjustments for costs and expenses of
bringing the Petroleum Substances to the point of sale as the Grantor would
be entitled to deduct therefrom if the Overriding Royalty were the lessor
royalty accruing to the Nigerian Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Regulations pertaining to prices for the calculation of royalties payable
to the Government of Nigeria for Concession Block 237 shall apply to the
Petroleum Substances relating the Overriding Royalty in determining the
value of the Overriding Royalty.
4. When the Grantor receives any money on account of or as the proceeds of
sale of the Petroleum Substances relating to the Overriding Royalty, the
Grantor shall receive that money as trustee for the Royalty Owner. The
Grantor shall remit to the Royalty Owner all monies accruing to the Royalty
Owner on account of the Overriding Royalty on or before the last day of the
calendar month next following the calendar month in which such Petroleum
Substances were sold. The Grantor shall enclose with that payment a copy of
all reports the Grantor is required to submit under any applicable
government regulations for the production of such Petroleum Substances and
a written statement showing in reasonable detail the manner in which the
Grantor calculated that payment.
5. The Grantor shall comply with all terms and conditions of the oil
prospecting license or oil mining lease in effect for Concession Block 237,
including the payment of rentals, royalties and the performance of all
things necessary to maintain the title documents in good standing and in
full force and effect, all in accordance with and subject to the provisions
of the Joint Venture Agreement between the Grantor and the owner of
Concession Block 469. This Clause shall not, however, obligate the Grantor
to conduct any drilling, geophysical or geological operation on Concession
Block 237 or to pay compensatory royalty to maintain a title document, as
it pertains to Concession Block 237, in full force and effect where the
requirement to conduct such operation or to pay compensatory royalty may be
avoided by the surrender of lands subject to the affected title document to
the issuer thereof. The Grantor shall comply with all terms and conditions
of any encumbrances agreed to be borne by the Grantor.
6. Each Party entitled to information obtained hereunder may use such
information for its sole benefit. However, the parties shall take such
measures with respect to operations and internal security as are
appropriate in the circumstances to keep confidential from third persons
all such information, except information which the Parties have expressly
agreed among themselves to release and information disclosed by a Party:
(a) When and to the extent required by any government regulations and
securities laws applicable to such Party, provided that such Party
shall invoke any confidentiality protection permitted by such
government regulations and securities law;
-2-
<PAGE>
(b) to an affiliate, provided that such Party shall be deemed to have
required such affiliate to maintain the confidential status of the
disclosed information and that such affiliate shall be deemed to have
accepted such obligation and that such Party shall be liable for any
loss suffered by the Parties, or any of them, because of the failure
of such affiliate to maintain such information confidential;
(c) to a third person to which such Party has been permitted to assign a
portion of its interest hereunder, provided that a binding covenant is
obtained from such third person prior to disclosure which provides,
inter alia, that none of such information shall be disclosed by it to
any other third person;
(d) to the technical, financial or other professional consultants of such
Party which require such information to provide their services to such
Party or to a bank or other financial institution from which such
Party is attempting to obtain financing, provided that a binding
covenant is obtained from such consultant or financier, as the case
may be, prior to such disclosure, which provides, inter alia, that
none of such information shall be disclosed by it to any other third
person or use for any purpose other than advising such Party or
providing financing to such Party, as the case may be; and
However, the confidentiality obligation in this Clause shall not
extend to information to the extent it is in the public domain,
provided that specific items of information shall not be considered to
be in the public domain merely because more general information is in
the public domain.
7. If any Party is prevented by force majeure from fulfilling any obligation
hereunder, the obligations of the Party, insofar only as its obligations
are affected by the force majeure, shall be suspended while the force
majeure continues to prevent the performance of such obligation and for
that time thereafter as that Party may reasonably require to commence to
fulfil such obligation. A Party prevented from fulfilling any obligation by
force majeure shall promptly give the other Parties notice of the force
majeure and the affected obligations.
For the purpose of this Clause, "force majeure" means an occurrence beyond
the reasonable control of the Party claiming suspension of an obligation
hereunder, which has not been caused by such Party's negligence and which
such Party was unable to prevent or provide against by the exercise of
reasonable diligence at a reasonable cost and includes, without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, an act of God, war, revolution,
insurrection, blockage, riot, strike, a lockout or other industrial
disturbance, fire, lightning, unusually severe weather, storms, floods,
explosion, accident, shortage of labour or materials or government
restraint, action, delay or inaction.
8. No waiver by any Party of any breach (whether actuator anticipated) of any
of the covenants, provisos, conditions, restrictions or stipulations herein
contained shall take effect or be binding upon that Party unless the same
is expressed in writing under the authority of that Party. Any waiver so
given shall extend only to the particular breach so waived and shall not
limit or affect any rights with respect to any other future breach.
9. Each Party shall from time to time and at all times do all such further
acts and execute and deliver all further deeds and documents as may be
reasonably required in order to perform and carry on the terms of this
Royalty Agreement.
-3-
<PAGE>
10. This Royalty Agreement supersedes all other requirements, documents,
writing and verbal understandings among the Parties relating to Concession
Block 237 and any production facilities, and expresses all of the terms and
conditions agreed upon by the Parties with respect to the Concession Block
237.
11. This Royalty Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and shall bind the
Parties, their respective successors and assigns and the heirs, executors,
administrators and assigns of natural persons who are or become Parties.
12. This Royalty Agreement shall for all purposes be construed and interpreted
according to the laws of England applicable therein. The courts having
jurisdictions with respect to matters relating to this Royalty Agreement
shall be the Courts of England.
THIS AGREEMENT EFFECTIVE as of the day and year first above written.
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
Per: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
-------------------
ABACAN INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT INC.
Per: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
-------------------
-4-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.15
JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT
between
YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED
and
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
NIGERIAN OIL PROSPECTING LICENCE (OPL) 309
<PAGE>
THIS JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of the 9th day of
March, 1992 by and between:
YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED, of 15th floor, Unity House, 37 Marina,
Lagos, Nigeria, (herein called "Owner/Operator")
- and -
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD., of Suite 980 McFarlane Tower 700 Fourth Avenue
S.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, (herein called "Technical Partner")
WHEREAS
(a) On June 26,1991, the Government approved the allocation of the
Concession to the Owner.
(b) On February 21, 1992, the Owners and the Technical Partner agreed to
enter into a joint venture for the exploration and development of the
Concession.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants hereinafter
set forth, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.1 The terms defined in the recitals hereof or at other instances herein
shall have the meaning attributed to them thereby. In addition, the following
words and expressions shall, for the purpose of this Joint Venture Agreement,
bear the meanings respectively set opposite them:
"AFFILIATE" means a company, partnership or other legal entity which controls,
or is controlled by, or which is controlled by an entity which controls a Party.
Control means the ownership directly or indirectly of more than fifty percent
(50%) of the shares or voting rights in a company, partnership or legal entity;
"AGREEMENT" means this Joint Venture Agreement together with the Exhibits
attached to this Joint Venture Agreement;
"CONCESSION" means the instrument concluded between The Ministry of Petroleum
Resources, Federal Government of Nigeria and the Owner and any extension,
renewal or amendment thereof agreed to in writing;
"CONCESSION AREA" means the area covered by the Concession as described in
Schedule "A" attached hereto;
- 1 -
<PAGE>
"CONTROL" when used in relation to Affiliate, means holding with the power to
vote more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding voting securities or
interest of such Affiliate;
"COMMERCIAL QUANTITIES" means Hydrocarbons in such quantities which, in the
opinion of the Parties and the Government, will permit their being developed;
"COST OIL" means forty percent (40%) of the total production of Hydrocarbons
which is allocated to the Technical Partner for the recovery of Petroleum Costs;
"EFFECTIVE DATE" means the date first written above;
"GOVERNMENT" means the Federal Government of Nigeria as represented by the
Minister of Petroleum Resources;
"HYDROCARBONS" means all substances including liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons
which are subject to and covered by this Joint Venture;
"MINIMUM WORK OBLIGATIONS" means those work and/or expenditure obligations
specified in the Concession Agreement which must be performed in order to
satisfy the obligations as outlined in the concession agreement;
"PARTICIPATING INTEREST" means the undivided percentage interest of each Party
in the costs required to carry out the Work Program on the Concession pursuant
to this Joint Venture Agreement;
"PARTY" means a party to this Agreement and any successors or assigns, in
accordance with the provisions of this Agreement;
"PAYOUT" means that point where accumulated Cost Oil is equal to the total
Petroleum Cost, on the said concession;
"PETROLEUM COSTS" means all costs and expenses incurred by the Parties both
within and without Nigeria in connection with the exploration, development and
operation of the Concession Area;
"PROFIT OIL" means Thirty percent (30%) of the total production of Hydrocarbons,
in excess of Cost Oil and Tax Oil, which is allocated to the Parties as herein
provided;
"RECOVERY OF PETROLEUM COSTS" means that point in time when Petroleum Costs have
been recovered out of Cost Oil as defined in Schedule "C";
"SCHEDULE "C"" means the Operating Agreement attached hereto.
"TAX OIL" means Thirty percent (30%) of the total production of Hydrocarbons
which is allocated to the Federal Government of Nigeria as payment of all
royalties and taxes;
- 2 -
<PAGE>
"WORK PROGRAM" means the work program and budget attached hereto as Schedule "B"
for operations to be carried out on the Concession prepared by the technical
partner and approved by the owners and the Government.
1.2 All other terms specifically defined in the Concession and not defined
herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Concession unless the
context clearly requires otherwise. In addition, where the context requires,
the singular shall include the plural and the plural shall include the singular.
ARTICLE II
GOVERNMENT APPROVAL
2.1 Upon execution of this Agreement, the Owner shall obtain the approval of
the Government to the terms of this Agreement.
2.2 The Owner will provide the Technical Partners with evidence that it is
the holder of the Concession and that the Concession is in good standing with
the Government as of the Effective Date. Owner will supply the Technical
Partner with a copy of the Concession Agreement and any amendments and
correspondence relating thereto together with copies of all geological,
geophysical and other technical data which the Owner has in its possession
relating to the Concession Area.
2.3 And Owner shall maintain said Concession in good standing throughout the
term of this agreement.
ARTICLE III
EXPLORATION PERIOD
3.1 The Owner/Operator will have the right to carry out an exploration
program on the Concession Area in accordance with the Work Program which will be
sufficient to meet the Minimum Work Obligations under the Concession Agreement.
3.2 All costs incurred in carrying out the Work Program shall be borne by
the Technical Partners.
ARTICLE IV
DEVELOPMENT PERIOD
4.1 In the event Hydrocarbons are discovered in Commercial Quantities on the
Concession Area, the owners on behalf of the Parties shall apply to the
Government for an Oil Mining Lease in accordance with the applicable Government
regulations.
- 3 -
<PAGE>
ARTICLE V
PARTICIPATING INTERESTS
5.1 All costs incurred in operating and developing the concession before
Payout shall be as follows:
Owners 0%
Technical partner 100%
5.2 All costs incurred in operating and developing the concession after
payout, shall be as follows:
Owners 60%
Technical partner 40%
5.3 In the event the Government elects to exercise its right to participate
in the development of the Concession Area, the Participating Interests will be
amended accordingly.
ARTICLE VI
ALLOCATION OF PRODUCTION
6.1 All Hydrocarbons produced from the Concession Area shall be allocated as
follows:
(a) Prior to Payout:
COST OIL TAX OIL PROFIT OIL
--------- -------- -----------
Technical Partner 40% 0% 15%
--------- -------- -----------
Owner 0% 0% 15%
--------- -------- -----------
Government 0% 30% 0%
--------- -------- -----------
(b) After Payout:
COST OIL TAX OIL PROFIT OIL
--------- -------- -----------
Technical Partner 0% 0% 28%
--------- -------- -----------
Owner 0% 0% 42%
--------- -------- -----------
Government 0% 30% 0%
--------- -------- -----------
- 4 -
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VII
ASSIGNMENT
7.1 This Agreement and all the provisions hereof shall be binding upon and
enure to the benefit of the respective parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns but neither this Agreement nor any of the rights,
interests or obligations hereunder or under the Concession shall be assigned by
any Party without the prior written consent of the other Party, and the Nigerian
Government if necessary, but may be assigned to Affiliates without such consent
subject to the provisions of this Agreement.
ARTICLE VIII
OPERATING AGREEMENT
8.1 All operations on the Concession Area shall be carried out in accordance
with the provisions of a Model Form International Operating Agreement 1990, a
copy of which is attached hereto as Schedule "C".
8.2 All working interest parties to the said concession will be subject to
said Operating Agreement.
ARTICLE IX
APPLICABLE LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
9.1 This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, interpreted and applied
in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom.
9.2 Any dispute arising out of and relating to this Agreement and which the
Parties have not settled by themselves, shall finally be decided, to the
exclusion of the courts, by arbitration in accordance with the arbitration rules
of the International Chamber of Commerce. Three arbitrators shall be appointed,
each Party appointing one arbitrator, and the two arbitrators thus appointed
choosing the presiding arbitrator. In reaching a decision, the arbitrators
shall act ex aequo et bono and shall be guided primarily by the terms of this
Agreement and International practice in similar agreements.
ARTICLE X
TERM
10.1 This Agreement shall remain in force and effect until all materials,
equipment and personal property used or obtained hereunder have been disposed of
and final settlement of all payments due under the terms of this Agreement have
been made among the Parties. Thereafter, this Agreement shall terminate upon
the occurrence of the earliest of the events described below:
(a) It is terminated by unanimous written consent of the Parties;
(b) The date on which all interests in production become vested in one
Party;
(c) The expiration or termination of the Concession Agreement, including
any leases granted therefrom and any extensions thereof;
- 5 -
<PAGE>
(d) Fifty years from the date hereof.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
11.1 In the event any provisions of this agreement conflict with the
provisions of the Concession or the operating agreement referred to in Article
VIII, the Parties shall meet and attempt in good faith to negotiate and document
such changes in this Agreement as may be appropriate to make it conform to such
other documents.
11.2 This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument executed by
the Parties.
11.3 This Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, oral or
written, among the Parties in respect of the subject matter of this Agreement.
11.4 Each of the Parties shall execute and deliver such other certificates,
agreements and other documents and take such other actions as may reasonably be
requested by the other Party in order to consummate or implement the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
11.5 All notices, requests, demands or other communications hereunder shall
be delivered by hand or sent by mail as appropriate or by facsimile, telex or
telegram to the Parties at the address provided below:
OWNERS: TECHNICAL PARTNERS:
- ------- --------------------
Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Limited Liberty Technical Services Ltd.
Unity House (15th Floor) Attention: Earl B. Lewis
37 Marina Suite 980 McFarlane Tower
P.O. Box 2288 700 Fourth Avenue S.W.
Lagos Calgary, Alberta
Nigeria T2P 3J4
Ph. (403) 237-8263
Fax (403) 237-6245
ARTICLE XII
PAYMENTS
12.1 Upon written approval from the Federal Government of Nigeria, in order
to continue this Agreement, Technical Partner shall make the Owner the following
payments:
(a) within 60 days of said approval or May 31,1992 which ever is the
latter, [confidential] (US);
- 6 -
<PAGE>
(b) and within 90 days of said approval or June 30,1992 which ever is the
latter, to pay an additional [confidential] (US);
(c) [confidential] (US) within 30 days of conversion of this OPL to an Oil
Mining Lease.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by
their duly authorized officers and representatives as of the day and year first
written above.
YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED
Per: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
--------------------
Per:
--------------------
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
Per: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
--------------------
Per:
--------------------
- 7 -
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE "A"
CONCESSION MAP
(Insert map)
- 8 -
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE "B"
WORK PROGRAM - OPL 309
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
WORK DESCRIPTION ESTIMATED TIMING ESTIMATED COSTS
- ---------------------------------------- --------------------- ----------------
EVALUATION OF EXISTING DATA JUNE - JULY/92 $ 200,000
- ---------------------------------------- --------------------- ----------------
SHOOT NEW SEISMIC AUGUST - DECEMBER/92 $ 1,800,000
--------------------- ----------------
PROCESS DATA AND RE-MAP JANUARY - FEBRUARY/93 $ 200,000
--------------------- ----------------
PICK TWO LOCATIONS AND WORK UP LOGISTICS MARCH - MAY/93 $ 100,000
--------------------- ----------------
DRILL TWO TEST WELLS JUNE - DECEMBER/93 $ 12,800,000
--------------------- ----------------
DRILL TWO CONFIRMATION WELLS JANUARY - DECEMBER/94 $ 12,800,000
--------------------- ----------------
DEVELOP FIELD(S):
- - 18 WELLS 1995 - 1997 $ 100,000,000
- - DESIGN AND INSTALL PRODUCTION
FACILITIES 1995 - 1998 $ 24,000,000
--------------------- ----------------
TOTALS 1992 - 1998 $ 151,900,000
--------------------- ----------------
CONTINUE EXPLORATION 1997 -
CYCLE UNTIL BLOCK FULLY
DEVELOPED
</TABLE>
- 9 -
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE "B"
INTERNATIONAL JOINT VENTURE OPERATING AGREEMENT
This document is filed as Exhibit 10.16 to the Form 10-KSB dated March 1, 1999.
- 10 -
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.16
INTERNATIONAL JOINT VENTURE OPERATING AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED
AGREEMENT COVERING: CONCESSION BLOCK 309
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE PAGE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ----
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS -1-
ARTICLE II
EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM -7-
ARTICLE III
PARTICIPATING INTEREST -7-
3.1 Participating Interest -7-
3.2 Ownership, Obligations and Liabilities -8-
3.3 Government Participation -8-
ARTICLE IV
PROJECT MANAGER -9-
4.1 Designation of Project Manager -9-
4.2 Rights and Duties of Project Manager -9-
4.3 Employees of Operator -11-
4.4 Information Supplied by Operator -11-
4.5 Settlement of Claims and Lawsuits -12-
4.6 Liability of Operator -13-
4.7 Insurance Obtained by Operator -14-
4.8 Commingling of Funds -15-
4.9 Resignation of Operator -16-
4.10 Removal of Operator -16-
4.11 Appointment of Successor -17-
ARTICLE V
OPERATING COMMITTEE -18-
5.1 Establishment of Operating Committee -18-
5.2 Powers and Duties of Operating Committee -18-
5.3 Authority to Vote -19-
5.4 Subcommittees -19-
5.5 Notice of Meeting -19-
5.6 Contents of Meeting Notice -19-
5.7 Location of Meetings -20-
5.8 Operator's Duties for Meetings -20-
5.9 Voting Procedure -20-
5.10 Record of Votes -20-
5.11 Minutes -20-
5.12 Voting by Notice -21-
5.13 Effect of Vote -21-
i
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VI
WORK PROGRAMS AND BUDGETS -22-
6.1 Exploration and Appraisal -22-
6.2 Development -24-
6.3 Production -25-
6.4 Itemization of Expenditures -25-
6.5 Contract Awards -25-
6.6 Authorization for Expenditure ("AFE") Procedure -27-
6.7 Overexpenditures of Work Programs and Budgets -28-
ARTICLE VII
OPERATIONS BY LESS THAN ALL PARTIES -28-
7.1 Limitation on Applicability -28-
7.2 Procedure to Propose Exclusive Operations -29-
7.3 Responsibility for Exclusive Operations -32-
7.4 Consequences of Exclusive Operations -32-
7.5 Premium to Participate in Exclusive Operations -36-
7.6 Order of Preference of Operations -39-
7.7 Stand By Costs -40-
7.8 Special Considerations Regarding Deepening and Sidetracking -40-
7.9 Miscellaneous -41-
ARTICLE VIII
DEFAULT -42-
8.1 Default and Notice -42-
8.2 Operating Committee Meetings and Data -43-
8.3 Allocation of Defaulted Accounts -43-
8.4 Transfer of Interest -44-
8.5 Continuation of Interest -45-
8.6 Abandonment -45-
8.7 Sale of Hydrocarbons -45-
8.8 No Right of Set Off -46-
ARTICLE IX
DISPOSITION OF PRODUCTION -46-
9.1 Right and Obligation to Take In Kind -46-
9.2 Offtake Agreement for Crude Oil -46-
9.3 Separate Agreement for Natural Gas -47-
ARTICLE X
ABANDONMENT OF WELLS -48-
10.1 Abandonment of Wells Drilled as Joint Operations -48-
10.2 Abandonment of Exclusive Operations -49-
ARTICLE XI
SURRENDER, EXTENSIONS AND RENEWALS -49-
11.1 Surrender -49-
11.2 Extension of the Term -49-
ARTICLE XII
TRANSFER OF INTEREST OR RIGHTS -50-
12.1 Obligation -50-
12.2 Rights -53-
ARTICLE XIII
WITHDRAWAL FROM AGREEMENT -53-
13.1 Right of Withdrawal -53-
13.2 Partial or Complete Withdrawal -54-
13.3 Voting -54-
13.4 Obligations and Liabilities -55-
13.5 Emergency -55-
13.6 Assignment -55-
13.7 Approvals -55-
13.8 Abandonment Security -56-
13.9 Withdrawal or Abandonment by all Parties -57-
ii
<PAGE>
ARTICLE XIV
RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES AND TAX -57-
14.1 Relationship of Parties -57-
14.2 Tax -57-
14.3 United States Tax Election -58-
ARTICLE XV
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION - PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY -59-
15.1 Confidential Information -59-
15.2 Continuing Obligations -60-
15.3 Proprietary Technology -60-
15.4 Trades -60-
ARTICLE XVI
FORCE MAJEURE -60-
16.1 Obligations -60-
16.2 Definition of Force Majeure -61-
ARTICLE XVII
NOTICES -61-
ARTICLE XVIII
APPLICABLE LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION -62-
18.1 Applicable Law -62-
18.2 Dispute Resolution -62-
ARTICLE XIX
ALLOCATION OF COST RECOVERY RIGHTS -65-
19.1 Allocation of Total Production -65-
19.2 Allocation of Cost Oil -65-
19.3 Allocation of Profit Oil -65-
19.4 Allocation of Excess Cost Oil -65-
ARTICLE XX
GENERAL PROVISIONS -66-
20.1 Conflicts of Interest -66-
20.2 Public Announcements -66-
20.3 Successors and Assigns -67-
20.4 Waiver -67-
20.5 Severance of Invalid Provisions -67-
20.6 Modifications -67-
20.7 Headings -67-
20.8 Singular and Plural -67-
20.9 Gender -68-
20.10 Counterpart Execution -68-
20.11 Entirety -68-
Exhibit "A" - Accounting Procedure
Exhibit "B" - Contract Area
iii
<PAGE>
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT [SIC]
THIS AGREEMENT is made as of the Effective Date among
YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED, a
company incorporated in Nigeria
(hereinafter referred to as "Owner");
and
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD., a company
incorporated in Calgary, Canada
(hereinafter referred to as "Project Manger");
Above may sometimes individually be referred to as "Party" and
collectively as the "Parties".
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Parties have entered into a Project Management Agreement
(hereinafter referred to as "Agreement") covering certain areas located in the
Nigeria Concession 309, referred to as the Concession Area, and more
particularly described in Exhibit "B" to this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to define their respective rights and obligations
with respect to their operations under the Concession.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and
agreements and obligations set out below and to be performed, the Parties agree
as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
As used in this Agreement, the following words and terms shall have the meaning
ascribed to them below:
1.1 ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE means the rules, provisions and conditions set
forth and contained in Exhibit A to this Agreement.
1.2 AFE means an authorization for expenditure pursuant to Article 6.6.
<PAGE>
1.3 AFFILIATE means a company, partnership or other legal entity which
controls, or is controlled by, or which is controlled by an entity which
controls a Party. Control means the ownership directly or indirectly of
Check one Alternative
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1
more than fifty (50) percent
[X] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2
fifty (50) percent or more
of the shares or voting rights, in a company, partnership or legal
entity.
1.4 AGREED INTEREST RATE means interest compounded on a monthly basis, at
the rate per annum equal to the one (1) month term, LIBOR rate for U.S. Dollar
deposits, as published by The Wall Street Journal or if not published, then by
-----------------------
the Financial Times of London, plus TWO percent (2%), applicable on the first
--------------------------
Business Day prior to the due date of payment and thereafter on the first
Business Day of each succeeding one (1) month term. If the aforesaid rate is
contrary to any applicable usury law, the rate of interest to be charged shall
be the maximum rate permitted by such applicable law.
1.5 AGREEMENT means this agreement, together with the Exhibits attached to
this agreement.
1.6 APPRAISAL WELL means any well whose purpose at the time of commencement
of drilling such well is the determination of the extent or the volume of
Hydrocarbon reserves contained in an existing Discovery.
1.7 BARREL means a quantity consisting of forty-two (42) United States
gallons, corrected to a temperature of sixty (60) degrees Fahrenheit under one
(1) atmosphere of pressure.
1.8 BUSINESS DAY means a day on which the banks in NEW YORK/LONDON are
customarily open for business.
1.9 CALENDAR QUARTER means a period of three (3) months commencing with
January 1 and ending on the following March 31, a period of three (3) months
commencing with April 1 and ending on the following June 30, a period of three
(3) months commencing with July 1 and ending on the following September 30, or a
period of three (3) months commencing with October 1 and ending on the following
December 31 according to the Gregorian Calendar.
1.10 CALENDAR YEAR means a period of twelve (12) months commencing with
January 1 and ending on the following December 31 according to the Gregorian
Calendar.
<PAGE>
1.11 CASH PREMIUM means the payment made pursuant to Article 7.5(B) by a
Non-Consenting Party to reinstate its rights to participate in an Exclusive
Operation.
1.12 COMMERCIAL DISCOVERY means any discovery of Hydrocarbons which is
sufficient to entitle the Parties to apply for authorization from the Government
to commence exploitation.
1.13 COMPLETION means an operation intended to complete a well through the
Christmas tree as a producer of Hydrocarbons in one or more Zones including, but
not limited to, the setting of production casing, perforating, stimulating the
well and production Testing conducted in such operation. COMPLETE and other
derivatives shall be construed accordingly.
1.14 CONSENTING PARTY means a Party who agrees to participate in and pay its
share of the cost of an Exclusive Operation.
1.15 JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT means the instrument concluded between Yinka
Folawiyo Petroleum Limited and the Parties identified in the second paragraph of
this Agreement and any extension, renewal or amendment thereof agreed to in
writing by the Parties.
1.16 CONCESSION AREA means as of the Effective Date the surface area which
is described in Exhibit B to this Agreement. The perimeter or perimeters of the
Concession Area shall correspond to that area covered by the Concession, as such
area may vary from time to time during the term of validity of the Concession.
1.17 COST OIL means that portion of the total production of Hydrocarbons
which is allocated to the Parties under the Concession for the recovery of
Petroleum Costs.
1.18 DAY means a calender day unless otherwise specifically provided.
1.19 DEFAULTING PARTY shall have the meaning ascribed in Article 8.1.
1.20 DEEPENING means an operation whereby a well is drilled to an objective
Zone below the deepest Zone in which the well was previously drilled, or below
the deepest Zone proposed in the associated AFE, whichever is the deeper.
DEEPEN and other derivatives shall be construed accordingly.
1.21 DEVELOPMENT PLAN means a plan for the development, of Hydrocarbons from
an Exploitation Area covering all or a portion of the Contract Area.
1.22 DEVELOPMENT WELL means any well drilled for the production of
Hydrocarbons pursuant to a Development Plan.
1.23 DISCOVERY means the discovery of an accumulation of Hydrocarbons whose
existence until that moment was unknown.
<PAGE>
Check if desired.
[X] OPTIONAL LANGUAGE
; provided Hydrocarbons are recovered at the surface in a flow measurable by
conventional production test methods.
1.24 EFFECTIVE DATE means the date this Agreement comes into effect as
stated in Article II.
1.25 ENTITLEMENT means a quantity of Hydrocarbons of which a Party has the
right and obligation to take delivery pursuant to the Contract or, if
applicable, an offtake agreement, and shall be derived from that Party's
Participating Interest in the Hydrocarbons produced after adjustment for
overlifts and underlifts.
1.26 EXCESS COST OIL shall have the meaning ascribed in Article 19.4.
1.27 EXCLUSIVE OPERATION means those operations and activities carried out
by Operator, pursuant to this Agreement, the costs of which are chargeable to
the account of less than all the Parties. BUT WILL NOT BE DRILLED WITHIN 25 KM
OF EXISTING WELL CAPABLE OF PROD.
1.28 EXCLUSIVE WELL means a well drilled pursuant to an Exclusive Operation.
1.29 EXPLOITATION AREA means that part of the Concession Area which is
established pursuant to the Concession or if the Concession does not establish
an Exploitation Area, then that part of the Concession Area which is delineated
in a Development Plan approved as a Joint Operation or as an Exclusive
Operation.
1.30 EXPLOITATION PERIOD means any and all periods of Exploitation during
which the production and removal of Hydrocarbons is permitted under the
Concession.
1.31 EXPLORATION PERIOD means any and all periods of exploration set out in
the Concession.
1.32 EXPLORATION WELL means any well drilled during the course of
exploration work other than an Appraisal Well or Development Well.
1.33 G & G DATA means only geological, geophysical and geochemical data and
other information that is not obtained through a well bore.
1.34 GOVERNMENT means the government of Federal Government of Nigeria.
1.35 GOVERNMENT OIL COMPANY means Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation.
<PAGE>
1.36 GROSS NEGLIGENCE means any act or failure to act (whether sole, joint
or concurrent) by a Party which was intended to cause, or which was in reckless
disregard of or wanton indifference to, harmful consequences such Party knew, or
should have known, such act or failure would have had on the safety or property
of another person or entity, but shall not include any error of judgment or
mistake made by such Party in the exercise in good faith of any function,
authority or discretion conferred on the Party employing such under this
Agreement.
1.37 HYDROCARBONS means all substances including liquid and gaseous
hydrocarbons which are subject to and covered by the Concession.
1.38 IN KIND PREMIUM means the grant of interest in production made pursuant
to Article 7.5(C) by a Non-Consenting Party to reinstate its rights under an
Exclusive Operation.
1.39 JOINT ACCOUNT means the accounts maintained by Operator in accordance
with the provisions of this Agreement and of the Accounting Procedure for Joint
Operations.
1.40 JOINT OPERATIONS means those operations and activities carried out by
Operator pursuant to this Agreement, the costs of which are chargeable to all
Parties.
1.41 JOINT PROPERTY means, at any point in time, all wells, facilities,
equipment, materials, information, funds and the property held for the Joint
Account.
1.42 MINIMUM WORK OBLIGATIONS means those work and/or expenditure
obligations specified in the Contract which must be performed in order to
satisfy the obligations of the Contract.
1.43 NON-CONSENTING PARTY means a Party who elects not to participate in an
Exclusive Operation.
1.44 NON-OPERATOR(S) means the Party or Parties to this Agreement other than
Operator.
1.45 OPERATING COMMITTEE means the committee constituted in accordance with
Article V.
1.46 OPERATOR means a Party to this Agreement designated as such in
accordance with this Agreement.
1.47 PARTICIPATING INTEREST means the undivided percentage interest of each
Party in the rights and obligations derived from the Contract and this
Agreement.
1.48 PARTY means any of the entities named in the first paragraph to this
Agreement and any respective successors or assigns in accordance with the
provisions of this Agreement.
<PAGE>
1.49 PETROLEUM COSTS means costs and expenses incurred by the Parties and
allowed to be recovered pursuant to the Contract.
1.50 PLUGGING BACK means a single operation whereby a deeper Zone is
abandoned in order to attempt a Completion in a shallower Zone. PLUG BACK and
other derivatives shall be construed accordingly.
1.51 PROFIT OIL means that portion of the total production of Hydrocarbons,
in excess of Cost Oil, which is allocated to the Parties under the terms of the
Contract.
1.52 RECOMPLETION means an operation whereby a Completion in one Zone is
abandoned in order to attempt a Completion in a different Zone within the
existing wellbore. RECOMPLETE and other derivatives shall be construed
accordingly.
1.53 REWORKING means an operation conducted in the wellbore of a well after
it is Completed to secure, restore, or improve production in a Zone which is
currently open to production in the wellbore. Such operations include, but are
not limited to, well stimulation operations, but exclude any routine repair or
maintenance work, or drilling, Sidetracking, Deepening, Completing,
Recompleting, or Plugging Back of a well. REWORK and other derivatives shall be
construed accordingly.
1.54 SENIOR SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL means any supervisory employee of a Party
who functions as:
Check one Alternative.
[X] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1 - Field Supervisor Tier
Such Party's designated manager or supervisor who is responsible for, or in
charge of onsite drilling, construction or production and related operations, or
any other field operations; or
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2 - Facility Manager Tier
Such Party's designated manager or supervisor of an onshore or offshore
installation or facility used for operations and activities of such Party, but
excluding all managers or supervisors who are responsible for or in charge of
onsite drilling, construction or production and related operations or any other
field operations; or
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 3 - Resident Manager Tier
<PAGE>
Such Party's senior resident manager, who directs all operations and activities
of such Party in the country or region in which he is resident, but excluding
all managers or supervisors who are responsible for or in charge of
installations or facilities, onsite drilling, construction or production and
related operations, or any other field operations.
And, in any of the above alternatives, any employee of such Party who functions
at a management level equivalent to or superior to the tier selected, or an
officer or a director of such Party.
1.55 SIDETRACKING means the directional control and intentional deviation of
a well from vertical so as to change the bottom hole location unless done to
straighten the hole or to drill around junk in the hole or to overcome other
mechanical difficulties. SIDETRACK and other derivatives shall be construed
accordingly.
1.56 TESTING means an operation intended to evaluate the capacity of a Zone
to produce Hydrocarbons. TEST and other derivatives shall be construed
accordingly.
1.57 WORK PROGRAM AND BUDGET means a work program for Joint Operations and
budget therefor as described and approved in accordance with Article VI.
1.58 ZONE means a stratum of earth containing or thought to contain a common
accumulation of Hydrocarbons separately producible from any other common
accumulation of Hydrocarbons.
[NOTE: Definitions contained in this Agreement must be compared and considered
against definitions under the Contract and under applicable laws and regulations
of the host country.]
ARTICLE II
EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM
2.1 This Agreement shall have effect from the 1st Day of March, 1992 and
shall, subject always to the Parties' continuing obligations under Article XV,
continue in effect until the Contract terminates or, otherwise until all
materials, equipment and personal property used in connection with the Joint
Operations have been removed and disposed of, and final settlement has been made
among the Parties.
For the avoidance of doubt, portions of this Agreement as described in (A), (B)
and (C) below shall remain in effect until:
(A) all wells have been properly abandoned in accordance with Article X;
and
(B) all obligations, claims, arbitrations and lawsuits have been settled or
otherwise disposed of in accordance with Article 4.5 and Article XVIII; and
(C) the time relating to the protection of confidential information and
proprietary technology has expired in accordance with Article XVI.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE III
PARTICIPATING INTEREST
3.1 Participating Interest
(A) The Participating Interests shall mean working interest as defined in
the Joint Venture Agreement of the Parties as of Effective Date are:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
OWNER BPO APO
- -----------------------------
_____________________________ 15% 42%
Technical Partners 55% 28%
_____________________________ __%
_____________________________ __%
</TABLE>
(B) If a Party transfers all or part of its Participating Interest pursuant
to the provisions of this Schedule and the JVA, the Participating Interests
of the Parties shall be revised accordingly.
3.2 Ownership, Obligations and Liabilities
(A) Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, all the rights, and
interests in and under the Concession, all Joint Property and any
Hydrocarbons produced from the Concession Area shall, subject to the terms
of the Concession, be owned by the Parties in accordance with their
respective Participating Interests.
(B) Unless otherwise provided in this Schedule, the obligations of the
Parties under the Joint Venture Agreement and all liabilities and expenses
incurred by Technical Partner in connection with Joint Operations shall be
charged to the Joint Account and all credits to the Joint Account shall be
shared by the Parties, as among themselves, in accordance with their
respective Participating Interests.
(C) Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, all liabilities incurred
by any Party in connection with Joint Operations shall be borne by the
Parties in accordance with their respective Participating Interests.
(D) Each Party shall pay when due, in accordance with the Accounting
Procedure, its Participating Interest share of Joint Account expenses,
including cash advances and interest, accrued pursuant to this Agreement.
Check one Alternative if desired.
<PAGE>
OPTIONAL PROVISION
3.3 Government Participation
[X] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1
If Government Oil Company elects to participate in the rights and obligations of
Parties pursuant to Article ____ of the Contract, the Parties shall contribute,
in proportion to their respective Participating Interests, to the interest to be
acquired by Government Oil Company and shall execute such documents as may be
necessary to effect such transfer of interests and the joinder of Government Oil
Company as a party to this Agreement. All payments received for the transfer of
such interests shall be credited to the Parties in proportion to their
Participating Interests. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL THE TECHNICAL PARTNERS BE
LESS THAN 24%.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2
If Government Oil Company elects to participate in the rights and obligation of
Parties pursuant to Article ____ of the Contract, the Parties shall contribute,
in proportion to their respective Participating Interests, to the interest to be
acquired by Government Oil Company and shall execute such documents as may be
necessary to effect such transfer of interests. The rights and obligations of
the Parties with respect to each other shall remain unchanged; however, they
shall enter into a separate operating agreement with Government Oil Company
with respect to the rights and obligations of Government Oil Company, on the one
hand, and the Parties on the other. All payments received for the transfer of
such interests shall be credited to the Parties in proportion to their
Participating Interests.
ARTICLE IV
PROJECT MANAGER
4.1 Designation of Project Manager
ABACAN INTERNATIONAL is designed as Project Manager, and agrees to act as an
independent concessionor in accordance with the terms and conditions of the
Concession and this Agreement, which terms and conditions shall apply to any
successor Project Manager.
4.2 Rights and Duties of Project Manager
(A) Subject to the terms and conditions of this agreement, Project Manager
shall have all the rights, functions and duties of Project Manager under
the Concession and shall have exclusive charge of and shall conduct all
Joint. Project Managers may employ independent contractors and/or
operations agents in such Joint Operations.
<PAGE>
(B) In the conduct of Joint Operations, Project Manager shall:
(1) Perform Joint Operations in accordance with the provisions of the
concession, this Agreement and the instructions of the Project
Management committee;
(2) Conduct all Joint Operations in a diligent, safe and efficient
manner in accordance with good and prudent oil filed practices and
conservation principles generally followed by the international
petroleum industry under similar circumstances;
(3) Subject to Article 4.6, neither gain a profit nor suffer a loss as
a result of being the Project Manager in its conduct of Joint
Operations;
(4) Perform the duties for the Project Management Committee set out in
Article V, and prepare and submit to the Project Management Committee
the proposed Work Programs, budgets and AFE's as provided in
(5) Acquire all permits, consents, approvals, surface or other rights
that may be required for or in connection with the conduct of Joint
Operations;
(6) Permit the representatives of any of the Parties to have at all
reasonable times and at their own risk and expense reasonable access
to the Joint Operations with the right to observe all such Joint
Operations and to inspect all Joint Property and to conduct financial
audits as provided in the Accounting Procedure;
(7) Maintain the Contract in full force and effect. Operator shall
promptly pay and discharge all liabilities and expenses incurred in
connection with Joint Operations and use its reasonable efforts to
keep and maintain the Joint Property free from all liens, charges and
encumbrances arising out of Joint Operations;
(8) Pay to the Government for the Joint Account, within the periods
and in the manner prescribed by the Contract and all applicable laws
and regulations, all periodic payments, royalties, taxes, fees and
other payments pertaining to Joint Operations, but excluding any taxes
measured by the incomes of the Parties;
(9) Carry out the obligations of Operator pursuant to the Contract,
including, but not limited to, preparing and furnishing such reports,
records and information as may be required pursuant to the Contract;
<PAGE>
(10) Have in accordance with the decisions of the Operating Committee,
the exclusive right and obligation to represent the Parties in all
dealings with the Government with respect to matters arising under the
Contract and Joint Operations. Operator shall notify the other Parties
as soon as possible of such meetings. Non-Operators shall have the
right to attend such meetings but only in the capacity of observers.
Nothing contained in this Agreement shall restrict any Party from
holding discussions with the Government with respect to any issue
peculiar to its particular business interests arising under this
Agreement, but in such event such Party shall promptly advise the
Parties, if possible, before and in any event promptly after such
discussions, provided that such Party shall not be required to divulge
to the Parties any matters discussed to the extent the same involve
proprietary information on matters not affecting the Parties; and
(11) Take all necessary and proper measures for the protection of
life, health, the environment and property in the case of an
emergency; provided, however, that Operator shall immediately notify
the Parties of the details of such emergency and measures.
Check if desired
OPTIONAL PROVISION: To be included where English law applies.
[ ]
(12) Include, to the extent practical, in its contracts with
independent contractors and to the extent lawful, provisions which:
(a) ensure such contractors can only enforce their contracts
against Operator;
(b) permit Operator, on behalf of itself and Non-Operators, to
enforce contractual indemnities against, and recover loses and
damages suffered by them (insofar as recovered under their
contracts) from such contractors; and
(c) require such contractors to take insurance required by
Article 4.7(F).
4.3 Employees of Operator
Subject to the Contract and this Agreement, Operator shall determine the number
of employees, the selection of such employees, the hours of work and the
compensation to be paid all such employees in connection with Joint Operations.
Operator shall employ only such employees, agents and contractors as are
reasonably necessary to conduct Joint Operations.
4.4 Information Supplied by Operator
(A) Operator shall provide Non-Operators the following data and reports as
they are currently produced or compiled from the Joint Operations:
(1) Copies of all electrical logs or surveys;
<PAGE>
(2) Daily drilling progress reports;
(3) Copies of all drill stem tests and care analysis report;
(4) Copies of the plugging reports;
(5) Copies of the final geological and geophysical maps and reports;
(6) Engineering studies, development schedules and annual progress
reports on development projects;
(7) Field and well performance reports, including reservoir studies
and reserve estimates;
(8) Copies of all reports relating to Joint Operations furnished by
Operator to the Government, except magnetic tapes which shall be
stored by Operator and made available for inspection and/or copying at
the sole expense of the Non-Operator requesting same;
(9) Other reports as frequently as is justified by the activities or
as instructed by the Operating Committee; and
(10) Subject to Article 15.3, such additional information for
Non-Operators as they or any of them may request, provided that the
requesting Party or Parties pay the costs of preparation of such
information and that the preparation of such information will not
unduly burden Operator's administrative and technical personnel. Only
Non-Operators who pay such costs shall receive such additional
information.
(B) Operator shall give Non-Operators access at all reasonable times to all
other data acquired in the conduct of Joint Operations. Any Non-Operator
may make copies of such other data at its sole expense.
4.5 Settlement of Claims and Lawsuits
<PAGE>
(A) Operator shall promptly notify the Parties of any and all material
claims or suits and such other claims and suits as the Operating Committee
may direct which arise out of Joint Operations or relate in any way to
Joint Operations. Operator shall represent the Parties and defend or oppose
the claim or suit. Operator may in its sole discretion compromise or settle
any such claim or suit or any related series of claims or suits for an
amount not to exceed the equivalent of U.S. ___________________ Dollars
(U.S.$100,000.00), exclusive of legal fees. Operator shall obtain the
approval and direction of the Operating Committee on amounts in excess of
the above stated amount. Each Non-Operator shall have the right to be
represented by its own counsel at its own expense in the settlement,
compromise or defense of such claims or suits.
(B) Any Non-Operator shall promptly notify the other Parties of any claim
made against such Non-Operator by a third party relating to or which may
affect the Joint Operations and insofar as such claim relates to or affects
the Joint Operations such Non-Operator shall defend or settle the same in
accordance with any directions given by the Operating Committee and such
costs, expenses and damages as are payable pursuant to such defense or
settlement shall be for the Joint Account.
(C) Notwithstanding Article 4.5(A) and Article 4.5(B), each Party shall
have the right to participate in any such pursuit, prosecution, defense or
settlement conducted in accordance with Article 4.5(A) and Article 4.5(B)
at its sole cost and expense; provided always that no Party may settle its
Participating Interest share of any claim without first satisfying the
Operating Committee that it can do so without prejudicing the interests of
the Joint Operations.
4.6 Liability of Operator
(A) Except as set out in this Article 4.6, the Party designated as Operator
shall bear no cost, expense or liability resulting from performing the
duties and functions of the Operator. Nothing in this Article shall,
however, be deemed to relieve the Party designated as Operator from any
cost, expense or liability for its Participating Interest share of Joint
Operations.
(B) The Parties shall be liable in proportion to their Participating
Interests and shall defend and indemnify Operator and its consultants,
agents, employees, officers and directors (the "Indemnitees") from any and
all costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) and liabilities
incident to claims, demands or causes of action of every kind and character
brought by or on behalf of any person or entity for damage to or loss of
property or the environment, or for injury to, illness or death of any
person or entity, which damage, loss, injury, illness or death arises out
of or is incident to any act or failure to act by Indemnitees in the
conduct of or in connection with Joint Operations regardless of the cause
of such damage, loss, injury, illness or death and EVEN THOUGH CAUSED IN
WHOLE OR IN PART BY A PRE-EXISTING DEFECT, THE NEGLIGENCE (WHETHER SOLE,
JOINT OR CONCURRENT), GROSS NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY OR OTHER LEGAL
FAULT OF OPERATOR (OR ANY SUCH AFFILIATE); provided that if any Senior
Supervisory Personnel of Operator, engage in Gross Negligence that
proximately causes the Parties to incur cost, expense or liability for such
damage, loss, injury, illness or death, then:
Check one Alternative.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1 - No Limitation
<PAGE>
Operator shall bear all such costs, expenses and liabilities.
[X] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2 - Joint Property Limitation
Operator shall bear only the actual cost, expense and liability to repair,
replace and/or remove Joint Property so damaged or lost, if any.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 3 - Financial Limitation
Operator shall bear only the first ____________________ (U.S. $ _________) of
such costs, expenses and liabilities.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 4 - Complete Limitation
Operator shall still bear none of such costs, expenses and liabilities.
(C) Notwithstanding the foregoing under no circumstances shall any
Indemnitee (except as a Party to the extent of its Participating Interest)
bear any cost, expense or liability for environmental, consequential,
punitive or any other similar indirect damages or losses, including but not
limited to those arising from business interruption, reservoir or formation
damage, inability to produce petroleum, loss of profits, pollution control
and environmental amelioration or rehabilitation.
4.7 Insurance Obtained by Operator
(A) Operator shall procure and maintain or cause to be procured and
maintained for the Joint Account all insurance in the types and amounts
required by the Contract and applicable laws, rules and regulations.
(B) Operator shall obtain such further insurance, at competitive rates, as
the Operating Committee may from time to time require.
(C) Any Party may elect not to participate in the insurance to be procured
under Article 4.7(B) provided such Party:
(1) gives prompt written notice to that effect to Operator;
(2) does nothing which may interfere with Operator's negotiations for
such insurance for the other Parties; and
<PAGE>
(3) obtains and maintains such insurance (in respect of which an
annual certificate of adequate coverage from a reputable insurance
broker shall be sufficient evidence) or other evidence of financial
responsibility which fully covers its Participating Interest share of
the risks that would be covered by the insurance procured under
Article 4.7 (B), and which the Operating Committee may determine to be
acceptable. No such determination of acceptability shall in any way
absolve a non-participating Party from its obligation to meet each
cash call including any cash call in respect of damages and losses
and/or the costs of remedying the same in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement. If such Party obtains other insurance, such insurance
shall contain a waiver of subrogation in favor of all the other
Parties and the Operator, but only in respect of their interests under
this Agreement.
(D) The cost of insurance in which all the Parties are participating shall
be for the Joint Account and the cost of insurance in which less than all
the Parties are participating shall be charged to the Parties participating
in proportion to their respective Participating Interests.
(E) Operator shall, in respect of all insurance obtained pursuant to this
Article:
(1) promptly inform the participating Parties when such insurance is
obtained and supply them with copies of the relevant policies when the
same are issued;
(2) arrange for the participating Parties, according to their
respective Participating Interests, to be named as co-insureds on the
relevant policies with waivers of subrogation in favor of all the
Parties; and
(3) duly file all claims and take all necessary and proper steps to
collect any proceeds and credit any proceeds to the participating
Parties in proportion to their respective Participating Interests.
(F) Operator shall use its reasonable efforts to require all contractors
performing work in respect of Joint Operations to obtain and maintain any
and all insurance in the types and amounts required by any applicable laws,
rules and regulations or any decision of the Operating Committee and shall
use its reasonable efforts to require all such contractors to name the
Parties as additional insureds on contractor's insurance policies or to
obtain from their insurers waivers of all rights or recourse against
Operator and Non-Operators.
4.8 Commingling of Funds
Check one Alternative.
[X] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1
<PAGE>
Operator may commingle with its own funds the monies which it receives from or
for the Joint Account pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding that monies
of a Non-Operator have been commingled with Operator's funds, the Operator shall
account to the Non-Operators for the monies of a Non-Operator advanced or paid
to Operator, whether for the conduct of Joint Operations or as proceeds from the
sale of production under this Agreement. Such monies shall be applied only to
their intended use and shall in no way be deemed to be funds belonging to
Operator.
Check if desired, in relation to Alternative No. 1.
OPTIONAL PROVISION
[ ] Notwithstanding Article 4.8, the Operating Committee shall have the
right to require Operator to segregate from its own funds the monies which it
receives from or for the Joint Account pursuant to this Agreement.
Check if desired, in relation to Alternative No. 1.
OPTIONAL PROVISION
[ ] Notwithstanding Article 4.8, the Operating Committee shall have the
right to require Operator to segregate from its own funds the monies which
Operator receives from the Parties in connection with operations on each
Exploitation Area.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO.2
Operator may not commingle with its own funds the monies which it receives from
or for the Joint Account pursuant to this Agreement.
4.9 Resignation of Operator
Subject to Article 4.11, Operator may resign as Operator at any time by so
notifying the other Parties at least one hundred and twenty (120) Days prior to
the effective date of such resignation.
4.10 Removal of Operator
(A) Subject to Article 4.11, Operator shall be removed upon receipt of
notice from any Non-Operator if:
(1) An order is made by a court or an effective resolution is passed
for the dissolution, liquidation, winding up, or reorganization of
Operator;
(2) Operator dissolves, liquidates or terminates its corporate
existence;
(3) Operator becomes insolvent, bankrupt or makes an assignment for
the benefit of creditors; or
<PAGE>
(4) A receiver is appointed for a substantial part of Operator's
assets.
(B) Subject to Article 4.11, Operator may be removed by the decision of the
Non-Operators if Operator has committed a material breach of this Agreement
which Operator has failed to commence to rectify within thirty (30) Days of
receipt of a notice from Non-Operators detailing the alleged breach. Any
decision of Non-Operators to give notice of breach to Operator or to remove
Operator under this Article 4.10(B) shall be made by an affirmative vote of
_______ (2) or more of the total number of Non-Operators holding a combined
Participating Interest of at least _____________ percent (65%).
Check if desired.
OPTIONAL PROVISION
[ ] (C) If Operator together with any Affiliate of Operator is or becomes the
holder of a Participating Interest of less than ___________________ percent
(____%), then Operator shall be required to promptly notify the other
Parties. The Operating Committee shall then vote within __________ (___)
Days of such notification on whether or not a successor Operator should be
named pursuant to Article 4.11.
Check if desired.
OPTIONAL PROVISION
[X] (D) If there is a direct or indirect change in control of Operator (other
than a transfer of control to an Affiliate of Operator), Operator shall be
required to promptly notify the other Parties. The Operating Committee
shall vote within THIRTY ( 30) Days of such notification on whether or not
a successor Operator should be named pursuant to Article 4.11. For purposes
of this Article, control means the ownership directly or indirectly of: 65%
Check the applicable Alternative.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1
more than fifty percent (50%)
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2
fifty percent (50%) or more
of the shares or voting rights of Operator.
Check if desired.
<PAGE>
OPTIONAL PROVISION
[ ] (E) Subject to Article 4.11, Operator may be removed at any time without
cause by the affirmative vote of _______________ (____) or more of the
total number of Non-Operators holding a combined Participating Interest of
at least _____________ percent (___%).
4.11 Appointment of Successor
When a change of Operator occurs pursuant to Article 4.9 or Article 4.10:
(A) The Operating Committee shall meet as soon as possible to appoint a
successor Operator pursuant to the voting procedure of Article 5.9.
However, no Party may be appointed successor Operator against its will.
(B) If the Operator disputes commission of or failure to rectify a material
breach alleged pursuant to Article 4.10(B) and proceedings are initiated
pursuant to Article XVIII, no successor Operator may be appointed pending
the conclusion or abandonment of such proceedings.
(C) If an Operator is removed, other than in the case of Article 4.10(C) or
Article 4.10(D), neither Operator nor any Affiliate of Operator shall have
the right to vote for itself on the appointment of a successor Operator,
nor be considered as a candidate for the successor Operator.
(D) A resigning or removed Operator shall be compensated out of the Joint
Account for its reasonable expenses directly related to its resignation or
removal, except in the case of Article 4.10(B).
(E) The Operating Committee shall arrange for the taking of an independent
inventory of all Joint Property and Hydrocarbons, and an audit of the books
and records of the removed Operator. Such inventory and audit shall be
completed, if possible, no later than the effective date of the change of
Operator. The liabilities and expenses of such inventory and audit shall be
charged to the Joint Account.
(F) The resignation or removal of Operator and its replacement by the
successor Operator shall not become effective prior to receipt of any
necessary governmental approvals.
<PAGE>
(G) Upon the effective date of the resignation or removal, the successor
Operator shall succeed to all duties, rights and authority prescribed for
Operator. The former Operator shall transfer to the successor Operator
custody of all Joint Property, books of account, records and other
documents maintained by Operator pertaining to the Contract Area and to
Joint Operations. Upon delivery of the above described property and data,
the former Operator shall be released and discharged from all obligations
and liabilities as Operator accruing after such date.
ARTICLE V
OPERATING COMMITTEE
5.1 Establishment of Operating Committee
To provide for the overall supervision and direction of Joint Operations, there
is established an Operating Committee composed of representatives of each Party
holding a Participating Interest. Each Party shall appoint one (1)
representative and one (1) alternate representative to serve on the Operating
Committee. Each Party shall as soon as possible after the date of this
Agreement give notice in writing to the other Parties of the name and address of
its representative and alternate representative to serve an the Operating
Committee. Each Party shall have the right to change its representative and
alternate at any time by giving proper notice to such effect to the other
Parties.
5.2 Powers and Duties of Operating Committee
The Operating Committee shall have power and duty to authorize and supervise
Joint Operations that are necessary or desirable to fulfill the Contract and
properly explore and exploit the Contract Area in accordance with this Agreement
and in a manner appropriate in the circumstances.
5.3 Authority to Vote
The representative of a Party, or in his absence his alternate representative,
shall be authorized to represent and bind such Party with respect to any matter
which is within the powers of the Operating Committee and is properly brought
before the Operating Committee. Each such representative shall have a vote
equal to the Participating Interest of the Party such person represents. Each
alternate representative shall be entitled to attend all Operating Committee
meetings but shall have no vote at such meetings except in the absence of the
representative for whom he is the alternate. In addition to the representative
and alternate representative, each Party may also bring to any Operating
Committee meetings such technical and other advisors as it may deem appropriate.
5.4 Subcommittees
The Operating Committee may establish such subcommittees, including technical
subcommittees, as the Operating Committee may deem appropriate. The functions
of such subcommittees shall be in an advisory capacity or as otherwise
determined unanimously by the Parties.
5.5 Notice of Meeting
(A) Operator may call a meeting of the Operating Committee by giving notice
to the Parties at least fifteen (15) Days in advance of such meeting.
<PAGE>
(B) Any Non-Operator may request a meeting of the Operating Committee by
giving proper notice to all the other Parties. Upon receiving such request,
Operator shall call such meeting for a date not less than fifteen (15) Days
nor more than twenty (20) Days after receipt of the request.
(C) The notice periods above may only be waived with the unanimous consent
of all the Parties.
5.6 Contents of Meeting Notice
(A) Each notice of a meeting of the Operating Committee as provided by
Operator shall contain:
(1) The date, time and location of the meeting; and
(2) An agenda of the matters and proposals to be considered and/or
voted upon.
(B) A Party, by notice to the other Parties given not less than seven (7)
Days prior to a meeting, may add additional matters to the agenda for a
meeting.
(C) On the request of a Party, and with the unanimous consent of all
Parties, the Operating Committee may consider at a meeting a proposal not
contained in such meeting agenda.
5.7 Location of Meetings
All meetings of the Operating Committee shall be held in LONDON , ______________
or elsewhere as may be decided by the Operating Committee.
5.8 Operator's Duties for Meetings
(A) With respect to meetings of the Operating Committee and any
Subcommittee, Operator's duties shall include, but not be limited to:
(1) Timely preparation and distribution of the agenda;
(2) Organization and conduct of the meeting; and
(3) Preparation of a written record or minutes of each meeting.
(B) Operator shall have the right to appoint the chairman of the Operating
Committee and chairman of all subcommittees.
<PAGE>
5.9 Voting Procedure
Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, all decisions,
approvals and other actions of the Operating Committee on all proposals coming
before it under this Agreement shall be decided by the affirmative vote of
__________ (2) or more Parties, which are not Affiliates, then having
collectively at least ___________ percent (65%) of the Participating Interests.
5.10 Record of Votes
The chairman of the Operating Committee shall appoint a secretary who shall make
a record of each proposal voted on and the results of such voting at each
Operating Committee meeting. Each representative shall sign and be provided a
copy of such record at the end of such meeting and it shall be considered the
final record of the decisions of the Operating Committee.
5.11 Minutes
The secretary shall provide each Party with a copy of the minutes of the
Operating Committee meeting within fifteen (15) Days after the end of the
meeting. Each Party shall have fifteen (15) Days after receipt of such minutes
to give notice of its objections to the minutes to the secretary. A failure to
give notice specifying objection to such minutes within said fifteen (15) Day
period shall be deemed to be approval of such minutes. In any event, the votes
recorded under Article 5.10 shall take precedence over the minutes described
above.
5.12 Voting by Notice
(A) In lieu of a meeting, Operator may submit any proposal for a decision
of the Operating Committee by giving each representative proper notice
describing the proposal so submitted. Each Party shall communicate its vote
by proper notice to Operator and the other Parties within one of the
following appropriate time periods after receipt of Operator's notice:
(1) ____________ (24) hours in the case of operations which involve
the use of a drilling or completion rig that is standing by in the
Contract Area.
(2) ____________ (7) Days in the case of all other proposals.
Check if AFEs require approval.
OPTIONAL PROVISION
[ ] (3) ____________ (20) Days in the case of an AFE or supplemental AFE
if submitted for approval pursuant to Article 6.6(A).
<PAGE>
(B) Except in the case of Article 5.12(A)(1), any Non-Operator may by
notice delivered to all Parties within _____________ ( 7 ) Days of receipt
of Operator's notice request that the proposal be decided at a meeting
rather than by notice. In such an event, that proposal shall be decided at
a meeting duly called for that purpose.
(C) Except as provided in Article X, any Party failing to communicate its
vote in a timely manner shall be deemed to have voted FOR such proposal.
(D) If a meeting is not requested, then at the expiration of the
appropriate time period, Operator shall give each Party a confirmation
notice stating the tabulation and results of the vote.
5.13 Effect of Vote
All decisions taken by the Operating Committee pursuant to this Article, shall
be conclusive and binding on all the Parties, except that:
(A) If pursuant to this Article, a Joint Operation, other than an operation
to fulfill the Minimum Work Obligations, has been properly proposed to the
Operating Committee and the Operating Committee has not approved such
proposal in a timely manner, then any Party shall have the right for the
appropriate period specified below to propose in accordance with Article
VII, an Exclusive Operation involving operations essentially the same as
those proposed for such Joint Operation.
(1) For proposals involving the use of a drilling rig that is standing
by in the Contract Area, such right shall be exercisable for
twenty-four (24) hours after the time specified in Article 5.12(A)(1)
has expired.
(2) For proposals to develop a Discovery, such right shall be
exercisable for ten (10) Days after the date the Operating Committee
was required to consider such proposal pursuant to Article 5.6 or
Article 5.12.
(3) For all other proposals, such right shall be exercisable for five
(5) Days after the date the Operating Committee was required to
consider such proposal pursuant to Article 5.6 or Article 5.12.
<PAGE>
(B) If a Party voted against any proposal which was approved by the
Operating Committee and which could be conducted as an Exclusive Operation
pursuant to Article VII other than any proposal relating to Minimum Work
Obligations, then such Party shall have the right not to participate in the
operation contemplated by such approval. Any such Party wishing to exercise
its right of non-consent must give notice of non-consent to all other
Parties within five (5) Days (or within twenty-four (24) hours if the
drilling rig to be used in such operation is standing by in the Contract
Area) following Operating Committee approval of such proposal. The Parties
that were not entitled to give or did not give notice of non-consent shall
be Consenting Parties as to the operation contemplated by the Operating
Committee approval, and shall conduct such operation as an Exclusive
Operation under Article VII. Any Party that gave notice of non-consent
shall be a Non-Consenting Party as to such Exclusive Operation.
(C) If the Consenting Parties to an Exclusive Operation under Article
5.13(A) or Article 5.13(B) concur, then the Operating Committee may, at any
time, pursuant to this Article, reconsider and approve, decide or take
action on any proposal that the Operating Committee declined to approve
earlier, or modify or revoke an earlier approval, decision or action.
ARTICLE VI
WORK PROGRAMS AND BUDGETS
6.1 Exploration and Appraisal
(A) Within ____________ (90) Days after the date of execution of this
Agreement, Operator shall deliver to the Parties a proposed Work Program
and Budget detailing the Joint Operations to be performed in the Contract
Area for the remainder of the current Calendar Year and, if appropriate,
for the following Calendar Year. Within _____________ (45) Days of such
delivery, the Operating Committee shall meet to consider and to endeavor to
agree on a Work Program and Budget.
(B) On or before the 1st of OCTOBER of each Calendar Year, Operator shall
deliver to the Parties a proposed Work Program and Budget detailing the
Joint Operations to be performed in the Contract Area for the following
Calendar Year. Within forty-five (45) Days of such delivery, the Operating
Committee shall meet to consider and to endeavor to agree on a Work Program
and Budget.
<PAGE>
(C) If a Discovery is made, Operator shall deliver any notice of Discovery
required under the Contract and shall as soon as possible submit to the
Parties a report containing available details concerning the Discovery and
Operator's recommendation as to whether the Discovery merits appraisal. If
the Operating Committee determines that the Discovery merits appraisal,
Operator within __________ (20) Days, shall deliver to the Parties a
proposed Work Program and Budget for the appraisal of the Discovery. Within
__________ (10) Days of such delivery, or earlier if necessary to meet any
applicable deadline under the Contract, the Operating Committee shall meet
to consider, modify and then either approve or reject the appraisal Work
Program and Budget. If the appraisal Work Program and Budget is approved by
the Operating Committee, Operator shall take such steps as may be required
under the Contract to secure approval of the appraisal Work Program and
Budget by the Government and Government Oil Company. In the event the
Government or the Government Oil Company requires changes in the appraisa1
Work Program and Budget, the matter shall be resubmitted to the Operating
Committee for further consideration.
(D) The Work Program and Budget agreed pursuant to this Article shall
include the Minimum Work Obligations, or at least that part of such Minimum
Work Obligations required to be carried out during the Calendar Year in
question under the terms of the Contract. If within the time periods
prescribed in this Article the Operating Committee is unable to agree on
such Work Program and Budget, Operator shall take such actions, but only
such actions for the Joint Account as are necessary to maintain the
Contract in full force and effect, including the commencement of a Work
Program and Budget to fulfill the Minimum Work Obligations required for the
given Calendar Year.
(E) Subject to Article 6.7, approval of any such Work Program and Budget,
which includes:
(1) an Exploration Well, whether by drilling, Deepening or
Sidetracking, shall include approval for:
Check one Alternative.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1 - No Casing Point Election
All expenditures necessary for drilling, Testing and Completing such Exploration
Well.
[X] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2 - Casing Point Election - (This alternative shall not
apply where Minimum Work Obligations require Testing and Completing of a well.)
Only expenditures necessary for drilling and open-hole Testing of such well.
When an Exploration Well has reached its authorized depth, all logs, cores and
other approved tests have been conducted and the results furnished to the
Parties, Operator shall submit to the Parties in accordance with Article
5.12(A)(1) an election to participate in an attempt to Complete such well.
Operator shall include in such submission Operator's recommendation on such
Completion attempt and on AFE for such Completion Costs.
(2) an Appraisal Well, whether by drilling, Deepening or Sidetracking,
shall include approval for:
Check one Alternative.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1 - No Casing Point Election
All expenditures necessary for drilling, Testing and Completing such Appraisal
Well.
<PAGE>
[X] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2 - Casing Point Election - (This alternative shall not
apply where Minimum Work Obligations require Testing and Completing of a well.)
Only expenditures necessary for drilling, Sidetracking and open-hole Testing of
such well. When an Appraisal Well has reached its authorized depth, all logs,
cores and other approved tests have been conducted and the results furnished to
the Parties, Operator shall submit to the Parties in accordance with Article
5.12(A)(1) an election to participate in an attempt to Complete such well.
Operator shall include in such submission Operator's recommendation an such
Completion attempt and on AFE for such Completion Costs.
(F) Any Party desiring to propose a Completion attempt, or an alternative
Completion attempt, must do so within the time period provided in Article
5.12(A)(1) by notifying all other Parties. Any such proposal shall include
an AFE for such Completion Costs.
6.2 Development
(A) If the Operating Committee determines that a Discovery may be
commercial, the Operator shall, as soon as practicable, deliver to the
Parties a Development Plan together with the first annual Work Program and
Budget and provisional Work Programs and Budgets for the remainder of the
development of the Discovery, which shall contain, inter alia:
(1) Details of the proposed work to be undertaken, personnel required
and expenditures to be incurred, including the timing of same, on a
Calendar Year basis;
(2) An estimated date for the commencement of production;
(3) A delineation of the proposed Exploitation Area; and
(4) Any other information requested by the Operating Committee.
(B) After receipt of the Development Plan, or earlier if necessary to meet
any applicable deadline under the Contract, the Operating Committee shall
meet to consider, modify and then either approve or reject the Development
Plan and the first annual Work Program and Budget for the development
submitted by Operator. If the Development Plan is approved by the Operating
Committee, Operator shall, as soon as possible, deliver any notice of
Commercial Discovery required under the Contract and take such other steps
as may be required under the Contract to secure approval of the Development
Plan by the Government and Government Oil Company. In the event the
Government or Government Oil Company requires changes in the Development
Plan, the matter shall be resubmitted to the Operating Committee for
further consideration.
<PAGE>
(C) If the Development Plan is approved, such work shall be incorporated
into and form part of annual Work Programs and Budgets, and Operator shall
on or before DEC. 1st of each Calendar Year submit a Work Program and
Budget for the Exploitation Area, for the following Calendar Year. Within
forty-five (45) Days after such submittal, the Operating Committee shall
endeavor to agree to such Work Program and Budget, including any necessary
or appropriate revisions to the Work Program and Budget for the approved
Development Plan.
6.3 Production
On or before the 1st day of DECEMBER each Calendar Year, Operator shall deliver
to the Parties a proposed production Work Program and Budget detailing the Joint
Operations to be performed in the Exploitation Area and the projected production
schedule for the following Calendar Year. Within forty-five (45) Days of such
delivery, the Operating Committee shall agree upon a production Work Program and
Budget.
6.4 Itemization of Expenditures
(A) During the preparation of the proposed Work Programs and Budgets and
Development Plans contemplated in this Article, Operator shall consult with
the Operating Committee regarding the contents of such Work Programs and
Budgets and Development Plans.
(B) Each Work Program and Budget and Development Plan submitted by Operator
shall contain an itemized estimate of the costs of Joint Operations and all
other expenditures to be made for the Joint Account during the Calendar
Year in question.
(C) The Work Program and Budget shall designate the portion or portions of
the Contract Area in which Joint Operations itemized in such Work Program
and Budget are to be conducted and shall specify the kind and extent of
such operations in such detail as the Operating Committee may deem
suitable.
6.5 Contract Awards
Operator shall award each contract for approved Joint Operations on the
following basis (the amounts stated are in thousands of U.S. Dollars):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
PROCEDURE A PROCEDURE B PROCEDURE C
------------ ------------ -----------
Exploration and Appraisal Operations $ 0 to $ $ _____ to $ >$
- ------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
Development Operations $ 0 to $ $ _____ to $ >$
------------ ------------ -----------
Production Operations $ 0 to $ $ _____ to $ >$
- ------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ -----------
</TABLE>
Procedure
<PAGE>
(A) Intentionally deleted.
Procedure
(B) Operator shall:
(1) Provide the Parties with a list of the entities whom Operator
proposes to invite to tender for the said contract;
(2) Add to such list any entity whom a Party requests to be added
within fourteen (14) Days of receipt of such list;
(3) Complete the tendering process within a reasonable period of time;
(4) Inform the Parties of the entities to whom the contract has been
awarded, provided that before awarding contracts to Affiliates of the
Operator which exceed U.S. Dollars ________________ (U.S. $
100,000.00), Operator shall obtain the approval of the Operating
Committee;
(5) Circulate to the Parties a competitive bid analysis stating the
reasons for the choice made; and
(6) Upon the request of a Party, provide such Party with a copy of the
final version of the contract awarded.
Procedure
(C) Operator shall:
(1) Provide the Parties with a list of the entities whom Operator
proposes to invite to tender for the said contract;
(2) Add to such list any entity whom a Party requests to be added
within fourteen (14) Days of receipt of such list;
(3) Prepare and dispatch the tender documents to the entities on the
list as aforesaid and to Non-Operators;
(4) After the expiration of the period allowed for tendering, consider
and analyze the details of all bids received;
<PAGE>
(5) Prepare and circulate to the Parties a competitive bid analysis,
stating Operator's recommendation as to the entity to whom the
contract should be awarded, the reasons therefore, and the technical,
commercial and contractual terms to be agreed upon;
(6) Obtain the approval of the Operating Committee to the recommended
bid; and
(7) Upon the request of a Party, provide such Party with a copy of the
final version of the contract.
6.6 Authorization for Expenditure ("AFE") Procedure
(A) Prior to incurring any commitment or expenditure, which is estimated to
be:
(1) In excess of U.S. Dollars ______________ (U.S. $100,000.00) in an
exploration or appraisal Work Program and Budget;
(2) In excess of U.S. Dollars _______________ (U.S. $100,000.00) in a
development Work Program and Budget.; and
(3) In excess of U.S. Dollars _______________ (U.S. $100,000.00) in a
production Work Program and Budget.
Operator shall send to each Non-Operator an AFE containing Operator's best
estimate of the total funds required to carry out such work; the estimated
timing of expenditures, and any other necessary supportive information.
Notwithstanding the above, the Operator shall not be obliged to furnish an AFE
to the Parties before incurring any commitment or expenditures in connection
with the workover of the well or wells where such workover is pursuant to an
approved production Work Program and Budget.
Check one Alternative.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1
(B) All AFE's shall be for informational purposes only and, provided
the work and the funds to be expended therefor are authorized in the
current Work Program and Budget, Operator shall not be required to
obtain approval for such AFE prior to commencement of work.
[X] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2
b. Prior to expending any monies or incurring any commitments for
work, Operator shall obtain the approval of the Operating
Committee to such AFE.
<PAGE>
Check if desired.
OPTIONAL PROVISION
[ ] Any Party voting to disapprove an AFE issued in furtherance of an
approved Work Program and Budget shall demonstrate that such disapproval is duly
justified and shall state the reasons for such disapproval.
(C) The restrictions contained in this Article shall be without prejudice
to Operator's rights to make expenditures as set out in Article 4.2(B)(11)
and Article 13.5.
6.7 Overexpenditures of Work Programs and Budgets
(A) For expenditures on any line item of an approved Work Program and
Budget, Operator shall be entitled to incur without furnishing a
supplemental AFE an overexpenditure for such line item up to ten percent
(10%) of the authorized amount for such line item; provided that cumulative
total of all overexpenditures for a Calendar Year shall not exceed five
percent (5%) of the total Work Program and Budget in question.
(B) At such time that Operator is certain that the limits of Article 6.7(A)
will be exceeded, Operator shall furnish a supplemental AFE for the
estimated overexpenditures to the Operating Committee for its approval and
shall provide the Parties with full details of such overexpenditures.
Operator shall promptly give notice of the amounts of overexpenditures when
actually incurred.
ARTICLE VII
OPERATIONS BY LESS THAN ALL PARTIES
7.1 Limitation on Applicability
(A) No operations may be conducted in furtherance of the Contract except as
Joint Operations under Article V, or as Exclusive Operations under this
Article. No Exclusive Operation shall be conducted which conflicts with a
Joint Operation.
(B) Operations which are required to fulfill the Minimum Work Obligations
must be proposed and conducted as Joint Operations under Article V, and may
not be proposed or conducted as Exclusive Operations under this Article.
<PAGE>
Check if desired.
OPTIONAL PROVISION
[X] Except for Exclusive Operations relating to Deepening, Testing,
Completing, Sidetracking, Plugging Back, Recompletions or Reworking of a well
drilled to fulfill the Minimum Work Obligations, no Exclusive Operations may be
proposed or conducted until the Minimum Work Obligations for the then current
Contract period are fulfilled.
(C) No Party may propose or conduct an Exclusive Operation under this
Article, unless and until such Party has properly exercised its right to
propose an Exclusive Operation pursuant to Article 5.13, or is entitled to
conduct an Exclusive Operation pursuant to Article X.
(D) Subject to this Article, any operation that may be proposed and
conducted as a Joint Operation, other than operations pursuant to an
approved Development Plan, may be proposed and conducted as an Exclusive
Operation.
7.2 Procedure to Propose Exclusive Operations
(A) Subject to Article 7.1, if any Party proposes to conduct an Exclusive
Operation, such Party shall give notice of the proposed operation to all
Parties, other than Parties who have relinquished their Participating
Interest in the Exploitation Area in which the proposed operation is to be
conducted. Such notice shall specify that such operation is proposed as an
Exclusive Operation, the work to be performed, the location, the
objectives, and estimated cost of such operation.
(B) Any Party entitled to receive such notice shall have the right to
participate in the proposed operation.
(1) For proposals to Deepen, Test, Complete, Sidetrack, Plug Back,
Recomplete or Rework involving the use of a drilling rig that is
standing by in the Contract Area, any such Party wishing to exercise
such right must so notify Operator within twenty-four (24) hours after
receipt of the notice proposing the Exclusive Operation.
(2) For proposals to develop a Discovery, any Party wishing to
exercise such right must so notify the Party proposing to develop
within twenty (20) Days after receipt of the notice proposing the
Exclusive Operation.
(3) For all other proposals, any such Party wishing to exercise such
right must so notify Operator within ten (10) Days after receipt of
the notice proposing the Exclusive Operation;
<PAGE>
(C) Failure of a Party to whom a proposal notice is delivered to properly
reply within the period specified above shall constitute an election by
that Party not to participate in the proposed operation.
(D) If all Parties properly exercise their rights to participate, then the
proposed operation shall be conducted as a Joint Operation. The Operator
shall commence such Joint Operation as promptly as practicable and conduct
it with due diligence.
(E) If less than all Parties entitled to receive such proposal notice
properly exercise their rights to participate, then:
Check one Alternative.
[X] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1
(1) The Party proposing the Exclusive Operation, together with any
other Consenting Parties, shall have the right exercisable for the
applicable notice period set out in Article 7.2(B), to instruct
Operator (subject to Article 7.9(G)) to conduct the Exclusive
Operation.
(2) If the Exclusive Operation is conducted, the Consenting Parties
shall bear the sole liability and expense of such Exclusive Operation
in a fraction, the numerator of which is such Consenting Party's
Participating Interest as stated in Article 3.1(A) and the denominator
of which is the aggregate of the Participating Interests of the
Consenting Parties as stated in Article 3.1(A), or in such other
proportion totaling one hundred percent (100%) of such liability and
expense as the Consenting Parties may agree.
(3) If such Exclusive Operation has not been commenced within
______________ (180) Days (excluding any extension specifically agreed
by all Parties or allowed by the force majeure provisions of Article
XVI), the right to conduct such Exclusive Operation shall terminate.
If any Party still desires to conduct such Exclusive Operation,
written notice proposing such operation must be resubmitted to the
Parties in accordance with Article V, as if no proposal to conduct an
Exclusive Operation had been previously made.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2
(1) Immediately after the expiration of the applicable notice period
set out in Article 7.2(B), the Operator shall notify all Parties of
the names of the Consenting Parties and the recommendation of the
proposing Party as to whether the Consenting Parties should proceed
with the Exclusive Operation.
<PAGE>
(2) Concurrently, Operator shall request the Consenting Parties to
specify the Participating Interest each Consenting Party is willing to
bear in the Exclusive Operation.
(3) Within twenty-four (24) hours after receipt of such notice, each
Consenting Party shall respond to the Operator stating that it is
willing to bear a Participating Interest in such Exclusive Operation
equal to:
(a) Only its Participating Interest as stated in Article 3.1(A);
(b) A fraction, the numerator of which is such Consenting Party's
Participating Interest as stated in Article 3.1(A) and the
denominator of which is the aggregate of the Participating
Interests of the Consenting Parties as stated in Article 3.1(A);
or
(c) The total of its Participating Interest as contemplated by
Article 7.2(E)(3)(b) plus all or any part of the difference
between one hundred percent (100%) and the total of the
Participating Interests subscribed by the other Consenting
Parties.
(4) Any Consenting Party failing to advise Operator within the
response period set out above shall be deemed to have elected to bear
the Participating Interest set out in Article 7.2(E)(3)(b) as to the
Exclusive Operation.
(5) If, within the response period set out above, the Consenting
Parties subscribe less than one hundred percent (100%) of the
Participating Interest in the Exclusive Operation, the Party proposing
such Exclusive Operation shall be deemed to have withdrawn its
proposal for the Exclusive Operation, unless within twenty-four (24)
hours of the expiry of the response period set out in Article
7.2(E)(3), the proposing Party notifies the other Consenting Parties
that the proposing Party shall bear the unsubscribed Participating
Interest.
(6) If one hundred percent (100%) subscription to the proposed
Exclusive Operation is obtained, Operator shall promptly notify the
Consenting Parties of their Participating Interests in the Exclusive
Operation.
(7) As soon as any Exclusive Operation is fully subscribed pursuant to
Article 7.2(E)(6) Operator (subject to Article 7.9(G)), shall commence
such Exclusive Operation as promptly as practicable and conduct it
with due diligence in accordance with this Agreement.
<PAGE>
(8) If such Exclusive Operation has not been commenced within
____________ (180) Days (excluding any extension specifically agreed
by all Parties or allowed by the force majeure provisions of Article
XVI), the right to conduct such Exclusive Operation shall terminate.
If any Party still desires to conduct such Exclusive Operation,
written notice proposing such operation must be resubmitted to the
Parties in accordance with Article V, as if no proposal to conduct an
Exclusive Operation had been previously made.
7.3 Responsibility for Exclusive Operations
(A) The Consenting Parties shall bear in accordance with the Participating
Interests agreed under Article 7.2(E) the entire cost and liability of
conducting an Exclusive Operation and shall indemnify the Non-Consenting
Parties from any and all costs and liabilities incurred incident to such
Exclusive Operation (included but not limited to all costs, expenses or
liabilities for environmental, consequential, punitive or any other similar
indirect damages or losses arising from business interruption, reservoir or
formation damage, inability to produce petroleum, loss of profits,
pollution control and environmental amelioration or rehabilitation) and
shall keep the Contract Area free and clear of all liens and encumbrances
of every kind created by or arising from such Exclusive Operation.
(B) Notwithstanding Article 7.3(A), each Party shall continue to bear its
Participating Interest share of the cost and liability incident to the
operations in which it participated, including but not limited to plugging
and abandoning and restoring the surface location, but only to the extent
those costs were not increased by the Exclusive Operation.
7.4 Consequences of Exclusive Operations
(A) With regard to any Exclusive Operation, for so long as a Non-Consenting
Party has the option to re-instate the rights it relinquished under Article
7.4(B) below, such Non-Consenting Party shall be entitled to have access
concurrently with the Consenting Parties, to all data and other information
relating to such Exclusive Operation, other than G & G Data obtained in an
Exclusive Operation. If a Non-Consenting Party desires to receive and
acquire the right to use such G & G Data, then such Non-Consenting Party
shall have the right to do so by paying to the Consenting Parties its
Participating Interest share as set out in Article 3.1(A) of the cost
incurred in obtaining such G & G Data.
(B) With regard to any Exclusive Operation and subject to Article 7.4(C)
(and Article 7.8, if selected) below, each Non-Consenting Party shall be
deemed to have relinquished to the Consenting Parties, and the Consenting
Parties shall be deemed to own, in proportion to their respective
Participating Interests in the Exclusive Operation:
(1) All of each such Non-Consenting Party's right to participate in
further operations on any Discovery made in the course of such
Exclusive Operation; and
<PAGE>
(2) All of each such Non-Consenting Party's right pursuant to the
Contract to take and dispose of Hydrocarbons produced and saved:
(a) From the well in which such Exclusive Operation was
conducted, and
(b) From any wells drilled to appraise or develop a Discovery.
(C) A Non-Consenting Party shall have the following and only the following
options to reinstate the rights it relinquished pursuant to Article 7.4(B):
(1) If the Consenting Parties decide to appraise a Discovery made in
the course of an Exclusive Operation, the Consenting Parties shall
submit to each Non-Consenting Party the approved appraisal program.
For thirty (30) Days (or forty-eight (48) hours if the drilling rig
which is to be used in such appraisal program is standing by in the
Contract Area) from receipt of such appraisal program, each
Non-Consenting Party shall have the option to reinstate the rights it
relinquished pursuant to Article 7.4(B) and to participate in such
appraisal program. The Non-Consenting Party may exercise such option
by notifying Operator within the period specified above that such
Non-Consenting Party agrees to bear its Participating Interest share
of the expense and liability of such appraisal program, to pay the
lump sum amount as set out in Article 7.5(A) and to pay:
Check one Alternative.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1
The Cash Premium as set out in Article 7.5(B);
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2
The In Kind Premium as set out in Article 7.5(C);
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 3
At the choice of the Non-Consenting Party exercising such option, either the
Cash Premium as set out in Article 7.5(B) or the In Kind Premium as set out in
Article 7.5(C).
<PAGE>
(2) If the Consenting Parties decide to develop a Discovery made or
appraised in the course of an Exclusive Operation, the Consenting
Parties shall submit to the Non-Consenting Parties a Development Plan
substantially in the form intended to be submitted to the Government
under the Contract. For sixty (60) Days from receipt of such
Development Plan or such lesser period of time prescribed by the
Contract, each Non-Consenting Party shall have the option to reinstate
the rights it relinquished pursuant to Article 7.4(B) and to
participate in such Development Plan. The Non-Consenting Party may
exercise such option by notifying the Party proposing to act as
Operator for such Development Plan within the period specified above
that such Non-Consenting Party agrees to bear its Participating
Interest share of the liability and expense of such Development Plan
and such future operating and producing costs, to pay the lump sum
amount as set out in Article 7.5(A) and to pay:
Check one Alternative.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1
The Cash Premium as set out in Article 7.5(B);
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2
The In Kind Premium as set out in Article 7.5(C);
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 3
At the choice of the Non-Consenting Party exercising such option, either the
Cash Premium as set out in Article 7.5(B) or the In Kind Premium as set out in
Article 7.5(C).
(3) If the Consenting Parties decide to Deepen, Test, Complete,
Sidetrack, Plug Back, Recomplete or Rework an Exclusive Well and such
further operation was not included in the original proposal for such
Exclusive Well, the Consenting Parties shall submit to the
Non-Consenting Parties the approved AFE for such further operation.
For thirty (30) Days (or forty-eight (48) hours if the drilling rig
which is to be used in such operation is standing by in the Contract
Area) from receipt of such AFE, each Non-Consenting Party shall have
the option to reinstate the rights it relinquished pursuant to Article
7.4(B) and to participate in such operation. The Non-Consenting Party
may exercise such option by notifying the Operator within the period
specified above that such Non-Consenting Party agrees to bear its
Participating Interest share of the liability and expense of such
further operation, to pay the lump sum amount as set out in Article
7.5(A) and to pay:
Check one Alternative.
[X] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1
The Cash Premium as set out in Article 7.5(B);
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2
The In Kind Premium as set out in Article 7.5(C);
<PAGE>
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 3
At the choice of the Non-Consenting Party exercising such option, either the
Cash Premium as set out in Article 7.5(B) or the In Kind Premium as set out in
Article 7.5(C).
(D) If a Non-Consenting Party does not properly and in a timely manner
exercise such option, including paying in a timely manner in accordance
with Article 7.5, all lump sum amounts and Cash Premiums, if any, due to
the Consenting Parties, such Non-Consenting Party shall have forfeited the
options as set out in Article 7.4(C) and the right to participate in the
proposed program, unless such program, plan or operation is materially
modified or expanded.
(E) A Non-Consenting Party shall become a Consenting Party with regard to
an Exclusive Operation at such time as the Non-Consenting Party gives
proper notice pursuant to Article 7.4(C); provided that such Non-Consenting
Party shall in no way be deemed to be entitled to any lump sum amount Cash
Premium or In Kind Premium paid incident to such Exclusive Operation. The
Participating Interest of such Non-Consenting Party in such Exclusive
Operation shall be its Participating Interest set out in Article 3.1(A).
The Consenting Party shall contribute in proportion to their respective
Participating Interests in such Exclusive Operation, the Participating
Interest of the Non-Consenting Party. If all Parties participate in the
proposed operation, then such operation shall be conducted as a Joint
Operation pursuant to Article V.
(F) If after the expiry of the period in which a Non-Consenting Party may
exercise its option to participate in a Development Plan the Consenting
Parties desire to proceed, the Party chosen by the Consenting Parties
proposing to act as Operator for such development, shall give notice to the
Government under the appropriate provision of the Contract requesting a
meeting to advise the Government that the Consenting Parties consider the
Discovery to be a Commercial Discovery. Following such meeting such
Operator for such development shall apply for an Exploitation Area (if
applicable in the Contract). Unless the Development Plan is materially
modified or expanded prior to the commencement of operations under such
plan, each Non-Consenting Party to such Development Plan shall:
(1) If the Contract so allows, elect not to apply for an Exploitation
Area covering such development and forfeit all interest in such
Exploitation Area, or
(2) If the Contract does not so allow, be deemed to have:
(a) Elected not to apply for an Exploitation Area covering such
development;
(b) Forfeited all economic interest in such Exploitation Area;
<PAGE>
(c) Assumed a fiduciary duty to exercise its legal interest in
such Exploitation Area for the benefit of the Consenting Parties.
In either case such Non-Consenting Party shall be deemed to have withdrawn from
this Agreement to the extent it relates to such Exploitation Area, even if the
Development Plan is modified or expanded subsequent to the commencement of
operations under such Development Plan.
7.5 Premium to Participate in Exclusive Operations
(A) Within thirty (30) Days of the exercise of its option under Article
7.4(C), each such Non-Consenting Party shall pay in immediately available
funds to the Consenting Parties who took the risk of such Exclusive
Operations in proportion to their respective Participating Interests in
such Exclusive Operations a lump sum amount payable in the currency
designated by such Consenting Parties. Such lump sum amount shall be equal
to such Non-Consenting Party's Participating Interest share of all
liabilities and expenses, including overhead, that were incurred in every
Exclusive Operations relating to the Discovery, or well, as the case may
be, in which the Non-Consenting Party desires to reinstate the rights it
relinquished pursuant to Article 7.4(B), and that were not previously paid
by such Non-Consenting Party.
(B) In addition to Article 7.5(A), if a Cash Premium is due, then within
thirty (30) Days of the exercise of its option under Article 7.4(C) each
such Non-Consenting Party shall pay in immediately available funds, in the
currency designated by the Consenting Parties who took the risk of such
Exclusive Operations, to such Consenting Parties in proportion to their
respective Participating Interests a Cash Premium equal to the total of:
(1) _______________ percent (500%) of such Non-Consenting Party's
Participating Interest share of all liabilities and expenses,
including overhead, that were incurred in any Exclusive Operations
relating to the obtaining of the portion of the G & G Data which
pertains to the Discovery, and that were not previously paid by such
Non-Consenting Party; plus
(2) ____________ percent ( 500%) of such Non-Consenting Party's
Participating Interest share of all liabilities and expenses,
including overhead, that were incurred in any Exclusive Operations
relating to the drilling, Deepening, Testing, Completing,
Sidetracking, Plugging Back, Recompleting and Reworking of the
Exploration Well which made the Discovery in which the Non-Consenting
Party desires to reinstate the rights it relinquished pursuant to
Article 7.4(B), and that were not previously paid by such
Non-Consenting Party; plus
<PAGE>
(3) _____________ percent ( 500 %) of the Non-Consenting Party's
Participating Interest share of all liabilities and expenses,
including overhead, that were incurred in any Exclusive Operations
relating to the drilling, Deepening, Testing, Completing,
Sidetracking, Plugging Back, Recompleting and Reworking of the
Appraisal Well(s) which delineated the Discovery in which the
Non-Consenting Party desires to reinstate the rights it relinquished
pursuant to Article 7.4(B), and that were not previously paid by such
Non-Consenting Party.
(C) In addition to Article 7.5(A), if an In-Kind Premium is due, each
Non-Consenting Party exercising its option under Article 7.4(C), shall be
deemed to grant to the Consenting Parties, and the Consenting Parties, in
proportion to their Participating Interests, shall be deemed to accept an
In Kind Premium, until such time as the In Kind Premium has been fully
satisfied. The In Kind Premium shall be the right to own, take in kind and
separately dispose of Hydrocarbons produced out of one hundred percent
(100%) of the Non-Consenting Party's Entitlement to future production
(including Cost Oil, Profit Oil and, where applicable under the Contract,
gas) from the Exploitation Area for the Discovery in which the
Non-Consenting Party desires to reinstate the rights it relinquished
pursuant to Article 7.4(B)(2)(a) and (b) (or if applicable, from only the
well in which the Non-Consenting Party desires to reinstate the rights it
relinquished pursuant to Article 7.4(B)(2)(a)). The value in U.S. Dollars
of the In Kind Premium shall equal a total of:
(1) ___________ percent (500%) of such Non-Consenting Party's
Participating Interest share of all liabilities and expenses,
including overhead, that were incurred in any Exclusive Operations
relating to the obtaining of the portion of the G & G Data which
pertains to the Discovery, and that were not previously paid by such
Non-Consenting Party; plus
(2) ___________ percent (500%) of such Non-Consenting Party's
Participating Interest share of all liabilities and expenses,
including overhead, that were incurred in any Exclusive Operations
relating to the drilling, Deepening, Testing, Completing,
Sidetracking, Plugging Back, Recompleting and Reworking of the
Exploration Well which made the Discovery in which the Non-Consenting
Party desires to reinstate the rights it relinquished pursuant to
Article 7.4(B), and that were not previously paid by such
Non-Consenting Party; plus
(3) ____________ percent (500%) of the Non-Consenting Party's
Participating Interest share of all liabilities and expenses,
including overhead, that were incurred in any Exclusive Operations
relating to the drilling, Deepening, Testing, Completing,
Sidetracking, Plugging Back, Recompleting and Reworking of the
Appraisal Well(s) which delineated the Discovery in which the
Non-Consenting Party desires to reinstate the rights it relinquished
pursuant to Article 7.4(B), and that were not previously paid by such
Non-Consenting Party; plus
<PAGE>
(D) The In Kind Premium shall be deemed fully satisfied when the aggregate
value (determined in U.S. Dollars in accordance with Article 7.5(F)) of the
Hydrocarbons received by the Consenting Parties as In Kind Premium equals
the sum of the amounts calculated in U.S. Dollars pursuant to Article
7.5(C)). After such satisfaction the Consenting Parties' right to such In
Kind Premium shall terminate, and such Non-Consenting Party shall own, take
and dispose of its Entitlement from such Exploitation Area. Production from
other fields in the Contract Area, outside such Exploitation Area (whether
Cost Oil or Profit Oil) shall not be used to satisfy the In Kind Premium.
Any obligation of the Non-Consenting Party to satisfy the In Kind Premium
shall terminate with the cessation of production from the Exploitation Area
(or well, as the case may be) which the In Kind Premium encumbers, and in
such event, no cash payment, in lieu of production, shall be due from the
Non-Consenting Party for the unsatisfied balance of the In Kind Premium.
(E) Within ninety (90) Days after the Completion of any Exclusive
Operation, the Operator shall furnish to each Non-Consenting Party that has
granted an In Kind Premium in respect of such Exclusive Operation an
inventory of the equipment in and connected to the well, and an itemized
statement of the cost of such Exclusive Operation, including equipping the
well for production. Each Calendar Quarter during the period of satisfying
an In Kind Premium, Operator shall furnish to the Non-Consenting Parties
that have granted such In Kind Premium an itemized statement of all costs
and liabilities incurred in the Exclusive Operation(s), establishing the
value of such In Kind Premium together with a statement of the quantity of
Hydrocarbons produced to satisfy such In Kind Premium and the amount of
proceeds realized from the sale of such production during the preceding
Calendar Quarter.
(F) For the purpose of determining satisfaction of the In Kind Premium, the
value of the Hydrocarbons received by a Consenting Party as In Kind Premium
shall be the weighted average price per Barrel (f.o.b. the point of
delivery of the Cost Oil and Profit Oil to the Consenting Parties) which
such Consenting Party receives from the sale of such Hydrocarbons to
non-affiliated purchasers, in arms length transactions. For sales to
Affiliates, the price so used shall be the price at which Hydrocarbons of a
similar grade, gravity and quality (adjusted for differentials in
accordance with regularly established practice) were sold generally on
world markets, during the particular period of sale, in free and fair arms
length transactions, with due adjustments being made for differing
geographical locations. Notwithstanding the fact that royalty or any other
payment obligation to the Government is based on an "official" or
"Government" stated price, the price used for calculation of the
satisfaction of the In Kind Premium shall be the price determined in
accordance with this Article.
(G) In determining the quantity of Hydrocarbons produced for purposes of
the In Kind Premium, the Consenting Parties shall use industry accepted
methods such as but not limited to metering or periodic well tests.
<PAGE>
(H) During the period of time Consenting Parties are entitled to an In Kind
Premium, such Consenting Parties shall be responsible for the payment of
all royalties, charges, taxes, and all other burdens established by the
Contract directly related to such In Kind Premium.
(I) Any amount realized from the sale or other disposition of equipment,
which was acquired in connection with an Exclusive Operation, shall be
credited against the satisfaction of the In Kind Premium.
(J) On satisfaction of the In Kind Premium, the right of such
Non-Consenting Party to own, take in kind and separately dispose of its
Entitlement granted under Article 7.5(C), shall be reinstated automatically
as of 7:00 a.m. on the Day following the Day on which such satisfaction
occurs.
7.6 Order of Preference of Operations
(A) Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, if any
Party desires to propose the conduct of an operation that will conflict
with an existing proposal for an Exclusive Operation, such Party shall have
the right exercisable for five (5) Days, or twenty-four (24) hours if the
drilling rig to be used is standing by in the Contract Area, from receipt
of the proposal for the Exclusive Operation, to deliver to all Parties
entitled to participate in the proposed operation such Party's alternative
proposal. Such alternative proposal shall contain the information required
under Article 7.2(A).
(B) Each Party receiving such proposals shall elect by delivery of notice
to Operator within the appropriate response period set out in Article
7.2(B) to participate in one of the competing proposals. Any Party not
notifying Operator within the response period shall be deemed not to have
voted.
(C) The proposal receiving the largest aggregate Participating Interest
vote shall have priority over all other competing proposals. In the case of
a tie vote, the Operator shall choose among the proposals receiving the
largest aggregate Participating Interest vote. Operator shall deliver
notice of such result to all Parties entitled to participate in the
operation within five (5) Days of the end of the response period, or
twenty-four (24) hours if the drilling rig to be used is standing by in the
Contract Area.
(D) Each Party shall then have two (2) Days (or twenty-four (24) hours if
the drilling rig to be used is standing by in the Contract Area) from
receipt of such notice to elect by delivery of notice to Operator whether
such Party will participate in such Exclusive Operation, or will relinquish
its interest pursuant to Article 7.4(B). Failure by a Party to deliver such
notice within such period shall be deemed an election not to participate in
the prevailing proposal.
Check if desired.
OPTIONAL PROVISION
<PAGE>
[ ] (E) Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 7.4(B), if for reasons other
than the encountering of granite or other practically impenetrable
substance or any other condition in the hole rendering further operations
impracticable, a well drilled as an Exclusive Operation fails to reach the
deepest objective Zone described in the notice proposing such well,
Operator shall give notice of such failure to each Non-Consenting Party who
submitted or voted for an alternative proposal under this Article to drill
such well to a shallower Zone than the deepest objective Zone proposed in
the notice under which such well was drilled. Each such Non-Consenting
Party shall have the option exercisable for forty-eight (48) hours from
receipt of such notice to participate in the initial proposed Completion of
such well. Each such Non-Consenting Party may exercise such option by
notifying the Operator that it wishes to participate in such Completion and
by paying its share of the cost of drilling such well to its actual depth,
calculated in the manner provided in Article 7.8(B)(1). If any such
Non-Consenting Party does not properly elect to participate in the first
Completion proposed for such well, the relinquishment provisions of Article
7.4(B) shall continue to apply to such Non-Consenting Party's interest.
7.7 Stand By Costs
(A) When an operation has been performed, all tests have been conducted and
the results of such tests furnished to the Parties, stand by costs incurred
pending response to any Party's notice proposing an Exclusive Operation for
Deepening, Testing, Sidetracking, Completing, Plugging Back, Recompleting,
Reworking or other further operation in such well (including the period
required under Article 7.6 to resolve competing proposals) shall be charged
and borne as part of the operation just completed. Stand by costs incurred
subsequent to all Parties responding, or expiration of the response time
permitted, whichever first occurs, shall be charged to and borne by the
Parties proposing the Exclusive Operation in proportion to their
Participating Interests, regardless of whether such Exclusive Operation is
actually conducted.
(B) If a further operation is proposed while the drilling rig to be
utilized is on location, any Party may request and receive up to five (5)
additional Days after expiration of the applicable response period
specified in Article 7.2(B) within which to respond by notifying Operator
that such Party agrees to bear all stand by costs and other costs incurred
during such extended response period. Operator may require such Party to
pay the estimated stand by time in advance as a condition to extending the
response period. If more than one Party requests such additional time to
respond to the notice, stand by costs shall be allocated between such
Parties an a Day-to-Day basis in proportion to their Participating
Interests.
Check if desired.
[ ] OPTIONAL PROVISION
7.8 Special Considerations Regarding Deepening and Sidetracking
1.1
<PAGE>
(A) An Exclusive Well shall not be Deepened or Sidetracked without first
affording the Non-Consenting Parties in accordance with this Article the
opportunity to participate in such operation.
(B) In the event any Consenting Party desires to Deepen or Sidetrack an
Exclusive Well, such Party shall initiate the procedure contemplated by
Article 7.2. If a Deepening or Sidetracking operation is approved pursuant
to such provisions, and if any Non-Consenting Party to the Exclusive Well
elects to participate in such Deepening or Sidetracking operation, the
payment, if any, pursuant to Article 7.5 of such Non-Consenting Party shall
be calculated based on the following liabilities and expenses:
(1) If the proposal is to Deepen or Sidetrack and is made prior to the
Completion of such well as a Commercial Discovery, then payment shall
be based on such Non-Consenting Party's Participating Interest share
of the liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with drilling
the Exclusive Well from the surface to the depth previously drilled
which such Non-Consenting Party would have paid had such
Non-Consenting Party agreed to participate in such Exclusive Well,
plus the Non-Consenting Party's Participating Interest share of the
liabilities and expenses of Deepening or Sidetracking and of
participating in any further operations on such Exclusive Well in
accordance with the other provisions of this Agreement; provided,
however, all liabilities and expenses for Testing and Completing or
attempting Completion of the well incurred by Consenting Parties prior
to the commencement of actual operations to Deepen or Sidetrack beyond
the depth previously drilled shall be for the sole account of
Consenting Parties in the proportion their Participating Interest
bears to the aggregate of their Participating Interests.
<PAGE>
(2) If the proposal is to Deepen or Sidetrack and is made for an
Exclusive Well that has been previously Completed as a Commercial
Discovery, but is no longer producing, then payment shall be based on
the Non-Consenting Party's Participating Interest share of all costs
of drilling and Completing said well from the surface to the depth
previously drilled, calculated in the manner provided in Article
7.8(B)(1), less those costs recouped by the Consenting Parties from
the sale of production from such Exclusive Well, plus the
Non-Consenting Party's Participating Interest share of all costs of
re-entering said well, plus the Non-Consenting Party's proportionate
part (based on the percentage of the Exclusive Well such
Non-Consenting Party would have owned had it previously participated
in such Exclusive Well) of the costs of salvable materials and
equipment remaining in the hole and salvable surface equipment used in
connection with such well shall be determined in accordance with the
Accounting Procedure. If at the time such Deepening or Sidetracking
operation is conducted the Consenting Parties have recouped from the
Exclusive Well the amount calculated pursuant to Article 7.5, then a
Non-Consenting Party may participate in the Deepening or Sidetracking
of the Exclusive Well with no payment for liabilities and expenses
incurred prior to re-entering the well for Deepening or Sidetracking.
7.9 Miscellaneous
(A) Each Exclusive Operation shall be carried out by the Consenting Parties
acting as the Operating Committee, subject to the provisions of this
Agreement applied mutatis mutandis to such Exclusive Operation and subject
----------------
to the terms and conditions of the Contract.
(B) The computation of liabilities and expenses incurred in Exclusive
Operations, including the liabilities and expenses of Operator for
conducting such operations, shall be made in accordance with the principles
set out in the Accounting Procedure.
(C) Operator shall maintain separate books, financial records and accounts
for Exclusive Operations which shall be subject to the same rights of audit
and examination as the Joint Account and related records, all as provided
in the Accounting Procedure. Said rights of audit and examination shall
extend to each of the Consenting Parties and each of the Non-Consenting
Parties so long as the latter are, or may be, entitled to elect to
participate in such operations.
(D) Operator, if it is not a Consenting Party and it is conducting an
Exclusive Operation for the Consenting Parties, shall be entitled to
request cash advances and shall not be required to use its own funds to pay
any cost and expense and shall not be obliged to commence or continue
Exclusive Operations until cash advances requested have been made, and the
Accounting Procedure shall apply to Operator in respect of any Exclusive
Operations conducted by it.
(E) Should the submission of a Development Plan be approved in accordance
with Article 5.9, or should any Party propose a development in accordance
with Article VII, with either proposal not calling for the conduct of
additional appraisal drilling, and should any Party wish to drill an
additional Appraisal Well prior to development, then the Party proposing
the Appraisal Well as an Exclusive Operation shall be entitled to proceed
first, but without the right to future reimbursement of costs or to any
Premium, pursuant to Article 7.5. If, as the result of drilling such
Appraisal Well as an Exclusive Operation, the Party proposing to apply for
an Exploitation Area decides to not develop the reservoir, then each
Non-Consenting Party who voted in favor of such Development Plan prior to
the drilling of such Appraisal Well shall pay to the Consenting Party the
amount such Non-Consenting Party would have paid had such Appraisal Well
been drilled as a Joint Operation.
<PAGE>
(F) In the case of any Exclusive Operation for Deepening, Testing,
Completing, Sidetracking, Plugging Back, Recompleting or Rework, the
Consenting Parties shall be permitted to use, free of cost, all casing,
tubing and other equipment in the well, that is not needed for Joint
Operations, but the ownership of all such equipment shall remain unchanged.
On abandonment of a well after such Exclusive Operation, the Consenting
Parties shall account for all such equipment to the Parties who shall
receive their respective Participating Interest shares, in value, less cost
of salvage.
(G) If the Operator is a Non-Consenting Party to an Exclusive Operation to
develop a Discovery, then subject to obtaining any necessary Government
approval the Operator may resign, but in any event shall resign on the
request of the Consenting Parties, as Operator for the Exploitation Area
for such Discovery and the Consenting Parties shall select a Party to serve
as Operator.
ARTICLE 8
DEFAULT
8.1 Default and Notice
Any Party that fails to pay when due its Participating Interest share of Joint
Account expenses including cash advances and interest, accrued pursuant to this
Agreement (a "Defaulting Party") shall be in default under this Agreement.
Operator, or any other Party in the case of the default of Operator, shall
promptly give written notice of such default to such Party and each of the
non-defaulting Parties. The amount not paid by the Defaulting Party shall bear
interest from the date due until paid in full. Interest will be calculated
using the Agreed Interest Rate.
8.2 Operating Committee Meetings and Data
After any default has continued for five (5) Business Days from the date of
written notice of default under Article 8.1, and for as long thereafter as the
Defaulting Party remains in default on any payment due under this Agreement, the
Defaulting Party shall not be entitled to attend Operating Committee meetings or
to vote on any matter coming before the Operating Committee during the period
such default continues. Unless agreed otherwise by the non-defaulting Parties,
the voting interest of each non-defaulting Party shall be in the proportion
which its Participating Interest bears to the total of the Participating
Interests of all the non-defaulting Parties. Any matters requiring unanimous
vote of the Parties shall be deemed to exclude the Defaulting Party. After the
said five (5) Business Days and while the Defaulting Party remains in default as
aforesaid, the Defaulting Party shall not have access to any data or information
relating to Joint Operations, and non-defaulting Parties shall be entitled to
trade data without such Defaulting Party's consent and the Defaulting Party
shall have no right to any data received on such trade unless and until its
default is remedied in full. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Defaulting
Party shall be deemed to have approved, and shall join with the non-defaulting
Parties in taking any action to maintain and preserve the Contract.
8.3 Allocation of Defaulted Accounts
<PAGE>
(A) Operator shall, either at the time of giving notice of default as
provided in Article 8.1, or by separate notice, notify each non-defaulting
Party the sum of money it is to pay as its portion (such portion being in
the ratio that each non-defaulting Party's Participating Interest bears to
the Participating Interests of all non-defaulting Parties) of such amount
in default. Each non-defaulting Party shall, if such default continues, pay
Operator, within five (5) Business Days after receipt of such notice, its
share of the amount which the Defaulting Party failed to pay. If any
non-defaulting Party fails to pay its share of the amount in default as
aforesaid, such non-defaulting Party shall thereupon be in default and
shall be a Defaulting Party subject to the provisions of this Article. The
non-defaulting Parties which pay the amount owed by any Defaulting Party
shall be entitled to receive their respective share of the principal and
interest payable by such Defaulting Party pursuant to Article 8.1.
(B) The total of all amounts paid by the non-defaulting Parties for the
Defaulting Party, together with interest accrued on such amounts shall
constitute a debt due and owing by the Defaulting Party to the
non-defaulting Parties in proportion to such amounts paid. In addition the
non-defaulting Parties may in the manner contemplated by this Article,
satisfy such debt (together with interest) and may accrue an amount equal
to the Defaulting Party's Participating Interest share of the estimated
cost to abandon any Joint Property.
(C) A Defaulting Party may remedy its default by paying to Operator the
total amount due, together with interest calculated as provided in Article
8.1, at any time prior to transfer of its interest pursuant to Article 8.4,
and upon receipt of such payment Operator shall remit to each
non-defaulting Party its proportionate share of such amount.
(D) The rights granted to each non-defaulting Party pursuant to this
Article, shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for any other
rights or remedies which each non-defaulting Party may have at law or
equity or pursuant to the other provisions of this Agreement.
8.4 Transfer of Interest
<PAGE>
(A) For thirty (30) Days after each failure by the Defaulting Party to
remedy its default by the thirtieth (30th) Day following notice of default
without prejudice to any other rights of the non-defaulting Parties to
recover the amounts paid for the Defaulting Party, together with interest
accrued on such amount, each non-defaulting Party shall have the option to
give notice to the Defaulting Party requiring the Defaulting Party to
transfer its interest to the non-defaulting Parties. To that end if any of
the non-defaulting Parties so elect, the Defaulting Party shall be deemed
to have transferred and to have empowered the electing non-defaulting
Parties to execute on said Defaulting Party's behalf any documents required
to effect a transfer, of all of its right, title and beneficial interest in
and under this Agreement and the Contract, and in all wells and Joint
Property to the electing non-defaulting Parties. If requested, each Party
shall execute a Power of Attorney in the form prescribed by the Operating
Committee. The Defaulting Party shall, without delay following any request
from the non-defaulting Parties, do any and all acts required to be done by
applicable law or regulation in order to render such transfer legally
valid, including, without limitation, the obtaining of all governmental
consents and approvals, and shall execute any and all documents and take
such other actions as may be necessary in order to effect prompt and valid
transfer of the interests described above, free of all liens and
encumbrances. In the event all Government approvals are not timely
obtained, the Defaulting Party shall hold its Participating Interests in
trust for such non-defaulting Parties who elected to assume such Defaulting
Party's Participating Interest.
(B) In the absence of an agreement among the non-defaulting Parties to the
contrary, any such transfer to the non-defaulting Parties shall be in the
proportion that the non-defaulting Parties have paid the amounts due from
the Defaulting Party.
(C) Subject to Article 12.1(C), on the effective date of such transfer the
Defaulting Party shall forthwith cease to be a Party to this Agreement to
the extent of the Participating Interest so transferred. The acceptance or
non-acceptance by a non-defaulting Party of any portion of a Defaulting
Party's Participating Interest shall be without prejudice to any rights or
remedies such non-defaulting Parties have to recover the outstanding debts
(including interest) owed by the Defaulting Party.
8.5 Continuation of Interest
If within thirty (30) Days after each failure by the Defaulting Party to remedy
its default by the thirtieth (30th) Day following notice of default the
non-defaulting Parties elect to not acquire the Defaulting Party's Participating
Interest as provided in Article 8.4 and to continue to bear the Defaulting
Party's Participating Interest share of liabilities and expenses, then the
non-defaulting Parties shall accumulate all such liabilities and expenses as a
debt pursuant to Article VIII, but the Defaulting Party shall continue to be a
Party subject to Article 8.2 and Article 8.7. If Operator disposes of any Joint
Property or any other credit or adjustment is made to the Joint Account, or if
Operator sells any of the Defaulting Party's Participating Interest share of
Hydrocarbons, then, in respect of the Defaulting Party's Participating Interest
share of the proceeds of such disposal, credit or adjustment or sale, Operator
shall be entitled to retain and to set off the same against all amounts,
together with interest accrued on such amount, due and owing from the Defaulting
Party plus an accrued amount equal to the Defaulting Party's Participating
Interest share of the estimated cost to abandon any Joint Property. Any surplus
remaining after setting off the same as aforesaid shall be paid promptly to the
Defaulting Party.
8.6 Abandonment
<PAGE>
If, within thirty (30) Days after the failure by the Defaulting Party to remedy
its default by the thirtieth (30th) Day as aforesaid, no non-defaulting Party
elects to acquire the Defaulting Party's Participating Interest as provided in
Article 8.4, or to bear the Defaulting Party's Participating Interest share of
liabilities and expenses as provided in Article 8.5, then no transfer shall be
made and Joint Operations shall be abandoned subject to any necessary consents
and notices being given, and each Party, including the Defaulting Party shall
pay its Participating Interest share of all costs of abandoning and
relinquishing the Contract. If abandonment occurs as aforesaid, all monies paid
by the non-defaulting Parties for the Defaulting Party pursuant to Article 8.3,
together with interest accrued on such amount, shall remain a debt due and owing
by the Defaulting Party.
8.7 Sale of Hydrocarbons
If a Party defaults after the commencement of commercial production and has not
remedied the default by the thirtieth (30th) Day as aforesaid, then, during the
continuance of such default, the Defaulting Party shall not be entitled to its
Participating Interest share of Hydrocarbons which shall vest in and be the
property of the non-defaulting Parties, and Operator shall be authorized to sell
such Hydrocarbons at the best price obtainable under the circumstances and,
after deducting all costs, charges and expenses incurred by Operator in
connection with such sale, pay the proceeds proportionately to the
non-defaulting Parties which proceeds shall be credited against all monies
advanced pursuant to Article 8.3, together with interest accrued thereon. Any
surplus remaining shall be paid to the Defaulting Party, and any deficiency
shall remain a debt due from the Defaulting Party to the non-defaulting Parties.
Notwithstanding any such sales by Operator the provisions of Article 8.4 shall
continue to apply.
8.8 No Right of Set Off
Each Party acknowledges and accepts that a fundamental principle of this
Agreement is that each Party pays its Participating Interest share of all
amounts due under this Agreement as and when required. Accordingly, any Party
which becomes a Defaulting Party undertakes that, in respect of either any
exercise by the non-defaulting Parties of any rights under or the application of
any of the provisions of this Article, such Party shall not raise by way of set
off or invoke as a defense, whether in law or equity, any failure to pay amounts
due and owing under this Agreement or any alleged or unliquidated claim that
such Party may have against Operator or any Non-Operator, whether such claim
arises under this Agreement or otherwise. Such Party further undertakes not to
raise by way of defense, whether in law or in equity, that the nature or the
amount of the remedies granted to the non-defaulting Parties is unreasonable or
excessive.
ARTICLE IX
DISPOSITION OF PRODUCTION
9.1 Right and Obligation to Take In Kind
<PAGE>
Except as otherwise provided in this Article, each Party shall have the right
and obligation to own, take in kind and separately dispose of its Participating
Interest share of total production available to the Parties pursuant to the
Contract from any Exploitation Area in such quantities and in accordance with
such procedures as may be set forth in the offtake agreement referred to in
Article 9.2 or in the special arrangements for natural gas referred to in
Article 9.3. If Government Oil Company is party to the offtake agreement, then
the Parties shall endeavour to obtain its agreement to the principles set forth
in this Article.
9.2 Offtake Agreement for Crude Oil
If crude oil is to be produced from an Exploitation Area, the Parties shall in
good faith, and not less than three (3) months prior to first delivery of crude
oil, negotiate and conclude the terms of an agreement to cover the offtake of
crude oil produced under the Contract. The Government Oil Company may, if
necessary ana practicable, also be party to the offtake agreement. This offtake
agreement shall, to the extent consistent with the Contract, make provision for:
(A) The delivery point, at which title and risk of loss of Participating
Interest shares of crude oil shall pass to the Parties interested (or as
the Parties may otherwise agree);
(B) Operator's regular periodic advice to the Parties of estimates of total
available production for succeeding periods, Participating Interest shares
and grades of crude oil, for as far ahead as is necessary for Operator and
the Parties to plan offtake arrangements. Such advice shall also cover for
each grade of crude oil total available production and deliveries for the
preceding period, inventory and overlifts and underlifts;
(C) Nomination by the Parties to Operator of acceptance of their
Participating Interest share of total available production for the
succeeding period. Such nominations shall in any one period be for each
Party's entire Participating Interest share arising during that period
subject to operational tolerances and agreed minimum economic cargo sizes
or as the Parties may otherwise agree;
(D) Elimination of overlifts and underlifts;
(E) If offshore loading or a shore terminal for vessel loading is involved,
risks regarding acceptability of tankers, demurrage and (if applicable)
availability of berths;
(F) Distribution to the Parties of Entitlements to ensure, to the extent
Parties take delivery of their Entitlements in proportion to the accrual of
such Entitlements, that each Party shall receive currently Entitlements of
grades, gravities and qualities of Hydrocarbons similar to Hydrocarbons
received by each other Party;
(G) To the extent that distribution of Entitlements on such basis is
impracticable due to availability of facilities and minimum cargo sizes, a
method of making periodic adjustments; and
<PAGE>
(H) The option and the right of the other Parties to sell an Entitlement
which a Party fails to nominate for acceptance pursuant to (C) above or of
which a Party fails to take delivery, in accordance with applicable agreed
procedures, provided that such failure either constitutes a breach of
Operator's or Parties' obligations under the terms of the Contract, or is
likely to result in the curtailment or shut-in of production. Such sales
shall be made only to the limited extent necessary to avoid disruption in
Joint Operations. Operator shall give all Parties as much notice as is
practicable of such situation and that a sale option has arisen. Any sale
shall be of the unnominated or undelivered Entitlement as the case may be
and for reasonable periods of time as are consistent with the minimum needs
of the industry and in no event to exceed twelve (12) months. The right of
sale shall be revocable at will subject to any prior contractual
commitments. Sales to non-affiliated third parties shall be for the
realized price f.o.b. the delivery point. Sales to any of the Parties or
their Affiliates shall be at current market value f.o.b. the delivery
point. The Party arranging the sale shall pay to the Party whose
Entitlement is involved the above price after deduction of all costs,
including storage costs, incurred in respect of such sale and a marketing
fee of an agreed percentage of the applicable price less deductions,
reflecting actual costs of disposal at immediate notice. Current market
value shall be the value of the Entitlement in international markets
(unless the Entitlement was required to be delivered into the Government's
domestic market, in which case it shall be the value therein) between a
willing buyer and a willing seller and shall be agreed between the two
Parties concerned, or failing agreement, determined by an expert to be
appointed in accordance with procedures set forth in the offtake agreement.
9.3 Separate Agreement for Natural Gas
The Parties recognize that if natural gas is discovered it may be necessary for
the Parties to enter into special arrangements for the disposal of the natural
gas, which are consistent with the Development Plan and subject to the terms of
the Contract.
ARTICLE X
ABANDONMENT OF WELLS
10.1 Abandonment of Wells Drilled as Joint Operations
(A) Any well which has been drilled as a Joint Operation and which is
proposed to be plugged and abandoned shall not be plugged and abandoned
without the consent of all Parties.
(B) Should any such Party fail to reply within the period prescribed in
Article 5.12(A)(1) or Article 5.12(A)(2), whichever is applicable, after
delivery of notice of the Operator's proposal to plug and abandon such
well, such Party shall be deemed to have consented to the proposed
abandonment. If all the Parties consent to abandonment, such well shall be
plugged and abandoned in accordance with applicable regulations and at the
cost, risk and expense of the Parties who participated in the cost of
drilling such well.
<PAGE>
(C) If all Parties do not agree to the abandonment of such well, those
wishing to continue operations shall assume financial responsibility over
the well and shall be deemed to be Consenting Parties conducting an
Exclusive Operation pursuant to Article VII. In the case of a producing
well, the Consenting Parties shall be entitled to continue producing only
from the Zone open to production at the time they assumed responsibility
for the well.
(D) Consenting Parties taking over a well as provided above shall tender to
each of the Non-Consenting Parties such Non-Consenting Parties'
Participating Interest share of the value of the well's salvable material
and equipment, determined in accordance with the Accounting Procedure, less
the estimated cost of salvaging and the estimated cost of plugging and
abandoning as of the date the Consenting Party assumed responsibility for
the well; provided, however, that in the event the estimated plugging and
abandoning and the estimated cost of salvaging are higher than the value of
the well's salvable material and equipment, each of the abandoning Parties
shall continue to be liable pursuant to Article 7.3(B) for their respective
Participating Interest shares of the estimated excess cost.
(E) Each Non-Consenting Party shall be deemed to have relinquished to the
Consenting Parties in proportion to their Participating Interests all of
its interest in the wellbore of a produced well and related equipment in
accordance with Article 7.4(B), insofar and only insofar as such interest
covers the right to obtain production from that wellbore in the Zone then
open to production.
(F) Subject to Article 7.9(G), Operator shall continue to operate a
produced well for the account of the Consenting Parties at the rates and
charges contemplated by this Agreement, plus any additional cost and
charges which may arise as the result of the separate allocation of
interest in such well.
10.2 Abandonment of Exclusive Operations
This Article shall apply mutatis mutandis to the abandonment of an Exclusive
----------------
Well or any well in which an Exclusive Operation has been conducted; provided
that no well shall be permanently plugged and abandoned unless and until all
Parties having the right to conduct further operations in such well have been
notified of the proposed abandonment and afforded the opportunity to elect to
take over the well in accordance with the provisions of this Article X.
ARTICLE XI
SURRENDER, EXTENSIONS AND RENEWALS
11.1 Surrender
<PAGE>
(A) If the Contract requires the Parties to surrender any portion of the
Contract Area, Operator shall advise the Operating Committee of such
requirement at least one hundred and twenty (120) Days in advance of the
earlier of the date for filing irrevocable notice of such surrender or the
date of such surrender. Prior to the end of such period, the Operating
Committee shall determine pursuant to Article V, the size and shape of the
surrendered area, consistent with the requirements of the Contract. If a
sufficient vote of the Operating Committee cannot be attained, then the
proposal supported by a simple majority of the Participating Interests
shall be adopted. If no proposal attains the support of a simple majority
of the Participating Interests, then the proposal receiving the largest
aggregate Participating Interest vote shall be adopted. In the event of a
tie, the Operator shall choose among the proposals receiving the largest
aggregate Participating Interest vote. The Parties shall execute any and
all documents and take such other actions as may be necessary to effect the
surrender. Each Party renounces all claims and causes of action against
Operator and any other Parties on account of any area surrendered in
accordance with the foregoing but against its recommendation if
Hydrocarbons are subsequently discovered under the surrendered area.
(B) A surrender of all or any part of the Contract Area which is not
required by the Contract shall require the unanimous consent of the
Parties.
11.2 Extension of the Term
(A) A proposal by any Party to extend the term of the Exploration or
Exploitation Period or any phase of the Contract, a proposal to enter into
a new phase of the Exploration Period, and a proposal to extend the term of
the Contract shall be brought before the Operating Committee pursuant to
Article V.
(B) Any Party shall have the right to extend the term of the Exploration or
Exploitation Period or any phase of the Contract to enter into a new phase
of the Exploration Period or extend the term of the Contract. Any Party not
wishing to extend, shall have a right to withdraw, subject to the
requirements of Article XIII.
ARTICLE XII
TRANSFER OF INTEREST OR RIGHTS
12.1 Obligation
(A) Subject always to the requirements of the Contract, the transfer of all
or part of a Party's Participating Interest shall be effective only if it
satisfies the terms and conditions of this Article.
(B) Except in the case of a Party transferring all of its Participating
Interest, no transfer shall be made by any Party which results in the
transferor or the transferee holding a Participating Interest of less than
______________ percent (5%) or holding any interest other than a
Participating Interest in the Contract, the Contract Area and this
Agreement.
<PAGE>
(C) The transferring Party shall, notwithstanding the transfer, be liable
to the other Parties for any obligations, financial or otherwise, which
have vested, matured or accrued under the provision of the Contract or this
Agreement prior to such transfer. Such obligations shall include, without
limitation, any proposed expenditure approved by the Operating Committee,
prior to the transferring Party notifying the other Parties of its proposed
transfer.
(D) The transferee shall have no rights in and under the Contract, the
Contract Area or this Agreement unless and until it obtains the necessary
Government's approval and expressly undertakes in writing to perform the
obligations of the transferor under the Contract and this Agreement in
respect of the Participating Interest being transferred, to the
satisfaction of the Parties and furnishes any guarantees required by the
Government or the Contract.
(E) The transferee shall have no rights in and under the Contract, the
Contract Area or this Agreement unless each Party has consented in writing
to such transfer, which consent shall be denied only if such transferee
fails to establish to the reasonable satisfaction of each Party its
financial or technical capability to perform its obligations under the
Contract and this Agreement.
(F) Nothing contained in this Article shall prevent a Party from
mortgaging, pledging, charging or otherwise encumbering all or part of its
interest in the Contract Area and in and under this Agreement for the
purpose of security relating to finance provided that:
(1) such Party shall remain liable for all obligations relating to
such interest;
(2) the encumbrance shall be subject to any necessary approval of the
Government and be expressly subordinated to the rights of the other
Parties under this Agreement; and
(3) such Party shall ensure that any such mortgage, pledge, charge or
encumbrance shall be expressed to be without prejudice to the
provisions of this Agreement.
Check one Optional Alternative if desired.
[X] OPTIONAL ALTERNATIVE NO. 1 - Preferential Rights
(G) Any transfer of all or a portion of Participating Interest whether
directly or indirectly by assignment, merger, consolidation, or sale of
stock, or other conveyance, other than with or to an Affiliate, shall be
subject to the following procedure:
<PAGE>
(1) Once the transferor Party and a proposed transferee (a third party
or a Party) have fully negotiated the final terms and conditions of a
transfer, such final terms and conditions shall be disclosed in detail
to all Parties in a written notification from the transferor. Each
Party shall have the right to acquire the Participating Interest from
the transferor on the same terms and conditions agreed to by the
proposed transferee if, within thirty (30) Days of transferor's
written notification, such Party delivers to all other Parties a
counter-notification that it accepts the agreed upon terms and
conditions of the transfer without reservations or conditions. If no
Party delivers such counter-notification, the transfer to the proposed
transferee may be made, subject to the other provisions of this
Article 12, under terms and conditions no more favorable to the
transferee than those set forth in the notice to the Parties, provided
that the transfer shall be concluded within one hundred eighty (180)
Days from the date of the notice plus such reasonable additional
period as may be required to secure governmental approvals.
(2) If more than one Party counter-notifies that it intends to acquire
the Participating Interest which is the subject of the proposed
transfer, then each such Party shall acquire a proportion of the
Participating Interest to be transferred equal to the ratio of its own
Participating Interest to the total Participating Interests of all the
counter-notifying Parties, unless they otherwise agree; and
(3) In the event that a Party's proposed transfer of part or all of
its Participating Interest involves consideration other than cash or
involves other properties included in a wider transaction (package
deal) then the consideration payable for the Participating Interest
exclusively shall be allocated a reasonable and justifiable cash value
by the transferor in any notification to the other Parties. Such other
Parties may satisfy the requirements of this Article by agreeing to
pay such cash value in lieu of the consideration payable in the
third-party offer.
[ ] OPTIONAL ALTERNATIVE NO. 2 - Right of First Negotiation
(G) Any transfer of all or a portion of a Party's Participating interest
whether directly or indirectly by assignment, merger, consolidation, sale
of stock, or other conveyance, other than with or to an Affiliate shall be
subject to the following procedure:
<PAGE>
(1) In the event that a Party wishes to transfer any part or all of
its Participating Interest, it shall send all other Parties written
notification of its intention and invite them to submit offers
therefor. The other Parties shall have thirty (30) Days from the date
of such notification to deliver a counter-notification with a binding
offer in accordance with Article 12.1(G)(3). If the prospective
transferor Party accepts the offer, the prospective transferor and the
offering Party shall have the next sixty (60) Days in which to
negotiate in good faith and execute the terms and conditions of a
mutually acceptable transfer agreement. If the prospective transferor
does not find any Party's offer acceptable, or if sixty (60) Days
elapse and it is evident to the prospective transferor that a fully
negotiated agreement with an offering Party is not imminent, the
prospective transferor shall be entitled for a period of one hundred
eighty (180) Days, plus such reasonable additional period as may be
necessary to secure governmental approvals, to transfer its
Participating Interest to a third party subject to the obligations set
forth in this Article, so long as terms and conditions of the transfer
to a third party are more favorable to the prospective transferor than
the best terms and conditions offered by any Party;
(2) If more than one Party counter-notifies the prospective transferor
that it intends to acquire the Participating Interest which is the
subject of the proposed transfer, then each such Party shall acquire a
proportion of the Participating Interest to be transferred equal to
the ratio of its own Participating Interest to the total Participating
Interests of all the counter-notifying Parties, unless they otherwise
agree;
(3) All Parties giving such counter-notice shall meet to formulate a
joint offer. Each such Party shall make known to the other Parties the
highest price or value in which it is willing to offer to the
prospective transferor. The proposal with the highest price or value
shall be offered to the prospective transferor as the joint proposal
of the Parties still willing to participate in such offer under the
provisions of (1) and (2) above;
(4) In the event that a Party's proposed transfer of part or all of
its Participating Interest involves consideration other than cash or
involves other properties included in a wider transaction (package
deal), then the consideration payable for the Participating Interest
exclusively shall be allocated a reasonable and justifiable cash value
by the prospective transferor in any notification to the other
Parties. Such other Parties may satisfy the requirements of this
Article by agreeing to pay such cash value in lieu of the
consideration payable in the third-party offer.
12.2 Rights
(A) Each Party shall have the right, subject to the provisions of Article
12.1, to freely transfer its Participating Interest.
Check if desired.
OPTIONAL PROVISION
[X] (B) If the transfer of all or a portion of a Party's Participating Interest
whether directly or indirectly by, assignment, merger, consolidation, sale
of stock, or other conveyance is part of a wider transaction (package deal)
involving such assets, such transfer shall be subject to Article 12.1(G),
only if such prospective transferor's Participating Interest represents
_____________ percent (35%) or more of the value of such wider transaction.
ARTICLE XIII
WITHDRAWAL FROM AGREEMENT
<PAGE>
13.1 Right of Withdrawal
(A) Subject to the provisions of this Article, any Party may withdraw from
this Agreement and the Contract by giving notice to all other Parties
stating its decision to withdraw and specifying a proposed effective date
of withdrawal which shall be at least sixty (60) Days, but not more than
one hundred eighty (180) Days after the date of such notice. Such notice
shall be unconditional and irrevocable when given.
(B) Notwithstanding Article 13.1(A) a Party shall not have the right to
withdraw from this Agreement and the Contract until the Minimum Work
Obligation set forth in the Contract has been fulfilled. However, if the
Operating Committee or any Party decides to accept new Minimum Work
Obligations by voluntarily extending the current or entering into a new
exploration period under the Contract, a Party that voted against such
decision shall not be prevented from withdrawing; provided that such Party
delivers notice of its withdrawal to all Parties within thirty (30) Days of
such vote pursuant to Article 11.2 and fully satisfies its outstanding
Minimum Work Obligation, if any.
(C) Subject to Articles 13.1(A) and (B) and Article 13.5, the effective
date of withdrawal for a withdrawing Party shall be the later of:
(1) The date proposed in the notice of withdrawal; or
(2) The date that the withdrawing Party has fulfilled its obligations
under this Article.
13.2 Partial or Complete Withdrawal
(A) Within thirty (30) Days of receipt each withdrawing Party's
notification, each of the other Parties may also give notice that it
desires to withdraw from this Agreement and the Contract. Should all
Parties give notice of withdrawal, the Parties shall proceed to abandon the
Contract Area and terminate the Contract and this Agreement. If less than
all of the Parties give such notice of withdrawal, then the withdrawing
Parties shall take all steps to withdraw from the Contract and this
Agreement on the earliest possible date and execute and deliver all
necessary instruments, and documents to assign their Participating Interest
to the Parties which are not withdrawing, without any compensation
whatsoever, in accordance with the provisions of Article 13.6.
(B) If any part of the withdrawing Party's Participating Interest remains
unclaimed after sixty (60) Days from the date of the first notice of
withdrawal, the Parties shall be deemed to have decided to withdraw from
the Contract and this Agreement, unless at least one Party agrees to accept
the unclaimed Participating Interest.
(C) Any Party withdrawing under Article 11.2 or under this Article shall:
(1)
<PAGE>
Check one Alternative.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1
Withdraw from the entirety of the Contract Area, including all Exploitation
Areas and all Discoveries made prior to such withdrawal, and thus abandon to the
other Parties not joining in its withdrawal all its rights to Cost Oil and
Profit Oil generated by Operations after such withdrawal and all rights in such
associated Joint Property.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2
Withdraw from all exploration activities under the Contract, but not from any
Exploitation Area, Commercial Discovery, or Discovery whether appraised or not,
made prior to such withdrawal. Such withdrawing Party shall retain its rights
in the Joint Property but only insofar as they relate to any Exploitation Area,
Commercial Discovery or Discovery whether appraised or not, and shall abandon
all other rights in the Joint Property.
13.3 Voting
After giving its notification of withdrawal, a Party shall not be entitled to
vote on any matters coming before the Operating Committee, other than matters
for which such Party has financial responsibility.
13.4 Obligations and Liabilities
(A) A withdrawing Party, prior to its withdrawal, shall satisfy all
obligations and liabilities it has incurred or attributable to it prior to
its withdrawal, including, without limitation, any expenditures budgeted
and/or approved by the Operating Committee prior to its written
notification of withdrawal (development projects included), and any
liability for acts, occurrences or circumstances taking place or existing
prior to its withdrawal. Furthermore, any liens, charges and other
encumbrances which the withdrawing Party placed on such Party's
Participating Interest prior to its withdrawal shall be fully satisfied or
released, at the withdrawing Party's expense, prior to its withdrawal. A
Party's withdrawal shall not relieve it from liability to the
non-withdrawing Parties with respect to any obligations or liabilities
attributable to the withdrawing Party which are not identified or
identifiable at the time of withdrawal.
<PAGE>
(B) Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Party shall not be liable for any
operations or expenditures it voted against if it sends notification of its
withdrawal within five (5) Days (or within twenty-four (24) hours if the
drilling rig to be used in such operation is standing by on the Contract
Area) of the Operating Committee vote approving such operation or
expenditure, nor shall such Party be liable for any operations or
expenditures approved by the Operating Committee, excluding those approved
pursuant to Article 13.5, after notice has been given pursuant to Article
13.1.
13.5 Emergency
A Party's notification of withdrawal shall not become effective if prior to the
proposed date of withdrawal a well goes out of control or a fire, blowout,
sabotage or other emergency occurs. The notification of withdrawal shall become
effective only after the emergency has been contained and the withdrawing Party
has paid, or has provided, security satisfactory to the Parties for its
Participating Interest share of the costs of such emergency.
13.6 Assignment
A withdrawing Party shall assign its Participating Interest to each of the
non-withdrawing Parties which shall be allocated to them in the proportion which
each of their Participating Interests (prior to the withdrawal) bears to the
total Participating Interests of all the non-withdrawing Parties (prior to the
withdrawal), unless the non-withdrawing Parties agree otherwise. The expenses
associated with the withdrawal and assignments shall be borne by the withdrawing
Party.
13.7 Approvals
A withdrawing Party shall promptly join in such actions as may be necessary or
desirable to obtain any Government approvals required in connection with the
withdrawal and assignments, and any penalties or expenses incurred by the
Parties in connection with such withdrawal shall be borne by the withdrawing
Party.
Check one Alternative.
13.8 Abandonment Security
[X] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1 - Short Form Abandonment Security
(A) A withdrawing Party shall provide Security satisfactory to the other
Parties to satisfy any such obligations or liabilities which were approved
or accrued prior to notice of withdrawal, but which become due after its
withdrawal, including, without limitation, Security to cover the costs of
an abandonment, if applicable.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2 - Long Form Abandonment Security
If under the terms of the Contract or applicable law, the Parties are or become
obliged to pay or contribute to the cost of abandonment, then the following
provisions shall apply:
<PAGE>
(A) During preparation of a Development Plan, the Parties shall negotiate
and agree a security agreement, which shall be completed and executed by
all Parties participating in such Development Plan prior to application for
an Exploitation Area. The security agreement shall incorporate the
following principles:
(1) Security shall be provided by each such Party for each Calendar
Year commencing with the Calendar Year in which the Discounted Net
Value equals one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the Discounted
Net Cost.
(2) The amount of Security required to be provided by each such Party
in any Calendar Year (including security previously provided which
will still be current throughout such Calendar Year) shall be equal to
the amount by which one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the
Discounted Net Cost exceeds the Discounted Net Value.
"Discounted Net Cost" means that portion of each Party's anticipated before tax
cost of abandoning a development in accordance with applicable law which remains
after deduction of salvage value. Such portion should be calculated at the
anticipated time of abandonment and discounted at the Discount Rate to December
31, of the Calendar Year in question.
ADiscounted Net Value" means the value of each Party's estimated Entitlement
which remains after payment of estimated liabilities and expenses required to
win, save and transport such production to the delivery point and after
deduction of estimated applicable taxes, royalties, imposts and levies on such
production. Such Entitlement shall be calculated using estimated market prices
and including taxes on income, discounted at the Discount Rate to December 31,
of the Calendar Year in question. No account shall be taken of tax allowances
expected to be available in respect of the costs of abandonment.
"Discount Rate" means the rate per annum equal to the one (1) month term, LIBOR
rate for U.S. Dollar deposits as published by The Wall Street Journal or if not
-----------------------
published then by the Financial Times of Londoneffective as of thirty (30)
---------------------------
Business Days prior to the start of a Calendar Year.
(B) Failure to provide Security shall constitute default under this
Agreement.
(C) "Security" means a standby letter of credit issued by a bank or an on
demand bond issued by a corporation, such bank or corporation having a
credit rating indicating it has sufficient worth to pay its obligations in
all reasonably foreseeable circumstances, or, failing the provision of
either of those, cash contributed to a secure fund administered by
independent trustees and invested in ____________________________.
13.9 Withdrawal or Abandonment by all Parties
<PAGE>
In the event all Parties decide to withdraw or are required to do so pursuant to
this Article, the Parties agree that they shall be bound by the terms and
conditions of this Agreement for so long as may be necessary to wind up the
affairs of the Parties with the Government, to satisfy any requirements of
applicable law or to facilitate the sale, disposition or abandonment of property
or interests held by the Joint Account.
ARTICLE XIV
RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES AND TAX
14.1 Relationship of Parties
The rights, duties, obligations and liabilities of the Parties under this
Agreement shall be individual, not joint or collective. It is not the intention
of the Parties to create, nor shall this Agreement be deemed or construed to
create mining or other partnership, joint venture, association or trust, or as
authorizing any Party to act as an agent, servant or employee for any other
Party for any purpose whatsoever except as explicitly set forth in this
Agreement. In their relations with each other under this Agreement, the Parties
shall not be considered fiduciaries except as expressly provided in this
Agreement.
14.2 Tax
Each Party shall be responsible for reporting and discharging its own tax
measured by the income of the Party and the satisfaction of such Party's share
of all contract obligations under the Contract and under this Agreement. Each
Party shall protect, defend and indemnify each other Party from any and all
loss, cost or liability arising from a failure or refusal to report and
discharge such taxes or satisfy such obligations.
Check if desired.
[ ] OPTIONAL PROVISION
14.3 United States Tax Election
<PAGE>
(A) If, for United States federal income tax purposes, this Agreement and
the operations under this Agreement are regarded as a partnership (and if
the Parties have not agreed to form a tax partnership) each "U.S. Party"
(as defined below) elects to be excluded from the application of all of the
provisions of Subchapter "K", Chapter 1, Subtitle "A" of the United States
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code") as permitted and authorized by
Section 761 of the Code and the regulations promulgated under the Code.
________________, to the extent required by Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code,
is designated as the tax matters party, and is authorized and directed to
execute for each U.S. Party such evidence of this election as may be
required by the Internal Revenue Service, including specifically, but not
by way of limitation, all of the returns, statements, and the data required
by United States Treasury Regulations Section 1.761 and 1.6031-1) d) (2).
Should there be any requirement that any U.S. Party give further evidence
of this election, each U.S. Party shall execute such documents and furnish
such other evidence as may be required by the Internal Revenue Service or
as may be necessary to evidence this election.
(B) No such U.S. Party shall give any notice or take any other action
inconsistent with the election made above. If any future income tax laws of
the United States contain provisions similar to those in Subchapter "K",
Chapter 1, Subtitle "A" of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
under which an election similar to that provided by Section 761 of the Code
is permitted, each U.S. Party shall make such election as may be permitted
or required by such laws. In making the foregoing election, each U.S. Party
states that the income derived by it from operations under this Agreement
can be adequately determined without the computation of partnership taxable
income.
(C) For the purposes of this Article, "U.S. Party" shall mean any Party
which is subject to the income tax law of the United States of America in
respect of operations under this Agreement.
(D) No activity shall be conducted under this Agreement that would cause
any non U.S. Party to be deemed to be engaged in a trade or business within
the United States of America under applicable tax laws and regulations.
(E) A Party which is not a U.S. Party shall not be required to do any act
or execute any instrument which might subject them to the taxation
jurisdiction of the United States of America.
ARTICLE XV
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION - PROPRIETARY TECHNOLOGY
15.1 Confidential Information
(A) Subject to the provisions of the Contract, the Parties agree that all
information and data acquired or obtained by any Party in respect of Joint
Operations shall be considered confidential and shall be kept confidential
and not be disclosed during the term of the Contract and for a period of
_______________ (2) years after expiration of the Contract to any person or
entity not a Party to this Agreement, except:
(1) To an Affiliate, provided such Affiliate maintains confidentiality
as provided in this Article;
(2) To a governmental agency or other entity when required by the
Contract;
<PAGE>
(3) To the extent such data and information is required to be
furnished in compliance with any applicable laws or regulations, or
pursuant to any legal proceedings or because of any order of any court
binding upon a Party;
(4) Subject to Article 15.1(B), to potential contractors, contractors,
consultants and attorneys employed by any Party where disclosure of
such data or information is essential to such contractor's,
consultant's or attorney's work;
(5) Subject to Article 15.1(B), to a bona fide prospective transferee
of a Party's Participating Interest (including an entity with whom a
Party is conducting bona fide negotiations directed toward a merger,
consolidation or the sale of a majority of its or an Affiliate's
shares);
(6) Subject to Article 15.1(B), to a bank or other financial
institution to the extent appropriate to a Party arranging for funding
for its obligations under this Agreement;
(7) To the extent such data and information must be disclosed pursuant
to any rules or requirements of any government or stock exchange
having jurisdiction over such Party, or its Affiliates; provided that
if any Party desires to disclose information in an annual or periodic
report to its or its Affiliates' shareholders and to the public and
such disclosure is not required pursuant to any rules or requirements
of any government or stock exchange, then such Party shall comply with
Article 20.2;
(8) To its respective employees for the purposes of Joint Operations,
subject to each Party taking customary precautions to ensure such data
and information is kept confidential;
(9) Where any data or information which, through no fault of a Party,
becomes a part of the public domain.
(B) Disclosure as pursuant to Article 15.1(A)(4), (5), and (6) shall not be
made unless prior to such disclosure the disclosing Party has obtained a
written undertaking from the recipient party to keep the data and
information strictly confidential and not to use or disclose the data and
information except for the express purpose for which disclosure is to be
made.
15.2 Continuing Obligations
Any Party ceasing to own a Participating Interest during the term of this
Agreement shall nonetheless remain bound by the obligations of confidentiality
and any disputes shall be resolved in accordance with Article XVIII.
15.3 Proprietary Technology
<PAGE>
Nothing in this Agreement shall require a Party to divulge proprietary
technology to the other Parties; provided that where the cost of development of
proprietary technology has been charged to the Joint Account, such proprietary
technology shall be disclosed to all Parties bearing a portion of such cost and
may be used by such Party, or its Affiliates, in other operations.
15.4 Trades
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article, Operator may, with
approval of the Operating Committee, make well trades and data trades for the
benefit of the Parties, with any data, the cost of which has been charged to the
Joint Account, so obtained to be furnished to all Parties. In such event,
Operator must enter into an undertaking with any third party to such trade to
keep such information confidential.
ARTICLE XVI
FORCE MAJEURE
16.1 Obligations
If as a result of Force Majeure any Party is rendered unable, wholly or in part,
to carry out its obligations under this Agreement, other than the obligation to
pay any amounts due or to furnish security, then the obligations of the Party
giving such notice, so far as and to the extent that the obligations are
affected by such Force Majeure, shall be suspended during the continuance of any
inability so caused, but for no longer period. The Party claiming Force Majeure
shall notify the other Parties of the Force Majeure situation within a
reasonable time after the occurrence of the facts relied on and shall keep all
Parties informed of all significant developments. Such notice shall give
reasonably full particulars of said Force Majeure, and also estimate the period
of time which said Party will probably require to remedy the Force Majeure. The
affected Party shall use all reasonable diligence to remove or overcome the
Force Majeure situation as quickly as possible in an economic manner, but shall
not be obligated to settle any labor dispute except on terms acceptable to it
and all such disputes shall be handled within the sole discretion of the
affected Party.
16.2 Definition of Force Majeure
Check one Alternative.
[X] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1
For the purposes of this Agreement, "Force Majeure" shall mean circumstances
which were irresistible or beyond the reasonable control of the Party concerned.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2
For the purposes of this Agreement, "Force Majeure" shall have the same meaning
as is set out in the Contract.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE XVII
NOTICES
Except as otherwise specifically provided, all notices authorized or required
between the Parties by any of the provisions of this Agreement, shall be in
writing, in English and delivered in person or by registered mail or by courier
service or by any electronic means of transmitting written communications which
provides confirmation of complete transmission, and addressed to such Parties as
designated below. The originating notice given under any provision of this
Agreement shall be deemed delivered only when received by the Party to whom such
notice is directed, and the time for such Party to deliver any notice in
response to such originating notice shall run from the date the originating
notice is received. The second or any responsive notice shall be deemed
delivered when received. "Received" for purposes of this Article with respect
to written notice delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be actual delivery
of the notice to the address of the Party to be notified specified in accordance
with this Article. Each Party shall have the right to change its address at any
time and/or designate that copies of all such notices be directed to another
person at another address, by giving written notice thereof to all other
Parties.
<PAGE>
Attention:
Telecopy:
Telex:
Answerback Code:
Attention:
Telecopy:
Telex:
Answerback Code:
<PAGE>
Attention:
Telecopy:
Telex:
Answerback Code:
Attention:
Telecopy:
Telex:
Answerback Code:
<PAGE>
ARTICLE XVIII
APPLICABLE LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
18.1 Applicable Law
<PAGE>
This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, interpreted and applied in
accordance with the laws of England, excluding any choice of law rules which
would refer the matter to the laws of another jurisdiction.
18.2 Dispute Resolution
Check one Alternative.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1 - Courts
Each Party submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England
(or if jurisdiction is not granted by such court by another court having
jurisdiction) for the purpose of finally resolving any dispute, controversy
or claim arising out of or in relation to or in connection with this
Agreement or the operations carried out under this Agreement, including
without limitation any dispute as to the validity, interpretation,
enforceability or breach of this Agreement. Each Party irrevocably
designates, appoints and empowers the agent specified below to receive on
its behalf service of any and all process in any legal action or proceeding
which may be instituted in the courts of ___________, _____________ in
connection with any such dispute, controversy or claim:
A Party's submission to the jurisdiction of the courts of ___________,
_____________ in accordance with the foregoing shall not limit the right of
such Party to institute any legal action or proceeding for the enforcement
of any order or judgment of such courts in any other court having
jurisdiction.
[X] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2 - Arbitration
(A) Any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or in relation to or
in connection with this Agreement or the operations carried out under this
Agreement, including without limitation any dispute as to the validity,
interpretation, enforceability or breach of this Agreement, shall be
exclusively and finally settled by arbitration, and any Party may submit
such a dispute, controversy or claim to arbitration.
Check one Alternative.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1
<PAGE>
(B) A single arbitrator shall be appointed by unanimous consent of the
Parties. If the Parties, however, cannot reach agreement on an arbitrator
within ________ (___) Days of the submission of a notice of arbitration,
the appointing authority for the implementation of such procedure shall be
the ______________, who shall appoint an independent arbitrator who does
not have any financial interest in the dispute, controversy or claim. If
___________ refuses or fails to act as the appointing authority within
ninety (90) Days after being requested to do so, then the appointing
authority shall be ____________, who shall appoint an independent
arbitrator who does not have any financial interest in the dispute,
controversy or claim.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2
(B) The arbitration shall be head and determined by three (3) arbitrators.
Each side shall appoint an arbitrator of its choice within ____ (___) Days
of the submission of a notice of arbitration. The Party-appointed
arbitrators shall in turn appoint a presiding arbitrator of the tribunal
within _______ (___) Days following the appointment of both Party-appointed
arbitrators. If the Party-appointed arbitrators cannot reach agreement on a
presiding arbitrator of the tribunal and/or one Party refuses to appoint
its Party-appointed arbitrator within said _______ (___) Day period, the
appointing authority for the implementation of such procedure shall be the
INT. ARBIT. BOARD, Paris who shall appoint an independent arbitrator who
does not have any financial interest in the dispute, controversy or claim.
If ___________ refuses or fails to act as the appointing authority within
ninety (90) Days after being requested to do so, then the appointing
authority shall be _______________, who shall appoint an independent
arbitrator who does not have any financial interest in the dispute,
controversy or claim. All decisions and awards by the arbitration tribunal
shall be made by majority vote.
(C) Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing by the Parties to the
arbitration proceedings:
(1) The arbitration proceedings shall be held in London, England;
(2) The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in the English
language and the arbitrator(s) shall be fluent in the English
language;
(3) The arbitrator(s) shall be and remain at all times wholly
independent and impartial;
(4) The arbitration proceedings shall be conducted in accordance with
the Arbitration Rules of Paris,
Check one Alternative.
[ ] ALTERNATIVE NO. 1
<PAGE>
in effect on the Effective Date.
[X] ALTERNATIVE NO. 2
as amended from time to time.
(5) Any procedural issues not determined under the arbitral rules
selected pursuant to Article 18.2(C)(4) shall be determined by the law
of the place of arbitration, other than those laws which would refer
the matter to another jurisdiction;
(6) The costs of the arbitration proceedings (including attorneys'
fees and costs) shall be borne in the manner determined by the
arbitrator(s);
(7) The decision of the sole arbitrator or a majority of the
arbitrators, as the case may be, shall be reduced to writing; final
and binding without the right of appeal; the sole and exclusive remedy
regarding any claims, counterclaims, issues or accountings presented
to the arbitrator; made and promptly paid in U.S. Dollars free of any
deduction or offset; and any costs or fees incident to enforcing the
award, shall to the maximum extent permitted by law, be charged
against the Party resisting such enforcement;
(8) Consequential, punitive or other similar damages shall not be
allowed; provided, however, the award may include appropriate punitive
damages where a Party has engaged in delaying and dilatory actions;
(9) The award shall include interest from the date of any breach or
violation of this Agreement, as determined by the arbitral award, and
from the date of the award until paid in full, at the Agreed Interest
Rate;
(10) Judgment upon the award may be entered in any court having
jurisdiction over the person or the assets of the Party owing the
judgment or application may be made to such court for a judicial
acceptance of the award and an order of enforcement, as the case may
be; and
(11) Whenever the Parties are of more than one nationality, the single
arbitrator or the presiding arbitrator, as the case may be, shall not
be of the same nationality as any of the Parties or their ultimate
parent entities.
ARTICLE XIX
ALLOCATION OF COST RECOVERY RIGHTS
19.1 Allocation of Total Production
<PAGE>
For the purposes of recovery of Petroleum Costs, the total quantity of
Hydrocarbons which are produced and saved from all Exploitation Areas in a
Calendar Quarter and to which the Parties are entitled under the Contract shall
be designated as either Cost Oil or Profit Oil. Such Cost Oil and Profit Oil
shall be allocated among the Exploitation Areas in proportion to each
Exploitation Area's total quantity of Hydrocarbons produced and saved in such
Calendar Quarter with adjustments in quantities to reflect the differences in
value if different qualities of Hydrocarbons are produced, segregated and sold
separately.
19.2 Allocation of Cost Oil
Cost Oil allocated to each Exploitation Area pursuant to Article 19.1 shall be
allocated to the Parties in proportion to their respective Participating
Interests in each such Exploitation Area to the extent required to recover in
the sequence incurred all Petroleum Costs which are specifically attributable to
each such Exploitation Area and which are recoverable in such Calendar Quarter.
19.3 Allocation of Profit Oil
Profit Oil allocated to each Exploitation Area pursuant to Article 19.1, if any,
shall be allocated among the Parties in proportion to their respective
Participating Interests in each such Exploitation Area.
19.4 Allocation of Excess Cost Oil
Subject to the Contract, to the extent that the value, determined in accordance
with Article 9.2(H), of the Cost Oil allocated to each Exploitation Area
pursuant to Article 19.1 exceeds the Petroleum Costs which were specifically
attributable to each such Exploitation Area and which were recovered pursuant to
Article 19.2, the excess ("Excess Cost Oil") shall be allocated as follows:
(A) First, a percentage (equal to the percentage of Profit Oil, if any, to
which the Parties would have been entitled during such Calendar Quarter if
the Contract applied separately to each such Exploitation Area) of the
Excess Cost Oil shall be allocated among the Parties in proportion to their
respective Participating Interests in each such Exploitation Area;
(B) Second, the Excess Cost Oil that is not allocated pursuant to Article
19.4(A) shall be allocated among the Parties in proportion to their
respective Participating Interests as set out in Article 3.1(A) in order to
recover in the sequence incurred any Petroleum Costs which were incurred in
the conduct of Joint Operations and which are recoverable in such Calendar
Quarter; and
<PAGE>
(C) Third, the Excess Cost Oil that is not allocated pursuant to Article
19.4(A) or Article 19.4(B) shall be allocated among the Parties in
proportion to their respective Participating Interests in each Exclusive
Operation in order to recover in the sequence incurred any Petroleum Costs
which were incurred in the conduct of Exclusive Operations and which are
recoverable in such Calendar Quarter.
ARTICLE XX
GENERAL PROVISIONS
20.1 Conflicts of Interest
(A) Each Party undertakes that it shall avoid any conflict of interest
between its own interests (including the interests of Affiliates) and the
interests of the other Parties in dealing with suppliers, customers and all
other organizations or individuals doing or seeking to do business with the
Parties in connection with activities contemplated under this Agreement.
(B) The provisions of the preceding paragraph shall not apply to:
(1) A Party's performance which is in accordance with the local
preference laws or policies of the host government; or
(2) A Party's acquisition of products or services from an Affiliate,
or the sale thereof to an Affiliate, made in accordance with rules and
procedures established by the Operating Committee.
20.2 Public Announcements
(A) Operator shall be responsible for the preparation and release of all
public announcements and statements regarding this Agreement or the Joint
Operations; provided that, no public announcement or statement shall be
issued or made unless prior to its release all the Parties have been
furnished with a copy of such statement or announcement and the approval of
at least two (2) non-affiliated Parties holding fifty percent (50%), or
more, of the Participating Interests has been obtained. Where a public
announcement or statement becomes necessary or desirable because of danger
to or loss of life, damage to property or pollution as a result of
activities arising under this Agreement, Operator is authorized to issue
and make such announcement or statement without prior approval of the
Parties, but shall promptly furnish all the Parties with a copy of such
announcement or statement.
<PAGE>
(B) If a Party wishes to issue or make any public announcement or statement
regarding this Agreement or the Joint Operations, it shall not do so unless
prior to its release, such Party furnishes all the Parties with a copy of
such announcement or statement, and obtains the approval of at least two
(2) non-affiliated Parties holding fifty percent (50%) or more of the
Participating Interests; provided that, notwithstanding any failure to
obtain such approval, no Party shall be prohibited from issuing or making
any such public announcement or statement if it is necessary to do so in
order to comply with the applicable laws, rules or regulations of any
government, legal proceedings or stock exchange having jurisdiction over
such Party as set forth in Articles 15.1(A)(3) and (7).
20.3 Successors and Assigns
Subject to the limitations on transfer contained in Article XII, this Agreement
shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of
the Parties.
20.4 Waiver
No waiver by any Party of any one or more defaults by another Party in the
performance of this Agreement shall operate or be construed as a waiver of any
future default or defaults by the same Party, whether of a like or of a
different character. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement no Party
shall be deemed to have waived, released or modified any of its rights under
this Agreement unless such Party has expressly stated, in writing, that it does
waive, release or modify such right.
20.5 Severance of Invalid Provisions
If and for so long as any provision of this Agreement shall be deemed to be
judged invalid for any reason whatsoever, such invalidity shall not affect the
validity or operation of any other provision of this Agreement except only so
far as shall be necessary to give effect to the construction of such invalidity,
and any such invalid provision shall be deemed severed from this Agreement
without affecting the validity of the balance of this Agreement.
20.6 Modifications
Except as is provided in Article 20.5, there shall be no modification of this
Agreement except by written consent of all Parties.
20.7 Headings
The topical headings used in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall
not be construed as having any substantive significance or as indicating that
all of the provisions of this Agreement relating to any topic are to be bound in
any particular Article.
20.8 Singular and Plural
Reference to the singular includes a reference to the plural and vice versa.
20.9 Gender
Reference to any gender includes a reference to all other genders.
20.10 Counterpart Execution
1.1
<PAGE>
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and each such
counterpart shall be deemed an original Agreement for all purposes; provided no
Party shall be bound to this Agreement unless and until all Parties have
executed a counterpart. For purposes of assembling all counterparts into one
document, Operator is authorized to detach the signature page from one or more
counterparts and, after signature thereof by the respective Party, attach each
signed signature page to a counterpart.
20.11 Entirety
This Agreement is the entire agreement of the Parties and supersedes all prior
understandings and negotiations of the Parties. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF AGREEMENT
# MARCH 8, 1992 AND AMENDED ON FEBRUARY 25/93.
- ------------------ ---------------
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS of their agreement each Party has caused its duly authorized
representative to sign this instrument on the date indicated below such
representative's signature.
YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED
- --------------------------------------------
(Company Name)
By: /S/ Tunde Folawiyo
--------------------
T.B. Folawiyo
--------------
(Print or Type name)
Title: Executive Director
-------------------
Date: March 13, 1992
----------------
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LIMITED
- -------------------------------------
(Company Name)
By: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
--------------------
W.G. Cherwayko
---------------
(Print or Type name)
Title: President
---------
Date: March 13, 1992
----------------
(Company Name)
By:
(Print or Type name)
Title:
Date:
(Company Name)
By:
(Print or Type name)
Title:
Date:
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.17
PROJECT MANAGER AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into effective the 8th day of March, 1992 by
and between:
YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM CO. LTD.
(hereinafter referred to as "Owner/Operator")
AND
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
(hereinafter referred to as "Technical Partner")
and
ABACAN INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT INC.
(hereinafter referred to as "Abacan")
WHEREAS Technical Partner and Yinka Folawiyo Petroleum Company Limited ("Owner")
are parties to that certain Joint Venture Agreement dated March 8, 1992 ("Joint
Venture Agreement") and the Joint Operating Agreement and Accounting Procedure
attached thereto as Schedule "B" ("JOA") relating to the exploration,
development and production sharing of Oil Prospecting Licence No. 309 in the
Benin Basin, Nigeria ("Concession");
WHEREAS Owner is designated as Operator under the JOA;
WHEREAS Owner and Technical Partner entered into an agreement dated March 8,
1992 wherein Technical Partner agreed to provide Owner certain administrative
and technical assistance in carrying out its duties and responsibilities as
Operator under the JOA ("Technical Assistance Agreement");
WHEREAS Technical Partner wishes to contract the services of Abacan who has the
necessary qualified administrative, technical, and professional personnel to
carry out the duties of Project Manager pursuant to the JOA and the Technical
Assistance Agreement;
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained
herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1. Abacan is designated Project Manager as outlined in the Technical
Assistance Agreement for the Concession and Abacan agrees to perform the
responsibilities and duties set out in the JOA in accordance with the terms
of this Agreement, the Technical Assistance Agreement and the JOA.
<PAGE>
2. As Project Manager, Abacan will have the general responsibility of carrying
out the duties and responsibilities as Operator of the Concession under the
terms of the JOA and without restricting the generality of the foregoing,
Project Manager will:
(i) establish an Operating Committee comprised of representatives from Owner,
Technical Partner and Abacan;
(ii) prepare Work Programs, Budgets and Authorizations for Expenditures for
approval by the Operating Committee;
(iii)prepare and issue Cash Calls for operations approved by the Operating
Committee;
(iv) carry out operations on the Concession in accordance with the Work Programs
and Authorizations for Expenditures approved the Operating Committee;
(v) prepare and issue statements, billing and adjustments relating to
operations carried out on the Concession.
3. Abacan will be compensated for its duties hereunder in accordance with the
provisions of the Accounting Procedure attached as an Exhibit to the JOA
and the management agreement attached hereto.
4. The terms of this Agreement will be in effect for a period of five (5)
years from the date hereof and may be renewed for a further period of five
(5) years with the approval of the parties hereto. These periods are
however subject to earlier termination if in the opinion of the Joint
Operating Committee the Owner/Operator is deemed technically capable of
performing its function as Operator.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed in
duplicate by their authorized representatives effective as of the day and year
first above written.
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
Per: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
----------------------
ABACAN INTERNATIONAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT INC.
<PAGE>
Per: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
----------------------
YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LTD.
Per: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
----------------------
EXHIBIT 10.18
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into effective the 8th day of March,
1992, by and between YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED (hereinafter
referred to as OPERATOR), and LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD., (hereafter
referred to as "TECHNICAL Adviser"), both companies (hereinafter collectively
referred to as "the Parties") being incorporated and existing under the lows of
the Federal Republic of Nigeria, (hereinafter referred to as "NIGERIA").
WHEREAS YINKA FOLAWIYO PRTROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED and LIBERTY TECHNICAL
SERVICES LTD. are Parties to that certain Joint Operating Agreement of even date
herewith, covering petroleum operations on block 309, Nigeria (hereinafter
referred to as "JOA"). wherein YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED is
designated as the Operator and LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD. is designated as
the Technical Adviser, and
WHEREAS, YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED requires certain
administrative and technical assistance in carrying out its duties and
responsibilities as Operator under the JOA; and
WHEREAS, LIBERTY TECHNICAL and its affiliated companies have the necessary
qualified, administrative technical and professional personnel to assist YINKA
FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED in carrying out its duties and
responsibilities as Operator.
Now, therefore, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
contained herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS
Except as otherwise defined herein, the teams used herein shall have the
same meaning as set forth in the JOA.
11. TECHNICAL Adviser AND ASSISTANCE
2.1 Designation: In accordance with JOA, the Parties designate LIBERTY
TECHNICAL SERVICES Technical Adviser for OPL 309 and LIBERTY TECHNICAL
SERVICES agrees to accept and perform the responsibilities and duties
associated therewith.
2.2 Duties and Responsibilities: The Technical Adviser has to general
responsibility of assisting YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED in
carrying out is responsibilities as Operator for OPL 309 and, in so doing,
to further assist in establishing itself as a fully competent petroleum
company holding international recognition to fulfill its responsibilities,
the Technical Adviser shall:
<PAGE>
a) In accordance with the JOA establish a Technical Transfer Plan in
conduction with YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED.
b) carry out the duties and responsibilities assigned to the Technical
Adviser in the JOA subject to the laws of Nigeria, and
c) in accordance with the JOA hereof, provide YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM
COMPANY LIMITED with assistance and guidance in the development and
execution of training plans and programs in order to develop competent
Nigerian personnel, and
2.3 Working Relationship:
a) In the conduct of the Joint Operations contemplated in the JOA, the
technical Adviser and YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED shall
fully consult with each other on a regular basis, in a harmonious
manner and as frequently as may be required, for the purpose of
reviewing and scheduling the activities being carried out under this
Agreement.
b) Nothing contained herein shall be construed as representing any
assignment by YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED of its
responsibility as Operator of OPL 309. LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
shall always fulfill its responsibilities and perform the duties
described herein under the general direction of the Operator.
2.4 Training:
1. In providing the training assistance, the Technical Adviser shall, in
accordance with training plans and programs approved by the Operating
committee, do all that can be reasonable required to result in each
Nigerian employee of the Operator, reaching the highest possible level
of qualification. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it
is contemplated that the Technical Adviser shall:
a) assist YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED in the
development of training programs, both for separate individuals
and groups of trainees.
2b. such Technical Assistance and Training Committee shall operate in
Advisery capacity only and any decision or advice taken or given
respectively shall be subject to the approval of the Operating
Committee.
<PAGE>
111. ESTABLISHMENT OF PRESENCE IN NIGERIA
3.1 Offices and Employment: YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED
acknowledges and recognizes that the services to be provided by the
Technical Adviser will require the Technical Adviser to establish separate
offices of its own in Nigeria, the number of employees required to perform
such services will be at the sole discretion of the Technical Adviser;
however, the Technical Adviser warrants that it will employ no more that
the number of employees with may reasonable be required to carry out such
services.
3.2 Personnel: Any of LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD. or its affiliates=
personnel performing services under this Agreement shall remain at all
times the employees of LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD. or its affiliates
and shall not, for any purposes, be regarded as employees of YINKA FOLAWIYO
PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED. LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD. or its
affiliates shall remain solely responsible for the payment of their
salaries and benefits. LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD. may, at any time,
transfer and replace any such personnel.
3.3 Visas and Work Permits: In those cases where the Technical Adviser
determines it is necessary to fill a vacant position in its organization
with an expatriate employee, YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED
pledges, if necessary, to use its good offices to assist in obtaining any
visas, work permits or other like permits which may be required by the
Government.
V - CONFIDENTIALITY
5.1 confidential data and Information: Each Party undertakes that, without the
prior written consent of all the other Parties, it will treat as
confidential and prevent disclosure to any third parties of all data and
information relating to the License area or operations undertaken pursuant
to this agreement. This obligation shall continue throughout the term of
this Agreement or for five (5) years following termination of the License,
whichever is the later. Consent is hereby given for each Party such
information and data to its Affiliate and to persons and contractors
engaged by the Operator and/or the Technical Adviser to the extent required
for efficiently carrying out Joint Operations, to counsellors of any party
including legal counsel, lending organizations and external professional
consultants used by any Party to secure financing auditors, and prospective
third party assignees provided that such Affiliates and such other parties
accept a strict obligation to maintain the confidential nature of the date
of information disclosed and not to divulge such data or information to
other parties without prior written consent. With respect to all parties
other than affiliates, acceptance of the confidentiality obligation set
forth in the the previous sentence shall be in writing. The provisions of
this Article shall not apply to data or information which, through no fault
of the disclosing Party, has become a part of the public domain. The
provisions of this Article have no application to any disclosure required
by the applicable laws and regulations. however, prior to any such
disclosure, the disclosing Party shall inform the other Parties with as
mush notice as possible so that they may have the opportunity to contest
the government=s right to require such disclosure.
<PAGE>
5.2 Trading Rights: The Operator and/or the Technical Adviser nay, only with
the prior written approval of the Operating Committee and on such terms and
conditions as it may determine, exchange any such data and information for
other similar data and information and the Operator and/or the Technical
Adviser shall promptly provide the Parties with a conformed copy of the
agreement relating to such exchange and all such data and information.
VI - ASSIGNMENTS
6.1 Limitations on Assignments: PARTIES may assign this Agreement to any of
their parents affiliates or subsidiaries, and may subcontract any other
services to be provided hereunder to a parent, affiliate, subsidary o third
party. Provided that the consent of the other party is sought and obtained
prior to any such assignment.
ASSIGNMENT
6.1a)LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD hereby assigns its obligations and duties
rights as outlined in this agreement and the Joint Venture Agreement along
with its attached operating and accounting procedures to ABACAN
International Resource Management Inc., and its affiliated companies in
Nigeria.
VII - TERM
7.1 Term: Unless otherwise mutually agreed by the Parties hereto, this
Agreement shall continue enforce until such time as Liberty Technical
Services limited divests itself o fall its rights, title and interest in
OPL 309 or the Oil mining Lease covering OPL:309 upon its termination or
for a period of ten years, whichever occurs first.
VIII - ARBITRATION
8.1 Any dispute arising out or in connection with this Agreement, including any
question regarding its existence, validity or termination, shall be
referred to and finally resolved by arbitration under the Rules of the
London court or international Arbitration, with Rules are deemed to be
Incorporated by reference into this clause;
The governing law of the Agreement shall be the substantive law of NIGERIA.
The tribunal shall consist of a three/member tribunal and two of them shall
be nominated by the parties on the two respective sides.
<PAGE>
The place of arbitration shall be London, England. the language of the
arbitration shall be English.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed
in duplicate by their authorized representatives effective as to the day and
year first above written.
By: /s/ T.B. Folawiyo
______________________________
T.B. Folawiyo
Executive Director
YINKA FOLAWIYO PETROLEUM COMPANY LIMITED
By: /s/ Wade G. Cherwayko
_______________________________
Wade G. Cherwayko
President
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.19
JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
OPTIMUM PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
AND
AGBARA RESOURCES LIMITED
NIGERIAN OIL PROSPECTING LICENCE 310
Ince & Co.
Knollys House
11 Byward Street
London EC3R 5EN
Tel: 0171 623 2011
Fax: 0171 623 3225
Ref: OW/JL/KAG/79/60/440
<PAGE>
THIS JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT is executed at Lagos, Nigeria on November 27, 1996
and made effective as of November 27, 1996 by and between:
OPTIMUM PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT LIMITED, of 18E, Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, Nigeria
(hereinafter referred to as the "Owner/Operator")
and
AGBARA RESOURCES LIMITED, of 7th Floor, Folawiyo
Plaza, 38 Warehouse Road, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria,
(hereinafter referred to as "Technical Partner")
WHEREAS:
(a) The Minister approved the allocation of Oil Prospecting Licence No. 310
("OPL 310") to the Owner/Operator by a letter of allocation dated February
3, 1992 and referenced as PI.BAL/3750/V.3/49.
(b) In accordance with the letter of allocation referred to above, the Minister
issued OPL 310 to the Owner/Operator on July 27, 1993.
(c) OPL 310 has a term of five years commencing February 3, 1992 and grants to
the Owner/Operator the right inter alia, to prospect for Petroleum in and
under the area identified as being subject to the terms of the OPL 310.
(d) The letter of allocation and applicable Government legislation and policy
stipulates that the Owner/Operator is entitled to transfer a Participating
Interest in OPL 310 and the Owner/Operator has agreed to transfer such a
Participating Interest to the Technical Partner with full title guarantee,
free from liens, charges, equities and/or other encumbrances.
(e) It is an express term of this Agreement that in view of the remaining term
of the current OPL 310, the Owner/Operator is required to obtain an
extension or renewal OPL for Concession Block 310.
(f) The Owner/Operator and the Technical Partner have agreed to establish a
joint venture for the purposes of joint exploration, development,
production, sale, disposal and export of Petroleum won and saved pursuant
to OPL 310 and any extension, or renewals thereof, from that area
hereinafter defined as Concession Block 310, subject to and in accordance
with the terms hereof.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants hereinafter
set forth, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
<PAGE>
ARTICLEI - DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
-----------------------------------------
1.1 In this Agreement, and the recitals and schedules attached hereto, the
following words and expressions shall have the meanings respectively set
opposite them:
"ACCOUNTING PROCEDURE" means the accounting procedure attached to and forming
part of the Joint Operating Agreement in effect from time to time.
"AFFILIATE" means a company, partnership or other legal entity which controls,
or is controlled by, or which is controlled by an entity which controls a Party,
and for the purpose hereof, "CONTROL" means the ownership directly or indirectly
of more than seventy-five (75%) percent of the shares or voting rights or
privileges in a company, partnership or legal entity.
"AGREEMENT" "hereof", "herein", "hereto" and similar expressions means this
Joint Venture Agreement together with the schedules attached hereto and any
amendment or amendments made between the Parties in writing from time to time.
"COMMERCIAL QUANTITIES" means Petroleum in such quantities which, in the opinion
of the Technical Partner merits, and/or under the terms of prevailing Government
legislation or policy permits the Parties to make a joint application to the
Minister for an Oil Mining Lease, said OML to be issued if possible in the joint
names of both Parties as set forth in Article V herein.
"CONCESSION BLOCK 310" means the surface area to which the rights for Petroleum
prospecting, exploration, development, production, sale, disposal and export
conferred by OPL 310 are applicable, and which area is identified in red upon a
survey plan attached to the formal Oil Prospecting Licence document issued by
the Ministry, or elsewhere within the records of the Ministry and which term
shall throughout this Agreement include any and all extensions or renewals to
the term of OPL 310 that may be granted by the Ministry, any extension or
renewal oil prospecting licence effecting the same or a similar geographic area
issued by the Ministry or any oil mining leases arising therefrom.
"COST OIL" means forty (40%) percent of the total production of Petroleum from
Concession Block 310 which is allocated to the Technical Partner for the
recovery of Petroleum Costs.
"EFFECTIVE DATE" means the 27 day of November, 1996;
"GOVERNMENT" means the national government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as
represented by the Minister and/or the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
"JOINT ACCOUNT" means that account or accounts established and maintained by the
Technical Partner in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the
Joint Operating Agreement, the costs of which are chargeable to the Parties in
accordance with their Participating Interest of Petroleum Costs.
"JOINT OPERATING AGREEMENT" OR "JOA" means the Development Phase Joint Operating
Agreement, the Exploration and Production Phase Joint Operating Agreement,
and/or the Decommissioning Phase Joint Operating Agreement, as the case may be
to be entered into between the Parties during the term of OPL 310 and/or OML
310 as appropriate, in compliance with the provisions of Article X hereof, and
which agreement shall govern all present and future Joint Operations performed
on Concession Block 310.
-2-
<PAGE>
"JOINT OPERATIONS" means such field development and decommissioning activities
involving without limitation, acquisition, seismic operations, exploration,
development, exploitation, production, sale, disposal and export of Petroleum
won and saved from Concession Block 310, all decommissioning activities
performed thereon, together with any other activity which is desirable in the
reasonable opinion of the Technical Partner, and/or necessary to comply with
good oil field practice. All Petroleum Costs incurred in respect of Joint
Operations shall be for the Joint Account of the Parties hereto pro rata with
their respective Participating Interest of Petroleum Costs.
"JOINT PROPERTY" means, at any particular time, all wells, reservoirs (whether
discovered or not), facilities, equipment, materials, information, funds and
other property held for the Joint Account and owned by the Parties pro rata
their respective Participating Interest of Production.
"MINIMUM WORK OBLIGATIONS" means those work and/or expenditure obligations
which must be performed or completed as part of the Work Program in order to
satisfy the minimum work and expenditure obligations specified and established
by the Ministry in OPL 310 or any extensions or renewals thereof, and which
obligations are set out in Schedule "B" hereto.
"MINISTER" means the Honourable Minister of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources
of the Government.
"MINISTRY" means the Ministry of Petroleum Resources of the Government.
"OIL MINING LEASE 310" OR "OML 310" means the oil mining lease issued or
issuable in the joint names of the Owner/Operator and the Technical Partner by
the Ministry following the submission of a joint application to the Ministry as
set out in Article V herein. The application for OML 310 shall occur following
the Technical Partner's determination that Commercial Quantities exist and/or
have been satisfied and/or satisfaction of the Minimum Work Obligations, and
which OML allows for continued long term exploration, development, production,
sale, disposal and export of Petroleum won and saved from Concession Block 310
in direct continuation of those rights previously granted to the Owner/Operator
under OPL 310 or any extensions or renewals thereof, all in accordance with
applicable Government legislation and administrative policy.
"OIL PROSPECTING LICENCE NO. 310" OR "OPL 310" means Oil Prospecting Licence No.
310 issued by the Minister to the Owner/Operator in accordance with the
provisions of applicable Government legislation on February 3, 1992, having a
term of 5 years from the date thereof and when used herein shall include (a) all
rights, title and interest granted by the Ministry therein, (b) any extension or
renewal of the existing oil prospecting licence and any new or replacement oil
prospecting licence issued by the Ministry to the Owner/Operator following the
expiry of the term of the current oil prospecting licence effecting the same or
substantially the same geographic area or any part thereof, and (c) all
schedules and plans attached thereto or referred to therein pursuant to which
the Owner/Operator (and the Technical Partner by virtue of this Agreement) have
acquired an interest in all Petroleum found and produced within the geographic
area defined and described in the oil prospecting licence and any extensions or
renewals thereof including specifically the right to prospect for, save and
remove, export and dispose by way of sale, any such Petroleum discovered.
"OWNER/OPERATOR" means Optimum Petroleum Development Limited of Lagos, Nigeria.
"OPERATING COMMITTEE" means the that committee designated as the Operating
Committee in accordance with the provisions of the JOA and which is established
in accordance with the terms of Article X.
"PARTICIPATING INTEREST" means the undivided interest of each Party, expressed
as a percentage, in the rights, benefits and obligations established by this
Agreement, as set forth and described in Article VI and Article VII hereof.
-3-
<PAGE>
"PARTICIPATING INTEREST OF PETROLEUM COSTS" means the undivided interest of each
Party, expressed as a percentage, in the right, benefits and obligations
established by this Agreement, as more particularly set forth and described in
Article VI hereof.
"PARTICIPATING INTEREST OF PRODUCTION" means the undivided interest of each
Party, expressed as a percentage, in the rights and benefits and obligations
established by this Agreement, as more particularly set forth and described in
Article VII hereof.
"PARTY" means any one party to this Agreement and any permitted successors or
assigns in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
"PARTIES" mean collectively the Owner/Operator and Technical Partner.
"PAYOUT" means that point in time when gross revenues from the sale of Cost Oil
is equal to the Petroleum Costs in respect of Concession Block 310.
"PETROLEUM" means all mineral oil (or any related hydrocarbons), natural gas as
it exists in its natural strata (including condensate, sulphur and any and all
other liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons) and does not include coal or bituminous
states or other stratified deposits from which oil can be extracted by
destructive distillation.
"PETROLEUM COSTS" means all obligations, liabilities, costs, claims and expenses
of whatever nature incurred by the Technical Partner, both within and outside of
Nigeria, whether incurred before, during or after the commencement of the
Minimum Work Obligations and/or commencement of Joint Operations on Concession
Block 310 or any extension thereof, and any and all operations thereon, or in
respect thereof. All such costs incurred shall be allocated to the Joint
Account whether those costs were incurred before or after the Effective Date
hereof. For the avoidance of doubt, any and all costs associated with
decommissioning of field operations of whatever nature on Concession Block 310
are included within this definition of Petroleum Costs.
"PROFIT OIL" means that percentage of the total production of Petroleum from
Concession Block 310, in excess of Cost Oil and Tax Oil (being 30% before
payout), which is allocated to the Parties in accordance with the provisions of
Article VII hereof.
"TAX OIL" means thirty percent (30%) of the total production of Petroleum from
Concession Block 310 which is allocated to the Government as full payment of any
and all royalties, taxes and petroleum profits taxes or other similar
assessments and includes any oil which the Government elects, in its sole
discretion, to take in kind.
"TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT" means the Technical Assistance Agreement
between the Technical Partner and Owner/Operator setting forth the terms of the
technical and operational support to be provided by the Technical Partner to the
Owner/Operator, and which agreement is appended hereto as Schedule "C".
"TECHNICAL PARTNER" means Agbara Resources Limited with an office in Lagos,
Nigeria.
"WORK PROGRAM" means the general work program and Joint Operations to be
conducted on Concession Block 310, to be prepared by the Technical Partner and
approved by the Ministry.
1.2 Appended hereto are the following schedules:
-4-
<PAGE>
Schedule "A" - OPL 310 and related correspondence and documentation from
the Ministry issued as of the Effective Date hereof
Schedule "B" - Minimum Work Obligations
Schedule "C" - Technical Assistance Agreement
All schedules referred to above are incorporated into and form part of this
Agreement.
1.3 Wherever any provision of any schedule to this Agreement conflicts with
any provision in the body of this Agreement, the provisions of the body of this
Agreement shall prevail. Reference herein to a schedule shall mean a reference
to a schedule to this Agreement. References in any schedule to the Joint
Venture Agreement shall mean a reference to this Agreement.
1.4 Time shall be of the essence hereof.
1.5 The division of this Agreement into headings, sections, subsections,
clauses, subclauses, and paragraphs and the provision of headings herein is for
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this
Agreement.
1.6 In this Agreement, where the context requires, the singular shall
include the plural and the plural shall include the singular.
1.7 All references to currency, unless otherwise specified, are to lawful
money of the United States of America.
ARTICLE II - SCOPE
------------------
2.1 The Parties hereby undertake and agree subject to and in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement, to associate and participate together in a
joint venture for the conduct of Joint Operations on Concession Block 310. In
particular, the Parties agree that they shall at all times, use their best
endeavours to facilitate joint exploration, field development, exploitation,
production, sale and disposal, export of Petroleum won and saved and all
decommissioning activities relating thereto, together with other activities
necessary in the reasonable opinion of the Technical Partner to facilitate
exploration and development of Concession Block 310.
2.2 During the continuance of this Agreement, both the Owner/Operator and
the Technical Partner shall, in respect of any and all Joint Operations or other
operations performed on or under Concession Block 310, use their best endeavours
to ensure that such operations are conducted at all times in compliance with
good oil field practice. Each of the Parties shall continue to act at all times
in the manner which shall (a) ensure the continued good standing of OPL 310 or
any extensions or renewals thereof and/or OML 310 as appropriate, (b) maintain
the integrity of any Petroleum reservoirs contained within Concession Block 310,
and (c) ensure compliance with the terms of all contracts entered into in
respect of Concession Block 310 which are necessary for the conduct of Joint
Operations thereon.
ARTICLE III - GOVERNMENT APPROVAL
---------------------------------
3.1 The Owner/Operator will forthwith provide the Technical Partner with
satisfactory evidence that the Owner/Operator is the lawful and legal licensee
of OPL 310, that OPL 310 is valid and subsisting, that the Owner/Operator is not
in default thereof and that all terms imposed by the Minister and Ministry in
respect of OPL 310 are at any particular time including the Effective Date, in
good standing.
-5-
<PAGE>
3.2 The Owner/Operator will supply the Technical Partner with a copy of
any and all documentation confirming the Owner/Operator's legal and beneficial
ownership interest of OPL 310 and any extensions or renewals thereof. In
particular the Owner/Operator accepts that it is required to demonstrate to the
satisfaction of the Technical Partner that it has full title guarantee, free
from any liens, charges, equities or other encumbrances in respect of OPL 310
and/or OML 310 as applicable.
3.3 The Owner/Operator shall also provide the Technical Partner with any
amendments and correspondence relating to its ownership interest in OPL 310,
including any and all applications for extensions or renewals thereof together
with copies of all geological, geophysical and any other technical data which
the Owner/Operator has in its possession relating to Concession Block 310 or
immediately surrounding concession blocks.
3.4 The Owner/Operator agrees with the Technical Partner that it shall
promptly provide the Technical Partner with true copies of all correspondence
concerning OPL 310 and, when applicable, OML 310 that are issued by the
Owner/Operator and/or the Ministry.
3.5 The Owner/Operator acknowledges to the Technical Partner that it shall
continuously maintain OPL 310 and/or OML 310 as applicable, in good standing
with the Government without interruption, and shall upon request by the
Technical Partner provide the Technical Partner with satisfactory evidence of
compliance with the provisions contained herein. The Technical Partner shall be
entitled to receive notice of and attend at any and all meetings effecting OPL
310 and any renewals or extensions thereof and OML 310 as applicable, between
the Owner/Operator and the Ministry.
ARTICLE IV - EXPLORATION PROGRAM
--------------------------------
4.1 The Parties shall carry out an exploration program upon Concession
Block 310 in accordance with the Work Program and which Work Program will, upon
completion be sufficient to meet the Minimum Work Obligations imposed by the
Ministry in respect of OPL 310, and any renewals or extensions thereof, and
which Minimum Work Obligations shall be sufficient to secure each of the Parties
with a Participating Interest of Production produced from Concession Block 310.
4.2 The conduct of the Work Program and all Joint Operations on Concession
Block 310 shall be in accordance with the terms of the JOA and in accordance
with prevailing good oil field practice.
ARTICLE V - APPLICATION FOR OIL MINING LEASE
--------------------------------------------
5.1 In the event that Petroleum is discovered in Commercial Quantities on
Concession Block 310 and/or the Parties have complied with the Minimum Work
Obligations set forth in OPL 310 or any renewals or extensions thereof, the
Owner/Operator together with the Technical Partner shall collectively make a
joint application on behalf of both Parties to the Ministry for OML 310 at the
earliest possible date. The application shall specifically request that the OML
be jointly issued in the names of both the Owner/Operator and the Technical
Partner.
ARTICLEVI - PARTICIPATING INTEREST OF PETROLEUM COSTS
-----------------------------------------------------
6.1 All Petroleum Costs incurred in respect of Joint Operations whether
incurred before or after the Effective Date carried out in respect of Concession
Block 310, before Payout, shall be allocated as follows:
Owner/Operator 0%
Technical Partner 100%
6.2 All Petroleum Costs incurred in respect of Joint Operations carried out
in respect of Concession Block 310, after Payout, shall be shared and allocated
as follows:
-6-
<PAGE>
Owner/Operator 60%
Technical Partner 40%
6.3 All Petroleum (subject to Tax Oil), Joint Property and any and all
other equipment, material or property of whatsoever nature related to the
conduct of any Joint Operations on Concession Block 310 (other than equipment or
property that is leased from third parties) and any other assets acquired by the
Parties pursuant to the terms of this Agreement from time to time shall be owned
by the Parties in accordance with their respective Participating Interest of
Petroleum Costs.
6.4 Unless otherwise provided in this Agreement, the obligations of the
Parties herein and all liabilities and expenses incurred by the Technical
Partner in connection with the Joint Operations shall be charged to the Joint
Account and all credits to the Joint Account shall be shared by the Parties, as
among themselves, all in accordance with their respective Participating Interest
of Petroleum Costs.
6.5 Each of the Parties hereby covenants to contribute and/or pay the
Petroleum Costs which shall include the Technical Partner's assessment of
decommissioning costs (such costs to be assessed in accordance with good oil
field practice), in an amount equal to its respective Participating Interest of
Petroleum Costs from time to time, and to bear all Petroleum Costs paid or
incurred pursuant to this Agreement on behalf of such Party or Parties in
portions equal to their Participating Interest of Petroleum Costs.
6.6 Any tax credits, royalty credits or reduction in Tax Oil or any other
benefits generated by or resulting from or arising in connection with Joint
Operations carried out on Concession Block 310 shall be shared and allocated
equally between the Parties.
ARTICLE VII - PARTICIPATING INTEREST OF PRODUCTION
--------------------------------------------------
7.1 The Owner/Operator hereby acknowledges and confirms that the Technical
Partner is entitled to its Participating Interest of Production for Concession
Block 310 as set forth in Paragraph 7.2 below.
7.2 All benefits, revenues and receipts of whatsoever nature as same
relate to the sale of Petroleum produced from Concession Block 310 shall be
shared and allocated as follows:
(a) Before Payout:
Cost Oil Tax Oil Profit Oil
-------- ------- ----------
Technical Partner 40% 0% 20%
-------- ------- ----------
Owner/Operator 0% 0% 10%
-------- ------- ----------
Government 0% 30% 0%
-------- ------- ----------
(b) After Payout:
Cost Oil Tax Oil Profit Oil
-------- ------- ----------
Technical Partner 0% 0% 30%
-------- ------- ----------
Owner/Operator 0% 0% 40%
-------- ------- ----------
Government 0% 30% 0%
-------- ------- ----------
-7-
<PAGE>
7.3 In the event the Government elects to exercise its right to
participate in the development of Concession Block 310 such rights to include
the benefits and obligations associated with such participation, the
Participating Interest of Production of the Parties will be amended accordingly,
on a pro rata basis, based upon the level of Government participation provided
however that the Participating Interest of Production of the Technical Partner
shall in no event be reduced to less than 24%. The Parties agree to execute
such documents as may be necessary to reflect any such transfer of interest and
joinder of the Government as a party to the terms of this Agreement.
7.4 Subject to Article 7.3, the Owner/Operator agrees with the Technical
Partner that in the event that Tax Oil payable to the Government exceeds 30%,
that there will be no reduction to the Technical Partner's Participating
Interest of Production to less than 24%.
7.5 In the event of Government participation, the rights and obligations
of the Parties as set forth herein shall remain unchanged as they relate to one
another. However, at the request of the Technical Partner, the Parties shall
enter into separate JOA and other agreements with the Government with respect to
the rights, obligations and benefits of the Parties on the one hand and the
Government on the other. Any payments received from the Government arising out
of such participation shall be credited to the Joint Account and applied
pro-rata to the Parties Participating Interest of Production.
-8-
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VIII - DECOMMISSIONING
------------------------------
8.1 The Parties to this Agreement expressly acknowledge that they may be
liable to undertake decommissioning operations and consequently to make payments
in respect of future decommissioning expenditure either by Government law and/or
regulation or by operation of international law which the Parties agree shall be
based upon the level of the Participating Interest of Production attributable to
them during the term of this Agreement.
8.2 Accordingly, the Parties have agreed that the Technical Partner should
consult with technical taxation and such other specialists, as necessary,
operating in the area of decommissioning to obtain an estimate of the level of
decommissioning expenditures and to prepare a model for decommissioning
operations including a payments schedule.
8.3 In the event that both Parties decide to withdraw from operations or are
required to do so pursuant to this Article, the Parties agree that they shall be
bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement for so long as may be
necessary to wind up the affairs of the Parties with the Government, to satisfy
any requirements of applicable law or to facilitate the sale, disposition or
decommissioning of property (whether Joint Property or otherwise) or interests
held by the Joint Account.
8.4 Nothing herein shall eliminate the obligations of the Parties for any
and all decommissioning liabilities or costs and the Parties agree to make
payment of their full decommissioning liability upon demand by the other Party
based upon their Participating Interest of Petroleum Costs at the time
decommissioning commences.
ARTICLE IX -
------------
ASSIGNMENT OF PARTICIPATING
---------------------------
INTEREST AND RESTRICTIONS OF SHARE TRANSFER
-------------------------------------------
9.1 Subject always to the requirements of this Agreement, including, the
obligation of the Owner/Operator to maintain OPL 310 and/or OML 310, as
applicable, in good standing with the Government at all times, the transfer of
all or part of a Party's Participating Interest shall be effective only if the
transferring Party satisfies the terms and conditions set forth herein.
9.2 The Owner/Operator shall not permit any transfer or issuance of its
shares or those of its Affiliates that will result in:
(a) those shareholders of the Owner/Operator or its Affiliates on the
Effective Date holding less than 75% of the shares of the
Owner/Operator or its Affiliates following the share sale transaction;
and
(b) any of the shares of the Owner/Operator being held by any person,
corporation or other entity that is or is regarded as being a foreign
entity under the terms of letter of allocation from the Ministry to
the Owner/Operator dated February 3, 1992 or under any other
Government legislation or policy.
9.3 Notwithstanding Article 9.2(a) above, the Owner/Operator including its
Affiliates who have or may acquire a Participating Interest in OPL 310 and/or
OML 310 as appropriate,expressly agrees that it shall be prohibited from
undertaking any share issuance or transfer, including the pledge of its shares
as security or otherwise, where such dealings may have the effect of
constituting a breach of any of the terms of OPL 310 and/or OML 310, as
appropriate, the letter of allocation, the OPL 310 deed document, or any
applicable Government legislation or policy. Such a restriction shall also
apply to the Technical Partner subsequent to its name appearing on the OPL 310
and/or OML 310, as appropriate.
-9-
<PAGE>
9.4 The Owner/Operator shall not transfer, assign, farmout, pledge, charge
or otherwise encumber its Participating Interest in OPL 310 or OML 310, as
applicable, with any third party without the express written consent of the
Government, such consent to specifically state that following the transfer,
assignment, farmout, pledge, charge or encumbering that OPL 310 and/or OML 310,
as appropriate, continues to be in all respects valid and in good standing.
Such a restriction shall also apply to the Technical Partner subsequent to its
name appearing on the OPL 310 and/or OML 310, as appropriate.
9.5 The Owner/Operator expressly accepts that the foregoing restrictions on
its dealings with its shares and Participating Interest is essential in order to
maintain OPL 310 and/or OML 310 as appropriate, in good standing for continued
benefit of both Parties to this Agreement.
9.6 Subject always to receipt of the requisite consents and Government
approvals to any transfer of interest as set forth in this Article IX, if a
Party transfers all or part of its Participating Interest herein, the Parties
shall amend this Agreement to reflect the revised Participating Interests of the
Parties.
ARTICLE X
JOINT OPERATING AGREEMENT AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT
------------------------------------------------------------
10.1 The Parties hereto agree that the Joint Operations on Concession Block
310 shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of a Joint Operating
Agreement and Technical Assistance Agreement, and which JOA shall establish an
Operating Committee in accordance with the terms hereof.
10.2 The Parties hereby adopt, approve and agree to abide and be bound by
the terms of the Technical Assistance Agreement in the form attached hereto as
Schedule "C";
10.3 With reference to Article 10.1 above, the Parties agree that within
120 days of the date of execution of this Agreement, the Parties shall enter
into a Development Phase JOA to be prepared by the Technical Partner (the
Development Phase JOA) in a format to be agreed between the Parties which
format shall (without limitation) deal with the following matters:
(a) the role of the Operator;
(b) establishment and role of the Operating Committee in keeping with the
powers and obligations referred to throughout this Agreement;
(c) role of the Technical Partner vis-a-vis the Operator and the Operating
Committee;
(d) the role/function of the Technical Assistance Agreement;
(e) issues of liability;
(f) the Parties' relationships;
(g) Joint Operations including;
- Programs
- Budgets
- Authorizations For Expenditure
- Audits
- Contract procurement and approval
(h) Sole Risk Operations;
(i) Non consent;
(j) Default;
(k) Offtake and access to the reservoir;
(l) Minimum shareholding restriction on the Owner/Operator consistent with
the provisions herein;
(m) Assignment and withdrawal;
(n) Unit operating agreements;
(o) Decommissioning;
- Framework
- Joint and several liability
- Policy
- Establishment of a fund or other payment device
- Formula
- Nature of security
-10-
<PAGE>
- Timing of security
- Failure to provide security
- Default
10.4 The Parties acknowledge that for the duration of the term of the
Technical Assistance Agreement, the Operating Committee established under the
JOA shall be comprised of three representatives of the Technical Partner and two
representatives of the Owner/Operator and that thereafter, the Operating
Committee shall be comprised of three representatives of the Owner/Operator and
two representatives of the Technical Partner. The Operator (as defined in the
JOA) shall at all times be subject to the inherent supervision and direction of
the Operating Committee.
10.5 In addition, when Commercial Quantities are proven and/or the Minimum
Work Obligations are satisfied and the Parties have successfully applied for and
have been jointly issued OML 310 by the Ministry, the Parties shall review the
provisions of the existing Development Phase JOA to be entered into in
compliance with Article 10.3 above. If in the opinion of the Technical Partner
acting reasonably and in compliance with good oil field practice, a new or
revised JOA governing Joint Operations relating to the conduct of ongoing
production activities on Concession Block 310 is regarded as being necessary,
the Parties shall enter into a Production Phase JOA (the "Production Phase JOA")
to be prepared by the Technical Partner within 120 days of the date of the
Technical Partners' written request for execution of such an agreement.
However, failure to enter into such an agreement within 120 days of the date of
request by the Technical Partner shall mean that then prevailing JOA shall
continue to apply to Joint Operations upon Concession Block 310.
10.6 A further review of the terms of the then current JOA shall be
undertaken by the Parties, upon the decision by the Operator following the
advice of the Technical Partner that it is necessary to commence decommissioning
operations in respect of Concession Block 310. If a new or revised JOA
governing Joint Operations relating to decommissioning activities on Concession
Block 310 is necessary in the opinion of the Technical Partner acting reasonably
and in compliance with good oil field practice, the Technical Partner shall make
a written request that the Parties enter into a Decommissioning Phase JOA (the
"Decommissioning JOA") to be prepared by the Technical Partner within 120 days
of the date of written request by the Technical Partner.
10.7 All Joint Operations upon Concession Block 310, including formation of
an Operating Committee to govern Joint Operations upon Concession Block 310,
shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the then current Joint
Operating Agreement and Accounting Procedure.
-11-
<PAGE>
ARTICLE XI - DISPUTE RESOLUTION
-------------------------------
11.1 This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, interpreted and applied
in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
11.2 For the benefit of each Party, each Party agrees and hereby submits
themselves to the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court of Justice in England
for resolution of all disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement
between them, without recourse to arbitration, and accordingly submits to the
jurisdiction of the English courts.
ARTICLE XII - ENTIRE AGREEMENT
------------------------------
12.1 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties in
connection with the subject matter and supersedes and cancels all previous
negotiations, commitments or writings with respect to the subject matter
referenced herein and the Parties acknowledge that neither Party has entered
into this Agreement in reliance upon any representation, warranty and/or
undertaking which is not set out or referred to in this Agreement.
ARTICLE XIII - EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERM
--------------------------------------
13.1 This Agreement shall have effect from the Effective Date and shall,
subject always to the Parties' continuing obligations under Articles V, VIII and
XV herein, continue in full force and effect until:
(a) all wells have been properly abandoned in accordance with Article 8;
(b) all obligations, claims, arbitrations and lawsuits (if any) have been
settled or otherwise disposed of in accordance with the terms of the
applicable JOA;
(c) the time relating to the protection of confidential information and
for proprietary technology has expired in accordance with Article 15;
and
(d) in the opinion of the Technical Partner acting reasonably, it has been
determined that Commercial Quantities have not or cannot be
established or are economically unrecoverable.
ARTICLE XIV - FINANCIAL YEAR
----------------------------
14.1 The financial year end of the joint venture shall be December 31 or
such other date as agreed in writing by the Parties hereto.
14.2 The financial books and records of the joint venture shall be kept in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and procedures of such
jurisdiction as the Operating Committee may determine based upon the
recommendation of the Technical Partner.
14.3 Subject to the terms of the Joint Operating Agreement to be entered
into in compliance with Article X above within 120 days hereof, an annual audit
of the joint venture's balance sheet, profit and loss statement and other
related financial records shall be made by a recognized public accounting or
chartered accounting firm, which is mutually agreeable to the Parties hereto.
The Parties shall be entitled to have members of its internal audit staff
inspect the records and books of the joint venture at any time and at its own
expense. In addition, either Party may, at its sole expense, engage an
independent public accounting or chartered accounting firm to audit the
financial records of the joint venture from time to time.
-12-
<PAGE>
ARTICLEXV - FIDUCIARY RELATIONSHIP
----------------------------------
15.1 The Parties covenant and agree that they are entering into a joint
venture relationship and owe each other the highest level of fiduciary
responsibility and, subject to Article 15.2 herein, will not, while Parties to
this Agreement or for a period of five years following the expiry of this
Agreement, disclose to any other person, firm, corporation or entity, any
proprietary or confidential information obtained in the course hereof, or as
result of the Joint Operations contemplated in this Agreement. Any information
not generally available to the public shall be construed as proprietary or
confidential for the purposes of this Agreement including, without limitation,
all agreements between the Parties, information relating to Joint Operations,
seismic and other data, drilling techniques and results, technology, suppliers
of equipment, and names of customers, information relating to sales, markets,
target markets, strategies, advertisements, business procedures and all
financial information.
15.2 The obligation of the Parties as set forth in Article 15.1 hereof to
maintain confidentiality shall not apply to such knowledge, information,
material or business data obtained pursuant to this Agreement or relating to any
material to the joint venture which:
(a) was demonstratably known to a Party prior to the Effective Date of
this Agreement;
(b) is available to the public in the form of written publication issued
by a third party;
(c) shall have become available to the Parties in good faith from a third
party who has a bona fide right to disclose same;
(d) is required to be disclosed to any federal, provincial, state or local
government or governmental branch, board, agency or instrumental
mentality in order to comply with applicable laws, or is required to
be disclosed to regulatory authorities including stock exchanges
having jurisdiction in respect of securities of either parties.
(e) is required to be disclosed by a Party pursuant to public disclosure
requirements imposed under applicable securities legislation.
(f) is required or desired to be disclosed to a Party's financial
advisors, banks, other financial institutions, contractors or
potential investors in the project.
15.3 Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, each Party shall have
the right to independently engage in and receive full benefits from other
business activities, whether or not competitively with the joint venture hereby
created, without consulting the other Party, and no Party shall have any
obligation to the other Party with respect to any opportunity to acquire any
assets at any time outside the terms of the joint venture hereby constituted.
15.4 Disclosure pursuant to Article 15.2(f) shall not be made unless prior
to such disclosure, the disclosing Party has obtained a written undertaking from
the recipient to keep the data and information strictly confidential and not to
use or to disclose the data or information except for the express purpose for
which the disclosure is to be made.
15.5 Any Party ceasing to own a Participating Interest during the term of
this Agreement shall nonetheless remain bound by the obligations of this Article
XV and any disputes shall be resolved in accordance with Article XI hereof.
15.6 Nothing in this Agreement shall require a Party to divulge proprietary
technology to the other Party; provided that where the cost of development of
proprietary technology has been charged to the Joint Account, such proprietary
technology shall be disclosed to all Parties bearing a portion of such costs and
may be used by such Party or its affiliates in other operations.
-13-
<PAGE>
15.7 Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article, the Technical
Partner with the approval of the Operating Committee, may make well trades and
data trades for the benefit of the Parties, with another company or body to
secure data, the cost of which shall be charged to the Joint Account. Data
obtained shall be furnished to all Parties. In such a situation, Technical
Partner must enter into an undertaking with any third party to such trade to
keep such information confidential.
ARTICLE XVI - AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
----------------------------------
16.1 Neither this Agreement nor any of its provisions may be changed,
waived, discharged or terminated orally or by any course of conduct but only by
an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each Party.
16.2 No failure to exercise or delay in exercising any right, power or
privilege under this Agreement or the part of any of the Parties shall act as a
waiver. No singular or partial exercise of any such right, power or privilege
shall preclude any other or any further exercise or the exercise of any other
right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies provided in this Agreement
are cumulative and not exclusive of any other right or remedies otherwise by
provided by law unless expressly stated.
ARTICLE XVII - COVENANTS
------------------------
17.1 The Owner/Operator covenants with the Technical Partner as follows:
(a) the Owner/Operator is a company duly incorporated, validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
and that it has all necessary corporate powers to enter into this
Agreement and to carry on business herein contemplated;
(b) the Owner/Operator is the lawful licensee of OPL 310 and the
geographic area contained within Concession Block 310, and the
Owner/Operator has not transferred, conveyed, sold, farmed out,
granted royalties to third parties or in any way encumbered its legal
or beneficial interest as licensee of OPL 310 and confirms that it has
full title guarantee free from any liens, charges, equities and/or
encumbrances with respect to OPL 310 and/or OML 310 as appropriate;
(c) the Owner/Operator has the right and authority to execute this
Agreement and has the lawful authority under the terms of OPL 310 and
otherwise, to transfer and assign an unencumbered Participating
Interest with full title guarantee, free from any liens, charges,
equities and/or encumbrances, to the Technical Partner all in
accordance with the provisions set forth herein;
(d) the form of oil prospecting licence identified as OPL 310 is, to the
best of the knowledge and belief of the Owner/Operator, the present
and subsisting oil prospecting licence for the geographic area
contained in Concession Block 310, and OPL 310 is valid and in good
standing with the Government and all other regulatory agencies and
authorities;
(e) the Owner/Operator shall assist in the promotion and successful
conduct of the joint venture including obtaining and providing the
Technical Partner with (1) all necessary Government and other
approvals required to perform the Joint Operations, (2) a copy of the
oil prospecting licence deed document, (3) any correspondence or other
documentation (including geological, geophysical and other technical
data) which the Owner/Operator now has in its possession relating to
Concession Block 310, and (4) any and all future correspondence
between the Owner/Operator and the Ministry in connection with OPL 310
and any extensions or renewals thereof;
-14-
<PAGE>
(f) the Owner/Operator shall, upon execution of this Agreement, forthwith
make application to the Ministry for such extension, renewal or
replacement of OPL 310 as is necessary to enable the performance of
the Minimum Work Program within two years of the date hereof. The
Owner/Operator acknowledges that the obtaining of an extension,
renewal or replacement of OPL 310 is a strict condition of this
Agreement in favour of the Technical Partner and that the Technical
Partner shall not be required to initiate work on OPL 310 or make any
additional payments to the Owner/Operator herein until it is satisfied
that the Owner/Operator has obtained or will obtain an extension,
renewal or replacement of OPL 310, all to the satisfaction of the
Technical Partner;
(g) The Owner/Operator and the Technical Partner shall work together to
meet the Minimum Work Obligations and/or to demonstrate that
Commercial Quantities of Petroleum exist within Concession Block 310
and upon meeting either, or both of these criteria, the Owner/Operator
and the Technical Partner shall make a joint application for a OML to
be issued in the joint names of both Parties to this Agreement in
compliance with Articles 5.1 and 5.2 above, and the Owner/Operator
covenants that upon establishment of Commercial Quantities, it will
use its best endeavours to secure the issue of OML 310 in respect of
Concession Block 310 in the joint names of both Parties to this
Agreement in compliance with Articles 5.1 and 5.2;
(h) The Owner/Operator expressly acknowledges that it is bound by the
restrictions on transfer set out in Article IX herein in order to
maintain OPL 310 and/or OML 310 as appropriate in good standing with
the Ministry.
17.2 The Technical Partner covenants as follows:
(a) the Technical Partner is a corporation duly incorporated, validly
existing and in good standing under the laws of the Bahamas and has
all necessary corporate powers to enter into this Agreement and to
conduct and to carry on business as herein contemplated.
(b) it shall fulfil its financial obligations to the Owner/Operator as set
forth in Article 16 hereof.
(c) the Technical Partner shall provide all necessary financial, technical
and operational support for the conduct of the Joint Operations as
required from time to time pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and
the Technical Assistance Agreement, and shall conduct its activities
in accordance with good oilfield practice.
17.3 For the avoidance of doubt, the entire provisions of this Article
XVII are cumulative, and the Parties must ensure that these covenants continue
to remain valid at all times during the term of this Agreement. At any time
during the continuance of this Agreement, either Party may ask the other for
evidence that it is continuing to comply with these covenants in a format
satisfactory to it.
ARTICLE XVIII - MISCELLANEOUS
-----------------------------
18.1 Each of the Parties shall execute and deliver such other
certificates, agreements and other documents and take such other actions as may
reasonably be required by the other Party in order to consummate or implement
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
18.2 The liability and obligation of the Parties hereto shall be several
and not joint or collective and each Party shall be responsible only for its
obligations as herein set forth, provided however that both Parties shall be
liable to each other for the decommissioning obligations set forth in Article
XIII herein. It is expressly declared that it is not the purpose of this
Agreement to create any partnership or syndicate and neither this Agreement nor
the operations hereunder shall be construed or considered as creating any
partnership or syndicate.
18.3 All notices, requests, demands or other communications hereunder
shall be delivered by hand or sent by mail as appropriate or by facsimile, telex
or telegram to the Parties at the address provided below:
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<PAGE>
Owner/Operator:
Optimum Petroleum Development Ltd.
18E Gerrard Road
Ikoyi, Nigeria
Fax: 00-234-1-684-398
Attention: The Managing Director
Technical Partner:
Agbara Resources Limited
7th Floor, Folawiyo Plaza
38 Warehouse Road
Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria
Fax: 00-234-1-545-0301
Attention: Wade G. Cherwayko
President
Any Party may from time to time change its address for service hereunder upon
written notice to the other Party. Any notice may be served by personal
delivery or by mailing the same by registered post, in a properly addressed
envelope addressed to the Party to whom such notice is to be given at it address
for service hereunder and shall be deemed to be given and received forty-eight
(48) hours after the delivery thereof. Any notice may be served by prepaid
telegram, telex or telecopy addressed to the Party to whom such notice is to be
given and any such notice so served shall be deemed to be given and received by
the addressee eighteen (18) hours after the time of delivery.
18.4 If at anytime, one or more of the provisions of this Agreement is or
becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason in respect of or under
any law or regulation, the validity, legality and enforceability of the
remaining provisions of this Agreement shall not, as a result be effected or
impaired in any way.
18.5 Each Party shall, when required to do so by the other Party to this
Agreement now or at any future time, do, or so far as each is able to do,
procure the doing of all such acts and/or execute or procure the execution of
all such documents in a form satisfactory to the other Party as required.
18.6 This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and
evidenced by facsimile copy thereof and all such counterparts or facsimile
copies together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
18.7 Each Party shall be responsible for payment of its own legal,
accounting and other costs in respect of the negotiation, completion, execution
and implementation of this Agreement.
18.8 The Owner/Operator expressly acknowledges that the Technical Partner
shall be under no obligation to initiate Joint Operations or incur Petroleum
Costs until an extension or renewal OPL for Concession Block 310 has been
granted by the Government in a form satisfactory to the Technical Partner.
-16-
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A
TO THE JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT
DATED NOVEMBER 27, 1996 BETWEEN
OPTIMUM PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
AND AGBARA RESOURCES LIMITED
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE B
TO THE JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT
DATED NOVEMBER, 1996 BETWEEN
OPTIMUM PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
AND AGBARA RESOURCES LIMITED
MINIMUM WORK OBLIGATIONS
(to be completed prior to the expiry of OPL 310)
1. Seismic operations and the drilling of 3 wells, all as approved by the
Ministry; or
2. The establishment of Commercial Quantities (as defined in the Joint
Venture Agreement) that permit the Owner/Operator and the Technical Partner to
jointly apply to the Government for the conversion of OPL 310 into OML 310.
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE C
TO THE JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT
DATED NOVEMBER, 1996 BETWEEN
OPTIMUM PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
AND AGBARA RESOURCES LIMITED
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT
[This document is filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Form 10-KSB dated effective
March 1, 1999]
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by
their duly authorized officers and representatives as of the day and year first
written above.
OPTIMUM PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
Per: /s/ Alhaji Ubrahim Bunu
--------------------------
Title: Chairman
--------
AGBARA RESOURCES LIMITED
Per: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
--------------------
Title: President
---------
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.20
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
OPTIMUM PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
AND
AGBARA RESOURCES LIMITED
NIGERIAN OIL PROSPECTING LICENCE 310
Ince & Co.
Knollys House
11 Byward Street
London EC3R 5EN
Tel: 0171 623 2011
Fax: 0171 623 3225
Ref: OW/JL/KAG/79/60/440
<PAGE>
THIS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT is made effective as of the effective date
of the Joint Venture Agreement, and between:
(1) OPTIMUM PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT LIMITED, of 18E, Gerrard Road Ikoyi,
Nigeria (hereinafter referred to as the "Owner/Operator"); and
(2) AGBARA RESOURCES LIMITED, of 7th Floor, Folawiyo Plaza, 38 Warehouse
Road, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria, (hereinafter referred to as "Technical Partner")
WHEREAS:
(a) The Owner/Operator and the Technical Partner are parties to a Joint
Venture Agreement ("JVA") in respect of Concession Block 310 and associated Oil
Prospecting Licence 310 ("OPL 310") together with any renewal or extension OPL
for Concession Block 310 and/or Oil Mining Lease 310 ("OML 310") as appropriate;
(b) In accordance with the terms of the JVA, the parties have agreed to
enter into a Development Phase Joint Operating Agreement ("JOA") within 120 days
of the date of the JVA to be prepared by the Technical Partner for the purpose
of governing present and future Joint Operations on Concession Block 310;
(c) The Owner/Operator requires certain administrative and technical
assistance in performing its duties and responsibilities as Owner/Operator
pursuant to the JOA;
(d) The Technical Partner has qualified administrative, technical and
professional personnel necessary to assist Owner/Operator in performing its
duties and responsibilities as Owner/Operator under the JOA to be entered into
and has agreed to do so in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, the
JVA and the JOA;
(e) The Owner/Operator expressly acknowledges and accepts that the Technical
Partner may wish to out source and/or subcontract any or all aspects of Joint
Operations to Abacan Technical Services Limited or any other affiliated company
whilst continuing to act as Technical Partner.
NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained
herein, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
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<PAGE>
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
1.1 Except as otherwise defined herein, the terms used herein shall have the
same meaning as set forth in the JVA.
1.2 The following words and expressions shall have the meanings respectively
set opposite to them:
"JOINT VENTURE AGREEMENT" OR "JVA" means the Joint Venture Agreement between the
Owner/Operator and the Technical Partner in respect of Concession Block 310.
"JOINT OPERATING AGREEMENT" OR "JOA" means the Development Phase Joint Operating
Agreement, the Exploration and Production Phase Joint Operating Agreement and/or
the Decommissioning Phase Joint Operating Agreement, as the case may be to be
entered into between the Parties during the term of OPL 310 and/or OML 310 as
appropriate including any renewal or extension thereof, in compliance with
provisions of Article X of the JVA and which agreement shall govern all present
and future Joint Operations performed on Concession Block 310.
"PARTIES" means the Owner/Operator and the Technical Partner.
"TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT" OR "AGREEMENT" means this Technical Assistance
Agreement which is attached as a schedule to the Joint Venture Agreement.
1.3 Wherever any provision of any schedule to this Agreement conflicts with
any provision in the body of this Agreement, the provisions of the body of this
Agreement shall prevail. Reference herein to a schedule shall mean a reference
to a schedule to this Agreement. References in any schedule to the JVA shall
mean a reference to that Agreement.
1.4 Time shall be of the essence hereof.
1.5 The division of this Agreement into headings, sections, subsections,
clauses, subclauses, and paragraphs and the provision of headings herein is for
convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this
Agreement.
1.6 In this Agreement, where the context requires, the singular shall
include the plural and the plural shall include the singular.
1.7 All references to currency, unless otherwise specified, are to lawful
money of the United States of America.
ARTICLE II
TECHNICAL PARTNER AND ASSISTANCE
-3-
<PAGE>
2.1 Designation
-----------
In accordance with the terms contained in the JVA and the terms of the JOA to be
entered into, the Parties jointly designate the Technical Partner as a technical
advisor and project manager for purposes of procuring, contracting, conducting
and/or co-ordinating Joint Operations to be performed on Concession Block 310
either by the Technical Partner or a third party appointed by the Technical
Partner.
2.2 Duties and Responsibilities
-----------------------------
In accordance with the JVA, the JOA to be entered into and this Agreement, the
Technical Partner shall provide assistance to the Owner/Operator in performing
its responsibilities as Owner/Operator for Concession Block OPL 310 and, in so
doing, shall assist the Owner/Operator to establish itself as a competent
operator of international petroleum operations. Pursuant to the terms of the
JOA and this Agreement, the Technical Partner shall (without limitation) perform
the following specific duties:
(i) Perform Joint Operations in accordance with the provisions of OPL 310
(including any renewal or extension thereof) and/or OML 310 as
appropriate, the JVA, the JOA to be entered into, this Agreement and
the instructions of the Operating Committee;
(ii) Conduct all Joint Operations in a diligent, safe and efficient manner
in accordance with good and prudent oil field practice and
conservation principles generally followed by the international
petroleum industry under similar circumstances;
(iii)Prepare and provide the Owner/Operator and Operating Committee with
all reports, data, surveys and information required to be provided by
the Owner/Operator under the JOA;
(iv) Prepare and submit to the Operating Committee the proposed Work
Programs, budgets and AFE's as provided in the JOA;
(v) Prepare and submit to the Owner/Operator and Operating Committee a
report and budget in respect of Decommissioning Operations as provided
for in Article VIII in the JVA and the JOA to be entered into.
(vi) Permit the representatives of any of the Parties to have at all
reasonable times and at their own risk and expense reasonable access
to the Joint Operations with the right to observe all such Joint
Operations and to inspect all Joint Property and to conduct financial
audits of the Joint Account and otherwise as provided in the
Accounting Procedure which forms part of the JOA;
(vii)Promptly pay and discharge all liabilities and expenses incurred in
connection with Joint Operations and use its reasonable efforts to
keep and maintain the Joint Property free from any and all liens,
charges equities and/or encumbrances arising out of Joint Operations;
-4-
<PAGE>
(viii) When required pay to the Government from the Joint Account, within
the periods and in the manner prescribed by OPL 310 and/or OML 310 as
appropriate and all applicable laws and regulations, all periodic
payments, royalties, taxes, fees and other payments pertaining to
Joint Operations, but excluding any taxes measured by the incomes of
the Parties;
(ix) Assist Owner/Operator in carrying out the obligations of operator
pursuant to OPL 310 and/or OML 310 as appropriate including, but not
limited to, preparing and furnishing such reports, records and
information as may be required pursuant to the Contract on behalf of
and in the name of the Owner/Operator;
(x) Take all necessary and proper measures for the protection of life,
health, the environment and property in the case of an emergency;
provided, however, that Technical Partner shall immediately notify the
Owner/Operator and the Operating Committee of the details of such
emergency and measures to combat same;
(xi) Provide Owner/Operator with assistance and guidance in the development
and execution of training plans and programs in order to develop
competent Nigerian personnel; and
(xii)Take such further actions as are essential or expedient in order to
perform the above mentioned specific duties or any duties ancillary
thereto.
2.3 Duties and Responsibilities of the Owner/Operator
------------------------------------------------------
2.3.1 Pursuant to the terms of the JVA, the JOA to be entered into and this
Agreement, the Owner/Operator shall perform the following specific duties:
(i) Acquire all permits, consents, approvals, surface or other rights that
may be required for or in connection with the conduct of Joint
Operations in a timely fashion from the Government;
(ii) Maintain OPL 310 and/or OML 310 as appropriate in full force and
effect throughout the duration of this Agreement, the JOA to be
entered into and the JVA;
(iii)Make application to the Ministry upon execution of the JVA for such
renewal or extension of OPL 310 as is necessary to enable the
performance of the Minimum Work Programme within two years of the date
of the JVA. The Owner/Operator acknowledges that the obtaining of an
renewal or extension of OPL 310 is a strict condition of the JVA in
favour of the Technical Partner and that the Technical Partner shall
not be required to initiate work on OPL 310, provide services in
accordance with this Agreement or make any additional payments to the
Owner/Operator in terms of the JVA until it is satisfied that the
Owner/Operator has obtained and will obtain an renewal or extension of
OPL 310, or to the satisfaction of the Technical Partner in its sole
discretion.
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<PAGE>
(iv) Comply with Article IX of the JVA concerning restrictions on share
transfer in order to maintain OPL 310 and/or OML 310 as appropriate in
good standing with the Ministry at all times, throughout the duration
of this Agreement, the JOA to be entered into and the JVA.
(v) Have in accordance with the decisions of the Operating Committee, the
right and obligation to represent the Parties, in all dealings with
the Government with respect to matters arising under OPL 310 and/or
OML 310 as appropriate and Joint Operations. The Owner/Operator shall
notify the Technical Partner as soon as possible of such meetings. The
Technical Partner shall have the right to attend such meetings but
only in the capacity of observer. Nothing contained in this Agreement
shall restrict any Party from holding discussions with the Government
with respect to any issue peculiar to its particular business
interests arising under this Agreement, but in such event such Party
shall promptly advise the other Party before such discussions,
provided that such Party shall not be required to divulge to the Party
any matters discussed to the extent the same involve proprietary
information on matters not affecting the Parties.
2.3.2 The Owner/Operator expressly acknowledges to the Technical Partner
that it shall continuously maintain OPL 310 and/or OML 310 as appropriate, in
good standing with the Government without interruption, and shall upon request
by the Technical Partner provide the Technical Partner with satisfactory
evidence of compliance with the provisions contained herein. The Technical
Partner shall be entitled to receive notice of and attend at any and all
meetings effecting OPL 310 and any renewals or extensions thereof and OML 310 as
applicable, between the Owner/Operator and the Ministry.
2.4 Working Relationship
---------------------
(i) In the conduct of the Joint Operations contemplated in the JOA to be
entered into, the Technical Partner and Owner/Operator shall fully
consult with each other on a regular basis, in a harmonious manner and
as frequently as may be required, for the purpose of reviewing and
scheduling the activities being carried out under this Agreement;
(ii) The Technical Partner shall fulfil its responsibilities and perform
the duties described herein under the general direction of the
Owner/Operator and the Operating Committee; and
(iii)The Technical Partner shall be at liberty to appoint a project
manager (including any subsidiary of Abacan Resource Corporation) to
assist it in the performance its responsibilities herein and pursuant
to the JOA to be entered into, provided that the Technical Partner
shall obtain the written consent of the Operator prior to making such
appointment such consent not to be unreasonably withheld to be entered
into.
2.5 Training
--------
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In providing training assistance, the Technical Partner shall, in accordance
with training plans and programs approved by the Operating Committee, do all
that can be reasonably required to result in each Nigerian employee of the
Owner/Operator reaching the highest possible level of qualification. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is contemplated that the Technical
Partner shall assist Owner/Operator in the development of training programs,
both for separate individuals and groups of trainees.
2.6 Indemnification of Technical Partner
---------------------------------------
The Owner/Operator agrees with the Technical Partner that to the extent that the
Technical Partner performs the duties of Owner/Operator as defined in the JOA,
the Technical Partner shall be fully indemnified in accordance with the
indemnities of Owner/Operator contained in the JOA.
ARTICLE III
ESTABLISHMENT OF PRESENCE IN NIGERIA
3.1 Offices and Employment
------------------------
Owner/Operator acknowledges and recognizes that the services to be provided by
the Technical Partner will require the Technical Partner to establish separate
offices of its own in Nigeria. The number of employees required to perform such
services will be at the sole discretion of the Technical Partner which the
Technical Partner warrants will be no more than the number of employees which
may be reasonably required to perform its duties, and responsibilities and
services.
3.2 Personnel
---------
Any of the Technical Partner's or its affiliates' personnel performing services
under this Agreement shall remain at all times the employees of Technical
Partner or its affiliates and shall not, for any purposes, be regarded as
employees of Owner/Operator. The Technical Partner or its affiliates shall
remain solely responsible for the payment of their salaries and benefits, the
costs of which will however constitute Petroleum Costs under the JVA. The
Technical Partner may, at any time, transfer and replace any of its personnel
without the prior consent of the Owner/Operator.
ARTICLE IV
ASSIGNMENTS
4.1 Limitation of Assignments
---------------------------
The Parties may assign this Agreement to any of their parents, affiliates or
subsidiaries, and may subcontract any of the services to be provided hereunder
to a parent, affiliate, subsidiary or third party, provided however that the
consent of the other party is sought and obtained prior to any such assignment
and which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
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4.2 Assignment
----------
The Technical Partner shall be entitled without further consent to assign its
obligations and duties as outlined in this Agreement and the Joint Venture
Agreement to Abacan Technical Services Limited and/or its affiliated companies
in Nigeria.
ARTICLE V
TERM
5.1 Term
----
Unless otherwise mutually agreed by the Parties in writing, this Agreement shall
commence as at the date hereof and remain in full force and effect for a term of
ten (10) years from the commencement of production from any petroleum fields
produced on Concession Block 310.
ARTICLE VI
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
6.1 Dispute Resolution
-------------------
This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, interpreted and applied in
accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
6.2 For the benefit of each Party, each Party agrees and hereby submits
themselves to the exclusive jurisdiction of the High Court of Justice in England
for resolution of all disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement
between them, without recourse to arbitration, and accordingly submits to the
exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed
in duplicate by their authorized representatives effective as to the day and
year first above written.
OPTIMUM PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT LIMITED
PER: /S/ ALHAJI UBRAHIM BUNU
--------------------------
TITLE: CHAIRMAN
--------
AGBARA RESOURCES LIMITED
PER: /S/ WADE CHERWAYKO
--------------------
TITLE: PRESIDENT
---------
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<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.21
[Intentionally Omitted]
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.22
OIL EXPLORATION
AND
EXPLOITATION CONTRACT
DEEP OFFSHORE BLOCK 4
BETWEEN
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC
OF BENIN
AND THE
ADDAX PETROLEUM - ABACAN BENIN
CONSORTIUM
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
<S> <C> <C>
PREAMBLE 1
I DEFINITIONS 2
II OBJECT OF THE CONTRACT 9
III TERM 10
IV OWNERSHIP OF ASSETS, DATA AND
HYDROCARBONS 13
V RELINQUISHMENTS 15
VI MINIMUM WORK OBLIGATIONS 16
VII TECHNICAL COMMITTEE 18
VIII COMPLETION OF OPERATIONS, WORK
PROGRAM, BUDGETS, REPORTS AND CONTROL 20
IX DECLARATION OF COMMERCIAL DISCOVERY
AND DESIGNATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT AREA 24
X SOLE RISK OPERATIONS 28
XI ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION
PROGRAMS 30
XII GOVERNMENT PARTICIPATION 31
XIII COST RECOVERY AND PRODUCTION SHARING 33
XIV REQUIREMENTS OF DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION 35
XV TAX SYSTEM 37
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<PAGE>
XVI MEASUREMENT, DISPOSAL, EVALUATION AND SALE
OF HYDROCARBONS 39
XVII NATURAL GAS 41
XVIII DAMAGES, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AND SAFETY 44
XIX PROVISIONS REGARDING EXCHANGE 48
XX EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING 49
XXI ACCOUNTING 50
XXII CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF THE DATA 51
XXIII ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS 53
XXIV FORCE MAJEURE 54
XXV ARBITRATION AND EXPERT EVALUATION 55
XXVI TERMINATION 57
XXVII BANK GUARANTEE 59
XXVIII NOTIFICATION 60
XXIX APPLICABLE LEGISLATION AND 61
STABILIZATION
XXX INFRASTRUCTURE 62
XXXI GUARANTEE OF PARENT COMPANIES 63
XXXII FINAL PROVISIONS 64
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A: COORDINATES OF THE CONTRACT AREA
APPENDIX B: MAP OF THE CONTRACT AREA
APPENDIX C: BANK GUARANTEE
APPENDIX D: ACCOUNTING
APPENDIX E: ABANDONMENT PROCEDURES
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<PAGE>
PREAMBLE
WHEREAS:
In accordance with Ordinance No. 73-33 of April 13, 1973, concerning the
Petroleum Code of the Republic of Benin as well as the texts issued thereafter,
in particular Ordinance No. 73-34 of April 13, 1973, concerning oil taxation and
Decree No. 73-130 of April 13, 1973 concerning the application of the Petroleum
Code, the exploration, exploitation, stocking, transport and marketing of
Hydrocarbons in the territory and in the territorial waters of the Republic of
Benin and on the continental shelf adjacent thereto, shall be subject to the
provisions of said Ordinance which furthermore stipulates that the liquid and
gaseous Hydrocarbon fields belong to the State and constitute assignable mineral
substances.
In accordance with Article 10 of said Code, the State may undertake any
Petroleum Operations either solely, or in association with private capital; and
may as well assign to itself or to any department or public company with legal
status, the exploration and exploitation permits, the concessions and
provisional exploitation permits.
In accordance with Article 8 of the Code, the State of Benin may also grant
petroleum rights to physical or legal entities.
In accordance with Article 17 of the Code, prior to granting a Hydrocarbon
Exploration permit, the Minister in charge of Mines shall enter into a contract
with persons having the required technical and financial capabilities necessary
to undertake such activities, define the rights and obligations of the future
permit holder during the exploration and the exploitation periods.
Further to the above, the Government of the Republic of Benin has decided to
enter into the present Contract with the ADDAX PETROLEUM-ABACAN BENIN
Consortium, a company incorporated and registered under the laws of the Republic
of Benin, with a head office in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, for the purpose of
exploration and exploitation of Hydrocarbons in accordance with the articles and
provisions specified in the present Contract.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF:
The undersigned Parties represented, by MR. EMMANUEL GOLOU, MINISTER OF MINES,
ENERGY AND HYDRAULICS on one part and by MESSRS. MARC LORENCEAU, PRESIDENT OF
ADDAX PETROLEUM BENIN AND WADE CHERWAYKO, PRESIDENT OF ABACAN RESOURCE LIMITED
(BENIN) agree as follows:
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ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
The terms appearing hereinafter in the Contract shall be defined as follows,
unless specifically indicated otherwise, or unless the Parties mutually agree
otherwise. The definitions shall include the singular and the plural forms.
1.1 "Affiliate" or "AFFILIATED COMPANY" means a company or any other
entity which controls one or several entities forming the Contractor, or which
is controlled by one or several entities forming the Contractor, or which is
controlled by an entity which itself controls the Contractor. Control means
direct or indirect ownership of more than fifty percent (50 %) of the shares
making up the capital of the controlled Company, thereby granting the majority
of the voting rights in the controlled Company to the controlling Company.
1.2 "CALENDAR YEAR" means a period of twelve (12) consecutive months
beginning on January first and ending on the following December thirty-first.
1.3 "CONTRACT YEAR" means a period of twelve (12) consecutive months
from the Effective Date of the Contract or the anniversary of the date of
signature .
1.4 "APPENDIX" means an appendix to the Contract and forming an
integral part thereof. If there is a disagreement or a conflict between the
Contract and any of the appendixes, the provisions of the Contract shall
prevail.
1.5 "ACCOUNTING APPENDIX" means the accounting procedures and methods
established in Appendix "D".
1.6 "ARTICLE" means any numbered provision of the Contract, including
all its subdivisions, unless it is expressly indicated that it means an article
of the Code.
1.7 "BARREL" means U.S. Barrel, which is a quantity or unit of measure
of Crude oil equivalent to 158.9884 litres or 42 American gallons, measured at a
temperature of 15.5556 degrees Centigrade or 60 degrees Fahrenheit and at
atmospheric pressure.
1.8 "AVAILABLE CRUDE" means the quantity remaining after the losses
relating to the Petroleum Operations and the Government Royalty have been
subtracted from the Total Crude Production in the contract area in accordance
with Article 13.4 hereinafter.
1.9 "COST-OIL" means the volume of Crude dedicated to the recovery of
Petroleum Costs.
1.10 "PROFIT-OIL" means the Crude remaining each year after deduction
of the Cost Oil.
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1.11 "BUDGET" means the financial estimate of all petroleum activities
contained in an Annual Work Program.
1.12 "CODE" means Ordinance No. 73-34 of April 13, 1973 concerning the
Petroleum Code of the Republic of Benin as well as subsequent texts, in
particular Ordinance No. 73-34 of April 13, 1973 concerning the petroleum
taxes, and Decree No. 73-130 of April 13, 1973 concerning the application of the
Petroleum Code.
1.13 "CONTRACTOR" means the consortium ADDAX PETROLEUM-ABACAN BENIN and
their successors and/or any assignee granted any of their contractual rights ,
the assignment being in accordance with Article XXIII.
1.14 "CONTRACT" means the present document as originally drawn up, duly
signed including its Appendixes as well as any additions or any amendments
agreed by the Parties at a later date.
1.15 "PRODUCTION COSTS" means the costs and expenses resulting from
carrying out the Production Operations excluding new investments having
occurred during that phase.
1.16 "PETROLEUM COSTS" means all the costs and expenses related to
Petroleum Operations as specified in the Accounting Appendix and in accordance
with the Contract.
1.17 "EXPLORATION COSTS" means the costs and expenses related to the
Exploration operations.
1.18 "DEVELOPMENT COSTS" means the costs and expenses related to the
Development Operations.
1.19 "DATE OF START-UP OF COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION" means the date of the
first delivery of Hydrocarbons in commercial quantities to the delivery point in
Benin.
1.20 "EFFECTIVE DATE" means the date on which the present Contract is
signed by the authorized representatives of both Parties.
1.21 "DISCOVERY" means uncovering the presence of Hydrocarbons in a
reservoir or geologic structure where such Hydrocarbons had not been previously
identified, resulting from the Petroleum Operations in accordance with the
Contract, and when these Hydrocarbons are recoverable by conventional methods
used in the international oil industry. "COMMERCIAL DISCOVERY" means a Discovery
of Hydrocarbon reserves following Exploration Operations, which is deemed
commercial in accordance with the provisions of Article IX.
1.22 "CURRENCY" means any foreign currency freely convertible and
generally accepted by the international banking community.
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1.23 "DOLLARS" means the official currency of the United States of
America.
1.24 "FCFA" means the official currency of the Republic of Benin.
1.25 "DATA" means any document, report and information of a geological,
geophysical or petrophysical nature in the Contract Area.
1.26 "EXPATRIATE EMPLOYEE" means an employee of the Contractor or of a
subcontractor who has been recruited for that purpose and assigned to the
Petroleum Operations in Benin.
1.27 "STATE" means the Republic of Benin, its Government, its
administrative structures and any subdivisions and political institutions.
1.28 "EXPLORATION" means the planning, execution and evaluation of any
type of geological, geophysical, geochemical and other studies, as well as the
drilling of Exploration Wells for the purpose of making a Hydrocarbon Discovery.
1.29 "ASSOCIATED GAS" means the Gas extracted from a well at the same
time as Crude Oil.
1.30 "NATURAL GAS" or "GAS" means the Hydrocarbons in the gaseous state
under normal atmospheric pressure and temperature, including but not limited to,
the wet gas, the dry gas, the wellhead gas and any other gaseous hydrocarbons,
including the residual gas after condensation or extraction of liquids, but not
including said condensates or extracted liquids.
1.31 "NON-ASSOCIATED GAS" means the Natural Gas which is not produced
at the same time as the Crude Oil or which exists jointly with Crude Oil which
cannot be commercially produced when said Natural Gas is commercially produced.
1.32 "GAS FIELD" means one or several accumulations of Natural Gas
superposed vertically in the Contract Area, having a commercial value
established in accordance with the Good Operating Practices of the Oil Industry.
1.33 "OIL FIELD" means an accumulation of Crude Oil, or several
accumulations of Crude Oil superposed vertically in the Contract Area and
having a commercial value established in accordance with Good Oilfield
Practices.
1.34 "GOVERNMENT" means the body including all the State Ministers. In
the present contract, this means the Government of the Republic of Benin, its
representatives or authorized agents.
1.35 "HYDROCARBONS" means Crude Oil and/or Natural Gas.
1.36 "WORKING DAY" means every working days from Monday to Friday,
except for the days declared in full or in part non-working days in Cotonou,
Benin, by the authorized government agencies.
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1.37 "MINISTER" means the Minister in charge of Hydrocarbons in the
Republic of Benin.
1.38 "EXPLORATION OPERATIONS" means the operations performed in
accordance with the Contract for the purpose of discovering Hydrocarbon
accumulations and evaluating the extent and the volume of these accumulations,
the Reservoirs characteristics and their probable behavior during production.
The Exploration Operations include geological, geophysical and geochemical
surveys, analyses and studies, the drilling, deepening, abandonment or workover
of the wells and their evaluations as well as any operations relating thereto.
1.39 "DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS" means any operations performed according
to the General Development Program for the purpose of producing the Hydrocarbon
accumulations in the subsurface of the Development Areas. These Operations
include:
- - The drilling, completion and sampling of development wells, the drilling
and completion of wells for gas or water injection;
- - The laying of gathering lines, the installation of separators, tanks,
pumps, compressors and other production and injection facilities required for
the production, treatment and transportation of Hydrocarbons to the Hydrocarbon
storage facilities or to the offshore or onshore gas processing facilities; and
- - The pipe laying inside or outside the Contract Area towards the storage or
delivery points, the building of these Crude Oil storage facilities or Gas
processing facilities and all ancillary operations that are not specifically
indicated herein but which are necessary for the development and production of
these Hydrocarbon reserves and for the delivery of Crude Oil and/or of the Gas
to the Delivery Point, in accordance with the Good Operating Practices of the
Oil Industry.
1.40 "PETROLEUM OPERATIONS" means all operations authorized by the
Contract related to the exploration, development, production, separation and
processing, storage, transportation and sale or transfer of Hydrocarbons to the
exportation point or to the Delivery Point agreed to in Benin or to the delivery
point to a Benin refinery in accordance with the Contract; they cover the
Natural Gas processing operations but do not include the Crude Oil refining
operations.
1.41 "PRODUCTION OPERATIONS" means the operations undertaken in order
to produce the Hydrocarbons of the Contract Area such as extraction, injection,
stimulation, processing, storage, transportation to the Delivery Point(s),
loading, including the export of these Hydrocarbons as well as the maintenance
and abandonment of all the necessary facilities.
1.42 "PARTIES" means the Government and the Contractor.
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1.43 "TRANSITIONAL PERIOD" means the maximum period of three (3) months
from the date of signature of the Contract which is the Effective Date.
1.44 "CRUDE OIL" means the crude mineral oil, asphalt, ozokerite and
all other types of Hydrocarbons and bitumen in the solid or liquid form, in
their natural state or obtained from Natural Gas through condensation,
separation or extraction.
1.45 "DELIVERY POINT" means the final exit Point of the Flowlines
downstream of the storage facilities from where the Oil or Gas is delivered for
shipment. The location of the Delivery Point shall be agreed to between the two
(2) Parties.
1.46 "COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION" means the quantity of Crude Oil or Natural
Gas, or both, which may be delivered to the Delivery Point according to a
regular production and sale schedule.
1.47 "TOTAL CRUDE PRODUCTION" means the quantity of Crude extracted
from the Contract Area after extraction of the water, of foreign substances and
after deduction of the quantities used in the Petroleum Operations.
1.48 "WORK PROGRAM" means all plans prepared every year to carry
through the Petroleum Operations.
1.49 "GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM" means a plan established for the
development of an Oil Field or a Gas Field agreed to between the Parties.
1.50 "EVALUATION WELL" means a well, other than an exploration well,
drilled in order to evaluate the commercial viability of a geologic trap where
hydrocarbons have been discovered.
1.51 "EXPLORATION WELL" means any well drilled within the framework of
the Exploration Operations including dry wells and discovery wells.
1.52 "DEVELOPMENT WELL" means a well drilled in order to produce
Hydrocarbons from a Reservoir which has been evaluated and tested, to maintain,
increase or accelerate the production, including the production and injection
wells.
1.53 "CONTRACT AREA" means all the geographic area defined by the
perimeter for which the coordinates appear in Appendix "A" and which are drawn
on the map appearing in Appendix "B", with the exception of any part which the
Contractor has, from time to time, abandoned or relinquished according to the
Contract.
1.54 "GOOD OPERATING PRACTICES" means all good, safe, economic and
efficient practices generally accepted in the international oil industry.
1.55 "RESERVOIR" means the subsurface rock containing hydrocarbons in
its pores and having a common pressure system in its volume. This rock body
must be capable of producing hydrocarbons in measurable quantities.
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1.56 "BASEMENT" means on the one hand, the igneous, metamorphic or
other rocks which, by their nature, and in accordance with the knowledge
generally accepted in the international oil industry, cannot contain Hydrocarbon
accumulations, and on the other hand, the impenetrable rocky substances such as
salt and clay domes as well as any other rock which may render impracticable or
unjustifiable from an economic point of view the continuation of drilling
activities using modern drilling technology normally used in the international
oil industry.
1.57 "SUBCONTRACTOR" means any physical person or legal entity hired by
the Contractor to provide services related to the Contract.
1.58 "LIBOR RATE" means the interest rate at closing for the dollar
deposits for a period of six (6) months on the London interbank market as
published by the London branch of "The Bank of America" or by any other bank
agreed to between the Parties, on the date in question or on the banking day
immediately preceding if the day in question is not a banking workday in London.
1.59 "CONTRACT INTEREST RATE" is "LIBOR RATE" plus one percent.
1.60 "OIL PRODUCTION TAX" means the Royalty as defined in the Code, and
equals 12.5% of the Total Crude Production.
1.61 "QUARTER" means a period of three (3) consecutive months from
January first, April first, July first and October first respectively in each
Calendar Year.
1.62 "THIRD PARTIES SALES" means the sales of Hydrocarbons produced in
the Contract Area and fulfilling the following conditions:
(A) The agreed price shall be the sole consideration for the sale;
(B) The sale conditions shall not depend on any trade relation other than
that created by the actual sale Contract between the seller and the
buyer or any of their Affiliates;
(C) Neither the seller nor any of its Affiliates has a direct or indirect
interest in the resale or subsequent assignment of the Hydrocarbons or
of any derived product;
(D) These sales agreement must not include a processing, exchange or
barter agreement.
1.63 a) "DEVELOPMENT AREA" means the part of the Contract Area which,
following the seismic information and the well data available, is
reasonably deemed to cover the plan area of a Hydrocarbon accumulation
constituting a Commercial Discovery and designated as such in an
approved General Development Program. The Development Area includes
the depth corresponding to the reservoirs that have been evaluated and
tested between the surface and the basement.
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b) THE "BLOCK 4 AREA" OR "BLOCK 4" is defined by the area delimited by
the points MFON for which the geographic coordinates and a map are
shown in Appendix B, the 200 metres water depth being the northern
boundary, the border between Benin and Nigeria being the Eastern
boundary, the 3000 metres water depth being the southern boundary and
the border with Togo being the western boundary of said Block 4.
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ARTICLE II
OBJECT OF THE CONTRACT
2.1 By the present Contract, the Government grants to the Contractor
the exclusive right to carry out Petroleum Operations in the Contract Area for
the purpose of exploring, developing and producing Hydrocarbons in this area, in
accordance with the provisions of the Code and the Contract, and in accordance
with the laws and regulations in force in the Republic of Benin. The State
shall implement all administrative procedures required to enable the Contractor
to enjoy its rights and fulfill its obligations.
2.2 The Contractor declares having the technical and financial
capabilities required and undertakes to carry out all the Petroleum Operations
in accordance with the present Contract and with the Good Operating Practices
of the Oil Industry.
2.3 Once a General Development Program regarding a Hydrocarbon
Discovery has been approved in accordance with the terms of the Contract, the
Contractor shall have full rights to carry Development and Production
Operations and to enjoy the financial benefits resulting from these activities,
provided that its obligations under the Contract and the Code have been
fulfilled.
2.4 The Contractor shall provide all technical, financial, human and
economic resources required for the Petroleum Operations. Subject to the
possible proportional participation of the State, all costs and disbursements
incurred for the Petroleum Operations shall be the responsibility and the
exclusive charge of the Contractor. Furthermore, the Contractor is technically,
financially and economically responsible for the Petroleum Operations during the
validity period of the Contract.
2.5 The Minister, in his capacity as the Government representative,
shall be responsible for the supervision of the Petroleum Operations in order to
ensure that the Contractor fulfills its obligations in accordance with the
Contract. The Minister shall exercise this duty through its technical
departments at any reasonable time. The Contractor shall be required to provide
easy access to his facilities to the Minister's representatives in order to
enable them to discharge their duties. The costs related to these duties shall
be borne by the Government.
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ARTICLE III
TERM
3.1 The Contract shall be in effect starting from the date of its
signature and shall end on the date fixed hereinafter, subject to the provisions
of Article XXVI relating to its termination.
3.2 The period covered by the Contract is divided into two periods: an
exploration period and an exploitation period.
3.3 The exploration period shall be for an initial period of three (03)
years, with two (2) possible extension periods of two years each. These
extensions shall be granted by right, subject to the provisions relating to
relinquishments, provided that the Contractor has met all its work obligations,
expenditures and other substantial obligations relating to the preceding phase.
3.4 Provided it has fulfilled all the requirements relating to the
initial phase, the Contractor may request the Minister in writing for an
extension of the exploration period beyond the initial phase, at least sixty
(60) calendar days before the end of said phase. If this request has not been
submitted in time and if a commercial Discovery has not been made, the Contract
shall expire at the end of the initial phase of the exploration period.
3.5 Subject to the provisions relating to termination and or provided
no Hydrocarbon Discovery has been made during the exploration period, the
Contract shall expire at the end of this period. If at least one (1) Commercial
Discovery has taken place before the end of the exploration period, the Contract
shall remain in effect with regard to the corresponding Development Areas.
3.6 If, at the expiration date of the initial exploration period or of
one of the extension phases, an exploration well is in the process of drilling,
coring, casing, testing or abandonment, the Minister shall grant to the
Contractor a special extension in order to enable it to complete the drilling,
coring, casing, testing and/or the abandonment of the well in question, to
evaluate the results of these operations and to determine if they constitute a
Hydrocarbon Commercial Discovery. This special extension cannot, under any
circumstances, extend the total exploration period by more than six (6) months.
3.7 If at the date of expiration of the exploration period or of a
special extension period, the Contractor is in the process of:
- - preparing a first report of discovery or a report detailing a Discovery
according to article 9.2
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- - to execute an evaluation program in accordance with a schedule of activity
according to the article 9.3, the Minister will eventually grant to the
Contractor a special extension so that he can take to term the evaluation of the
Discovery and submit a detailed evaluation report. This special extension may
not exceed 3 months unless Parties decide otherwise.
3.8 If , at the date of expiration of the exploration period, or of a
special extension period, the Contractor submitted to the Minister a detailed
evaluation report justifying the commercial viability of the Discovery according
to article 9.3, the exploration period or if the case arises the special
extension period ends according to the date of approval of the Minister's
report according to article 9.5 of the Contract.
If at the date of expiration of the exploration period or a special
prolongation period, the Minister rejects the report of the Contractor
indicating that there is no viability of the Discovery and submits the question
to an Expert according to article 9.5 of the Contract, the exploration period,
if the case arises, the special prolongation period will be extended until:
i) the arrival date of the expert's decision confirming the opinion of
the Contractor
ii) Thirty (30) days after the decision of the expert where the decision
states that the Discovery is commercially viable.
3.9 If a Natural Gas Discovery occurs that the Contractor considers as
having the potential of being commercially viable, in addition to the procedures
and conditions specified herein, the Minister may grant to the Contractor a
special extension of the initial exploration phase for a minimum period of two
(2) years to allow the full evaluation of this Discovery. To this effect, the
Minister may ask the Contractor to carry out additional studies or works which
would reasonably appear necessary for the good evaluation of the Natural Gas
Discovery.
3.10 In the event of a Commercial Hydrocarbon Discovery, the
Government shall grant to the Contractor by right, at the request of the latter,
an exploitation permit covering the Development Area, the perimeter of which
will have been approved as part of a General Development Program in accordance
with Article IX. The duration of the exploitation permit during which the
Contractor shall be authorized to assume the production of each of the Oil
Fields and Gas Fields discovered shall be fixed at twenty-five (25) years from
the day on which the Discovery has been declared a Commercial Discovery in
accordance with the provisions of Article IX hereof.
Subject to Government approval, during the period of the Contract, the
Contractor may relinquish one or several Development Areas which are the object
of an exploitation permit.
3.11 If, at the expiration of the twenty-five (25) year exploitation
period defined above, a commercial exploitation remains possible, the Contractor
may be authorized, at its request, to continue the exploitation for a further
period of ten (10) years, provided that it has fulfilled all its contractual
obligations during the preceding exploitation period.
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3.12 At the expiration of the last exploitation permit granted to the
Contractor, the rights and obligations defined in the present Contract
concerning exploitation shall be null and void.
3.13 For the purpose of granting an exploitation permit, the
Contractor shall provide to the Government an exact delimitation of the
perimeter in such a manner that it includes all the presumed area of the
discovered Field.
3.14 If, during subsequent work, it appears that the field has an
extension greater than that initially anticipated according to the preceding
paragraph, the Government shall grant to the Contractor, under the exploitation
authorization already allocated, the additional area in such a way to cover the
whole of the field, provided that the above mentioned extension forms an
integral part of the Contract Area as defined at the time of said modification.
If the additional area is outside the Contract Area, the Minister shall grant to
the Contractor this additional area provided that it is not the subject of
mining rights already granted to a third party or of a request for such rights.
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ARTICLE IV
OWNERSHIP OF ASSETS, DATA AND HYDROCARBONS
4.1 OWNERSHIP OF ASSETS
4.1.1 The lands shall become the property of the State as soon as they are
acquired by the Contractor. The Minister must cooperate in order to complete
the procedures on behalf of the Contractor and at the written request of the
latter, for obtaining the licenses, permits, surface rights, easements, rights
of free access and exit from the Contract Area, the utilization of the waters
and any other types of encumbrances on any land or water expanse of public or
private nature to enable the Contractor to conduct Petroleum Operations on the
territory of Benin, in accordance with the laws in force in the country.
4.1.2 Notwithstanding the above provisions, the ownership of movable
and immovable properties acquired by the Contractor for the Petroleum Operations
shall be automatically transferred by the Contractor to the State as soon as
their cost has been fully amortized by the Contractor, or, otherwise, at the end
of the Contract. At the expiration of the Contract, the Contractor shall be
required to forward to the Beninese State, through the Minister and unencumbered
of any charges, the ownership of the lands, works, facilities, appurtenances and
permanent equipment which it shall have acquired during the performance of the
Petroleum Operations. The Contractor shall then be released from any obligation
including any obligations regarding abandonment and environmental restoration,
with regard to said properties in the event that field operations would
continue. During the period of validity of the Contract, the Contractor shall
keep and safeguard in a good condition the movable and immovable properties
acquired for the execution of the Operations.
4.1.3 The ownership of the properties rented or of the movable properties
leased and of intellectual property belonging to subcontractors or to Affiliates
and intellectual property belonging to third parties shall remain with said
Subcontractors, Affiliates or third parties.
4.1.4 During the period of the Contract, the Contractor shall be authorized
to use all movable and immovable properties acquired for the Petroleum
Operations under the Contract. The Contractor shall be authorized to transfer
or to sell said properties if they are no longer required for the Petroleum
Operations. The beneficiary of the revenues from the sale of these properties
shall be as follows:
. If the ownership of said properties has been transferred to the State,
the proceeds must be paid to the latter.
. The Contractor shall keep these revenues when the properties have not
been the subject of any amortization.
. In the event of partial amortization, the proceeds corresponding to
the amortization proportion must be paid to the State.
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The disposal or transfer of movable or immovable properties during the period of
the Contract must have the prior approval of the Minister.
4.2 OWNERSHIP OF DATA
The State is the owner of all the geological, geophysical and geochemical
information and of the data relating to the drilling, engineering, recording and
production of any other data, samples, logs, cores, tapes, maps,
interpretations, reports and any other support or information obtained as a
result of Petroleum Operations. However, the Contractor shall be authorized to
keep this information, at no cost, and to use same for the Petroleum Operations
subject to the obligations connected to their confidential nature.
4.3 OWNERSHIP OF HYDROCARBONS
All the Hydrocarbons contained in the Reservoirs of the subsurface of the
Contract Area or produced in the Contract Area belong to the State in accordance
with the Code and with the Constitution of the Republic of Benin. The Contract
does not confer any ownership right on the Contractor with regard to the Crude
Oil and/or Gas extracted from the Contract Area, which shall continue to be the
property of the State until they are measured at the Delivery Point. The
ownership rights of the Contractor with regard to the Crude Oil and/or to the
Gas in accordance with the provisions of the Contract shall be granted to it at
the appropriate Delivery Point.
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ARTICLE V
RELINQUISHMENTS OF SURFACE AREA
5.1 At the end of the first extension phase of the exploration period
or its extension and provided the Contractor has discharged all its obligations
corresponding to this phase, if the latter decides to continue with the
Exploration Operations in the Contract Area according to article 3.4, it shall
relinquish thirty percent (30%) of the remaining Contract Area, after deduction
of any Development Area.
5.2 At the end of the last extension phase of the exploration period,
the Contractor shall only keep the Development Area or Areas if any.
5.3 The Areas that have been relinquished by the Contractor must be
connected together and must be of an appropriate geometrical form which allows
the performance of Petroleum Operations by other entities. The Contractor must
notify the Minister in writing of the Area or Areas it intends to relinquish, no
later than sixty (60) days before the end of the period considered, and shall
include a map showing the geographic location and giving the coordinates of the
apexes of the boundary lines. Within thirty (30) days following the
notification date, the Minister must inform the Contractor of its decision and
the Contractor must comply therewith.
5.4 From the date of expiration of the Contract, the Contractor is
assumed to have transferred all of the Contract Area.
5.5 After two months following each relinquishment, the Contractor must
report to the Minister the surface areas to be returned and forward to him all
related documents and files as well as the facilities , with the possibility of
making copies of the documents and files subject to confidentiality conditions.
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ARTICLE VI
WORK OBLIGATIONS
6.1 The Contractor must commence the Petroleum Operations as of the
Effective Date of the present Contract.
To that end, the Contractor shall inform the Minister of the nominal
composition of the team responsible for the conduct and execution of the
Contract in Benin as well as the main terms of its agreement with its partner or
partners.
6.2 During the initial Phase of the exploration period of three (3)
years, the Contractor shall undertake to do the following tasks:
- Acquisition of 3000 km of 2D seismic lines.
- Reprocessing of 600 km of seismic lines(optional).
- Propose a drilling program to the Government.
6.3 During the first extension phase of two (2) years, the Contractor
must at least perform the following:
- Acquire fifteen hundred (1500) km of seismic or their 3D seismic
equivalent;
- Drilling of a well to a depth of 3500m TVD (true vertical depth)
6.4 During the second extension of the initial phase of the exploration
period, the Contractor must at least complete the following tasks:
- Acquisition of 1000 km of 2D seismic lines .
- Drilling of a well at a depth of 3500m TVD (True vertical depth)
6.5 Any Exploration Well drilled must at least be drilled to one of
the following depths:
(a) A geologic formation of lower Cretaceous age:
(b) The basement;
(c) Three thousand five hundred (3500) m TVD (True Vertical Depth)
(d) a depth below which any additional drilling becomes impracticable and
would not be carried out by a prudent and reasonable operator in
identical or similar conditions according to the Good Operating
Practices of the Oil Industry.
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(e) at any other depth defined by the Parties by mutual agreement.
6.6 If during a phase of the exploration period the Contractor
undertakes tasks which exceed the minimum work obligations relating to this
phase, the excess shall be deducted from the work obligations of the following
phase.
6.7 The difficulties which shall occur during the implementation of the
provisions of this Article shall first be settled in accordance with the
provisions of Articles 8.2.2 and 9.9.
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ARTICLE VII
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
7.1 Within three (3) months following the Date of signature of the
Contract, the Parties shall form a Joint Technical Committee (JTC) composed of
six (6) members, three (3) representing the Minister and three (3) representing
the Contractor, including the General Manager.
7.2 Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 2 and the rights and
obligations of the Contractor relating to the daily management of the Petroleum
Operations, nor its other rights and obligations mentioned in the Contract, the
JTC shall have the main following objectives:
- To ensure the good communication and cooperation between the Parties.
- To review and to decide on the conduct and management of the Petroleum
Operations, in particular:
(i) the evaluation of the results of the drilling, geological,
geophysical and petroleum engineering programs,
(ii) the budgets and their implementation,
(iii) important modifications to the work programs,
(iv) allocation of markets relating to the work programs,
(v) any other matters submitted by the Parties.
On all the matters reviewed the JTC shall make and forward recommendations
to the Parties.
7.3 The JTC shall be chaired by one of the representatives designated
by the Minister. One of the representatives designated by the Contractor shall
act as Secretary. The Parties may send other representatives to the meetings of
the JTC as experts or substitute members.
7.4 The JTC shall hold an ordinary meeting at least once every six (6)
months or when the members decide to do so by mutual agreement. The Chairman
of the JTC may convene extraordinary meetings at the request of the Minister or
of the Contractor by giving to the members at least fifteen (15) days notice, or
a shorter notice if the Parties so decide. The corresponding notice must
indicate the date, the place and the agenda of the meeting.
7.5 The quorum for the meetings of the JTC shall be composed of four
(4) members including two (2) for each Party.
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7.6 The JCT shall submit the result of its meetings to the Parties. In
the event of disagreement between the Parties, they will react in accordance
with the provisions of the present Contract.
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ARTICLE VIII
COMPLETION OF THE OPERATIONS,
WORK PROGRAM, BUDGETS, REPORTS
AND CONTROL
8.1 COMPLETION OF THE OPERATIONS
8.1.1 During the period of the Contract, the Contractor shall carry out
directly the exploration and exploitation activities in the Contract Area. In
order to better undertake its activities, it shall be authorized to hire
specialized subcontractors. However, the Contractor shall keep the control and
the general responsibility of the operations or activities undertaken.
8.1.2 The Contractor must proceed diligently with the performance of the
Petroleum Operations in accordance with the Good Operating Practices of the Oil
Industry, taking into account the local conditions and other particular
conditions in the Contract Area.
8.1.3 The Contractor must notify in advance the Minister of all substantial
and planned Petroleum Operations such as, for example, the geological or
geophysical surveys and the start-up of well drilling activities. The
Contractor must also notify the Minister in writing of any suspension of
drilling or well abandonment. If this notification is impossible, the
Contractor must notify the Minister in writing of this suspension or abandonment
within twenty-four (24) hours.
8.2 WORK PROGRAM AND BUDGETS
8.2.1 Within ninety (90) days following the Effective Date of the Contract,
the Contractor must prepare the first Work Program and its budget. If the
Effective Date of the Contract occurs the first day of the month of July or
before, the first Program and its budget shall be prepared for the remainder of
the corresponding Calendar Year. If the Effective Date of the Contract occurs
after the first day of the month of July, this first Program and its budget
shall be prepared for the current Calendar Year as well as for the following
Calendar Year. The Contractor must submit the Work Program and its budget to
the Minister's approval. Subject to the above provisions, the Contractor shall,
no later than October 30 of each calendar year, prepare a Work Program and a
budget for the following calendar year and submit same for the Minister's
approval. Within the month following the date of receipt of the Work Program
and of the budget, the Minister shall approve same as proposed or shall suggest
amendments, failing which the Work Program and the budget shall be deemed
approved. The Work Programs during the exploration period must include the
minimum work program as stipulated in the present Contract.
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8.2.2 In the event that the Minister wishes to make amendments to the Work
Program and to the corresponding Budget, he must advise the Contractor thereof
in writing no later than fifteen (15) days following the receipt of the
documents mentioned above and the Parties shall meet and attempt to reach an
agreement on the proposed amendments. If the Contractor and the Minister do not
reach an agreement on the proposed amendments no later than two months after the
date of receipt of the Work Program and budget, an Expert shall be called upon
to settle the question in accordance with the provisions relating to arbitration
and expert evaluation.
8.2.3 The Contractor may, with the Minister's approval, revise the Work
Program during the Calendar Year in question in order to be able to take into
account newly acquired information, a revised evaluation of the existing
conditions, or any other valid reason.
8.3 REPORTS
8.3.1 Within the framework of the present Contract, the Contractor shall
prepare and keep up to date all the records relating to the Petroleum Operations
in the Contract Area.
8.3.2 Subject to its general rights and obligations, the Contractor shall:
(a) Register in an original or reproducible version of good quality, or
eventually on magnetic support, any geological and geophysical
information and any data related to the Contract Area and acquired by
the Contractor.
(b) Keep all the files containing all the details concerning the following
aspects:
i) The drilling, implementation, deepening, production tests,
plugging or abandonment of the wells;
ii) The formations penetrated by the wells;
iii) The casing laid in the wells and any modification to said casing;
iv) Any hydrocarbons, water and other minerals of economic value or
dangerous substances encountered;
v) The areas in which geological or geophysical activities have been
carried out.
8.3.3 The well logs, maps, magnetic tapes, cores and samples, and other
geological and geophysical information obtained by the Contractor during the
Petroleum Operations belong to the Government, and shall be forwarded to it as
soon as they have been obtained or prepared, the Contractor having the right to
make copies of said documents and files, subject to the observance of the
confidentiality provisions.
8.3.4 During the execution of its contractual obligations, unless the
Parties otherwise agree, the Contractor may:
a) Keep copies of the material constituting the Data during the period of
the Contract.
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b) Keep the original data for a period required for Petroleum Operations,
with the Government approval, provided that said data can be
reproduced and that copies thereof have been provided to the Minister.
c) Export for processing, review or laboratory tests and for a period of
one year, the samples and any matters constituting the Petroleum Data,
provided that samples of equivalent dimensions and quality or, when
such data may be reproduced, copies of an equivalent quality have been
forwarded to the Minister.
8.3.5 The Contractor shall regularly inform the Minister of the major
developments occurring in the Petroleum Operations and shall provide him with
all available information, data, reports, evaluations and interpretations
relating to the Petroleum Operations. Furthermore, the Contractor shall:
a) Prepare daily drilling reports within the framework of its activities;
b) Prepare and forward to the Minister a monthly report within a period
of fifteen (15) days following the end of the month concerned, which
shall include a description of the activities covered during said
month with plans and maps indicating the sites where the tasks
described have been executed;
c) Prepare and forward to the Government a quarterly report, within
thirty (30) days after the end of each Calendar Quarter, which shall
include a description of the activities covered during said quarter
with plans and maps indicating the sites where the tasks described
have been executed;
d) Prepare and forward to the Government an annual report, within two (2)
months after the end of each Calendar Year, which will integrate and
develop if necessary the revised quarterly reports of the Calendar
Year considered.
8.4 The Minister shall assume his obligations under the present
Contract through the DIRECTION OF ENERGY (DEN) and the DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM
OPERATIONS (BOP).
8.4.1 The duties of THE DIRECTION OF ENERGY (DEN) shall be in particular:
- to ensure that the Petroleum Operations conducted by the Contractor or
other government entities comply with the petroleum policy of the
State and with appropriate laws and regulations;
- as much as feasible to bring to the Contractor any assistance required
in order to allow it to fulfill its obligations within the framework
of the present Contract;
- to ensure that the Contractor implements a true policy of
technological transfer and of training of Beninese nationals in the
field of Petroleum Operations.
8.4.2 The duties of THE DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM OPERATIONS (BOP) shall be in
particular:
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- to guarantee the financial settlements between the Contractor and the
State;
- to receive, value and market the State's Hydrocarbon share;
- to ensure that the cost accounting of the expenditures and the keeping
of the records and of the performance reports of the Petroleum
Operations are undertaken according to the present Contract and
according to the generally accepted accounting principles of the oil
industry.
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ARTICLE IX
DECLARATION OF COMMERCIAL DISCOVERY
AND DESIGNATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT AREA
9.1 As soon as a Discovery of Hydrocarbons is made in the Contract
Area, the Contractor must immediately report it to the Minister and the
provisions of the present Article shall then apply. In the event of a Gas
Discovery, the provisions of the relevant Article shall apply if there is a
conflict or a difference with the present Article with regard to this Discovery.
9.2 After the Discovery of Hydrocarbons and as soon as it is able to do
so, and in any case within thirty (30) days following said Discovery, the
Contractor must forward to the Minister a first report of Discovery.
No later than two (2) months following the Discovery, the Contractor shall
forward to the Minister a detailed report on the Discovery, indicating whether
this Discovery must be evaluated or not. If the Contractor deems that the
Discovery is worth being evaluated, the report must include an evaluation
program and a schedule of activities in order to implement an adequate and
efficient evaluation. The Contractor must carry through the evaluation program
submitted to the Minister during the exploration period in accordance with the
approved evaluation program and schedule of activities.
9.3 No later than ninety (90) days following the end of the evaluation
program, the Contractor shall submit to the Minister a detailed evaluation
report demonstrating the commercial viability of the proposed Development Area.
The present report must include:
- The description of the Development Area, in particular the structural
configuration, the physical properties and the extent of the reservoir
rocks, the areas, thicknesses and depths of the producing zones;
- An estimate of the initial and recoverable oil and gas reserves, the
characteristics of the recovery, the expected recovery rate for each
reservoir;
- An estimate of the number of wells required for an efficient drainage
of the reserves, the fluid characteristics including, in the case of
Crude Oil, the density, the sulfur content, the sediment and water
content and the shrinkage characteristics of the product;
- The economic forecasts and the expected cash flows.
9.4 The Contractor must declare in the report whether the Discovery is
commercially viable, and in this case, it shall be entitled to develop same and
to produce the Hydrocarbons in accordance with the provisions of the present
Contract.
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9.5 Within thirty (30) days following the date of submission of the
report in which the Contractor advises the Minister of its opinion that the
Discovery is commercially viable, the latter shall notify in writing his
approval to the Contractor, and the date of approval by the Minister is the
"Date of Commercial Discovery". At the time of notification of said approval
the Minister grants to the Contractor the Exploitation Permit required for the
exploitation of said discovery. If at the end of this thirty (30) day period,
the Minister has not notified said approval in writing, the Date of Commercial
Discovery shall be the day following the expiration of the thirty (30) days
mentioned above. The Minister shall then grant as quickly as possible the
exploitation permit to the Contractor if it requests it.
9.6 If the Contractor deems that the Discovery is not commercially
viable, it must advise the Minister of the reasons on which it has based its
decision. If the Minister questions the basis of the technical or financial
analysis of the Contractor leading to its evaluation of the non commercial
nature of the Discovery, or if for any other reason he deems that the Discovery
could be developed economically by the Contractor in accordance with the clauses
and provisions of the Contract, the Minister must then, within sixty (60) days
if he so wishes, submit the matter of the commercial viability to an Expert in
accordance with the Contract. If the Expert confirms that the Discovery is
commercial, the Contractor may, within thirty (30) days following the date of
receipt of the Expert's decision, either declare that the Discovery is a
commercial Discovery in accordance with the provisions of the Contract and the
date of that declaration shall become the Date of Commercial Discovery, or waive
its rights concerning the Discovery. In this case, the Minister shall have the
right to develop the area of the Discovery and to produce Hydrocarbons in
accordance with the provisions relating to sole risk operations. The Contract
shall remain in effect on the remaining part of the Contract Area.
9.7 Within ninety (90) days following the Date of Commercial Discovery,
the Contractor must submit to the Minister a General Development Program
indicating:
(a) the proposed Development Area;
(b) the Development Operations to be carried out, including any additional
delineation of the Development Area and the method of development of
the Associated Gas, if any;
(c) the Contractor's plans concerning the drilling and completion of the
wells, the production, storage, transportation and delivery facilities
required for the production of Hydrocarbons. The plans must contain
the following information:
(i) the expected number of Development Wells and their locations;
(ii) the details relating to the production equipment and to the
storage facilities;
(iii) the delivery points of Crude Oil and Natural Gas; and
(iv) the details of any other technical equipment required for the
Hydrocarbon Operations.
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(d) the estimated forecasts of Crude Oil and Natural Gas production
volumes from the Oil or Gas Fields, and the estimated commercial life
of said deposits;
(e) the cost estimates of the equipment and current expenses;
(f) the economic feasibility studies prepared by the Contractor and the
other methods, if any, devised for the development of the Discovery
taking into account:
(i) its location;
(ii) any pertinent meteorological condition;
(iii) expected investment costs and current expenses; and
(iv) any other information required for its evaluation.
(g) the safety measures to be adopted during the Development and
Production Operations, including the emergency measures;
(h) the measures to be adopted for the protection of the environment;
(i) the unforeseeable events that may affect the Contractor's capability
during the implementation of the General Development Program.
9.8 The General Development Program proposed by the Contractor must be
prepared according to the sound geological, engineering and financial principles
and according to the Good Operating Practices of the Oil Industry. Furthermore,
it must be conceived with a view to ensure the optimum recovery of Hydrocarbons
in the Development Area and to prevent their waste.
9.9 The General Development Program of the Contractor may be reviewed
by the Minister who shall give his approval if he deems that it has been
prepared according to the above provisions. If the Minister deems that the
General Development Program submitted by the Contractor has not been prepared
according to these provisions, he shall suggest that revisions be made and the
Contractor may amend same in reply. If within ninety (90) days following the
date of submission of the Program, the Minister and the Contractor cannot agree
on said Program, the matter or matters which are the subject of a disagreement
must be submitted to an Expert who shall settle same. In the event of
disagreement and submission to an expert, the exploitation period of 25 years
shall not include the period of arbitration (including procedural period)
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9.10 During the course of the Development and Production Operations,
the Contractor may suggest additions or revisions to the General Development
Program. It shall then submit them to the Minister for review and approval,
using the procedures of article 9.9. If within the ninety (90) days that follow
the submission date of the additions and modifications the Minister and the
Contractor do not agree on said additions and modifications, the matter or
matters which are the subject of disagreement must be submitted mutadis mutandis
to an expert according to the procedure specified in article 9.9 and the
exploitation period of twenty-five (25) years will not include the length of
this procedure.
9.11 If the Contractor wishes to finance the Development Operations
with funds obtained from banks or other sources of financing, the Minister must
assist the Contractor by providing all the information that the banks or sources
of financing may reasonably request, provided that the Minister does not have to
assume any additional obligation of any type, whether financial or otherwise.
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ARTICLE X
SOLE RISK OPERATIONS
10.1 If during the exploration period, the Minister wishes to test
additional reservoirs at the final depth agreed upon, or deepen the well and
test deeper reservoirs than this final depth, the Government shall have the
right, subject to the provisions of Article 10.4, to request the Contractor, by
notification, to test certain additional reservoirs or to continue the drilling
and test new reservoirs, at the sole risk of the Government and on behalf of the
Government, until the Government's objectives have been reached as long as the
request of the Government does not delay, hinder or interfere with the
exploration and evaluation activities of the Contractor. The Government shall
notify the Contractor as soon as possible before or during the drilling but
under no circumstances after the Contractor has started the well completion or
abandonment activities.
10.2 If during the exploration period, the Parties cannot agree on the
Government recommendation for the drilling of additional exploration wells, the
Minister shall have the right after the initial period to request the Contractor
to drill in the Contract Area at the exclusive risk and expense of the
Government one (1) exploration well provided that this Operation does not delay,
hinder and disturb the exploration and evaluation activities of the Contractor.
In this case, the Minister shall have a maximum period of six (6) months in
which to provide the Contractor with a drilling plan indicating the drilling
details as well as the financing plan of said operation which will be
pre-financed.
10.3 If the operations described under Articles 9.3, 10.1 or 10.2 lead
to a Discovery or to a Commercial Discovery, the Government shall have the
right, at its exclusive expense, risk and benefit, to evaluate said Discovery
and/or to develop and produce the Oil from the reservoir corresponding to this
Discovery. The Contractor shall notify the Minister in writing, before the
beginning of the commercial production of the oil reservoir discovered within
the framework of said sole risk operations, if it wishes to be responsible for
the future development and/or production operations of said oil-bearing
reservoir according to the terms of the present Contract. In this case, the
Contractor shall pay in cash or in kind to the Minister, in addition to one
hundred percent (100%) of the exploration costs and the exploration stand by
costs, if any, incurred by the Minister with regard to the sole risk operations
and connected to the discovered oil-bearing reservoir, an additional amount
equal to three hundred percent (300%) of said exploration and stand by costs.
10.4 The conditions for the completion of the sole risk operations
shall be:
(a) The production tests of additional formations or the penetration and
the production tests of deeper formations or the drilling of
additional exploration wells must be technically feasible, and must
not delay, hinder or interfere with the Contractors exploration and
evaluation activities;
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(b) The deepening of a well under the sole risk operations may not take
place if the well has already penetrated one or several producing
reservoirs;
(c) No sole risk exploration well may be drilled in an exploitation area
or on the site of a Commercial Discovery.
(d) The Minister may hire a third party for the performance of the sole
risk operations mentioned above. However, the Minister cannot hire a
third party for this purpose without having first offered to the
Contractor a preemption right for the completion on his behalf of said
sole risk operations under identical conditions to those acceptable by
the third party. If the Contractor does not accept to perform these
operations within sixty (60) days from the receipt of the Minister's
notice, the latter shall then be at liberty to hire the third party as
long as this party respects the clause of confidentiality towards the
reports, data and information held or prepared by the Contractor and
received by this third party as per the present article or according
to article IX and in accordance with article XXII.
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ARTICLE XI
ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT AND
PRODUCTION PROGRAMS
11.1 The Contractor shall be required to carry the Production and
Development Operations in all the Development Areas in accordance with the
General Development Programs and according to Good Operating Practices of the
Oil Industry.
11.2 The Work Program submitted for the Calendar Year during which a
Commercial Discovery occurs, must be modified by the Contractor within sixty
(60) days following the date of approval of the General Development Program in
order to comply with the latter.
11.3 The Work Programs and the budgets corresponding to the Development
Operations and Production Operations must have as objective the efficient and
economical exploitation of all the Development Areas according to the Good
Operating Practices of the Oil Industry. The Minister shall approve the Work
Programs and the budgets prepared and submitted in accordance with the
provisions of the present Contract.
Within thirty (30) days following the date of receipt of a Work Program and
a budget, the Minister shall approve them as proposed or shall suggest that
amendments be made; if no approval notice or suggestion of amendments has been
received within this thirty (30) days period, the Work Program and the budget
shall be deemed to be approved.
11.4 If the Minister wishes to amend the Work Program or the
corresponding budget, he must inform the Contractor in writing no later than
fifteen (15) days following the receipt of the documents mentioned above. The
Parties shall consult each other and attempt to reach an agreement on the
amendments suggested. If the Minister and the Contractor cannot agree on the
amendments suggested no later than two (2) months after the date of receipt of
the Work Program and the corresponding budget, an Expert shall be called to
settle the matter in accordance with the provisions relating to arbitration and
expert evaluation. The twenty-five (25) year exploitation period, or eventually
the additional period of ten (10) years shall not include the time spent
referring the matter to the expert (including the time of the procedure ).
11.5 The Contractor may, with the Minister's approval, revise the Work
Program and the budget during the Calendar Year in question in order to be able
to take into account newly acquired information, a revised evaluation of the
prevailing conditions, or any other valid reason.
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ARTICLE XII
GOVERNMENT PARTICIPATION
12.1 The Government shall have the option to acquire a maximum
participation of fifteen (15)% of the rights and obligations of the Contractor
relating to a discovery when the combined daily production of all the
discoveries of the Contract Area reach for the first time a level of 50,000
barrels during at least six (6) consecutive months.
12.2 The Government must exercise its option of participation by
written notification to the Contractor within thirty (30) days following the
last day of the 6th month of the production level of 50,000 barrels/day. In the
absence of a written notice during this period of thirty (30) days, the option
shall be deemed refused.
12.3 If the Government exercises its option of participation in
accordance with Article 12.1, the Contractor shall assign to the Government the
share requested. To that end, the Contractor shall propose a draft agreement
for the Minister's evaluation.
12.4 The Government Participation shall take effect from the date of
receipt by the Contractor of the written notification mentioned in Article 12.2.
The Government shall from then on pay its share of the Petroleum Costs, in
proportion to its participation, when said costs have been incurred by the
Contractor.
12.5 If the Government exercises its option of participation, it will
reimburse to the Contractor in proportion to said participation, its share of
the Petroleum Costs incurred by the Contractor with respect to the Contract Area
before the date on which its decision to participate has been notified to the
Contractor who shall assist at no cost in the search for necessary funds.
Said share of Petroleum Costs that is reimbursable to the Contractor shall
bear an interest from the date on which the Petroleum Costs have been incurred
until the actual date of participation by the Government, at the interest rate
of the Contract fixed the day before the settlement date.
12.6 The reimbursement mentioned in Article 12.5 shall be at the option
of the Minister and notified to the Contractor,
- either in cash by payment in Dollars within a period to be determined
by mutual agreement,
- or in kind through lifting by the Contractor of a portion of the
Hydrocarbon share stipulated in Article 13, to which the Government is
entitled, up to fifty percent (50%) of said share. The value of this
portion being calculated in accordance with the provisions of Article
16, and this share shall be equal in value to the amount due on the
date of notification mentioned in Article 12.2, plus the interests
related thereto calculated according to Article 12.5.
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12.7 If during the three (3) months following the due date for
reimbursement agreed to between the Parties, the Government does not pay to the
Contractor its share of the Petroleum Costs as stipulated in Article 12.5, the
Contractor shall have the right to retain fifty percent (50%) of the share of
Profit-Oil of the Government until total recovery of said costs.
12.8 If the Government exercises its option of participation, the
Minister shall establish as soon as possible with the Contractor, an operating
agreement in accordance with the international Petroleum Operations which shall
govern the rights and obligations of the Parties.
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ARTICLE XIII
COST RECOVERY AND
PRODUCTION SHARING
13.1 Subject to the provisions relating to participation, the
Contractor shall assume and pay all the Petroleum Costs incurred during the
execution of the Petroleum Operations, and it shall recover said costs according
to the procedures defined in Accounting Appendix D.
The costs directly attributable to the development and production of
Non-Associated Gas shall be subject to a specific agreement in accordance with
the provisions of the present Contract.
13.2 The Petroleum Costs, within the limits authorized by the
provisions of Appendix "D", shall be recovered from up to seventy-five percent
(75%) of the Available Crude, on a yearly basis for oil and eighty percent (80%)
for condensate. The cost recovery shall occur as follows:
(a) The recovery of the operating costs shall be made entirely during the
Year when such costs have been incurred;
(b) The recovery of the exploration costs shall be made from the start-up
Year of the first commercial production deriving from the Contract
Area;
(c) The development investments shall be amortized over five (5) years
from the start-up Year of the first production;
(d) The investments related to the exploitation phase shall be amortized
over five (5) Years from the date of their realization;
(e) Investments shall be recovered including an increased markup of
fifteen percent (15%);
(f) However when total production will have reached its Economic Limit
such as defined in Article 13.7 hereinunder, the Parties shall consult
to take a decision by consensus. This meeting will take place within
thirty (30) days from the date at which the written notification by
the Contractor was received by the Minister.
13.3 Inasmuch as the Petroleum Costs recoverable during a given Year
exceed the value of the Crude for Cost Recovery ("Cost-Oil") available this
Year, the recovery of the surplus shall be carried forward to the following
Years.
13.4 The Contractor shall deduct on behalf of the Government from the
total production of the Crude extracted from the discovery area, after deduction
of the losses and uses related to the Petroleum Operations, a portion equivalent
to the amount of the tax on oil production equal to 12.5% (twelve and a half
percent) for oil and 10% (ten percent) for condensate. The remaining quantity
of the crude shall be referred to as "Available Crude".
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13.5 The remainder of the Available Crude every year after deduction of
the recoverable Petroleum Costs, hereinafter called "Profit-Oil", shall be
shared between the Government and the Contractor, whether the Government shall
exercise or not its option of participation to the rights and obligations in
accordance with Article XII, according to the following progressive scale:
A) OIL
AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION GOVERNMENT SHARE CONTRACTOR SHARE
- -------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
(BARRELS/DAY)
-------------
0 to 100,000 50% 50%
Over 100,000 55% 45%
B) CONDENSATE
AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION GOVERNMENT SHARE CONTRACTOR SHARE
- -------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
(BARRELS/DAY)
-------------
0 to 100,000 45% 55%
Over 100,000 50% 50%
13.6 The parties agree that if the Economic Limit of a petroleum
reservoir will be reached (ie. if the petroleum costs incurred by the Contractor
exceed the cashflow resulting from the sale of the production in a way that
would cause production from the reservoir to stop prematurely), the parties will
discuss the details needed to make the appropriate changes to the Contract, more
specifically the recuperation of costs and the sharing of production in order to
prolong the life of the field.
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ARTICLE XIV
REQUIREMENTS OF
DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION
14.1 Three (3) years after the start up of the Production Operations,
the Government shall have the right to purchase and the Contractor shall be
under the obligation to sell, at a specified Delivery Point, a quantity of
Hydrocarbons either Crude or refined products, or gas equivalent as agreed
between parties, equivalent at most to fifty percent (50%) of the share of
Profit-Oil to which the Contractor is entitled in order to meet the domestic
consumption of Benin. The assignment of Crude Oil shall be made within this
framework in accordance with the provisions of Article 16.2.
If within a period not exceeding sixty (60) days from the date of delivery
of hydrocarbons, the Government has not paid his invoice, the Contractor may
obtain payment by lifting from the Government Profit-Oil share.
14.2 With regard to Crude Oil, the Contractor's obligation to sell
rests on the principle according to which all producers of Crude Oil or exporter
from Benin, including the Government, bring part of their production, at any
moment and in a proportional manner, to meet the requirements of domestic
consumption. In order to take advantage of its acquisition right, the Minister
must give a three (3) months written notice to the Contractor, indicating the
quantity of Crude Oil from the Contractor's remuneration that shall be acquired
during the three (3) calendar months following the above mentioned notice. The
monthly variation of this quantity cannot exceed a range of more or less ten
percent (10%).
14.3 If due to a case of Force Majeure, other contractors or the
Government cannot proportionally contribute to the requirements of the domestic
market, and that, consequently, the volume of participation of the Contractor
and of other contractors to domestic market sales must be increased, the
Contractor must sell the additional quantities required in accordance with the
above Articles and conditions until the Force Majeure has been resolved and
until the contribution intended to proportionally cover the requirement of the
domestic market has been reestablished. This additional obligation does not
include the volumes of production which have been the subject of an export
contract for which the loading period has been fixed within forty (40) working
days following the date on which the Contractor has received notification from
the Minister as to the case of Force Majeure.
14.4 With regard to Natural Gas, the Contractor's obligation to sell
must be established taking into account the criteria used to meet the
requirement of the domestic market stipulated hereinabove, and taking into
account the price of Natural Gas determined in accordance with the present
Contract.
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14.5 All payments made regarding the sale of the Contractor's
Hydrocarbon to the Government in accordance with the provisions of this Article
must be denominated in dollars and made by bank transfer to the bank account
designated by the Contractor outside Benin, within a period of thirty (30) days
from the date of delivery to the Delivery Point of the Hydrocarbons acquired by
the Government.
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ARTICLE XV
TAX SYSTEM
15.1 For the duration of the Contract and in accordance with the
legislation in force in the Republic of Benin, the Contractor shall be subject
to the tax system currently applied to companies in general, and to oil
activities in particular.
15.2 The Contractor shall be required to pay, under the conditions and
the due dates established by the Beninese tax legislation, all the taxes and
duties to which it is subject, in particular Income Tax equal to 55% (fifty-five
percent) of the taxable profit and the Export Tax at the rate of three point
twelve percent (3.12%) of the FOB value.
15.3 It is understood that in application of Article 15.2, the Minister
shall take from the Profit-Oil share to which the Government is entitled under
Article 13.5 an amount corresponding to the Income Tax and the Export Tax
mentioned in the Petroleum Code. It shall pay said tax to the institution
designated for this purpose on behalf of the Contractor and shall have delivered
to the Contractor the related receipts. The same applies for the Export Tax.
In this case, the Profit Oil share to which the Contractor is entitled under
Article 13.5 shall be considered free of tax. In other words, the Contractor is
free of all fiscal obligations, which are by definition, included in the Profit
Oil share of the Government as well as the Royalty on Petroleum Production also
collected by the Government.
15.4 The Contractor and its subcontractors shall be exempt from the
duties and taxes on the equipment, exploitation material and machines imported
by the Contractor and its subcontractors within the framework of the Petroleum
Operations. These goods and equipment may be re-exported at the end of their
use according to the temporary admission system.
15.5 The Contractor and its subcontractors shall be also exempt:
(a) from the Value Added Tax (VAT) on the activities strictly related to
the Petroleum Operations;
(b) from the Franchise Tax for a period of five (5) financial years;
(c) from the surface royalties mentioned in the Code; and
(d) for expatriate personnel, from contributions to the Social Security
Department of Benin (OBSS), from the employer's contribution (V.P),
and from the apprenticeship tax.
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15.6 The expatriate personnel employed by the Contractor and its
subcontractors may import free of duties and taxes with the exception of the
road tax, their personal effects which shall be used during the first six (6)
months of their move. They may also import one vehicle per household as
temporary import.
15.7 The Government shall agree to take into consideration any
modification to the fiscal conditions which the Contractor may request at any
time, provided that:
(a) Such modification does not negatively affect the overall economic
benefits and other advantages that the Government will derive from the
Petroleum Operations; and
(b) The only reason for proposing such modification shall be either to
permit any person forming the Contractor or any other Affiliated
Company to obtain in another country a tax credit relating to the
taxes paid in the Republic of Benin.
15.8 The Contractor shall be required to pay to the State the income
from the taxes and duties mentioned in the present Contract through a national
structure. The designation of the national structure in question shall occur
within one hundred and eighty (180) days following the Effective Date.
15.9 Within thirty (30) days following the date of payment, the
Government shall issue, a receipt in the Contractor's name for said payment.
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ARTICLE XVI
MEASUREMENT, DISPOSAL, EVALUATION
AND SALE OF HYDROCARBONS
16.1 The Contractor must measure all the Crude Oil and Natural Gas
produced in the Contract Area according to the Good Operating Practices of the
Oil Industry. The Contractor must keep full and accurate records of all the
measurements of Hydrocarbons produced in the Contract Area after extraction of
the water and of its foreign substances, and of all the Hydrocarbons that may be
marketed, which will allow by difference to determine the quantities that have
been used for the Operations and the unavoidable losses. The Minister's
representatives must have access to these records and measures.
The Minister shall have the right to examine and to test all the measures,
measuring equipment, graphics and any other measuring or testing equipment and
information.
If, at the end of an examination or test, it appears that measuring
equipment are not in working order, that they are damaged or badly adjusted, the
Contractor must put them in good working order or shall proceed with the
required adjustments immediately at its own cost.
If, within a reasonable period not exceeding thirty (30) days, the
Contractor does not assume this obligation, the Minister may take the necessary
measures so that said equipment be made operational or have the equipment
adjusted and may invoice to the Contractor the cost of this operation at the
interest rate of the Contract + 1%. If according to the Minister, the error
caused by the bad adjustment, or any other failure of a measuring equipment,
appears to be at the origin of a considerable difference in the production
measurement, the Parties shall consult each other for the purpose of examining
the appropriate measures to be taken. In the event of disagreement, the matter
may be submitted to an expert so that the latter can determine if a retroactive
adjustment of the production figures should be made. If the Contractor deems it
necessary to replace measuring devices or instruments, it must notify the
Minister for approval and give to the Minister's representatives the opportunity
to be present during the operation and to participate.
16.2 Under the present Contract, the price of Crude Oil for each
quarter shall be the weighted average of the FOB prices received by the
Contractor for sales to independent third parties during the corresponding
quarter.
If during a given quarter the Contractor does not sell at least forty
percent (40%) of the total production of Crude Oil of the Contract Area to third
parties which are not related to the Parties, the price of Crude Oil for that
quarter shall be the weighted average of the FOB prices established by
comparison with the Crude Oil Price on the international market taking into
account the quality, density and transportation differentials.
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In the absence of an agreement between the Parties within fifteen (15) days
following the end of the Quarter concerned, pending the opinion of an expert,
the sale price agreed to for the Quarter preceding the Quarter in question shall
apply temporarily subject to the retroactive adjustments which would be required
after expert evaluation. The expert evaluation mentioned in this Article shall
occur within a period not exceeding thirty (30) days after the end of the
Quarter concerned.
16.3 Within the framework of the present Contract, the price of Natural
Gas sold on the domestic market of Benin shall be the price received by the
Contractor for sales to third parties. Taking into account the fact that the
gas market is not well developed in Benin, the Minister must assist the
Contractor inasmuch as possible to find possible consumers for the Gas and to
negotiate reasonable sale prices. The Natural Gas price applicable to the Gas
sold to a public Beninese company or to a body whose capital with voting right
is the direct or indirect property of the State, is established by mutual
agreement between the Parties, it being understood that this price must reflect
the commercial value of the energy source that the Gas sold is deemed to
replace, according to the modern technology generally used and taking into
account the cost of the gas produced. The price that applies to the Natural Gas
exports shall be the price received by the Contractor for sales to third
parties, subject to the same conditions normally governing the sale of Crude.
16.4 The Contractor shall have the right to freely dispose of, load,
transport and export the Hydrocarbons to which it is entitled under the
Contract. The Minister may request the Contractor to sell all or part of the oil
to which the State is entitled in accordance with Article 13 and under the
market conditions stipulated in Article 16.2, and provided that the Parties have
agreed on the provisions concerning marketing.
16.5 No later than sixty (60) days before the Start up Date of the
Commercial Production in each Development Area, and thereafter at the beginning
of each Quarter, the Contractor must prepare and provide to the Minister a
forecast indicating the total quantity of Hydrocarbons which, according to the
Contractor, shall be produced during the following four (4) Quarters in the
corresponding Development Area, starting from a production rate mutually agreed
upon to optimize the recovery of Hydrocarbons in the Development Area according
to the Good Operating Practices of the Oil Industry. Each Quarter, the
Contractor shall make reasonable efforts to produce the quantity of Hydrocarbons
which it estimated . The Contractor shall be authorized to use, free of charge,
the quantities of Hydrocarbons produced in the Contract Area, in their natural
or processed state, required for the carrying out of the Petroleum Operations
(including the Operations of Gas loading) according to the Good Operating
Practices of the Oil Industry. Whatever the quantity of hydrocarbons used for
this purpose, it shall not be considered as being part of the Commercial
Production.
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ARTICLE XVII
NATURAL GAS
17.1 Benin's domestic market shall benefit from a preferential right
for the acquisition of the Natural Gas produced in any Development Area and
which is not required for the Petroleum Operations in accordance with this
Article, provided that the commercial proposals made are not less favorable than
those under which the gas in question could be exported. The Natural Gas not
sold on the domestic market may be exported.
In the event of discovery of a commercial accumulation of gas, a gas
purchase contract ("Take or Pay" contract) shall be discussed between the
Government and the Contractor as soon as possible. If the direct generation of
electricity would appear more favorable for the two Parties, they shall meet to
determine the conditions thereof.
17.2 ASSOCIATED NATURAL GAS
17.2.1 If a Crude Oil Discovery occurs that the Contractor considers to
be commercially viable under the present Contract and this discovery contains
Associated Gas, the Contractor must indicate in its evaluation report if it
anticipates that the estimated production of Associated Gas shall exceed the
quantities of Associated Gas required for the Crude Oil Production Operations
(this surplus shall be referred to hereinafter as "surplus Associated Gas") and
if the surplus Associated Gas can be produced in commercial quantities. If the
Contractor declares that this Associated Gas exists and that it can be produced
in commercial quantities, it shall indicate in the General Development Program
prepared for the Hydrocarbon Discovery the details relating to the gathering,
processing, compression and transportation facilities required to commercially
produce the surplus Associated Gas for commercial purposes, as well as the
corresponding costs.
17.2.2 Within ninety (90) days following the date of submission of the
General Development Program, the Minister may advise the Contractor that he
himself or any other public entity in Benin designated by him, wishes to dispose
of the surplus Associated Gas on the domestic market.
17.2.3 If, in accordance with this Article, the Minister advises that
he wishes to dispose of the surplus Associated Gas on the domestic market, the
Contractor may, by notice within ninety (90) days following the date of
notification of the Minister, participate in the costs of the facilities
required for the production of the surplus Associated Gas and the proceeds
deriving from the sale of said Gas.
17.2.4 If the Contractor decides to participate in accordance with the
above provisions:
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(a) It shall build gathering, processing, compression, transportation and
storage facilities required for the production and the delivery to the Delivery
Point of the surplus Associated Gas in accordance with the specifications of the
General Development Program.
(b) The price of the Associated Natural Gas is the price of Natural Gas
determined in accordance with the present Contract.
17.2.5 If the Contractor decides not to participate, it shall then
deliver to the Minister, or to the public Beninese company designated by the
Minister for this purpose, to a Delivery Point designated as "Exit door", and at
its expense, all the quantities of surplus Associated Gas produced, the costs
associated will be considered to be recoverable Petroleum Costs.
17.2.6 Subject to the provisions relating to the protection of the
environment, the Contractor may burn any surplus Associated Gas that has not
been used.
17.3 NON-ASSOCIATED GAS
17.3.1 If a Discovery of Non-Associated Gas occurs in the Contract
Area, the Contractor must submit a report in accordance with the provisions of
the present Contract. If the Contractor deems that the Discovery is worth being
evaluated, it must prepare an evaluation, including a reserve estimate, of the
production potential, the development costs and the production costs as well as
of the economic viability. In that report, the Contractor must also declare
whether the Discovery is commercially viable. If the Contractor deems that the
Discovery of Non-Associated Gas does not warrant being evaluated, the provisions
relating to Crude Oil shall apply mutatis mutandis.
17.3.2 If the Contractor deems that the Discovery can be commercially
viable, the Minister shall assist in the evaluation of the gas requirement on
the domestic market as well as in the transformation and marketing activities
required for its distribution to the final users of said market. Similarly, the
Contractor is at liberty to evaluate the viability of Gas export. During the
calendar year following the date of submission of the detailed evaluation report
of the Contractor, the Parties must meet in order to determine if the sale
points and other pertinent factors justify its development and production for
sale on the domestic market and/or if it is considered that this market is not
big enough and therefore the Gas must be exported.
17.3.3 If the Contractor deems that the development of the Discovery of
the Non-Associated Gas is justified, it must submit to the Minister a General
Development Program for said Discovery and the provisions relating to the
commercial discovery and those relating to the Government participation shall
apply to the development and production of said Gas as if it concerned Crude
Oil. If the Contractor deems that the development of the Discovery of
Non-Associated Gas is not justified, the provisions relating to the Crude Oil
shall then apply mutatis mutandis to the development and production of said Gas.
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17.3.4 If it has been determined that the Discovery of Non-Associated
Gas cannot be used on the domestic market while the Contractor considers that
said Discovery of Non-Associated Gas may be commercially viable for export, the
Contractor shall then be free to develop the Gas Field provided that it submits
to the Minister a General Development Program. If the Contractor begins the
Development Operations for export, the Minister shall take the necessary
measures to facilitate the construction of the appropriate facilities. The
provisions relating to the commercial Discovery and to the Government
participation shall apply mutatis mutandis to the development and production of
said Non-Associated Gas as if it concerned Crude Oil. Once the Contractor has
started up the Development Operations for export, the right granted to the
Contractor for exportation under the present Article shall remain in effect
during the entire period of the Contract unless the two Parties change the
procedures by mutual agreement.
17.3.5 Under the present Contract, the price of the Non-Associated Gas
produced by a Gas Field intended to be used in Benin shall correspond to the
price of Natural Gas determined in accordance with the provisions of the present
Contract.
17.3.6 Following the Minister approval, the Contractor shall have the
right to build facilities for the separation of gas for the purpose of producing
liquid gas and condensate with due regards to the safety and environment
protection standards,
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ARTICLE XVIII
DAMAGES, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AND SAFETY
18.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for all damages and injuries
that may be caused to individuals or to the State as a result of its operations.
The Contractor shall be required to safeguard the Government against any damage
for which it may be responsible as a result of its activities under the Contract
or of any operation or activity deriving therefrom. To that end, the Contractor
must, at any time, release the Government from any responsibility against any
claim and obligation resulting from deaths, accidents or damages caused by its
activities, including those carried out under the Contract, or non-compliance by
the Contractor of the laws and regulations in force in Benin. The present
Contract shall not have any effect on claims by third parties against the
Contractor under the laws in force in Benin.
18.2 The Parties acknowledge that, due to their nature, the Petroleum
Operations may produce an ecological imbalance in the Contract Area as a result
of environmental pollution. Consequently, during the performance of the
Contract, the Contractor must adopt the necessary measures in order to prevent
or to reduce to a minimum the pollution of the ground, atmosphere and water, and
ensure that this pollution does not harm the plants and the wildlife and, in
general, prevent everything that could materially harm the environment. If the
Contractor cannot prevent the pollution of the environment, it must take the
necessary measures to reduce to a minimum its effects according to international
standards. These measures must be notified to the Minister for approval.
18.3 In order to reduce to a minimum or eliminate the pollution, the
Contractor must use adequate technical means, approved by the Minister.
18.4 In accordance with the Code, the Contractor is responsible for
damages caused to third parties as a result of environmental pollution.
18.5 The Contractor shall undertake to call on experts in this matter
in order to examine the probable impact of the Petroleum Operations on the
environment. This study must include:
(a) the condition of the environment and the level of pollution existing
in the Contract Area and in the neighboring areas before the petroleum
operations;
(b) the impact that the Petroleum Operations may have on the environment.
The study indicated in paragraph (a) must be twofold:
1) a preliminary study delivered by the Contractor to the Minister before
the seismic survey of the Contract Area and
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2) the final study applicable to all the exploration period and which
shall be submitted to the Minister before the drilling of the first
well. The study indicated in paragraph (b) must be carried out and
delivered to the Minister at least ninety (90) days prior to the
drilling of said well.
18.6 The studies listed above must include the procedures used to
eliminate or minimize, among other things, the wastes mentioned below as well
as the way to neutralize them:
(a) Drilling muds and Hydrocarbons resulting from the tests, completion,
workover and abandonment of the wells;
(b) Polluted underground reservoirs;
(c) Solvents, lubricants and other products used during operations;
(d) Organic waste, detritus and unusable products from the work and camp
areas.
18.7 During the design and building of its facilities the Contractor
must endeavor to minimize the environmental pollution and must at least adopt
the following procedures on the drilling sites and the exploitation equipment
sites:
(a) Drainage/recovery system of spills of Crude Oil and other derivatives
as well as polluted waters;
(b) Waste recovery system.
18.8 The Contractor shall undertake to include the provisions of this
Article in all the contracts negotiated with third parties and related to the
Petroleum Operations.
18.9 If the Contractor does not comply with the provisions of this
Article and a spill of Crude Oil or of any other product occurs in the soil,
the sea bottom or in the sea, or if the Contractor's activities cause another
form of pollution or damage springs or the animal or plant life in any other
manner, the Contractor must take immediately all steps according to the Good
Operating Practices of the Oil Industry in order to control the pollution, clean
any spill of Crude Oil or of any other product, or repair as completely as
possible any damage caused.
18.10 If, as a result of the direct effect of a gross or deliberate
negligence on the part of the Contractor, a spill or an act of pollution occurs,
the cost of the control, cleaning and repair operations shall be borne by the
Contractor and shall not be considered Petroleum Costs under the present
Contract.
18.11 In the event of danger which may affect the environment, the
Contractor must immediately notify the Minister and take the measures prescribed
in the emergency procedures adopted by the Parties according to the Good
Operating Practices of the Oil Industry.
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18.12 At the end of the Contract, outside the abandonment case, the
Contractor must take measures according to the Good Operating Practices of the
Oil Industry to restore the environment and the sites where the Petroleum
Operations have been performed to their original condition on the Effective Date
of the Contract, taking into account the rules of the abandonment procedure.
At the time of submitting the General Development Program, the Contractor
must submit to the Minister for review and approval a schematic summary of the
environment restoration activities once the Petroleum Operations have been
completed, indicating the manner in which the corresponding costs shall be
financed, preferably through the opening of a special bank account for that
purpose. Each payment by the Contractor to the special account will be
recovered as Cost Oil. Thereafter and at the same time as the Work Program and
the Budgets, such schematic summary shall be submitted to the Minister for
review and approval.
18.13 The Contractor must take the necessary steps according to the
Good Operating Practices of the Oil Industry to carry the activities mentioned
in the Contract in all safety, and must comply with the laws and regulations of
Benin, including the regulations in force with regard to the work, environmental
protection, health and safety. The Contractor must refrain from any action
endangering the health or the safety of persons.
18.14 The Minister shall have the right to inspect all the sites,
buildings and facilities in the Contract Area. In order to have access to these
sites, the Minister must first inform the Contractor in advance.
18.15 The Contractor must supervise the sure and effective treatment of
the water and residual oil and the plugging of the wells before abandoning them.
18.16 The Contractor shall clear and remove all platforms installed in
the Contract area .according to the abandonment procedures described in the
Appendix.
18.17 The removal, clearing, or abandonment of the facilities set up by
the Contractor shall take place according to the standards of the oil industry
generally accepted in the Gulf of Mexico. On the other hand, the facilities
underwater or others shall be left in such a state so as not to present an
obstacle to navigation.
18.18 The Contractor shall leave all pipelines and facilities free of
oil at the expiration of the Contract according to the normal oil practices.
18.19 Any change to this agreement with regard to the abandonment must
be agreed upon by the two Parties.
18.20 If laws or regulations relating to the environment in force on
the date of signature of the Contract are amended so as to substantially modify
the economic equilibrium of the Contract, the Parties shall refer to the
provisions of Article 29.2.
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ARTICLE XIX
PROVISIONS REGARDING EXCHANGE
Under the regulations in force in Benin, the Ministry shall guarantee that for
the duration of the Contract, the Contractor and the non-Beninese subcontractors
shall be authorized to:
(a) pay in foreign currency, in full or in part, the salaries,
reimbursements and other indemnities;
(b) open, keep and use bank accounts in foreign currency in Benin and
abroad and accounts in local currency in Benin;
(c) directly pay abroad, in foreign currency, foreign subcontractors for
the acquisition of equipment and supplies of services related to the
Petroleum Operations;
(d) receive, transfer and keep abroad and freely dispose of all the funds
including but not limited to, all payments received for the
exportation of Hydrocarbons and any payment received from the
Government;
(e) obtain from abroad all the loans required for the Petroleum
Operations;
(f) buy the local currencies required for the Petroleum Operations and
convert in foreign currency all local currencies in excess of the
immediate domestic needs in accredited banks or exchange bureaus;
(g) transfer abroad all foreign currencies in excess of the local
requirements of the Contractor. The rights given to the Contractor and
subcontractors under this Article shall also apply to expatriate
employees.
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ARTICLE XX
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
20.1 EMPLOYMENT
In compliance with the labor Legislation in Benin, the Contractor shall be
free to hire the personnel and the subcontractors required to perform the
Petroleum Operations in accordance with the Contract.
However, with regard to the recruitment of employees and to the extent
where this is in accordance with an efficient and responsible exploitation of
the Petroleum Operations, the Contractor must give preference to citizens of
Benin qualified, through their training and experience, to perform the duties in
question. With regard to the selection of subcontractors for the performance of
the Petroleum Operations, the Contractor must give preference to Beninese
subcontractors to the extent where the latter are competitive with regard to
quality, costs and technical expertise to maintain the established schedules of
activities.
20.2 TRAINING
The Contractor shall undertake to offer adequate training to the Beninese
citizens employed for the Petroleum Operations during the entire period of
validity of the Contract.
To that end, within three (3) months following the Effective Date, a
training program relating to the Exploration period for a yearly amount of a
minimum of fifty thousand US dollars (US$50,000) shall be established and
submitted by the Contractor to the Minister. Within thirty (30) days following
the start-up of the Commercial Production, the Contractor shall also submit to
the Minister a training program relating to the Exploitation period for a yearly
amount of at least one hundred thousand US dollars (US$100,000).
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ARTICLE XXI
ACCOUNTING
21.1 The Contractor must keep its accounting as well as any financial
information, books and records concerning the Petroleum Operations, in national
currency and in the form required by the law in force in Benin.
21.2 The accounting procedures to be applied by the Contractor shall be
those established in the Accounting Appendix D.
21.3 The audited accounts of the Contractor must be submitted to the
Minister for approval no later than three (3) months after the end of the
Calendar Year.
21.4 The Minister may, by notifying the Contractor no later than six
(6) months following the date of submission of the financial accounts, submit
all financial accounts of the Contractor relating to the Calendar Year in
question to the auditing of an International Company of Chartered Accountants,
appointed by agreement between the Parties. The cost of this audit shall be
borne by the Government.
21.5 Unless the Parties find a solution by mutual agreement, the
Minister may submit any objection regarding the Contractor's accounts to an
expert decision. Before giving a decision in connection with the objection
submitted, the expert must take into account the results of the financial audit
made according to the provisions of this Article. If the Minister's objection
is not submitted to an expert within twelve (12) months following the receipt by
him of the accounts, the objection in question shall be null. If the Minister's
objection is validated by the Expert, the Contractor must correct the accounts
in question and bear the costs related to the audit and the expert evaluation
notwithstanding the above provisions.
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ARTICLE XXII
CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF THE DATA
22.1 All the reports, data and information obtained or prepared by the
Contractor, to the extent that they relate to all or part of the Contract Area
shall be the full property of the Beninese State and shall be treated
confidentially. Each Party undertakes not to divulge same except to communicate
them, after the prior approval of the other Party, to:
(a) An Affiliated company or a subcontractor of the Contractor;
(b) A financial institution for the purpose of obtaining a loan;
(c) A stock exchange;
(d) Any potential assignee in application of Article 23.
This Article shall not prevent the Minister from communicating certain
information to any government entity and to any trustworthy person interested in
securing an exploration and exploitation right of Hydrocarbons in Benin.
22.2 All reports, data and information communicated by the Minister or
the Contractor to a third party in accordance with the above provisions, shall
be made according to agreements the terms of which shall guarantee that these
data, information or reports are treated by the recipient as strictly
confidential.
22.3 The reports, data and information relating the Contract Area and
considered as important by the Minister for the execution by a third party of an
exploration program in a bordering area, shall be communicated to it by the
Minister. In exchange, the Contractor shall have access to the data,
information and reports obtained by said third party concerning a bordering area
of a comparable exploratory potential. The confidentiality provisions shall
apply to this third party.
22.4 All the reports, data and information, including the
interpretations and evaluations relating to any area that no longer forms part
of the Contract Area following relinquishment of a surface area or expiration of
the present Contract, shall be treated by the Contractor as strictly
confidential for a period of five (5) years from the date on which said surface
area ceased to form an integral part of the Contract Area or from the date of
expiration of the present Contract.
22.5 Any failure to comply with the confidentiality Clauses mentioned
in this Article shall be reproved according to the regulations in force in Benin
regarding the divulging of professional secrets.
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22.6 Any press publication initiated by the Contractor and relating to
the results of operations conducted under the present Contract shall be subject
to the prior authorization of the Minister.
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ARTICLE XXIII
ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS
23.1 The Parties may assign all or part of their rights and obligations
deriving from the present Contract. If the Contractor intends to assign or
transfer its rights totally or partially, in accordance with the Contract, it
must immediately submit to the Minister a written authorization request, unless
the transfer is to an Affiliate in which case it must notify the Minister in
writing of its intention to transfer sixty (60) days prior to the Effective
Date, or at a later date agreed to with the Minister, following which the
transfer shall be effective without the need for an authorization from the
Minister. Any request must indicate the name, the address and any appropriate
information on the technical and financial capabilities of the assignee. Within
thirty (30) days following the receipt of the request, the Minister must decide
whether he approves or not the proposed assignment. Any disagreement by the
Minister must be based on reasonable grounds related to the technical and
financial capabilities of the proposed assignee.
23.2 If one of the Parties makes a partial assignment of its rights and
obligations deriving from the present Contract, the assignee shall be
responsible, jointly and severally, for the guarantees, responsibilities and
obligations of the assignor. If the assignment is total, the assignee shall be
solely responsible for said obligations and guarantees. Any assignee must
adhere to the bank guarantees and supply a guarantee from its parent company, if
applicable, as required by the present Contract.
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ARTICLE XXIV
FORCE MAJEURE
24.1 The Parties shall not be responsible in the event of failure or
delay in the fulfillment of their obligations resulting from the present
Contract provided this failure or delay is due to a case of Force Majeure.
24.2 A case of Force Majeure shall mean any act or event which does not
fall within the reasonable limits of control of the Parties, and which prevent
them indefinitely or temporarily from fulfilling their obligations under the
Contract. Thus, Force Majeure shall include, but not be limited to the
instances listed below: war or similar situations, embargoes, blockades,
earthquakes, floods, fire, strike or lock-out, terrorism act, riots, government
action.
24.3 The Party invoking the case of Force Majeure shall:
a) Advise the other Party as early as possible by any means and confirm
by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt describing the
event in detail;
b) Take as far as possible all appropriate and legal provisions to
eliminate the cause of Force Majeure;
c) Inform the other Party in the manner indicated above as soon as the
Force Majeure has been eliminated and resume the execution of its
contractual obligations.
24.4 If the case of Force Majeure lasts for more than three (3) months,
the Parties to the Contract shall meet in order to determine the appropriate
action to be taken.
24.5 It is agreed that if for reasons of Force Majeure, a Party is
unable to fulfill an obligation or to exercise a right under the Contract, the
period granted to fulfill the obligation or to exercise the right, including any
subsequent obligations or rights, shall then be extended by a period equal to
the duration of the Force Majeure.
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ARTICLE XXV
ARBITRATION AND EXPERT EVALUATION
25.1 ARBITRATION
25.1.1 Subject to the provisions hereunder relating to expert evaluation,
any dispute or claim related to a matter or operation falling within the
Contract or connected therewith, including, but not limited to, any dispute or
claim relating to its validity, interpretation, execution or omission of
obligations which it claims cannot be amicably settled between the Parties, must
be finally and exclusively settled by arbitration at the initiative of one or
the other Party.
25.1.2 The arbitration procedure shall be implemented by three (3)
arbitrators in accordance with the rules of conciliation and arbitration of the
International Center for the Settlement of Investments Disputes (CIRDI) of the
World Bank Group.
25.1.3 Unless the Parties otherwise mutually agree in writing, the third
arbitrator appointed as indicated above must not be a citizen of Benin or a
person of the same nationality as the Contractor.
25.1.4 For any arbitration procedure in accordance with this Article:
(a) The procedure must take place in Paris, (France), unless the Parties
otherwise mutually agree;
(b) The French language shall be the official language in all respects;
and
(c) The parties shall be bound by the decision of the majority of the
arbitrators.
25.1.5 If an arbitration procedure has been instituted, the Parties
shall continue to fulfill their obligations under the Contract unless this has
been made impossible due to the case of Force Majeure.
25.1.6 The cost of the arbitration procedure must be borne according to the
methods defined by the arbitration tribunal.
25.1.7 Under this Article, the Parties shall waive any jurisdictional
immunity. For the execution of the judgments rendered by the arbitration
tribunal of CIRDI, the Parties shall waive the execution immunity with respect
to their property. The seizure and adjudication of property to which this
immunity may give rise includes, with regard to the Government, only those
accounts, income and property related to the Hydrocarbon field in the Contract
Area.
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25.2 EXPERT EVALUATION
25.2.1 Any Party wishing to submit a matter to the decision of an expert in
accordance with a provision of the Contract which provides for this procedure
including the Accounting Appendix, or any other matter that the Parties decide
to submit by joint agreement to the decision of an expert under this Article,
must notify it to the other Party. This notification must include a list of at
least three (3) proposed experts. The other Party must reply to this
notification within thirty (30) days following the date of receipt either by
accepting one (1) of the experts proposed or by proposing at least three (3)
other experts. In the latter case, the Party who has presented the initial
notification shall have thirty (30) days to accept one (1) expert or reject all
the experts proposed by the other Party. Non-notification shall constitute a
rejection of the experts proposed.
25.2.2 If the Parties do not reach an agreement with regard to the selection
of an expert within sixty (60) days following the date of the first notification
under the above paragraph, any of the Parties may request the Center of
technical experts of the International Chamber of Commerce (CCI), whose head
office is in Paris, to appoint an expert in accordance with its rules.
25.2.3 If the expert agreed to by the Parties or appointed in accordance
with the above provisions refuses the Parties' request, dies or, for any other
reason, is unable to act as an expert, the Parties must meet immediately in
order to appoint an replacement expert. If the Parties cannot reach an
agreement within thirty (30) days following the date on which it has been
established that the first expert could not act, any of the Parties may request
the Center of technical experts of the CCI to appoint another expert in
accordance with its rules.
25.2.4 The Parties shall be required to cooperate with the expert inasmuch
as possible and each Party must ensure the cooperation of its Affiliates. The
Parties must ensure access to the data and information which the Parties or
their Affiliates can provide and which, in the expert's opinion, may contribute
to his decision. The Parties' representatives shall have the right to consult
the expert and to provide him with written information but the expert can impose
reasonable limits to this right. He shall be at liberty to assess to what
extent any document and information submitted for his review is duly justified
or pertinent.
25.2.5 All costs related to the selection and utilization of the expert
shall be jointly and equally paid by the Parties.
25.2.6 Any decision rendered by the expert in accordance with this Article
under a provision of the Contract which expressly provides for this procedure
shall be final and enforceable for the Parties. No Party may submit the matter
which was the subject of an expert decision to an arbitration procedure such as
provided in the present Contract. By joint decision of the Parties, the matters
submitted to the decision of an expert may be subject to a final and definitive
decision through arbitration, if the Parties agree to accept it at the time a
decision was made to submit the matter to an expert.
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ARTICLE XXVI
TERMINATION
26.1 In case of non compliance by the Contractor with the provisions of
the present Contract, the Minister may terminate the Contract if the Contractor
does not rectify said non compliance.
26.2 If the Minister deems that the Contractor has not complied with
the provisions of the Contract and has thus given rise to a reason for
termination, he must notify the Contractor in writing by formal notice so that
the latter may rectify the situation within sixty (60) days following the
receipt of the notice, if the situation can be rectified. If, within this
period, the Contractor has not rectified the situation, the Minister may declare
the Contract terminated and claim any damages deriving from said failure.
26.3 During the exploitation period, the Contractor may terminate the
Contract, by written notification to the Minister at least sixty (60) days prior
to the date of termination, provided that the Contractor has fulfilled all its
contractual and tax obligations, as well as its obligations related to the
corresponding annual Work Program.
26.4 The Contract shall be automatically terminated by the Minister
through notice to the Contractor when the latter has committed a gross error,
resulting from a deliberate negligence, has issued false declarations in writing
when he should have known that they were false, has assigned any interest
whatsoever to a third party without complying with the provisions relating to
the assignment of rights or when it has been declared bankrupt by a competent
court.
26.5 The Contract may be automatically terminated by the Minister
through written notification to the Contractor in the following cases if within
sixty (60) days following the date of receipt of a notification the Contractor
has not taken the corrective measures:
a) when the Contractor does not respect the minimum work obligations;
b) when it does not execute the provisions of an arbitration award or the
decision of an expert.
26.6 If the Contract has been terminated in accordance with this
Article, the Contractor shall have the right to withdraw and export all the
goods used by it, for which the property title has not been transferred, in part
or in full, provided it settles all its debts toward the Government. The
Contractor shall lose any other right under the Contract. It shall not be
released from any of the obligations contracted before the effective date of
termination, whether they are the result of said termination or its object.
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26.7 If the Contractor challenges any of the events mentioned in this
Article or maintains that one of these events has occurred but it has rectified
same, the Contractor shall refer the matter to an arbitration procedure or to
decision by an expert within thirty (30) days following the date of receipt of
the termination notice from the Minister. This recourse shall not suspend the
termination.
26.8 Before leaving the Contract Area following termination, the
Contractor must ensure that all wells are left in good condition in accordance
with the Good Operating Practices of the Oil Industry.
26.9 Termination of the Contract shall occur notwithstanding any other
right which may have been established in favor of the Parties, under the
Contract, before said termination.
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ARTICLE XXVII
BANK GUARANTEE
27.1 In order to ensure the good performance of the minimum work
obligations provided in the present Contract, the Contractor must submit within
ninety (90) days following the Effective Date, an irrevocable bank guarantee in
accordance with the sample in Appendix C for an amount that is sufficient to
complete the work obligations during the initial phase of the exploration
period. Within forty-five (45) days before the beginning of each extension
phases of the exploration period of the Contract, the Contractor must submit an
irrevocable bank guarantee for an amount that is sufficient to complete the work
obligations for the phase considered.
Non-submission of the bank guarantee within the period required shall
constitute a failure to the provisions of the Contract and shall lead de facto
to its termination by the Minister in accordance with the provisions relating to
termination.
27.2 The amount due in accordance with the bank guarantee mentioned
above shall be progressively reduced as the minimum work obligations for the
year concerned are completed. For the purpose of this reduction, the Contractor
may, at any time, submit for the Minister's approval a declaration establishing
the level of completion of the work obligations. This approval shall take place
within reasonable periods.
27.3 In order to render the above mentioned reduction effective, the
Minister must notify its approval to the bank issuing the bank guarantee within
a period of thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of the Contractor's
request.
27.4 If the Contractor considers that the Minister's approval mentioned
above has been unduly delayed or if the Minister deems that the Contractor has
not satisfactorily executed a minimum work obligation according to the Good
Operating Practices of the Oil Industry, any of the Parties may submit the
matter to the decision of an expert.
27.5 The guarantees to be submitted by the Contractor under this
Article must be approved by the Minister. The Contractor shall forward to the
Minister the original guarantees to enable him to review and keep them.
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ARTICLE XXVIII
NOTIFICATION
28.1 In order to be considered valid, any letter or notification
relating to the Contract must be submitted on a working day or received by
registered letter, cable, telex or fax to the addressees at the following
addresses:
THE GOVERNMENT:
represented by
THE MINISTER OF MINES, ENERGY AND HYDRAULICS
04 Postal Box: 1412
Cotonou (Republic of Benin)
Fax (229) 31.35.46 Telex: 5237 MINERH
THE CONTRACTOR
ADDAX PETROLEUM BENIN LIMITED
c/o Addax Management Services SA
9, rue du Valais
CH 1202 Geneva Switzerland
Fax: 00 41 22 741 50 20
and:
ABACAN RESOURCE (BENIN) LTD.
c/o Abacan Resource Corp.
1750 - 800 5th Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3T6 Canada
Fax: 001 403 269 3944
28.2 The Parties shall have the right to change address for the purpose
of notification and communication by notifying same in writing to the other
Party at least five (5) days before the date of actual change.
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ARTICLE XXIX
APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, STABILIZATION
AND COMPENSATION
29.1 The present Contract shall be governed and interpreted in
accordance with the laws and regulations in force in the Republic of Benin.
29.2 If the laws or regulations of Benin in force on the date of
signature and applicable for the execution or the interpretation of the Contract
or to the economic rights of the Parties are amended so as to substantially
modify the economic equilibrium existing between the Parties on the date of
signature, the latter must meet to discuss any additional agreement which, by
mutual agreement, would reestablish said equilibrium. Any additional agreement
jointly adopted by the Parties must take into account the most probable
technical and commercial parameters in case of future development in the field
of Hydrocarbons. If the parties cannot agree on the parameters to be used for
these calculations, or on the additional agreements which would reestablish the
economic equilibrium existing on the date of signature, the dispute or disputes
must be submitted to the decision of an expert.
If no appropriate rules exist in the Code or in the regulations in force in
Benin, concerning the dispute regarding the contract or related to it, the
customs and practices of the international oil industry and the principles of
law applicable in this regard in the oil countries shall be used.
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ARTICLE XXX
INFRASTRUCTURE
30.1 The Government shall facilitate to the Contractor, for the
performance of the Petroleum Operations, the use of any roads, storage tanks and
other structures for storage and processing, piers and other loading and
shipment structures, railway lines, pipelines and other transportation
infrastructures existing in Benin and which are not exclusively used for other
activities including other petroleum activities.
30.2 The Contractor shall pay passage rights and other reasonable fees
for the use of such infrastructures in accordance with the regulations in force
in Benin and article 30.1. The costs incurred within this framework shall be
considered as Petroleum Costs and may be recovered by the Contractor but must
not exceed those paid by the public in general or by other parties in the same
situation as the Contractor.
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ARTICLE XXXI
GUARANTEE OF PARENT COMPANIES
31. The Contractor undertakes to produce on the Effective Date of the
Contract a letter from the parent companies guaranteeing the performance of the
ADDAX PETROLEUM-ABACAN BENIN Consortium with regard to all the obligations
described or mentioned in the Contract.
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ARTICLE XXXII
FINAL PROVISIONS
32.1 If on one or several occasions, the Minister or the Contractor
omits to invoke or to emphasize the execution of one of the provisions of the
Contract, the latter must not be interpreted as a renunciation to the future
application of the provision or of the right in question.
32.2 All matters which are not expressly provided for in the present
Contract shall be governed by the Code and other laws and regulations of the
Republic of Benin.
32.3 If a provision of the Contract is declared null or invalid for any
reason whatsoever, this does not imply that the Contract or any other of its
provisions may be declared null or invalid, except if the Contract or these
other provisions are affected by this nullity.
32.4 The Contract may not be amended without the unequivocal and
written consent of the Parties, but the Minister may, however, extend the period
during which the Contractor must fulfill any obligation under the present
Contract and each Party, or both Parties together, may freely exercise,
implicitly or explicitly, any rights granted to them hereunder.
32.5 The purpose of the headings used in the Contract is to facilitate
its reading and cannot be interpreted as having a special meaning.
32.6 Any reference to the singular shall include the plural and vice
versa.
32.7 Any reference to the masculine gender shall include the feminine
gender and vice versa.
32.8 The Contract shall constitute the full agreement of the Parties
and shall replace any agreements and results of negotiations conducted between
the Parties before the date of signature.
32.9 Once the Contract has been signed by the Parties, it shall be
published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Benin and anywhere else as
required.
32.10 The present Contract has been signed in two (2) originals.
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MADE IN COTONOU, THE 1ST DAY OF FEBRUARY, 1997
FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF FOR THE CONTRACTOR
THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN
/s/ Mr. Emmanuael Golou /s/ Mr. Marc Lorenceau
Minister of Mines, Energy and Hydraulics President of Addax
Petroleum
Benin Limited
/s/ Mr. Jean Claude Gandur
President of the Addax and
Oryx Group
/s/ Mr. Wade Cherwayko
President of Abacan Resource
Limited (Benin)
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APPENDIX "A"
------------
COORDINATE REGION CONTRACT
--------------------------
TOTAL AREA OF BLOCK 4: 9953 Km3
1-M) 6 05' 00" North 1 40' 00" East
2-F) 6 05' 00" 2 44' 12"
3-O) 5 28' 21" 2 49' 04"
4-N) 5 28' 21" 1 49' 04"
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APPENDIX "B"
------------
MAP OF BENIN
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APPENDIX "C"
------------
FORM OF BANK GUARANTEE
----------------------
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APPENDIX "D"
------------
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL PROCEDURES
-----------------------------------
The present Appendix is attached and is made part of the Contract of
exploration and exploitation.
Dated
_________________________________________
Between THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN
and THE SYNDICATE ADDAX PETROLEUM - ABACAN BENIN S.A.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- -------------------
PAGES
CHAPTER 1: General arrangements
CHAPTER 2: Classifications, Distribution of costs and expenditures
CHAPTER 3: Method of recuperation of Contractor's costs
CHAPTER 4: Inventory and evaluation of assets
CHAPTER 5: Report of activities during the Period of exploration
CHAPTER 6: Production Report
CHAPTER 7: Report on the value of the Production
CHAPTER 8: Report on recoverable costs
CHAPTER 9: Statement of expense and receipts
CHAPTER 10: Yearly report
CHAPTER 11: Yearly budget
CHAPTER 12: Forecasts and long term plans
CHAPTER 13: Procedures of accounting and financial revisions
CHAPTER 14: Disagreement with the Contract
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CHAPTER 1: GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS
The present Appendix has for a main objective, to establish rules and accounting
procedures allowing the determination of investments, expenses, costs of
exploitation and receipts of the Contractor.
1.1 DEFINITIONS
Terms used in the present Appendix have the same meaning as terms used in the
Contract.
1.2 REPORTS THAT THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PRESENT:
a) Within the thirty (30) days that follow the Date of commencement of
the Contract, the Contractor will submit for the Minister's approval
the general lines of one project of accounting procedures, of
operational registries. These procedures should be compliant to norms
in Benin and compatible with those of the International Oil industry.
Within the sixty (60) days following the receipt of the above
documents, the Minister will either have to approve or ask for their
revision. Within ninety (90) days after the Minister's approval, the
Contractor, on the basis of the recommendations that are made will
revise the manuals and the accounting procedures which will be in
force during the length of the Contract.
b) The reports relating to the Oil Operations that the Contractor should
regularly produce are those that are stipulated in the Contract, In
the present Appendix and those that might make the object of an
agreement subsequently between Parties or that could be required by
the Beninese legislation.
1.3 ACCOUNTING SYSTEM
The Oil operations accounting system is prepared by the Contractor
according to the terms of the Contract and of the National Accounting Plan. The
whole cost (CCE) method of Capitalization will be used.
1.4 LANGUAGES AND UNITS OF AMOUNT TO BE USED:
a) Amounts will be held in the local currency of Benin. Metric units and
Barrels will be measures concerned by the present Appendix. The
language of use will be French.
b) Rules of accounting and financial procedures are directed so that
neither the Minister nor the Contractor undergo exchange gains or
losses at the expense of either Party. However, if an exchange gain or
a loss is produced, it would be credited or debited to accounts
foreseen by this Contract.
i) Receipts and expenses in Francs CFA or in American dollars will be
converted on the basis of the average between the exchange rate for
the sale and the exchange rate for the purchase of currencies in
question, as published the last day of the previous month by the
specialized magazines of the BCEAO or of the IMF.
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ii) If an increase or reduction - isolated or cumulative -, of ten percent
(10%) or more occurs in the exchange rate between the CFA Francs and
American Dollars, during the course of any one month, the exchange
rate to use would be the following:
(1) For the period from the first day of the month until the day when such
increase or reduction occurs for the first time, the average of the
official exchange rate for the purchase and the sale between the
American Dollar and the CFA franc as published the last day of the
previous month;
(2) For the period going from the day when this increase or reduction
occurs for the first time until the end of the Month, the mean of the
official exchange rate for the purchase and the sale between the
American Dollar and the CFA Franc published the day when such an
increase or reduction would take -place.
1.5 PAYMENTS
a) All payments between Parties, except if stated otherwise, will be made
according to the Contract and by the intermediary of a bank that will
be designated by each of the Parties.
b) All the moneys due by one of the Parties, in virtue of the Contract,
during any one Month, will be subjected at the time of the payment,
for every day of the Month following their deadline, to a daily
compound interest corresponding to the rate of the Contract + 1
CHAPTER 2: COST AND EXPENDITURES
All expenses concerning the Oil Operations will be classified, and
distributed as follows:
2.1 Costs of exploration including all direct costs and indirect charges for
the oil exploration in the Contract Area, before obtaining the exploration
Permit, notably:
a) The geophysical studies, geochemical, paleontological, geological,
topographic and seismic studies and their respective interpretations.
b) The drilling and the coring of Exploration Wells and Appraisal Wells
under the condition that these are not transformed into Development
wells.
c) The manpower, and the material used for the drilling of Exploration
Wells mentioned below including services there pertaining.
d) Facilities used exclusively for this goal including access roads.
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e) The service costs relative to operations as described in the Section
2.4 of the present Chapter and agreed upon between the Minister and
the Contractor.
f) The administrative and general expenses relative to Exploration
Operations as described in the Section 2.5 of this Chapter, and agreed
upon between the Minister and the Contractor.
g) All other contractual costs engaged before the beginning of the
commercial production and that would not have been foreign in Section
2.2.
2.2 Investments for Production development including all expenses during the
Operations of Development and Production, notably:
a) The drilling of Production Wells from a reservoir already discovered,
whether these wells are dry or in production.
b) The completion of wells for the purpose of production.
c) The intangible costs of drilling such as the manpower, the
consumables, and the services relative to the drilling and the
deepening of wells for the purpose of production.
d) Costs of development facilities such as pipelines, flexables, units of
production and treatment, wellhead and bottom hole equipment of wells,
systems for improved recovery, drilling platforms, facilities for the
storage of hydrocarbons, terminals and jetties for exportation,
harbors and their equipments and access roads for production
activities.
e) Studies of engineering and design of installations for the field.
f) The service costs relative to Production Operations, described in
Section 2.4 of this Chapter and as agreed upon between the Minister
and the Contractor.
g) The administrative and general expenses relative to the operations
described in Section 2.5 of the present Chapter and as agreed upon
between the Minister and the Contractor.
h) All other Developmental expenses incurred before the beginning of the
commercial production.
2.3 Operating costs including the expenses undertaken for the functioning of
the Field, after the beginning of commercial production. These include notably:
Costs of electric energy supplies to power the Wells.
Expenses of upkeep and repair of machines, equipments and facilities.
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Costs of treatment, transport and storage of the Raw Oil or of the Gas.
Costs of the production -- production control laboratory.
Cost of transportation on the ground, by sea and by air of personal and
equipment.
Costs related to safety, to the security and the surveillance.
Costs of Well reconditioning.
Costs of insurance and certification
2.4 Costs of services representing the direct, or indirect expenses of
support services to the Oil Operations notably warehouses, jetties, ships,
vehicles, rolling motorized transports, aerial transports, safety stations and
fire stations, shops, water and sewers facilities, electric plants, lodgings,
recreational and communal facilities as well as the furniture, tools and
facilities used for these activities. Costs for one Calendar Year will include
the totality of the costs committed in the said year for the rental, purchase
and/or the building of such facilities as well as the committed yearly costs for
their operation and upkeep. The totality of service costs will be distributed
regularly, as stipulated above.
2.5 Administrative and general expenses abroad including:
a) all administrative and general expenses of the head office and offices
including personnel costs.
b) expenses of services provided by the head office outside of Benin.
The totality of administrative and general expenses, distributed as
stipulated above, will be defined every month of the Calendar Year by a Oil Cost
percentage accumulated during said Calendar Year according to the following
scale:
of 0 to 10,000,000 of dollars - 3%
subsequent 10,000,000 dollars - 2%
in excess of 20,000,000 dollars - 1%
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CHAPTER 3: METHOD OF RECUPERATION OF THE CONTRACTOR COSTS
By virtue of the arrangements of the Contract, the Contractor shall take to
his account all costs and expenses concerning the Oil Operations. They will be
recoverable by the Contractor according to arrangements following:
3.1 Recoverable costs without approval of the Minister to operations
previously programmed by the Contractor and approved by the Minister according
to arrangements of the Contract.
They include: costs of exploration, costs of development, operating costs,
costs of services and the general administrative expenses described respectively
in sections 2.1; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4 and 2.5 hereinabove.
a) WITH REGARD TO PERSONNEL
The costs of the Contractor's employees affected to Benin and directly
employed in conducting Oil Operations of temporary ' or permanent nature are
taken in consideration under the following conditions:
(i) the total cost of salaries and wages.
(ii) the reasonable costs incurred by the Contractor for sickness leave,
disability benefits, living and lodging allowances, travel, bonuses
and other generally applicable benefits to the salaries and wages as
direct costs in the framework of the present Appendix, as well as the
proportional costs relating to the benefits in employee favor such as,
among others, life insurance and sickness-insurance, union,
hospitalization, retirement, bonus and other similar benefits.
(iii)expenses or contributions made regarding charges imposed by a public
organism in favor of said employees.
(iv) expenses for the transportation of employees, of equipment, of
materials and of the necessary elements for the realization of the Oil
Operations.
(v) costs incurred by the Contractor for the relocation of employees to or
from the Region of the Contract or in its neighborhood, whether they
are affected in a permanent or temporary manner to the Oil operations.
When an employee is affected to other activities, other than that of the
Oil Operations, costs of relocation must be imputed according to solid and
generally accepted accounting principles .
The costs of relocation of employees and their family, the move of the
personal effects and of the domestic articles of employees and their family and
all other expenses according to practices of the oil industry.
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Costs of relocation from the Region of the Contract or its neighborhood,
toward another foreign place are not recoverable unless the foreign site is the
usual place of residence of the employees.
b) WITH REGARD TO OFFICES, EQUIPMENTS AND VARIOUS FACILITIES:
i) Costs caused by the utilization of offices, dependences, camps,
storage depot, lodgings and other facilities of the Contractor in
Benin and serving directly to the Oil Operations. If these facilities
serve to other operations than the Oil Operations, and that it is not
possible to define expenses as direct expenses tied to the Oil
operations for which the service has been given, costs must be imputed
to facilities to which the service has been given, in a systematic and
reasonable manner.
ii) Costs caused by the acquisition, the rental, the installation, the
exploitation, the repair and the maintenance of systems of
communications, including the radio and VHF facilities used directly
for operations.
c) WITH REGARD TO PROVISION OF SERVICES
i) Costs and expenses incurred regarding Consultants used for technical
services and those of all other nature directly bound to the Oil
operations including, among others, laboratory analyses, the
industrial drawings, the geophysical and geological interpretations,
the engineering and the processing of data, obtained from external
sources.
ii) The costs invoiced for services provided by Affiliated companies must
be competitive with services of the same quality provided by third
parties.
d) WITH REGARD TO THE MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENTS OF THE CONTRACTOR
For the assessment of the material and equipment provided by the Contractor
from its own inventory or one of its Affiliated members, the values -"All," B"
or "C" must be taken in consideration, according to the case, being understood
that any value exceeding the just price of the market in Benin is not
recognized:
- Material and new Equipments (Category "A")
The material and the new equipments are valued at the price of the
corresponding commercial invoice increased by the supplementary costs of import,
if the case arises, and of the other costs generally admitted by accounting
techniques and practices.
- Material and used equipments (Category "B" and "C") . Are considered
in the "B" category the material and facilities that are not new but that can be
used without having to be refurbished; this material and these facilities are
valued to seventy-five percent (75%) of the price of the new material and
equipments.
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Are considered in the "C" category facilities and the material which can be
used for their initial function after an appropriate refurbishing. These
equipments and materials are valued at fifty percent (50%) of the price of new
equipments and materials.
1-E) With regard to the acquisition of goods and equipments
i) The cost of acquisition of goods and equipments from third parties
must include expenses of custom agents, of transport, of loading and
unloading and procedures of purchase, export or import duties and
expenses caused by obtaining licenses as well as losses of equipments
and goods in transit if these are not covered by an insurance. The
accumulation of excess stocks must be reduced to the minimum, taking
into account the localization of sources of provisioning and the
necessary time for the delivery of goods and equipments from distant
locations.
ii) All material bought by the Contractor in the conducting of Oil
Operations will be inspected by the Government diligence before their
use according to the regulations in force.
iii) The Contractor not guaranteeing the material beyond the guarantee of
the supplier or the manufacturer, any sums received by the Contractor
from the suppliers, manufacturers or of their representatives in
compensation for deficient materials or equipments will be written to
the credit of the Contractor under the terms of the Contract and will
be deducted from recoverable costs.
f) WITH REGARD TO INSURANCE COSTS
This means costs incurred by the Contractor or by an Affiliated Company to
subscribe to an ins ice policy in the framework of the, Operations and this on a
competitive basis.
g) WITH REGARD TO TRAINING COSTS
This means expenses incurred by the Contractor for the training of its
employees and for all other necessary training according to the Contract.
h) RENTAL COSTS ACCORDING TO ARTICLE 4 OF THE CONTRACT
3.2 RECOVERABLE COSTS UNDER RESERVE OF THE MINISTER'S APPROVAL
These are:
a) Research and development costs for new equipment, materials and
techniques intended for exploration, development and the production of
Oil which are not included in the work program approved by the
Minister.
b) Of costs and expenses not mentioned in the present Appendix and that
are incurred during the Petroleum Operations.
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c) Of interest charges incurred on loans received by the Contractor for
the financing of the Petroleum Operations. All interest rates conform
to the international financial market and agreed upon by both Parties
are recoverable.
d) Rents, Charges and other taxes:
Rents, excluding the residences of the Contractor, taxes, contributions, duties,
subscriptions and all other taxes and charges levied by the State concerning the
Petroleum Operations and paid directly or indirectly by the Contractor,
according to the clauses of the Contract.
e) Of costs and losses incurred as a consequence of events that are not
foreseen by insurance as defined in the Contract, except in the case
where costs and losses would be the exclusive result of a mistake or
an act of gross carelessness by the Contractor or an Affiliated
Company or one of its subcontractors.
f) Of legal costs and expenses relative to the Petroleum Operations.
3.3 NON RECOVERABLE COSTS
These are:
a) Fines, supplements and adjustments for delay in the payment of duties
or taxes prevailing in the country or adjustments for incorrect
payment of these taxes provided that such a delay or incorrect payment
is attributable to the Contractor.
b) Of import duties of goods and equipment not proving necessary to the
Petroleum Operations, and for housing of non necessary personnel.
c) Of all costs and expenses incurred before the starting date of the
Contract.
d) Of expenses pertaining to interests on credit for receivable.
e) Expenses made due to non fulfillment of the Contract obligations.
f) Of expenses pertaining to Petroleum Operations which are badly
executed as a result of a major technical error by the Contractor or
any of its subcontractors.
g) Of costs and expenses of all banking guarantee tied to the Contract.
h) Of grants in general.
i) Of advertisement expenses.
j) The costs of inventory taking in case of the Contractor rights
transfer according to the Contract.
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k) The commercialization costs of the Crude or its transport beyond the
Delivery point.
l) The costs of appraisals and arbitrations described in the Contract.
m) Of the additional sum of 300% tied to Operations in Sole risks.
n) Of Commissions paid by the Contractor to intermediaries.
o) Of costs and expenses without accounting receipts.
p) Of costs and expenses of goods or services exceeding the price of
similar goodsor services in the area of West Africa at the moment of
their acquisition if circumstances didn't justify such costs and
expense surplus.
CHAPTER 4: INVENTORIES AND ASSESSMENT OF ASSETS
4.1 The Contractor must hold the licences of real estate possessions and
other assets used in the Petroleum Operations according to the normal accounting
practices of the country and the International Oil industry.
4.2 At reasonable intervals, but at least once per year pertaining to mobile
assets and at least every three (3) years for the case of real estate assets,
the Contractor will make an inventory of the goods concerned by the Contract. At
least thirty (30) days in advance, the Contractor will communicate in writing to
the Minister its intention to make the said inventory; the Minister will be
represented during the realization of this inventory. The Contractor will
clearly express the
principles used for the valuation of stocks.
4.3 The Minister can ask the Contractor for information on its assets at any
time he judges necessary.
CHAPTER 5: REPORT OF ACTIVITIES DURING THE EXPLORATION PERIOD
5.1 During the exploration period, the Contractor will prepare for every
trimester, a report of activities which includes:
the list with a detailed description of activities achieved during the aforesaid
trimester. This report will be based on plans, maps, cross sections and all
other data indicating the level of completion of the work being performed. the
costs relative to the different activities mentioned above.
5.2 The activity report will be submitted to the Minister for approval
within a time limit of thirty (30) days after the end of the trimester
considered.
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CHAPTER 6: PRODUCTION REPORT
6.1 Once the commercial production begins in the Contract Area, the
Contractor shall prepare for every Trimester a production report for each
exploitation zone which will include the following data;
a) The quantity of Crude oil produced and stored during the Trimester.
b) The quantity of Crude Oil used for Petroleum Operations during the
Trimester.
c) The quantity of Crude Available at the end of the Trimester concerned.
d) Parameters and performances of the reservoir; recordings of the logs
and well tests and their interpretations; analyses of the fluids
produced.
6.2 The production report for every Trimester will be submitted to the
Minister for approval within the thirty (30) days following the end of the
Trimester considered.
CHAPTER 7: REPORT ON THE VALUE OF THE PRODUCTION
7.1 The Contractor shall prepare a report on the precise determination of
the market value of the Crude produced and stored after losses relative to the
Petroleum Operations during each Trimester. This report will contain the
following data:
a) The quantities sold and prices received by the Contractor as a result
of its sales of Crude to third parties during the Trimester
considered.
b) Information obtained by the Contractor concerning the prices of Crude
produced by the main producers and exporting countries including
contract prices, discounts and bonuses, as well as the prices received
on the spot markets.
7.2 The report on the value of the production, will be presented to the
Minister for approval within the thirty (30) days following the Trimester.
CHAPTER 8: RECOVERABLE COSTS REPORT
8.1 The Contractor should prepare, for every Quarter, a report concerning
the recoverable costs, a report which will contain the following information,:
a) The recoverable Petroleum Costs, carried over if necessary, from the
previous Quarter.
b) The recoverable Petroleum Costs of the Quarter considered.
c) The total amount of the recoverable Petroleum Costs for the Quarter
considered described in the paragraphs above.
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d) The quantity and the total value of the Crude Oil calculated by the
Contractor for the Cost Oil during the Quarter.
e) The Petroleum Costs recovered during the Quarter considered .
f) The cumulative amount of Petroleum Costs recovered until the end of
the Quarter considered.
g) The amount of recoverable Petroleum Costs which must be reported to
the next Quarter.
8.2 The report of the recoverable costs for each Quarter will be submitted
to the Minister for approval within thirty (30) days following the end of each
Quarter.
8.3 In spite of the obligation that it has to keep accounts in Francs CFA,
the Contractor will keep a separate account in US Dollars for the determination
of the Cost Oil.
CHAPTER 9: STATEMENTS OF EXPENSES AND REVENUES
9.1 The Contractor should prepare for every Quarter, a statement of expenses
and revenues made in the framework of the Contract. This statement will make the
distinction between Exploration Costs, investment expenses, development and
exploitation expenses, and Operating Costs, and it will identify the main
categories of expenses corresponding to these. It will show notably:
a) Real expenses and revenues for the Quarter considered.
b) Cumulative expenses and revenues for the budget of the year
considered.
c) The latest forecast of cumulative expenses till the end of the year.
d) Discrepancies between the estimated budget and realizations and their
explanation.
9.2 The statement of expenses and revenues for every Quarter will be
submitted to the Minister for approval within thirty (30) days following the end
of the Quarter considered.
CHAPTER 10: YEARLY REPORT
The Contractor should prepare a yearly report that will be the synthesis of
informations relating to the production, to costs recovery of costs, to revenues
and expenses. Said report will be based on the real volumes of Oil produced and
of the incurred expenses. From this report, any necessary adjustment will be
done to payments made to the Parties according to the Contract. The yearly
report for each Civil Year will be submitted to the Minister for approval within
sixty (60) days after the end of said Year.
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CHAPTER 11: YEARLY BUDGET
11.1 The Contractor shall prepare a yearly Budget that will make the
distinction between Exploration Costs, Development and Exploitation Investment
and Operating Costs to outline the following:
a) Forecast of expenses and revenues for the budgetary year according to
the Contract.
b) Cumulative expenses and revenues to the end of said budgetary Year.
c) Program showing the most important categories of expenses of
development and exploitation investment for said budgetary Year.
d) For a budgetary item and provided that he respects the General program
of the approved tasks, the Contractor is allowed to commit overrun
expenses to the limit of ten percent (10%) of said item and said
expenses must be justified. If this limit is exceeded, the Contractor
will take all necessary arrangements to inform the Minister and to
justify all overrun of expenses within thirty (30) days following its
execution.
11.2 The yearly Budget will be presented to the Minister within a time limit
of ninety (90) days before the beginning of the year considered except for the
first Year of the Contract where the aforesaid Budget will be submitted within a
time limit of thirty (30) days after the Date of Commencement of the Contract.
CHAPTER 12: FORECASTS AND LONGTERM PLANS
The Contractor should prepare and should submit to the Minister the two (2)
following long term plans:
12.1 PROGRAM OF EXPLORATION
During phases of Exploration, the Contractor will prepare a Program of
Exploration for every phase starting from the Commencement Date of the Contract,
program that will contain the following information:
a) Evaluations of Exploration Costs showing expenses for each of the
Years of the program.
b) Seismic operation details for each Year.
c) Details of drilling activities programmed for each Year.
d) Details of the utilization and requirements for infrastructure for
each Year.
The program of exploration will be reviewed each Year. The Contractor will
prepare and will submit to the Minister, the first program of exploration within
the sixty (60) days following the Commencement Date of the Contract. It will do
thus each Year, within a time limit of forty-five (45) days, before the end of
the Civil Year.
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12.2 DEVELOPMENT FORECASTS
The Contractor shall prepare triennial Development forecasts beginning the
first day of January after the date of the first program of assessment has been
approved by the Minister. The Contractor will prepare and will submit to the
Minister development forecasts reviewed at least forty-five thus (45) days
before each civil Year, as long as required by the Contract or by common
agreement between Parties.
12.3 CHANGES IN PROGRAMS AND FORECASTS
The Minister and the Contractor agree that details of the Exploration
Program and Forecasts of Development may require changes due to changing
circumstances and results acquired. In this spirit, a revision of said programs
and forecasts may be done annually.
CHAPTER 13: PROCEDURES FOR ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL REVISIONS
The terms of accounting and financial procedures may be amended by
agreement of both Parties. Amendments will be made in writing and will specify
the date to which they will come into effect.
CHAPTER 14 DISAGREEMENT WITH THE CONTRACT
In the case of a difference between terms of the present Appendix and those
of the Contract, those of the Contract will prevail.
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Appendix "E"Abandonment Procedure
The following procedure of dismantling of the offshore facilities indicates the
steps to be implemented for the removal of the steel structures in water depths
from 85 to 150 feet ( 26m to 46m).
I.MOBILIZATION
- --------------
1. Obtain all approvals and authorizations pertaining to the abandonment of
the facilities, and dump the structures into a deep water site.
2. Plug and abandon each well. Cut the guide tubular of each well 15 feet
under the mud line.
3. Evacuate all hydrocarbons out of the tanks and reservoirs, and clean up
with water all surface pipes, evacuation flowlines and pipelines.
II. DISMANTLING
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1. Unhook and remove the mobile equipments and facilities.
2. Cut the feet and displace the bridge of the structure.
3. Cut the feet under the mudline and displace the jacket of the structure.
4. Drive back the jacket to an approved water depth.
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EXHIBIT 10.23
OIL EXPLORATION AND
EXPLOITATION CONTRACT
OFFSHORE NO. 1 AND SEME BLOCK
BETWEEN
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC
OF BENIN
AND
ADDAX PETROLEUM -- ABACAN BENIN
CONSORTIUM
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREAMBLE
<S> <C> <C>
I DEFINITIONS 5
II OBJECT OF THE CONTRACT 12
III VALIDITY PERIOD OF THE CONTRACT 13
IV OWNERSHIP OF ASSETS, DATA AND
HYDROCARBONS 16
V RELINQUISHMENTS 19
VI MINIMUM WORK OBLIGATIONS 20
VII JOINT TECHNICAL COMMITTEE 22
VIII PERFORMANCE OF THE OPERATIONS, WORK
PROGRAM, BUDGETS, REPORTS 24
IX DECLARATION OF COMMERCIAL DISCOVERY
AND DESIGNATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT AREA 28
X SOLE RISK OPERATIONS 32
XI ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION
PROGRAMS 34
XII GOVERNMENT PARTICIPATION 35
XIII COST RECOVERY AND PRODUCTION SHARING 37
XIV MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF DOMESTIC
CONSUMPTION 39
XV APPLICABLE TAX SYSTEM 41
XVI MEASURE, DISPOSAL, EVALUATION AND SALE
OF HYDROCARBONS 43
1
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XVII NATURAL GAS 46
XVIII DAMAGES, ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND SAFETY 49
XIX PROVISIONS REGARDING CHANGE 53
XX EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING 54
XXI ACCOUNTING 55
XXII CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF THE DATA 56
XXIII ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS 58
XXIV FORCE MAJEURE 59
XXV ARBITRATION AND EXPERT EVALUATION 60
XXVI TERMINATION 63
XXVII BANK GUARANTEE 65
XXVIII NOTIFICATION 66
XXIX APPLICABLE LEGISLATION,
STABILIZATION AND COMPENSATION 67
XXX INFRASTRUCTURE 68
XXXI GUARANTEE OF PARENT COMPANIES 69
XXXII TRANSITIONAL PERIOD 70
XXXIII FINAL PROVISIONS 72
2
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APPENDICES
APPENDIXA A: COORDINATES OF THE CONTRACT AREA
APPENDIXA B: MAP OF THE CONTRACT AREA
APPENDIXA C: BANK GUARANTEE
APPENDIXA D: ACCOUNTING ANNEX
APPENDIXA E: ABANDONMENT PROCEDURE
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
PREAMBLE
WHEREAS:
In accordance with Ordinance No. 73-33 of April 13, 1973, concerning the
Petroleum Code of the Republic of Benin as well as the legislation issued
thereafter, in particular Ordinance No. 73-34 of April 13, 1973, concerning Oil
Taxation and Decree No. 73-130 of April 13, 1973 concerning the application of
the Petroleum Code, the prospecting, exploration, exploitation, holding,
transportation, marketing and trade of Hydrocarbons in the territory and in the
territorial waters of the Republic of Benin and on the continental margin
adjacent thereto, shall be subject to the provisions of said Ordinance which
furthermore stipulates that the liquid and gaseous Hydrocarbon fields belong to
the State and constitute assignable mineral substances.
In accordance with Article 10 of this Code, the State may undertake any
Petroleum Operations either solely, or in association with private capital; it
may also obtain for itself or issue to any department or public company with
legal status, the exploration and exploitation permits, the concessions and
provisional authorizations to exploit.
In accordance with Article 8 of the Code, the State of Benin may also grant
petroleum rights to natural persons or legal entities.
In accordance with Article 17 of the Code, prior to granting a Hydrocarbon
Exploration permit, the Ministry in charge of Mines shall enter into a contract
with persons who have the required technical and financial capabilities to
undertake such activities, defining the rights and obligations of the future
permit holder in both the exploration and the exploitation periods.
Further to the above, the Government of the Republic of Benin has decided to
enter into this Contract with the ADDAX PETROLEUM-ABACAN BENIN Consortium, a
company incorporated and registered under the laws of the Republic of Benin,
with a head office in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, in order to allow the
Hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation in accordance with the articles and
provisions specified in this Contract.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF:
The undersigned Parties represented, on the one part, by MR. EMMANUEL GOLOU,
MINISTER OF MINES, ENERGY AND HYDRAULICS and on the other part, by MESSRS. MARC
LORENCEAU, PRESIDENT OF ADDAX PETROLEUM BENIN AND WADE CHERWAYCO, PRESIDENT OF
ABACAN RESOURCE LIMITED (BENIN)
agree as follows:
4
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
The terms below appearing in the Contract shall be defined as follows, unless
otherwise indicated, or unless otherwise mutually agreed upon between the
Parties. The definitions are the same whether they are used in the singular
form or in the plural form.
1.1 "AFFILIATE" or "AFFILIATED COMPANY" means a company or any other entity
controlling one or several entities forming the Contractor, or which is
controlled by one or several entities forming the Contractor, or which is
controlled by an entity which controls the Contractor. The control means the
direct or indirect ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the shares
making up the capital of the controlled company, thus granting to the
controlling entity, the majority of the voting rights in the controlled company.
1.2 "CALENDAR YEAR" means a period of twelve (12) consecutive months
beginning on January first and ending on the following December thirty-first.
1.3 "CONTRACT YEAR" means a period of twelve (12) consecutive months from
the Effective Date of the Contract or the anniversary of the signature date.
1.4 "APPENDIX" means an appendix to the Contract and forming an integral
part thereof. If there is a disagreement or a conflict between the Contract and
one of the annexes, the provisions of the Contract shall prevail.
1.5 "ACCOUNTING APPENDIX" means the accounting procedures and methods
established in Appendix "D".
1.6 "ARTICLE" means any numbered provision of the Contract, including all
its subdivisions, unless it is expressly indicated that it relates to an article
of the Code.
1.7 "BARREL" means U.S. Barrel, or a quantity or unit of measure of oil
equivalent to 158.9884 litres or 42 American gallons, measured at a temperature
of 15.5556 degrees Celsius or 60 degrees Fahrenheit and at the atmospheric
pressure.
1.8 "AVAILABLE CRUDE" means the remaining quantity of the Total Crude
Production extracted from the Contract Area after deduction of the losses
relating to the Petroleum Operations and of the Oil Production Tax in accordance
with Article 13.4 hereof.
1.9 "COST-OIL" means the volume of Crude reserved for the recovery of
Petroleum Costs.
1.10 "PROFIT-OIL" means the remaining Crude each year after deduction of the
Cost Oil.
1.11 "BUDGET" means the financial estimate of all petroleum activities
contained in an Annual Work Program.
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1.12 "CODE" means Ordinance No. 73-34 of April 13, 1973, concerning the
Petroleum Code of the Republic of Benin as well as subsequent legislation, in
particular Ordinance No. 73-34 of April 13, 1973, concerning Oil Taxation, and
Decree No. 73-130 of April 13, 1973, concerning the application of the Petroleum
Code.
1.13 "CONTRACTOR" means ADDAX PETROLEUM - ABACAN BENIN and their successors
and/or any assignee granted any of their rights under the Contract, the
assignment of which is in accordance with Article XXIII.
1.14 "CONTRACT" means this document as originally drawn up, duly signed
including its Appendices as well as any additional agreements or any amendments
made by the Parties at a later date.
1.15 "PRODUCTION COSTS" means the costs and expenses incurred as a result of
the carrying out of the Production Operations, excluding the new investments
that have occurred during this phase.
1.16 "PETROLEUM COSTS" means all the costs and expenses related to the
Petroleum Operations specified in the Accounting Appendix and in accordance with
the Contract.
1.17 "EXPLORATION COSTS" means the costs and expenses related to the
Exploration Operations.
1.18 "DEVELOPMENT COSTS" means the costs and expenses related to the
Development Operations.
1.19 "START-UP DATE OF COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION" means the date of the first
delivery of Hydrocarbons in commercial quantities to the delivery point in
Benin.
1.20 "EFFECTIVE DATE" means the date on which this Contract has been signed
by the duly authorized representatives of the two Parties.
1.21 "DISCOVERY" means the evidence of the presence of Hydrocarbons in a
reservoir or geologic structure where such Hydrocarbons had not been previously
identified, resulting from the Petroleum Operations in accordance with the
Contract, and when these Hydrocarbons are recoverable at the surface by
conventional methods used in the international oil industry.
"COMMERCIAL DISCOVERY" means a Discovery of Hydrocarbon reserves following
Exploration Operations, which is deemed commercial in accordance with the
provisions of Article IX.
1.22 "CURRENCY" means any foreign currency freely convertible and generally
accepted by the international banking community.
1.23 "DOLLARS" means the official currency of the United States of America.
1.24 "FCFA" means the official currency of the Republic of Benin.
1.25 "DATA" means any document, report and information of a geological,
geophysical or petrophysical nature of the Contract Area.
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1.26 "EXPATRIATE EMPLOYEE" means an employee of the Contractor or of a
subcontractor who has been recruited as such and assigned to the Petroleum
Operations in Benin.
1.27 "STATE" means the Republic of Benin, its Government, its administrative
structures and any subdivisions and political institutions.
1.28 "EXPLORATION" means the planning, execution and evaluation of any type
of geological, geophysical, geochemical and other studies, as well as the
drilling of Exploration Wells for the purpose of making a Hydrocarbon Discovery.
1.29 "ASSOCIATED GAS" means the Gas extracted from a well at the same time
as the Crude Oil.
1.30 "NATURAL GAS" or "GAS" means the Hydrocarbons in the gaseous state
under normal atmospheric pressure and temperature conditions, including, without
limitation, the combination gas, the dry gas, the wellhead gas and any other
gaseous hydrocarbon, including the residual gas after condensation or extraction
of liquids, but not including said condensates or extracted liquids.
1.31 "NON-ASSOCIATED GAS" means the Natural Gas which is not exploited at
the same time as the Crude Oil or which exists at the same time as the Crude Oil
which cannot be commercially produced when said Natural Gas is commercially
produced.
1.32 "GAS FIELD" means one or several accumulations of Natural Gas
vertically superincumbent in the Contract Area, with a commercial value
established in accordance with the Good Practices of the Oil Industry.
1.33 "OIL FIELD" means an accumulation of Crude Oil, or several
accumulations of Crude Oil vertically superincumbent in the Contract Area and
with a commercial value established in accordance with the Good Practices of the
Oil Industry.
1.34 "GOVERNMENT" means the body regrouping all the State Ministers. In
this Contract, this means the Government of the Republic of Benin, its
representatives or authorized agents.
1.35 "HYDROCARBONS" means the Crude Oil and/or the Natural Gas.
1.36 "WORKING DAY" means all working days from Monday to Friday, except for
the days declared in full or in part non-working days in Cotonou, Benin, by the
competent government authorities.
1.37 "MINISTER" means the Minister in charge of Hydrocarbons in the Republic
of Benin.
1.38 "EXPLORATION OPERATIONS" means the operations performed in accordance
with the Contract for the purpose of discovering Hydrocarbon accumulations and
for evaluating the extent and the volume of these accumulations, the reservoir
characteristics and their possible behaviour during production. The Exploration
Operations include the geological, geophysical and geochemical exploration, the
analyses and studies, the drilling, deepening, abandonment or completion of the
wells and their evaluations as well as any operations relating thereto.
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1.39 "DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS" means any operations performed according to
the General Development Program for the purpose of exploiting the Hydrocarbon
accumulations found in the subsoil of the Development Areas. These Operations
include:
- The drilling, completion and sampling of the development well, the
drilling and completion of the well for gas or water injection;
- The laying of gathering lines, the installation of separators,
reservoirs, pumps, artificial chargers and other production and
injection facilities required for the production, processing and
transportation of Hydrocarbons to the Hydrocarbon storage facilities
or to the offshore or onshore gas processing facilities; and
- The laying inside or outside the Contract Area of pipeline to the
storage or delivery points, the setting up of these Crude Oil storage
facilities or Gas processing facilities and all ancillary operations
that are not clearly indicated herein but which are necessary for the
development and production of these Hydrocarbon accumulations and for
the delivery of Crude Oil and/or of the Gas to the Delivery Point, in
accordance with the Good Practices of the Oil Industry.
1.40 "PETROLEUM OPERATIONS" means all operations authorized by the Contract
related to the exploration, development, production, separation and processing,
storage, transportation and sale or transfer of Hydrocarbons to the exportation
point or to the Delivery Point agreed to in Benin or to the delivery point in a
refinery in Benin in accordance with the Contract; they cover the Natural Gas
processing operations but do not include the Crude Oil refining operations.
1.41 "PRODUCTION OPERATIONS" means the operations undertaken in order to
produce the Hydrocarbons of the Contract Area such as extraction, injection,
stimulation, processing, storage, transportation to the delivery point(s),
loading, including the exportation of these Hydrocarbons as well as the
maintenance and abandonment of all the necessary facilities.
1.42 "PARTIES" means the Government and the Contractor.
1.43 "TRANSITIONAL PERIOD" means the maximum period of three (3) months from
the date of signature of the Contract which is the Effective Date.
1.44 "CRUDE OIL" means the crude mineral oil, asphalt, ozokerite and all
other types of Hydrocarbons and bitumen in the solid or liquid form, in their
natural state or obtained from Natural Gas through condensation or extraction.
1.45 "DELIVERY POINT" means the final exit Point of the flowlines downstream
of the storage facilities from where the Oil or Gas is delivered for shipment.
The location of the Delivery Point shall be agreed to between the two (2)
Parties.
1.46 "COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION" means the quantity of Crude Oil or Natural Gas,
or both, which may be delivered to the Delivery Point according to a regular
production and sale program.
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1.47 "TOTAL CRUDE PRODUCTION" means the quantity of Crude extracted from the
Contract Area after extraction of the water, foreign substances and after
deduction of the quantities used in the Petroleum Operations.
1.48 "WORK PROGRAM" means all plans prepared every year to carry through the
Petroleum Operations.
1.49 "GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM" means a plan established for the
development of an Oil Deposit or a Gas Deposit agreed to between the Parties.
1.50 "SEME PETROLEUM PROJECT" (PPS) means the state company charged by the
Government of managing the Seme Oil Field. The Seme Petroleum Project and
activities may terminate at the end of the Transitional Period.
1.51 "EVALUATION WELL" means a well, other than an exploration well, drilled
for the purpose of evaluating the commercial viability of a geologic trap where
hydrocarbons have been discovered.
1.52 "EXPLORATION WELL" means any well drilled within the framework of the
Exploration Operations including dry wells and discovery wells.
1.53 "DEVELOPMENT WELL" means a well drilled in order to produce
Hydrocarbons from a known Reservoir that has been evaluated and tested, to
maintain the production increase, or to speed up the extraction thereof,
including the production and injection wells.
1.54 "CONTRACT AREA" means all the geographic area defined by the two (2)
perimeters the coordinates of which appear in Appendix "A" and which are
represented on the map appearing in Appendix "B", with the exception of any part
for which the Contractor has, from time to time, abandoned or waived its rights
under the Contract. One of these perimeters include the Oil Deposit called Seme
and this perimeter shall be referred to in the Contract and in Appendixes "A"
and "B" as the "Seme Block"; the other perimeter shall be referred to as "Block
1". In the event of disagreement or conflict between Appendix "A" and Appendix
"B", Appendix "A" shall prevail.
1.55 "GOOD PRACTICES" means all good, safe, economic and efficient practices
generally accepted in the international oil industry.
1.56 "RESERVOIR" means the subsoil rock containing hydrocarbons in its pores
and having a common pressure system in its dimensions. This rocky body must be
capable of producing hydrocarbons in measurable quantities.
1.57 "BASEMENT" means on the one hand, the igneous, metamorphic or other
rocks which, by their nature, and in accordance with the knowledge generally
accepted in the international oil industry, cannot contain Hydrocarbon deposits,
and on the other hand, the impenetrable rocky substances such as salt and clay
domes as well as any other rock which may render impracticable or unjustifiable
from a financial viewpoint the continuation of drilling activities with the
modern drilling technology normally used in the international oil industry.
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1.58 "SUBCONTRACTOR" means any natural person or legal entity hired by the
Contractor to provide services related to the Contract.
1.59 "LIBOR RATE" means the interest rate at closing for the dollar deposits
for a period of six (6) months on the London interbank market and published by
the London branch of "The Bank of America" or by any other bank agreed to
between the Parties, on the date in question or on the banking day immediately
preceding if the day in question is not a banking workday in London.
1.60 "CONTRACT INTEREST RATE" means the "LIBOR RATE" plus one percent.
1.61 "OIL PRODUCTION TAX" means the Royalty (proportional mining royalty) as
defined in the Code, and equal to a maximum of 12.5% of the Total Crude
Production.
1.62 "QUARTER" means a period of three (3) consecutive months from January
first, April first, July first and October first respectively of each Calendar
Year.
1.63 "SALE TO THIRD PARTIES" means the sales of Hydrocarbons produced in the
Contract Areaand meeting the following conditions:
(a) The agreed price shall be the only consideration for the sale;
(b) The sale conditions shall not be subject to any trade relation
other than that created by the actual sale contract between the seller and the
buyer or any of their Affiliates;
(c) Neither the seller nor any of its Affiliates has a direct or
indirect interest in the resale or subsequent assignment of the Hydrocarbons
or of any derivative;
(d) No paid processing, exchange or barter agreement must take place
as a result of these sales.
1.64 a) "DEVELOPMENT AREA" means the part of the Contract Area which,
following the seismic information and the well data available, is reasonably
deemed to cover the horizontal area of a Hydrocarbon accumulation constituting a
Commercial Discovery and designated as such in an approved General Development
Program. The Development Area includes the depth corresponding to the
reservoirs that have been evaluated and tested between the surface and the
basement.
b) "SEME AREA" means the prism formed by the surface points BEDC for
which the geographic coordinates and the map appear as Appendix B, on the one
hand, and by the depth between the sea level and the oil-water interface
of the producing reservoir H6,5 situated at two thousand one hundred (2,100)
metres under the sea level.
c) "BLOCK 1" is defined by the area delineated by the points AFGH for
which the geographic coordinates and the map appear as Appendix B, the Beninese
coast constituting the North geographic limit and excluding the Seme Area
defined above.
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ARTICLE II
OBJECT OF THE CONTRACT
2.1 By this Contract, the Government grants to the Contractor the exclusive
right to carry out Petroleum Operations in the Contract Area for the purpose of
exploring, developing and producing Hydrocarbons in this area, in accordance
with the provisions of the Code and the Contract, and in accordance with the
laws and regulations in force in the Republic of Benin. The State shall
implement all administrative procedures required to enable the Contractor to
enjoy its rights and fulfill its obligations.
2.2 The Contractor declares having the technical and financial capabilities
required and undertakes to carry out the Petroleum Operations in accordance with
this Contract and according to the Good Practices of the Oil Industry.
2.3 With regard to Block 1, once a General Development Program relating to a
Hydrocarbon Discovery has been approved as quickly as possible in accordance
with the terms of the Contract, the Contractor shall have full rights to carry
through the Development and Production Operations and to have the usufruct of
the financial benefits resulting from these activities, provided that the
obligations under the Contract and the Code have been fulfilled.
2.3.1 With regard to the Seme Block which includes an Oil Deposit, the
Contractor shall enjoy the rights listed in Article 2.3.1. as from the Effective
Date of the Contract, subject only to the provisions of Article XXXII.
2.4 The Contractor shall provide all technical, financial, human and
economic resources required for the Petroleum Operations. Subject to the
proportional participation of the State, if applicable, all costs and
disbursements incurred for the Petroleum Operations shall be at the
responsibility of the Contractor and shall be borne exclusively by it.
Furthermore, the Contractor shall be technically, financially and economically
responsible for the Petroleum Operations during the validity period of the
Contract.
2.5 The Minister, in his capacity as the Government representative, shall be
responsible for the supervision of the Petroleum Operations in order to ensure
that the Contractor fulfills its obligations in accordance with the Contract.
The Minister shall exercise this duty through its technical departments at any
reasonable time. The Contractor shall be required to provide easy access to its
facilities, to the Minister's representatives in order to enable them to
discharge their duties. The costs related to these duties shall be borne by the
Government.
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ARTICLE III
VALIDITY PERIOD OF THE CONTRACT
3.1 The Contract shall enter into effect from the date of its signature and
shall end on the date fixed below, subject to the provisions of Article XXVI
relating to termination and those of Article XXXII relating to the Transitional
Period.
3.2 VALIDITY PERIOD RELATING TO BLOCK 1
3.2.1 With regard to Block 1 only, the period covered by the Contract shall
be divided into two periods: an exploration period and an exploitation period.
3.2.2 The exploration period shall be for an initial period of two years,
with two (2) possible extension phases of two years each. These extensions
shall be granted by right, subject to the provisions relating to
relinquishments, provided that the Contractor has met all its work obligations
and expense commitments and other substantial obligations relating to the
preceding phase.
3.2.3 Provided it has fulfilled all the obligations relating to the initial
phase, the Contractor may request the Minister in writing for an extension of
the exploration period beyond the initial phase, at least sixty (60) calendar
days before the end of said phase. If this request has not been submitted in
time and if a commercial Discovery has not been made, the Contract shall expire
at the end of the initial phase of the exploration period.
3.2.4 Subject to the provisions relating to termination and provided no
Hydrocarbon Discovery has been made during the exploration period, the Contract
shall expire at the end of this period. If at least one (1) Commercial
Discovery has taken place before the end of the exploration period, the Contract
shall remain in effect with regard to the corresponding Development Areas.
3.2.5 If, at the expiration date of the initial exploration period or of one
of the extension phases, an exploration well is in the process of drilling,
coring, casing, testing or closing, the Minister shall grant to the Contractor a
special extension in order to enable it to complete the drilling, coring,
casing, testing and/or the closing of the well in question, to evaluate the
results of these operations and to determine if they constitute a Hydrocarbon
Commercial Discovery. This special extension cannot, under any circumstances,
extend the total exploration period by more than six (6) months.
3.2.6 If a Natural Gas Discovery occurs that the Contractor considers as
having the potential of being commercially viable, in addition to the procedures
and conditions specified herein, the Minister may grant to the Contractor a
special extension of the initial exploration phase for a minimum period of two
(2) years to allow the full evaluation of this Discovery. To that end, the
Minister may ask the Contractor to carry out additional studies or tasks which
would reasonably appear necessary for the good evaluation of the Natural Gas
Discovery.
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3.2.7 In the event of a Hydrocarbon Commercial Discovery, the Government
shall grant to the Contractor by right, at the request of the latter, an
exploitation permit covering the Development Area, the perimeter of which will
have been approved as part of a General Development Program in accordance with
the provisions of Article IX. The duration of the exploitation permit during
which the Contractor shall be authorized to ensure the production of each of the
Oil Deposits and Gas Deposits discovered shall be fixed at twenty-five (25)
years from the day on which the Discovery has been declared a Commercial
Discovery in accordance with the provisions of Article IX hereof.
During the period of the Contract, the Contractor may relinquish one or several
Development Areas, object of an exploitation permit subject to the Government
approval.
3.2.8 If, at the expiration of the twenty-five (25) year exploitation period
defined above, a commercial exploitation remains possible, the Contractor may be
authorized, at its request, to continue the exploitation for a further period of
ten (10) years, provided that it has fulfilled all its contractual obligations
during the preceding exploitation period.
3.3 VALIDITY PERIOD RELATING TO THE SEME BLOCK
The Seme Block being an Oil Deposit as of the Effective Date, it shall
constitute as of that date a Development Area and the Minister shall grant to
the Contractor an exploitation permit covering the Seme Block. This
exploitation permit relating to the Seme Block shall expire when the Hydrocarbon
commercial exploitation shall not be viable anymore in the Seme Block, either in
the present Oilfield of Seme, or in any other Reservoir contained in the
perimeter of Block 1, with a maximum period of twenty-five (25) years and with a
possible extension of ten (10) years.
3.4 PROVISIONS RELATING TO BLOCK 1
3.4.1 At the expiration of the last exploitation permit granted to the
Contractor, the rights and obligations defined in this Contract shall be null
and void.
3.4.2 The Contractor shall provide to the Government for the granting of an
exploitation authorization, an exact delimitation of the perimeter in such a
manner that it includes all the presumed area of the discovered Field.
3.4.3 If, during operations subsequent to the discovery, it appears that the
field has an extension exceeding that initially anticipated according to the
preceding paragraph, the Government shall grant to the Contractor, under the
exploitation authorization already allocated, the additional area in such a way
so that it covers all the field, provided that the above mentioned extension
forms an integral part of the Contract Area as defined at the time of said
modification. If said additional area is outside the Contract Area, the
Minister shall grant to the Contractor this additional area provided that it is
not the subject of mining rights already granted to a third party or of a
request aiming at granting such rights.
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ARTICLE IV
OWNERSHIP OF ASSETS, DATA AND HYDROCARBONS
4.1 OWNERSHIP OF ASSETS
4.1.1 The lands shall become the property of the State as soon as they are
acquired by the Contractor. The Minister must cooperate in order to complete
the procedures on behalf of the Contractor and at the written request of the
latter, for obtaining the licences, permits, surface rights, easements, rights
of free access to the Contract Area and exit therefrom, the utilization of the
waters and any other types of encumbrances on any land or water expanse of
public or private nature to enable the Contractor to finalize the Petroleum
Operations on the territory of Benin, in accordance with the laws in force in
the country.
4.1.2 Notwithstanding the above provisions, the ownership of movable and
immovable properties acquired for the Petroleum Operations shall be
automatically transferred by the Contractor to the State as soon as their cost
has been fully amortized by the Contractor, or, otherwise, at the end of the
Contract. At the expiration of the Contract, the Contractor shall be required
to forward to the Beninese State, through the Minister and unencumbered, the
ownership of the lands, works, facilities, appurtenances and permanent equipment
which it shall have acquired during the performance of the Petroleum Operations.
The Contractor shall then be released from any obligation with regard to said
properties, including any objection resulting from abandonment procedures, and
restoration of environment, as concerns said properties, in the event of
contribution of activities of the field. During the validity period of the
Contract, the Contractor shall keep and safeguard in a good condition the
movable and immovable properties acquired for the execution of the Operations.
4.1.3 The ownership of the properties rented or of the movable properties
leased belonging to subcontractors or to Affiliates and the intellectual
property of third parties shall remain with said Subcontractors or Affiliates or
third parties
4.1.4 During the period of the Contract, the Contractor shall be authorized
to use and to make use of all movable and immovable properties acquired for the
Petroleum Operations under the Contract. The Contractor shall be authorized to
transfer or to sell said properties if they are no longer required for the
Petroleum Operations. The beneficiary of the sale revenues from these
properties shall be as follows:
. If the ownership of said properties has been transferred to the State, the
proceeds must be paid to the latter;
. The Contractor shall keep these revenues when the properties have not been
the subject of any amortization;
. In the event of partial amortization, the proceeds corresponding to the
amortization proportion must be paid to the State.
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The disposal or transfer of movable or immovable properties during the period of
the Contract must have the prior approval of the Minister.
4.2 OWNERSHIP OF DATA
The State is the owner of all the geological, geophysical and geochemical
information and of the data relating to the drilling, engineering, recording and
production of any other data, samples, logs, coring, tapes, maps,
interpretations, reports and any other support or information obtained at the
end of the Petroleum Operations. However, the Contractor shall be authorized to
keep this information, at no cost, and to use same for the Petroleum Operations
subject to the obligations connected to their confidential nature.
The Government will provide the Contractor access to all the technical,
operational, accounting and financial information available, this list not being
exhaustive, at the Effective date of the Contract. It is understood that the
Contractor will treat these data and information confidentially, in according
with article 22 of the present Contract.
4.3 OWNERSHIP OF HYDROCARBONS
All the Hydrocarbons contained in the Reservoirs of the subsoil of the Contract
Area or produced in the Contract Area belong to the State in accordance with the
Code and with the Constitution of the Republic of Benin. The Contract does not
confer any ownership right on the Contractor with regard to the Crude Oil and/or
Gas extracted from the Contract Area, which shall continue to be the property of
the State until they are measured at the Delivery Point. The ownership rights
of the Contractor with regard to the Crude Oil and/or to the Gas in accordance
with the provisions of the Contract shall be granted to it at the appropriate
Delivery Point.
4.4 OWNERSHIP OF THE ASSETS OF THE SEME OIL PROJECT
The assets belonging to the Seme Oil Project, property of the Government, shall
be handled from the end of the Transitional Period as stipulated in Article 32,
as follows:
A. The following shall be put at the disposal of the Contractor, as a
matter of priority, for the validity of the Contract:
- A storage facility including a portion of the land intended for the
construction of a quay.
- A buoy mooring of CBM-PLEM type.
- A loading facility.
- The Contractor shall be allowed to use the resupply base of Cotonou
harbour under conditions agreed by the parties.
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The Government shall guarantee to the Contractor that the facilities shall be
managed in accordance with the good practices of the international oil industry.
The Contractor will finance the restoration of the Seme facilities, and will
manage these facilities according to Good Petroleum Practices, and taking into
account the production forecast for Seme and Block 1, in accordance with Article
32.
If other users are involved, the Government shall exploit its ownership rights
through the Bureau of Petroleum Operations or any other structure designed.
B. With regard to the assets directly associated or related to the
Production Operations and which include, in particular, the producing wells, the
Platforms including the test and production separators, the oil pipelines, the
submarine cables, without this listing being restrictive, shall be put at the
disposal of the Contractor, free of charge, subject to the provisions of Article
18.5. The Contractor shall be have the right to use, with the Government
approval, some existing wells in order to find new reserves in the deep
reservoirs according to the Good Practices of the Oil Industry.
C. The Parties shall agree on the methods of sale of the surplus spare parts
available. In the event that the Contractor is interested to purchase all or
part of this surplus, it will repay the price thereof.
D. The other assets which are not directly related to the operations of the
Seme Field shall remain the property of the Government.
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ARTICLE V
RELINQUISHMENTS
5.1 At the end of the first extension phase of the exploration period and
provided the Contractor has discharged all its obligations connected to this
phase, if the latter decides to continue with the Exploration Operations in the
Contract Area during the extension phases for said period, it shall relinquish
fifty percent (50%) of the remaining Contract Area, after deduction of any
Development Area and of the Seme Block.
5.2 At the end of the last extension phase of the exploration period, the
Contractor shall only keep the Development Area or Areas if any.
5.3 The Areas that have been relinquished by the Contractor must be lying
together and must be of an appropriate geometrical form in order to enable the
performance of the Petroleum Operations by other entities. The Contractor must
notify the Minister in writing of the Area or Areas it intends to relinquish, no
later than sixty (60) days before the end of the period considered, and shall
include a map showing the geographic location and giving the coordinates of the
connection points of the boundary lines. Within thirty (30) days following the
notification date, the Minister must inform the Contractor of its decision and
the Contractor must comply therewith.
5.4 From the date of expiration of the Contract, the Contractor is supposed
to have transferred all the Contract Area.
5.5 Two months following each relinquishment, the Contractor must report to
the Minister the surface areas to be returned and forward to him all documents
and files related thereto as well as the facilities contained thereon, but will
have the right to make a copy of documents and file, while respecting the
confidentiality of the data.
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ARTICLE VI
MINIMUM WORK OBLIGATIONS
6.1 The Contractor must commence the Petroleum Operations as of the
Effective Date of this Contract subject to the provisions of Article 32. To
that end, the Contractor shall inform the Minister of the nominal composition of
the team responsible for the conduct and execution of the Contract in Benin as
well as the main terms of its agreement with its partner or partners.
6.2 During the initial Phase of the exploration period, the Contractor shall
undertake to do the following works:
- Reprocessing and interpretation of 500 km of 2D seismic lines, or
acquisition of 300 km of seismic lines during this period.
- Exhaustive evaluation of the productivity of the gas contained in the
H8 reservoir of Seme and assessment of the economic potential thereof.
- Drilling of one (1) well in Block 1 in accordance with Clause 6.5. In
the event the deep reservoirs under the Seme Area prove to be a more
attractive prospect than in Block 1, this drilling shall be carried
out in said deep reservoirs.
6.3 During the first extension phase of 2 years, the Contractor must at
least complete the following works:
- Acquisition of 300 km of seismic lines, if the acquisition of these
seismic lines has not been realized during the initial phase;
- Drilling of a well in accordance with Clause 6.5.
6.4 During the second extension of the initial phase of the exploration
period, the Contractor must at least complete the following works:
- Acquisition and reprocessing of 300 km of 2D seismic lines or their
equivalent of 3D seismic.
- Drilling of a well in accordance with Clause 6.5.
6.5 Any Exploration Well drilled must at least be drilled at one of the
following depths:
(a) the basement
(b) H8 horizon
(c) 2800 (two thousand eight hundred) metres TVD (True Vertical Depth)
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(d) at the depth under which any additional drilling becomes impracticable
and would not be carried out by a prudent and reasonable operator in identical
or similar conditions according to the Good Practices of the Oil Industry.
(e) at any other depth defined by the Parties by mutual agreement.
6.6 If during a phase of the exploration period the Contractor undertakes
works which exceed the minimum work obligations relating to this phase, the
excess shall be deducted from the work obligations relating to the following
phase.
6.7 The difficulties which shall occur during the implementation of the
provisions of this Article shall be first settled in accordance with the
provisions of Articles 8.2.2 and 9.9.
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ARTICLE VII
JOINT TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
7.1 Within three (3) months following the Date of signature of the Contract,
the Parties shall form a Joint Technical Committee (CCT) composed of six (6)
members, three (3) representing the Minister and three (3) representing the
Contractor, including the General Manager of the Contractor.
7.2 Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 2 and the rights and
obligations of the Contractor relating to the daily management of the Petroleum
Operations, nor its other rights and obligations mentioned in the Contract, the
CCT shall have the main following objectives:
- To ensure the good communication and cooperation between the Parties;
- To review on the conduct and management of the Petroleum Operations,
in particular:
(i) the evaluation of the results of the drilling, geological,
geophysical and petroleum engineering programs;
(ii) the budgets and their execution;
(iii) the important modifications of the work programs;
(iv) the allocation of the markets relating to the work programs;
(v) any other matters submitted to it by the Parties.
The CTT shall make and forward recommendations to the Parties with regard to all
the matters reviewed.
7.3 The CCT shall be chaired by one of the representatives designated by the
Minister. One of the representatives designated by the Contractor shall act as
Secretary. The Parties may send other representatives to the meetings of the
CCT as experts or substitute members.
7.4 The CCT shall hold an ordinary meeting at least once every six (6)
months or when the members decide by mutual agreement. The Chairman of the CCT
may convene extraordinary meetings at the request of the Minister or of the
Contractor by giving to the members at least fifteen (15) days' notice, or a
shorter notice if the Parties so decide. The corresponding notice must indicate
the date, the place and the agenda of the meeting.
7.5 The quorum for the meetings of the CCT shall be composed of four (4)
members, two (2) for each Party.
7.6 The CCT submits his conclusions to the Parties. In the event of
disagreement, between Parties, they will act according to the provisions of the
present Contract.
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ARTICLE VIII
PERFORMANCE OF THE OPERATIONS,
WORK PROGRAM, BUDGETS, REPORTS
AND CONTROL
8.1 PERFORMANCE OF THE OPERATIONS
8.1.1 During the period of the Contract, the Contractor shall carry out
directly the exploration and exploitation activities in the Contract Area. In
order to better undertake its activities, it shall be authorized to hire
specialized subcontractors. However, the Contractor shall keep the control and
the general responsibility of the operations or activities undertaken.
8.1.2 The Contractor must proceed diligently with the performance of the
Petroleum Operations in accordance with the Good Practices of the Oil Industry,
taking into account the local conditions and other special conditions in the
Contract Area.
8.1.3 The Contractor must first notify the Minister of any substantial and
planned Petroleum Operations such as, for example, the geological or geophysical
research and the start-up of the well drilling activities. The Contractor must
also notify the Minister in writing of any suspension of drilling or well
abandonment. If this notification is impossible, the Contractor must notify the
Minister in writing of this suspension or abandonment within twenty-four (24)
hours.
8.2 WORK PROGRAM AND BUDGETS
8.2.1 Within ninety (90) days following the Effective Date of the Contract,
the Contractor must prepare the first Work Program and its budget. If the
Effective Date of the Contract occurs the first day of the month of July or
before, the first Program and its budget shall be prepared for the remainder of
the corresponding calendar year. If the Effective Date of the Contract occurs
after the first day of the month of July, this first Program and its budget
shall be prepared for the current calendar year as well as for the following
calendar year. The Contractor must submit the Work Program and its budget for
the Minister's approval. Subject to the above provisions, the Contractor shall,
no later than October 30 of each calendar year, prepare a Work Program and a
budget for the following calendar year and submit same for the Minister's
approval. Within the month following the date of receipt of the Work Program
and of the budget, the Minister shall approve same as proposed or shall suggest
amendments, failing which the Work Program and the budget shall be deemed
approved. The Work Programs during the exploration period must include the
minimum works as stipulated in this Contract.
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8.2.2 In the event the Minister wishes to make amendments to the Work
Program and to the corresponding Budget, he must advise the Contractor thereof
in writing no later than fifteen (15) days following the receipt of the above
mentioned documents and the Parties shall meet and attempt to reach an agreement
on the proposed amendments. If the Contractor and the Minister do not reach an
agreement on the proposed amendments no later than two months after the date of
receipt of the Work Program and the Budget, an Expert shall be called upon to
settle the matter in accordance with the provisions relating to arbitration and
expert evaluation.
8.2.3 The Contractor may, with the Minister's approval, revise the Work
Program during the calendar year in question in order to be able to take into
account newly acquired information, a revised evaluation of the conditions
concerned, or any other valid reason.
8.3 REPORTS
8.3.1 Within the framework of this Contract, the Contractor shall prepare
and keep up to date all the records relating to the Petroleum Operations in the
Contract Area.
8.3.2 Subject to its general rights and obligations, the Contractor shall:
(a) Register in an original or reproducible version of good quality, or on
magnetic support, if any, any geological and geophysical information and any
data related to the Contract Area and acquired by the Contractor.
(b) Keep all the files containing all the details concerning the following
aspects:
i) The drilling, implementation, deepening, production tests,
sealing or abandonment of the wells;
ii) The formations crossed by the wells;
iii) The casing laid in the wells and any modification to said casing;
iv) Any hydrocarbons, water and other minerals of economic benefit or
dangerous substances encountered;
v) The areas in which geological or geophysical activities have been
carried out.
8.3.3 The well logs, maps, magnetic tapes, coring and samples, and other
geological and geophysical information obtained by the Contractor during the
Petroleum Operations shall belong to the Government, and shall be forwarded to
it as soon as they have been obtained or prepared, and the Contractor shall have
the right to make copies of said documents and files, subject to the observance
of the confidentiality clauses.
8.3.4 During the execution of its contractual obligations, unless the
Parties otherwise agree, the Contractor shall:
a) Keep copies of the material constituting the Data during the period of
the Contract;
b) Keep for a period required by Petroleum Operations, with the Government
approval, the original data provided that said data can be reproduced and that
copies thereof have been provided to the Minister.
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c) Export for processing, review or laboratory tests and for a period of
one year, the samples and any matters constituting the petroleum data, provided
that samples of equivalent dimensions and quality or, when such data may be
reproduced, copies of an equivalent quality have been forwarded to the Minister.
8.3.5 The Contractor shall regularly inform the Minister of the main
developments occurring in the Petroleum Operations and shall provide him with
all available information, data, reports, evaluations and interpretations
related to the Petroleum Operations. In addition, the Contractor shall:
a) Prepare daily drilling reports within the framework of its activities;
b) Prepare and forward to the Minister a monthly report within a period of
fifteen (15) days following the end of the month concerned which shall include a
description of the activities covered during said month with plans and maps
indicating the sites where the works described have been executed;
c) Prepare and forward to the Government a quarterly report, within a
period of thirty (30) days after the end of each Calendar Quarter, which shall
include a description of the activities covered during said quarter with plans
and maps indicating the sites where the works described have been executed;
d) Prepare and forward to the Government an annual report, within a period
of two (2) months after the end of each Calendar Year, which will integrate and
develop the revised quarterly reports, if required, of the Calendar Year
considered.
8.4 The Minister shall assume his obligations under this Contract through
the DIRECTORATE OF ENERGY (DEN) and the DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM OPERATIONS
(BOP).
8.4.1 The duties of THE DIRECTORATE OF ENERGY (DEN) shall be inter alia:
- to ensure that the Petroleum Operations conducted by the Contractor or
other government entities comply with the oil policy of the State and
to the applicable regulations;
- to bring as much as possible to the Contractor any assistance required
in order to enable it to fulfill its obligations within the framework
of the present Contract;
- to ensure that the Contractor implements a true policy of technology
transfer and of training of Beninese nationals in the field of
Petroleum Operations.
8.4.2 The duties of THE DEPARTMENT OF PETROLEUM OPERATIONS (BOP) shall be
inter alia:
- to guarantee the financial settlements between the Contractor and the
State;
- to receive, value and market the State's Hydrocarbon share;
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- to ensure that the cost accounting of the expenses and the keeping of
the records and of the conduct reports of the Petroleum Operations
shall be undertaken according to this Contract and with the accounting
principles generally accepted in the oil industry.
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ARTICLE IX
DECLARATION OF COMMERCIAL DISCOVERY
AND DESIGNATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT AREA
9.1 As soon as a Discovery of Hydrocarbons is made in the Contract Area, the
Contractor must immediately report same to the Minister and the provisions of
this Article shall then apply. In the event of a Gas Discovery, the provisions
of the relevant Article shall apply should there be a conflict or a difference
in the processing of this Discovery with this Article.
9.2 After the Discovery of Hydrocarbons and as soon as the Contractor is
able to do so, and in any case within thirty (30) days following said Discovery,
the Contractor must forward to the Minister a first report of Discovery.
No later than two (2) months following the Discovery, the Contractor shall
forward to the Minister a detailed report on the Discovery, indicating whether
this Discovery must be evaluated or not. If the Contractor deems that the
Discovery is worth being evaluated, the report must include an evaluation
program and a schedule of activities in order to implement an adequate and
efficient evaluation. The Contractor must carry through the evaluation program
submitted to the Minister during the exploration period according to the
approved evaluation program and schedule of activities.
9.3 No later than ninety (90) days following the end of the evaluation
program, the Contractor shall submit for the Minister's review a detailed
evaluation report proving the commercial viability of the proposed Development
Area. This report must include:
- The description of the Development Area, in particular the structural
configuration, the physical properties and the extent of the reservoir
rocks, the surface areas, the thickness and the depth of the producing
areas;
- An estimate of the initial and recoverable oil and gas reserves, the
characteristics of the recovery, the expected production return by
reservoir;
- An estimate of the number of wells required for an efficient drainage
of the reserves, the fluid characteristics including, in the case of
Crude Oil, the density, the sulfur, sediment and water content and the
shrinkage of the product;
- The economic projections and the expected cash flows.
9.4 The Contractor must declare in the report whether in its opinion the
Discovery is commercially viable, and in this case, it shall be entitled to
develop same and to produce the Hydrocarbons in accordance with the provisions
of this Contract.
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9.5 Within thirty (30) days following the date of submission of the report
in which the Contractor advises the Minister of its opinion that the Discovery
is commercially viable, the latter shall notify his approval to the Contractor
in writing, and the date of approval by the Minister shall be the "Date of
Commercial Discovery". If at the end of this thirty (30) day period, the
Minister has not notified said approval in writing, the Date of Commercial
Discovery shall be the day following the expiration of the thirty (30) days
mentioned above. The Minister shall then grant to the Contractor the
exploitation permit if the latter requests it.
9.6 If the Contractor deems that the Discovery is not commercially viable,
it must advise the Minister of the reasons on which it has based its decision.
If the Minister challenges the grounds of the technical or financial analysis of
the Contractor on the non-commercial nature of the Discovery, or if for any
other reason he deems that the Discovery may be economically developed by the
Contractor in accordance with the clauses and conditions of the Contract, the
Minister must then, within sixty (60) days if he so wishes, submit the matter of
the commercial viability to an Expert in accordance with the Contract. If the
Expert confirms that the Discovery is commercial, the Contractor may, within
thirty (30) days following the date of receipt of the Expert's decision, either
declare that the Discovery is a commercial Discovery under the provisions of the
Contract and the date of declaration shall become the Date of Commercial
Discovery, or waive its rights regarding the Discovery. In this case, the
Minister shall have the right to develop the area of the Discovery and to
produce Hydrocarbons in accordance with the provisions relating to sole risk
operations. The Contract shall remain in effect on the remaining part of the
Contract Area.
9.7 Within ninety (90) days following the Date of Commercial Discovery, the
Contractor must submit to the Minister a General Development Program indicating:
(a) the proposed Development Area;
(b) the Development Operations to be carried out, including any additional
delineation of the Development Area and the method of development of the
Associated Gas, if any;
(c) the Contractor's plans concerning the drilling and completion of the
wells, the new production, storage, transportation and delivery facilities
required for the production of Hydrocarbons. The plans must contain the
following information:
(i) the expected number of Development Wells and their positioning;
(ii) the details relating to the production equipment and to the
storage facilities;
(iii) the delivery points of Crude Oil and Natural Gas; and
(iv) the details of any other technical equipment required for the
Hydrocarbon Operations.
(d) the estimated projections of Crude Oil and Natural Gas production from
the Oil or Gas Deposits, and the estimated commercial duration of said deposits;
(e) the cost estimates of the equipment and current expenses;
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(f) the economic feasibility studies prepared by the Contractor and the
other methods, if any, devised for the development of the Discovery taking into
account:
(i) its location;
(ii) any pertinent meteorological condition;
(iii) expected investment costs and current expenses; and
(iv) any other information required for its evaluation.
(g) the safety measures to be adopted during the Development and Production
Operations, including the emergency measures;
(h) the measures to be adopted for the protection of the environment.
(i) the unforeseeable events that may affect the Contractor's capability
during the implementation of the General Development Program.
9.8 The General Development Program proposed by the Contractor must be
prepared according to the geological, engineering and financial principles and
according to the Good Practices of the Oil Industry. Furthermore, it must be
realized with a view to ensuring the optimum recovery of Hydrocarbons of the
Development Area and to preventing their wasting.
9.9 The General Development Program of the Contractor may be reviewed by the
Minister who shall give his approval if he deems that it has been prepared
according to the above provisions. If the Minister deems that the General
Development Program submitted by the Contractor has not been prepared according
to these provisions, he shall suggest that revisions be made thereto and the
Contractor may amend same in reply. If within ninety (90) days following the
date of submission of the Program, the Minister and the Contractor cannot agree
on said Program, the matter or matters which are the subject of a disagreement
must be submitted to an Expert who shall settle same. In case of disagreement
and submission to an expert, the exploitation period of 25 years shall not
include the period spent by referring to the expert (including the procedure of
this submission).
9.10 During the course of the Development and Production Operations, the
Contractor may suggest additions or revisions to the General Development
Program. He shall then submit same to the Minister for review and approval,
utilizing the procedures detailed in article 9.9. If within a period of eighty
(90) [N.B. Sic] days following the date of submissions of the additions or
---
revisions of the General Development Program, the Minister and the Contractor
cannot agree, the question or questions which are the subject of the
disagreement shall be submitted to an expert, mutadis mutandis according to the
procedure specified in article 9.9 and the exploitation period of 25 years shall
not include the period of said procedure.
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9.11 If the Contractor wishes to finance the Development Operations with
funds obtained from banks or other sources of financing, the Minister must
assist the Contractor by providing all the information that the banks or sources
of financing may reasonably request, provided that the Minister does not have to
assume any additional obligation of any type, whether financial or otherwise.
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ARTICLE X
SOLE RISK OPERATIONS
10.1 If during the exploration period, the Minister wishes to test
additional reservoirs at the final depth point agreed upon, or deepen the well
and test deeper reservoirs than this final depth point, the Government shall
have the right, subject to the provisions of Clause 10.4, to request the
Contractor, by notice, to test certain additional reservoirs or to continue the
drilling and test new reservoirs, at the exclusive risk and on behalf of the
Government, until the Government objectives have been reached. The Government
shall notify the Contractor as soon as possible before or during the drilling
but under no circumstances after the Contractor has started the well completion
or abandonment activities.
10.2 If during the exploration period, the Parties cannot agree on the
Government recommendation for the drilling of additional exploration wells, the
Minister shall have the right after the initial period to request the Contractor
to drill in the Contract Area at the sole risk and expense of the Government one
(1) exploration well provided that this Operation does not delay, hinder and
disturb the exploration and evaluation activities of the Contractor. In this
case, the Minister shall have a maximum period of six (6) months in which to
provide the Contractor with a well site report indicating the drilling details
as well as the financing plan of the operation in question.
10.3 If the operations described under Clauses 9.3, 10.1 or 10.2 lead to a
Discovery or to a Commercial Discovery, the Minister shall have the right, at
its exclusive expense, risk and benefit, to evaluate said Discovery and/or to
develop and produce the Oil from the reservoir connected to this Discovery. The
Contractor shall notify the Minister in writing, before the beginning of the
commercial production of the oil reservoir discovered within the framework of
said sole risk operations, if it wishes to be responsible for the future
development and/or production operations of said oil-bearing reservoir according
to the terms of this Contract. In this case, the Contractor shall pay in cash
or in kind to the Minister, in addition to one hundred percent (100%) of the
exploration costs and the exploration immobilization costs, if any, incurred by
the Government with regard to the sole risk operations and connected to the
discovered oil-bearing reservoir, an additional amount equal to three hundred
percent (300%) of said exploration and immobilization costs.
10.4 The conditions for the execution of the sole risk operations shall be:
(a) The production tests of additional formations or the penetration and
the production tests of deeper formations or the drilling of additional
exploration wells must be technically feasible;
(b) The deepening of a well under the exclusive risk operations may not
take place if the well has already penetrated the producing reservoirs;
(c) No exclusive risk exploration well may be drilled in an exploitation
area or on the site of a Commercial Discovery;
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(d) The Minister may hire a third party for the performance of the sole
risk operations mentioned above. However, the Minister cannot hire a third party
for this purpose without having first offered to the Contractor a preemption
right for the execution on his behalf of said exclusive risk operations at
conditions similar to those acceptable by said third party. If the Contractor
does not accept to perform these operations within sixty (60) days from the
receipt of the Minister's notice, the latter shall then be at liberty to hire
the third party under the conditions that this third party shall observe the
confidentiality clauses regarding data, reports and information held or prepared
by the Contractor and received by said third party within the framework of the
present article or of article IX and in agreement with article XXII.
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ARTICLE XI
ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT AND
PRODUCTION PROGRAMS
11.1 The Contractor shall be required to carry through the Production and
Development Operations in all the Development Areas in accordance with the
General Development Programs and according to Good Practices of the Oil
Industry.
11.2 The Work Program submitted for the Calendar Year during which a
Commercial Discovery occurs, must be modified by the Contractor within sixty
(60) days following the date of approval of the General Development Program in
order to comply with the latter.
11.3 The Work Programs and the budgets corresponding to the Development and
Production Operations must have as objective the efficient and economic
exploitation of all the Development Areas according to the Good Practices of the
Oil Industry. The Minister shall approve the Work Programs and the budgets
prepared and submitted in accordance with the provisions of this Contract.
Within thirty (30) days following the date of receipt of a Work Program and a
budget, the Minister shall approve same as proposed or shall suggest that
amendments be made; if no approval notice or suggestion of amendments has been
received within said period of thirty (30) days, the Work Program and the budget
shall be deemed approved.
11.4 If the Minister wishes to amend the Work Program or the corresponding
budget, he must inform the Contractor in writing no later than fifteen (15) days
following the receipt of the documents mentioned above. The Parties shall
consult each other and shall endeavour to agree on the amendments suggested. If
the Minister and the Contractor do not reach an agreement concerning the
amendments suggested no later than two (2) months after the date of receipt of
the Work Program and the corresponding budget, an Expert shall be called upon to
settle the matter in accordance with the provisions relating to arbitration and
expert evaluation. The twenty-five (25) year exploitation period, or the
additional period of ten years, if applicable, shall not include the time spent
for referring the matter to an expert (including the procedure for same).
11.5 The Contractor may, with the Minister's approval, revise the Work
Program and the budget during the Calendar Year in question in order to be able
to take into account newly acquired information, a revised evaluation of the
conditions concerned, or any other valid reason.
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ARTICLE XII
GOVERNMENT PARTICIPATION
12.1 The Government shall have the option to acquire a maximum participation
of 15% of the rights and obligations of the Contractor relating to a discovery
when the combination of the daily production of all the discoveries of the
Contract Area reach for the first time a level of 20,000 barrels during at least
six (6) consecutive months.
12.2 The Government must exercise its option of participation by written
notification to the Contractor within thirty (30) days following the last day of
the 6th month of the production level of 20,000 barrels/day. In the absence of
a written notice during this period of thirty (30) days, the option shall be
deemed refused.
12.3 If the Government exercises its option of participation in accordance
with Article 12.1, the Contractor shall assign to the Government the portion
that has been claimed. To that end, the Contractor shall propose a draft
agreement for the Minister's evaluation.
12.4 The Government Participation shall take effect from the date of receipt
by the Contractor of the written notification mentioned in Article 12.2. The
Government shall then pay its share of the Petroleum Costs, in proportion to
said participation, when said costs have been committed by the Contractor.
12.5 If the Government exercises its option of participation, it will
reimburse to the Contractor in proportion to said participation, its share of
the Petroleum Costs incurred by the Contractor with respect to the Contract Area
before the date on which its decision to participate has been notified to the
Contractor who shall assist it without cost in the search for necessary funds.
Said share of Petroleum Costs that is reimbursable to the Contractor shall bear
an interest from the date on which the Petroleum Costs have been incurred until
the actual date of participation by the Government, at the interest rate of the
contract fixed the day before the settlement date.
12.6 The reimbursement mentioned in Clause 12.5 shall be at the option of
the Minister and notified to the Contractor,
- either in cash by payment in dollars within a period to be determined
by mutual agreement,
- or in kind through lifting by the Contractor of a portion of the
Hydrocarbon share stipulated in Article 13, to which the Government is
entitled, up to fifty percent (50%) of said share. The value of this
portion being calculated in accordance with the provisions of Article
16, and this share shall be equal in value to the amount due on the
date of notification mentioned in Article 12.2, plus the interests
related thereto calculated according to Article 12.5.
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12.7 If during the three (3) months following the due date for reimbursement
agreed to between the Parties, the Government does not pay to the Contractor its
share of the Petroleum Costs as stipulated in Clause 12.5, the Contractor shall
have the right to retain fifty percent (50%) of the share of Profit-Oil of the
Government until total recovery of said costs.
12.8 If the Government exercises its option of participation, the Minister
shall establish as soon as possible with the Contractor, an operating agreement
in accordance with the international Petroleum Operations which shall govern the
rights and obligations of the Parties.
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ARTICLE XIII
COST RECOVERY AND
PRODUCTION SHARING
13.1 Subject to the provisions relating to participation, the Contractor
shall assume and pay all the Petroleum Costs incurred during the execution of
the Petroleum Operations, and it shall recover said costs according to the
methods defined in Accounting Appendix D.
The costs directly attributable to the development and production of
Non-Associated Gas shall be subject to a specific agreement in accordance with
the provisions of this Contract.
However, the costs directly attributable to the deepening of the wells with a
view to evaluating and testing the gas from the Seme Field shall be recoverable
in accordance with the provisions of Article 13.2b hereof.
13.2 The Petroleum Costs, within the limits authorized by the provisions of
Appendix "D", shall be recovered from the Crude Cost Recovery, limited every
year to sixty-nine percent (69%) of the Available Crude for Block 1, and for the
Seme Block to seventy-nine percent (79%) of the Available Crude for the Year
considered.
The cost recovery shall occur as follows:
(a) The recovery of the exploitation costs shall be made entirely during
the Year when such costs have been incurred.
(b) The recovery of the exploration costs shall be made from the start-up
Year of the first commercial production deriving from the Development Area.
(c) The development investments shall be amortized over five (5) Years from
the start-up Year of the first production.
(d) The investments related to the exploitation phase shall be amortized
over five (5) Years from the date of their realization.
However, when the total production has reached the economic marginality as
defined in clause 13.7 hereinafter, the Parties shall consult each other in
order to reach a joint decision. This consultation will take place within
thirty (30) days from the date of receipt by the Minister of the written notice
by the Contractor.
13.3 Inasmuch as the Petroleum Costs recoverable during a given Year exceed
the value of the Crude of the Cost Recovery ("Cost-Oil") available this Year,
the recovery of the surplus shall be carried forward to the following Years.
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13.4 The Contractor shall deduct on behalf of the Government from the total
production of the Crude extracted from the discovery area, after deduction of
the losses related to the Petroleum Operations, a portion equivalent to the
amount of the tax on oil production equal to 12.5% (twelve and a half percent)
for oil and 10% (ten per cent) for condensate. The remaining quantity of the
crude shall be referred to as "Available Crude".
13.5 The remainder of the Available Crude every year after deduction of the
recoverable Petroleum Costs, hereinafter called "Profit-Oil", shall be shared
between the Government and the Contractor, whether the Government shall exercise
or not its option of participation to the rights and obligations in accordance
with Article 12, according to the following progressive scale:
(A) For oil
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION GOVERNMENT SHARE CONTRACTOR SHARE
- ------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
(BARRELS/D)
- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
0 to 5,000 50% 50%
5,001 to 10,000 55% 45%
10,001 to 20,000 60% 40%
20,001 to 50,000 65% 35%
50,001 to 100,000 70% 30%
Over 100,000 75% 25%
</TABLE>
(b) For condensate
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE DAILY PRODUCTION GOVERNMENT SHARE CONTRACTOR SHARE
- ------------------------- ----------------- -----------------
(BARRELS/D)
- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
0 to 100,000 50% 50%
Over 100,000 55% 45%
</TABLE>
13.6 With regard to the Seme Field produced on the H6 and H6.5 horizons, the
sharing determination of the Available Crude each year after deduction of the
Petroleum Costs in accordance with Article 13.2 shall be: 60% for the
Government and 40% for the Contractor.
13.7 The Parties agree that if the Economic Limit of a field is reached (eg.
if Petroleum Costs incurred by the Contractor exceed the cash flows deriving
from the sale of the production so as to cause the early abandonment of this
field, they shall consult each other in order to study the amendments to be
brought to the cost recovery plan for the purpose of extending the life of said
field.
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ARTICLE XIV
MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF
DOMESTIC CONSUMPTION
14.1 Three (3) years after the start up of the Production Operations, the
Government shall have the right to purchase and the Contractor shall be under an
obligation to sell, in a specific Delivery Point, a quantity of Hydrocarbons in
Crude form or an equivalent quantity of refined products or gas equivalent such
as agreed to between the parties equivalent at most to fifty percent (50%) of
the share of Profit-Oil to which the Contractor is entitled in order to meet the
domestic consumption of Benin. The assignment of Oil shall be made within this
framework in accordance with the provisions of Article 16.2.
If within a period not exceeding sixty (60) days from the date of delivery of
Hydrocarbons, the Government does not pay the invoice, the Contractor may obtain
payment by lifting from the Government Profit-Oil share.
14.2 With regard to Crude Oil, the Contractor's obligation to sell rests on
the principle according to which all producers of Crude Oil or exporter from
Benin, including the Government, bring part of their production, at any moment
and in a proportional manner, to meet the requirements of domestic consumption.
In order to take advantage of its acquisition right, the Minister must give a
three (3) months' written notice to the Contractor, indicating the quantity of
Crude Oil representing the Contractor's remuneration that shall be acquired
during the three (3) calendar months following the above mentioned notice. The
monthly variation of this quantity cannot exceed a range of more or less ten
percent (10%).
14.3 If due to a case of Force Majeure, other contractors or the Government
cannot proportionally contribute to the requirements of the domestic market, and
that, consequently, the volume of participation of the Contractor and of other
contractors to the sales of the domestic market must be increased, the
Contractor must sell the additional quantities required in accordance with the
above clauses and conditions until the case of force majeure has been resolved
and until the contribution intended to proportionally cover the requirement of
the domestic market has been re-established. This additional obligation does
not include the volumes of production which have been the subject of an
exportation contract for which the loading period has been fixed within forty
(40) working days following the date on which the Contractor has received
notification from the Minister as to the case of force majeure.
14.4 With regard to Natural Gas, the Contractor's obligation to sell must be
established taking into account the criteria used to meet the requirement of the
domestic market stipulated above, and taking into account the price of Natural
Gas determined in accordance with this Contract.
14.5 All payments made to the Government for the Contractor's Hydrocarbon
sales in accordance with the provisions of this Article must be made in dollars
and by bank transfer to the bank account designated by the Contractor outside
Benin, within a period of thirty (30) days from the date of delivery to the
Delivery Point of the Hydrocarbons acquired by the Government.
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ARTICLE XV
APPLICABLE TAX SYSTEM
15.1 For the duration of the Contract and in accordance with the legislation
in force in the Republic of Benin, the Contractor shall be subject to the tax
system currently applied to companies in general, and to oil activities in
particular.
15.2 The Contractor shall be required to pay, under the conditions and the
due dates established by the Beninese tax legislation, all the taxes and duties
to which it is subject, in particular Income Tax equal to 55% (fifty-five
percent) of the taxable profit and the Export Revenue Tax at the rate of three
period twelve percent (3.12%) of the FOB value.
15.3 It is understood that in application of Article 15.2, the Minister
shall lift from the Profit-Oil share to which the Government is entitled under
Article 13.5 an amount corresponding to the Income Tax, and to the Export
Revenue Tax mentioned in the Petroleum Code. He shall pay said tax to the
institution designated for this purpose on behalf of the Contractor and shall
have delivered to the Contractor the receipts related thereto. The same applies
for the Export Revenue Tax. In this case, the Profit-Oil share to which the
Contractor is entitled under Article 13.5 shall be considered free of tax and
shall not be subject to any tax whatsoever. In other words, the Contractor
shall be released from any tax obligations which, by definition, are included in
the Profit-Oil received by the Government as well as in the Oil Production Tax
also received by the Government.
15.4 The Contractor and its subcontractors shall be exempt from the duties
and taxes on the equipment, exploitation material and engines imported by the
Contractor and its subcontractors within the framework of the Petroleum
Operations. These goods and equipment may be re-exported at the end of their
use according to the temporary admission system.
15.5 The Contractor and its subcontractors shall be also exempt:
(a) from the Value Added Tax (VAT) on the activities strictly related to
the Petroleum Operations;
(b) from the Franchise Tax for a period of five (5) financial years;
(c) from the surface royalties mentioned in the Code; and
(d) for expatriate personnel, from contributions to the Social Security
Department of Benin (OBSS), from the employer's contribution (V.P), and from the
apprenticeship charge.
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15.6 The expatriate personnel employed by the Contractor and its
subcontractors may import free of duties and taxes with the exception of the
road tax, their personal effects which shall be used during the first six (6)
months of their arrival. They shall also import a vehicle per household by way
of temporary admission.
15.7 The Government shall agree to take into consideration any modification
to the fiscal conditions which the Contractor may request at any time, provided
that:
(a) Such modification does not adversely affect all the financial gains and
other benefits that the Government will derive from the Petroleum Operations;
and
(b) The only reason for proposing such modification shall be to permit any
person forming the Contractor or any other Affiliated Company to obtain in
another country a tax credit relating to the taxes paid in the Republic of
Benin.
15.8 The Contractor shall be required to pay to the State the income from
the taxes and duties mentioned in this Contract through a national structure.
The designation of the national structure in question shall occur within one
hundred and eighty (180) days following the Effective Date.
15.9 Within thirty (30) days following the date of payment, the Government
shall issue, a receipt in the Contractor's name for said payment.
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ARTICLE XVI
MEASURING, DISPOSAL, EVALUATION
AND SALE OF HYDROCARBONS
16.1 The Contractor must measure all the Crude Oil and Natural Gas produced
in the Contract Area according to the Good Practices of the Oil Industry. The
Contractor must keep full and accurate records of all the measures of
Hydrocarbons produced in the Contract Area after extraction of the water and of
its foreign substances, and of all the Hydrocarbons that may be marketed, which
will allow by difference to determine the quantities that have been used for the
Operations and the unavoidable losses. The Minister's representatives must have
access to these records and measures.
The Minister shall have the right to examine and to test all the measures,
measuring equipment, graphics and any other measuring or testing equipment and
information material.
If, at the end of an examination or test, it appears that measuring equipment
are not in working order, that they are damaged or badly adjusted, the
Contractor must put them in good working order or shall proceed with the
required adjustments immediately at its own cost.
If, within a reasonable period not exceeding thirty (30) days, the Contractor
does not assume this obligation, the Minister may take the necessary measures so
that said equipment be made operational or have the equipment adjusted and may
invoice to the Contractor the cost of this operation at the interest rate of the
Contract + 1%. If according to the Minister, the error caused by the bad
adjustment, or any other failure of a measuring equipment, appears to be at the
origin of a considerable difference in the production measuring, the Parties
shall consult each other for the purpose of examining the appropriate measures
to be taken. In the event of disagreement, the matter shall be submitted to an
expert so that the latter can determine if a retroactive adjustment of the
production figures should be made. If the Contractor deems it necessary to
replace measuring devices or instruments, it must notify the Minister for
approval and give to the Minister's representatives the opportunity to be
present during the operation and to take part thereto.
16.2 Under this Contract, the price of Crude Oil for each quarter shall be
the weighted average of the FOB prices received by the Contractor for sales to
third parties which are not related to the Parties during the corresponding
quarter.
If during a given quarter the Contractor does not sell at least forty percent
(40%) of the total production of Crude Oil of the Contract Area to third parties
which are not related to the Parties, the price of Crude Oil for that quarter
shall be the weighted average of the FOB prices established by comparison with
the Crude Oil Price on the international market taking into account the quality,
density and transportation differentials.
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In the absence of an agreement between the Parties within fifteen (15) days
following the end of the Quarter concerned, pending the opinion of an Expert,
the sale price agreed to for the Quarter preceding the Quarter in question shall
apply temporarily subject to the retroactive adjustments which would be required
after expert evaluation. The expert evaluation requested under this article
shall occur within a period not exceeding thirty (30) days after the end of the
Quarter concerned.
16.3 Under this Contract, the price of Natural Gas sold on the domestic
market of Benin shall be the price received by the Contractor for sales to third
parties. Taking into account the fact that the gas market is not very developed
in Benin, the Minister must assist the Contractor inasmuch as possible in order
to find possible consumers for the Gas and to negotiate reasonable sale prices.
The Natural Gas price applicable to the Gas sold to a public Beninese company or
to a body whose capital with voting right is the direct or indirect property of
the State, shall be established by mutual agreement between the Parties, it
being understood that this price must reflect the commercial value of the energy
source that the Gas sold is deemed to replace, according to the modern
technology generally used and taking into account the cost of the gas produced.
The price that applies to the Natural Gas exports shall be the price received by
the Contractor for sales to third parties, subject to the same conditions
normally governing the sale of Crude.
16.4 The Contractor shall have the right to freely dispose, load, transport
and export the Hydrocarbons to which it is entitled under the Contract. The
Minister may request the Contractor to sell all or part of the oil to which the
State is entitled in accordance with Article 13 and under the market conditions
stipulated in Article 16.2, and provided that the Parties have agreed on the
provisions concerning marketing.
16.5 No later than sixty (60) days before the Start-up Date of the
Commercial Production in each Development Area, and thereafter at the beginning
of each Quarter, the Contractor must prepare and provide to the Minister a
projection indicating the total quantity of Hydrocarbons which, according to the
Contractor, shall be produced during the following four (4) Quarters in the
corresponding Development Area, from a production rate mutually agreed upon to
optimize the recovery of Hydrocarbons in the Development Area according to the
Good Practices of the Oil Industry. Each Quarter, the Contractor shall make
reasonable efforts to produce the quantity of Hydrocarbons estimated to be
produced by it. The Contractor shall be authorized to use, free of charge, the
quantities of Hydrocarbons produced in the Contract Area, in their natural or
processed state, required for the carrying out of the Petroleum Operations
(including the Operations of Gas loading) according to the Good Practices of the
Oil Industry. Whatever the quantity of hydrocarbons used for this purpose, it
shall not be considered as being part of the Commercial Production.
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ARTICLE XVII
NATURAL GAS
17.1 Benin's domestic market shall benefit from a preferential right for the
acquisition of the Natural Gas produced in any Development Area and which is
not required for the Petroleum Operations in accordance with this Article,
provided that the commercial proposals made are as favourable as those under
which the gas in question may be exported. The Natural Gas not sold on the
domestic market may be exported.
In the event of discovery of a commercial accumulation of gas, a gas purchase
contract ("Take or Pay" contract) shall be discussed between the Government and
the Contractor as soon as possible. If the direct generation of electricity
would appear more favourable for the two Parties, the latter shall meet to
determine the conditions thereof.
17.2 ASSOCIATED NATURAL GAS
17.2.1 If a Crude Oil Discovery occurs that the Contractor shall consider to
be commercially viable under this Contract and this discovery contains
Associated Gas, the Contractor must indicate in its evaluation report if it
anticipates that the estimated production of Associated Gas shall exceed the
quantities of Associated Gas required for the Crude Oil Production Operations
(this surplus shall be referred to hereinafter as "surplus Associated Gas") and
if the surplus Associated Gas can be produced in commercial quantities. If the
Contractor declares that this Associated Gas exists and that it can be produced
in commercial quantities, it shall indicate in the General Development Program
prepared for the Hydrocarbon Discovery, the details relating to the gathering,
processing, compression and transportation facilities required for the
exploitation of the surplus Associated Gas for commercial purposes, as well as
the corresponding costs.
17.2.2 Within ninety (90) days following the date of submission of the
General Development Program, the Minister shall advise the Contractor whether he
himself or any other public entity in Benin designated by him, wishes to dispose
of the surplus Associated Gas on the domestic market.
17.2.3 If, in accordance with this article, the Minister advises that he
wishes to dispose of the surplus Associated Gas on the domestic market, the
Contractor may, by notice within ninety (90) days following the date of
notification of the Minister, participate in the costs of the facilities
required for the production of the surplus Associated Gas and the proceeds
deriving from the sale of said Gas.
17.2.4 If the Contractor decides to participate in accordance with the above
provisions:
(a) It shall build gathering, processing, compression, transportation and
storage facilities required for the production and the delivery to the Delivery
Point of the surplus Associated Gas in accordance with the specifications of the
General Development Program;
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(b) The price of the Associated Natural Gas is the price of Natural Gas
determined in accordance with this Contract.
17.2.5 If the Contractor decides not to participate, it shall deliver to the
Minister, or to the public Beninese company designated by the Minister for this
purpose, to a Delivery Point designated as "EXIT", and at its expense which
shall be included in the recoverable costs, all the quantities of surplus
Associated Gas produced.
17.2.6 Subject to the provisions relating to the protection of the
environment, the Contractor may burn any surplus Associated Gas that has not
been used.
17.3 NON-ASSOCIATED GAS
17.3.1 If a Discovery of Non-Associated Gas occurs in the Contract Area, the
Contractor must submit a report in accordance with the provisions of this
Contract. If the Contractor deems that the Discovery is worth being evaluated,
it must prepare an evaluation, with a reserve estimate, of the production
potential, the development costs and the production costs as well as of the
economic viability. In this report, the Contractor must also declare if the
Discovery is commercially viable. If the Contractor deems that the Discovery of
Non-Associated Gas is not worth being evaluated, the provisions relating to
Crude Oil shall apply mutatis mutandis.
17.3.2 If the Contractor deems that the Discovery can be commercially
viable, the Minister shall assist it in the evaluation of the gas requirement on
the domestic market as well as in the transformation and marketing activities
required for its distribution to the consumers of said market. In the same way,
the Contractor shall be at liberty to evaluate the viability of the Gas
exportation. During the calendar year following the date of submission of the
detailed evaluation report of the Contractor, the Parties must meet in order to
determine if the sale points and other pertinent factors justify its development
and production for sale on the domestic market and/or if it is considered that
this market is not big enough and therefore the Gas must be exported.
17.3.3 If the Contractor deems that the development of the Discovery of the
Non-Associated Gas is justified, it must submit to the Minister a General
Development Program for said Discovery and the provisions relating to the
commercial discovery and those relating to the Government participation shall
apply to the development and production of said Gas as if it concerned Crude
Oil. If the Contractor deems that the development of the Discovery of
Non-Associated Gas is not justified, the provisions relating to the Crude Oil
shall then apply mutatis mutandis to the development and production of said Gas.
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17.3.4 If it has been determined that the Discovery of Non-Associated Gas
cannot be used on the domestic market while the Contractor considers that said
Discovery of Non-Associated Gas may be commercially viable for exportation, the
Contractor shall then have full freedom to develop the Gas Deposit provided that
it submits to the Minister a General Development Program. If the Contractor
begins the Development Operations for exportation, the Minister shall take the
necessary measures to facilitate the construction of the appropriate facilities.
The provisions relating to the commercial Discovery and to the Government
participation shall apply mutatis mutandis to the development and production of
said Non-Associated Gas as if it concerned Crude Oil. Once the Contractor has
started up the Development Operations for exportation, the right granted to the
Contractor for exportation under this Article shall remain in effect during the
period of the Contract unless the two Parties change the procedures by mutual
agreement.
17.3.5 Under this Contract, the price of the Non-Associated Gas produced by
a Gas Deposit intended to be used in Benin shall correspond to the price of
Natural Gas determined in accordance with the provisions of this Contract.
17.3.6 In compliance with the safety and environment protection standards,
the Contractor shall have the right following the Minister's approval, to build
facilities for the separation of gas for the purpose of producing liquid gas and
condensate.
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ARTICLE XVIII
DAMAGES, ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
AND SAFETY
18.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for all damages and injuries that
may be caused as a result of its operations to individuals or to the State. The
Contractor shall be required to safeguard the Government against any damage for
which it may be responsible as a result of its activities under the Contract or
of any operation or activity deriving therefrom. To that end, the Contractor
must, at any time, release the Government from any responsibility against any
claim and obligation resulting from death, accidents or damages caused by its
activities, including those carried out under the Contract, or non-compliance by
the Contractor with the laws and regulations in force in Benin. This Contract
shall not have any effect on the rights claimed by third parties against the
Contractor under the laws in force in Benin.
18.2 The Parties acknowledge that, due to their nature, the Petroleum
Operations may produce an ecological imbalance in the Contract Area as a result
of environment pollution. Consequently, during the performance of the Contract,
the Contractor must adopt the necessary measures in order to prevent or to
reduce to a minimum the pollution of the ground, atmosphere and water, and
ensure that this pollution does not harm the plants and the wildlife and, in
general, prevent everything that could materially harm the environment. If the
Contractor cannot prevent the pollution of the environment, it must take the
necessary measures to reduce to a minimum the effects thereof according to the
international standards. These measures must be notified to the Minister for
approval.
18.3 In order to reduce to a minimum or eliminate the pollution, the
Contractor must use adequate technical means, approved by the Minister.
18.4 The government is responsible for damages caused to third parties as a
result of environmental pollution resulting from Petroleum Operations conducted
before the end of the Transitional Period. In accordance with the Code, the
Contractor shall be responsible for damages caused to third parties as a result
of the pollution of the environment.
18.5 The Contractor shall undertake to call on experts in this regard in
order to examine the probable impact of the Petroleum Operations on the
environment. This study must include:
(a) the state of the environment and the level of pollution existing in the
Contract Area and in the neighbouring areas before the petroleum operations;
(b) the impact that the Petroleum Operations may have on the environment.
The study indicated in paragraph (a) must be carried out in two steps:
1) a preliminary study delivered by the Contractor to the Minister before
the seismic survey of the Contract Area and
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2) the final study applicable to all the exploration period and which shall
be submitted to the Minister before the drilling of the first well. The study
indicated in paragraph (b) must be carried out and delivered to the Minister at
least ninety (90) days prior to the drilling of said well.
18.6 The studies listed above must include the procedures used for the
elimination or reduction to a minimum, inter alia, of the wastes mentioned below
as well as the way to neutralize same:
(a) Drilling muds and Hydrocarbons resulting from the tests, completion,
workover and abandonment of the wells;
(b) Polluted underground layers;
(c) Solvents, lubricants and other products used during the operations;
(d) Organic waste, detritus and unusable products from the work and camp
areas.
18.7 The Contractor must design and build its facilities endeavouring to
reduce to a minimum the pollution of the environment and it must, inter alia,
adopt the following procedures on the drilling sites and the location site of
the exploitation equipment:
(a) Drainage/recovery system of Crude Oil spillage, and other derivatives
as well as polluted waters;
(b) Waste recovery system.
18.8 The Contractor shall undertake to include the provisions of this
Article in all the contracts negotiated with third parties and related to the
Petroleum Operations.
18.9 If the Contractor does not comply with the provisions of this Article
and a spillage of Crude Oil or of any other product occurs in the soil, the sea
bottom or in the sea, or if the Contractor's activities cause another form of
pollution or, damage the water springs or the animal or plant life in any other
manner, the Contractor must take immediately all steps according to the Good
Practices of the Oil Industry in order to control the pollution, clean any
spillage of Crude Oil or of any other product, or repair as much as possible any
damage caused.
18.10 If, as a result of the direct effect of a gross or deliberate
negligence on the part of the Contractor, a spillage or an act of pollution
occurs, the cost of the control, cleaning and repair operations shall be borne
by the Contractor and shall not be considered Petroleum Costs under this
Contract.
18.11 In the event of danger which may affect the environment, the
Contractor must immediately notify same to the Minister and take the measures
prescribed in the emergency procedures adopted by the Parties according to the
Good Practices of the Oil Industry.
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18.12 At the end of the Contract, in any other situation than the
abandonment case, the Contractor must take the measures according to the Good
Practices of the Oil Industry to restore the environment and the sites where the
Petroleum Operations have been performed to their original state on the
Effective Date of the Contract, taking into account the rules of the abandonment
procedure.
At the time of submitting the General Development Program, the Contractor must
submit to the Minister for review and approval a schematic summary of the
restoration activities of the environment once the Petroleum Operations have
ended, indicating the manner in which the corresponding costs shall be financed
using a special account for the specific purpose of financing the obligations
concerning the restoration of the environment and the abandonment procedure.
Thereafter and at the same time as the Work Program and the Budgets, such
schematic summary shall be submitted to the Minister for review and approval.
18.13 The Contractor must take the necessary steps according to the Good
Practices of the Oil Industry, to carry through the activities mentioned in the
contract in all safety, and must comply with the laws and regulations of Benin,
including the regulations in force with regard to the work, environment
protection, health and safety. The Contractor must refrain from any action
endangering the health or the safety of the persons.
18.14 The Minister shall have the right to inspect all the sites, buildings
and facilities in the Contract Area. In order to have access to these sites,
the Minister must first inform the Contractor.
18.15 The Contractor must ensure the sure and effective treatment of the
water and residual oil and the plugging of the wells before abandoning same.
18.16 The Contractor shall cement and abandon all producing wells following
the current oil practices immediately after stopping their production inside
Block 1 or the Seme Field.
However, the expenses relating to the abandonment of the Seme field and
facilities shall not be borne by the Contractor except the wells worked over or
drilled to reach the deep zones.
18.17 The Contractor shall remove and clear according to the abandonment
procedure appearing as an Appendix all the platforms installed by it in the
Contract Area.
18.18 The Contractor shall remove and clear the existing platforms and the
monopod facilities after the expiration of the Contract or after the suspension
of the production of Block 1 and/or of the Seme field. The removal, clearing,
or abandonment of the facilities set up by the Contractor shall take place
according to the standards of the oil industry generally accepted in the Gulf of
Mexico. On the other hand, the facilities underwater or others shall be left in
such a state so as not to present an obstacle to ships.
18.19 The Contractor shall leave all pipelines and facilities free of oil at
the expiration of the Contract according to the current oil practices.
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18.20 The Government explicitly agrees that the Contractor shall not have
any responsibility with regard to abandonment or restoration of the environment
other than that expressly stipulated herein.
18.21 Any change to this agreement with regard to the abandonment must be
agreed upon by the two Parties.
18.22 If laws or regulations relating to the environment in force on the
date of signature of the Contract are amended so as to substantially modify the
economic equilibrium of the Contract, the Parties shall refer to the provisions
of Article 29.2.
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ARTICLE XIX
PROVISIONS REGARDING CHANGE
19. Under the regulations in force in Benin, the Ministry shall guarantee
that for the duration of the Contract, the Contractor and the non-Beninese
subcontractors shall be authorized to:
(a) pay in foreign currency, in full or in part, the salaries, refunds and
other indemnities;
(b) open, keep and use bank accounts in foreign currency in Benin and
abroad and accounts in local currency in Benin;
(c) directly pay abroad, in foreign currency, to foreign subcontractors for
the acquisition of equipment and supply of services related to the Petroleum
Operations;
(d) receive, transfer and keep abroad and freely dispose of all the funds
including, inter alia, all the payments received for the exportation of
Hydrocarbons and any payment received from the Government;
(e) obtain from abroad all the loans required for the Petroleum Operations;
(f) buy the local currencies required for the Petroleum Operations and
convert in foreign currency all local currencies in excess of the immediate
domestic needs in accredited banks of exchange bureaus;
(g) transfer abroad all foreign currencies in excess of the local
requirements of the Contractor. The rights given to the Contractor and
Subcontractors under this Article shall also apply to expatriate employees.
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ARTICLE XX
EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING
20.1 EMPLOYMENT
In compliance with the labour legislation in Benin, the Contractor shall be at
liberty to hire the personnel and the Subcontractors required to carry through
the Petroleum Operations in accordance with the Contract.
However, with regard to the recruitment of employees and to the extent where
this is in accordance with an efficient and responsible exploitation of the
Petroleum Operations, the Contractor must give preference to citizens of Benin
qualified, through their training and experience, to exercise the duties in
question. With regard to the selection of Subcontractors for the performance of
the Petroleum Operations, the Contractor must give preference to Beninese
Subcontractors to the extent where the latter are competitive with regard to
quality, costs and technical expertise to keep the established schedules of
activities.
20.2 TRAINING
The Contractor shall undertake to offer adequate training to the Beninese
citizens employed for the Petroleum Operations during the validity of the
Contract.
To that end, within three (3) months following the Effective Date, a training
program relating to the Exploration period for an annual amount of fifty
thousand US dollars (US$50,000) at least shall be established and submitted by
the Contractor to the Minister. Within thirty (30) days following the start-up
of the Commercial Production, the Contractor shall also submit to the Minister a
training program relating to the Exploitation period for an annual amount of at
least one hundred thousand US dollars (US$100,000).
20.3 SEME OIL PROJECT PERSONNEL (PPS)
Within the framework of the redevelopment of Seme and of the exploration of
Block 1 around Seme, the Parties have agreed to take advantage of the
Transitional Period to jointly decide whether to use all or part of the PPS
personnel.
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ARTICLE XXI
ACCOUNTING
21.1 The Contractor must keep its accounting as well as any financial
information, books and registers concerning the Petroleum Operations, in
national currency and in the form required by the law in force in Benin.
21.2 The accounting procedures to be applied by the Contractor shall be
those established in the Accounting Appendix D.
21.3 The audited accounts of the Contractor must be submitted to the
Minister for approval no later than three (3) months after the end of the
Calendar Year.
21.4 The Minister may, by submitting notice to the Contractor, no later than
six (6) months following the date of submission of the financial accounts,
submit all financial accounts of the Contractor relating to the Calendar Year in
question to the auditing of an International Company of Chartered Accountants,
appointed by agreement between the Parties. The cost of this auditing shall be
borne by the Government.
21.5 Unless the Parties find a solution by mutual agreement, the Minister
may submit any objection regarding the Contractor's accounts to an expert
decision. Before giving a decision in connection with the objection submitted,
the expert must take into account the results of the financial auditing made
according to the provisions of this Article. If the Minister's objection is not
submitted to an expert within twelve (12) months following the receipt by him of
the accounts, the objection in question shall be null. If the Minister's
objection is validated by the Expert, the Contractor must correct the accounts
in question and bear the costs related to the auditing and the expert evaluation
notwithstanding the above provisions.
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ARTICLE XXII
CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF THE DATA
22.1 All the reports, data and information obtained or prepared by the
Contractor, to the extent where they relate to all or part of the Contract Area
shall be the full property of the Beninese State and shall be treated
confidentially. Each Party undertakes not to divulge same except after the
prior approval of the other Party, to:
(a) An Affiliated company or a subcontractor of the Contractor;
(b) A financial institution for the purpose of obtaining a loan;
(c) A stock exchange;
(d) Any potential assignee in application of Article 23.
This clause shall not prevent the Minister from communicating certain
information to any government entity and to any trustworthy person interested in
securing a right of exploration and exploitation for Hydrocarbons in Benin.
22.2 All reports, data and information communicated by the Minister or the
Contractor to a third party in accordance with the above provisions, shall be
made according to agreements the terms of which shall guarantee that these data,
information or reports are treated by the recipient as strictly confidential.
22.3 The reports, data and information relating the Contract Area and
considered as important by the Minister for the execution by a third party of an
exploration program in a bordering area, shall be communicated to it by the
Minister. In exchange, the Contractor shall have access to the data,
information and reports obtained by said third party concerning a bordering area
of a comparable exploratory nature. The confidentiality clauses shall apply to
this third party.
22.4 All the reports, data and information, including the interpretations
and evaluations relating to any area that no longer forms part of the Contract
Area following retrocession of an area or expiration of this Contract, shall be
treated by the Contractor as strictly confidential for a period of five (5)
years from the date on which said area has ceased to form an integral part of
the Contract Area or from the date of expiration of this Contract.
22.5 Any failure to comply with the confidentiality Clauses mentioned in
this Article shall be reproved according to the regulations in force in Benin
regarding the divulging of professional secrets.
22.6 Any press publication initiated by the Contractor and relating to the
results of the operations conducted under this Contract shall be subject to the
prior authorization of the Minister.
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ARTICLE XXIII
ASSIGNMENT OF RIGHTS
23.1 The Parties may assign all or part of their rights and obligations
deriving from this Contract. If the Contractor intends to assign or transfer
its rights totally or partially, in accordance with the Contract, it must
immediately submit to the Minister a written authorization request, unless the
transfer is to an Affiliate in which case it must notify the Minister in writing
of its intention to transfer sixty (60) days prior to the effective date, or at
a later date agreed to with the Minister, following which the transfer shall be
effective without the need for an authorization from the Minister. Any request
must indicate the name, the address and any appropriate information on the
technical and financial capabilities of the assignee. Within thirty (30) days
following the receipt of the request, the Minister must decide whether he
approves or not the proposed assignment. Any disagreement by the Minister must
be based on reasonable causes related to the technical and financial
capabilities of the proposed assignee.
23.2 If one of the Parties makes a partial assignment of its rights and
obligations deriving from this Contract, the assignee shall be responsible,
jointly and severally, for the guarantees, responsibilities and obligations of
the assignor. If the assignment is total, the assignee shall be solely
responsible for said obligations and guarantees. Any assignee must adhere to
the bank guarantees and supply a guarantee from its parent company, if
applicable, as required by this Contract.
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ARTICLE XXIV
FORCE MAJEURE
24.1 The Parties shall not be responsible in the event of failure or delay
in the fulfillment of their obligations resulting from this Contract provided
this failure or delay is due to a case of Force Majeure.
24.2 A case of Force Majeure shall mean any act or event which does not fall
within the reasonable limits of control of the Parties, and which prevent them
indefinitely or temporarily from fulfilling their obligations under the
Contract. Thus, the Force Majeure shall include the cases listed below, without
this list being limitative: war or similar situations, embargoes, blockades,
earthquakes, floods, fire, strike or lock-out, terrorism act, riots, government
action.
24.3 The Party invoking the case of Force Majeure shall:
a) Advise the other Party as early as possible by any means and confirmed
by registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt describing the event in
detail;
b) Take as far as possible all appropriate and legal provisions to
eliminate the cause of Force Majeure;
c) Inform the other Party in the manner indicated above as soon as the
Force Majeure has been eliminated and resume the execution of its contractual
obligations.
24.4 If the case of Force Majeure lasts for more than three (3) months, the
Parties to the Contract shall meet in order to determine the appropriate action
to be taken.
24.5 It has been agreed that if for reasons of Force Majeure, a Party is
unable to fulfill an obligation or to exercise a right under the Contract, the
period granted to fulfill the obligation or to exercise the right, including any
subsequent obligations or rights, shall then be extended by a period equal to
the duration of the Force Majeure.
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ARTICLE XXV
ARBITRATION AND EXPERT EVALUATION
25.1 ARBITRATION
25.1.1 Subject to the provisions hereunder relating to expert evaluation,
any dispute or claim related to a matter or operation falling within the
Contract or connected therewith, including, inter alia, any dispute or claim
relating to its validity, interpretation, execution or omission of obligations
which it claims cannot be amicably settled between the Parties, must be finally
and exclusively settled by arbitration at the initiative of one or the other
Party.
25.1.2 The arbitration procedure shall be implemented by three (3)
arbitrators in accordance with the rules of conciliation and arbitration of the
International Centre for the Settlement of Investments Disputes (CIRDI) of the
World Bank Group.
25.1.3 Unless the Parties otherwise mutually agree in writing, the third
arbitrator appointed as indicated above must not be a citizen of Benin or a
person of the same nationality as the Contractor.
25.1.4 For any arbitration procedure in accordance with this Article:
(a) The procedure must take place in Paris, France, unless the Parties
otherwise mutually agree;
(b) The French language shall be the official language in all respects; and
(c) The parties shall be bound by the decision of the majority of the
arbitrators.
25.1.5 If an arbitration procedure has been instituted, the Parties shall
continue to fulfill their obligations under the Contract unless this has been
made impossible due to the case of Force Majeure.
25.1.6 The cost of the arbitration procedure must be borne according to the
methods defined by the arbitration tribunal.
25.1.7 Under this Article, the Parties shall waive any jurisdiction
immunity. For the execution of the judgments rendered by the arbitration
tribunal of CIRDI, the Parties shall waive the execution immunity with respect
to their property. The seizure and adjudication of property to which this
immunity may give rise include, with regard to the Government, only those
accounts, income and property related to the Hydrocarbon field in the Contract
Area.
25.2 EXPERT EVALUATION
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25.2.1 Any Party wishing to submit a matter to the decision of an expert in
accordance with a provision of the Contract which provides for this procedure
including, the Accounting Appendix, or any other matter that the Parties decide
to submit by joint agreement to the decision of an expert under this Article,
must notify same to the other Party. This notification must include a list of
at least three (3) proposed experts. The other Party must reply to this
notification within thirty (30) days following the date of receipt either by
accepting one (1) of the experts proposed or by proposing at least three (3)
other experts. In the latter case, the Party who has presented the initial
notification shall have thirty (30) days to accept one (1) expert or reject all
the experts proposed by the other Party. Non-notification shall constitute a
rejection of the experts proposed.
25.2.2 If the Parties do not reach an agreement with regard to the selection
of an expert within sixty (60) days following the date of the first notification
under the above paragraph, any of the Parties may request the Centre of
technical experts of the International Chamber of Commerce (CCI), whose head
office is in Paris, to appoint an expert in accordance with its rules.
25.2.3 If the expert agreed to by the Parties or appointed in accordance
with the above provisions refuses the Parties' request, dies or, for any other
reason, is unable to act as an expert, the Parties must meet immediately in
order to appoint an expert in replacement. If the Parties cannot reach an
agreement within thirty (30) days following the date on which it has been
established that the first expert could not act, any of the Parties may request
the Centre of technical experts of the CCI to appoint another expert in
accordance with its rules.
25.2.4 The Parties shall be required to cooperate with the expert inasmuch
as possible and each Party must ensure the cooperation of its Affiliates. The
Parties must ensure access to the data and information which the Parties or
their Affiliates may provide and which, in the expert's opinion, may contribute
to his decision. The Parties' representatives shall have the right to consult
the expert and to provide him with written information but the expert can impose
reasonable limits to this right. He shall be at liberty to assess to what
extent any document and information submitted for his review is duly justified
or pertinent.
25.2.5 All costs related to the selection and utilization of the expert
shall be jointly and equally paid by the Parties.
25.2.6 Any decision rendered by the expert in accordance with this Article
under a provision of the Contract which expressly provides for this procedure
shall be final and enforceable for the Parties. No Party may submit the matter
which was the subject of an expert decision to an arbitration procedure such as
provided in this Contract. By joint decision of the Parties, the matters
submitted to the decision of an expert may be subject to a final and definite
decision through arbitration, if the Parties agree to accept it at the time a
decision was made to submit the matter to an expert.
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ARTICLE XXVI
TERMINATION
26.1 In case of non-compliance by the Contractor with the provisions of this
Contract, the Minister may terminate the Contract if the Contractor does not
rectify same.
26.2 If the Minister deems that the Contractor has not complied with the
provisions of the Contract and has thus given rise to a reason for termination,
he must notify the Contractor in writing by formal notice so that the latter may
rectify the situation within sixty (60) days following the receipt of the
notice, if the situation can be rectified. If, within this period, the
Contractor has not rectified the situation, the Minister may declare the
Contract terminated and claim any damages deriving from said failure.
26.3 During the exploitation period, the Contractor may terminate the
Contract, by written notification to the Minister at least sixty (60) days prior
to the date of termination, provided that the Contractor has fulfilled all its
contractual and tax obligations, as well as its obligations related to the
corresponding annual Work Program.
26.4 The Contract shall be automatically terminated by the Minister through
notice to the Contractor when the latter has committed a gross mistake,
resulting from a deliberate negligence, has issued false declarations in writing
when the Contractor should have known that they were false, has assigned any
interest whatsoever to a third party without complying with the provisions
relating to the assignment of rights or when it has been declared bankrupt by a
competent court.
26.5 The Contract may be automatically terminated by the Minister through
written notification to the Contractor in the following cases if within sixty
(60) days following the date of receipt of a notification the Contractor has not
taken the corrective measures:
a) when the Contractor does not abide by the minimum work obligations;
b) when it does not complete an evaluation or a work program;
c) when it does not execute the provisions of an arbitration award or the
decision of an expert.
26.6 If the Contract has been terminated in accordance with this Article,
the Contractor shall have the right to withdraw and export all the goods used by
it, for which the property title has not been transferred, in part or in full,
provided it settles all its debts toward the Government. The Contractor shall
lose any other right under the Contract. It shall not be released from any of
the obligations contracted before the effective date of termination, whether
they are the result of said termination or the object thereof.
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26.7 If the Contractor challenges any of the events mentioned in this
Article or maintains that one of these events has occurred but it has rectified
same, the Contractor may refer the matter to an arbitration procedure within
thirty (30) days following the date of receipt of the termination notice from
the Minister. The recourse shall not be suspensive of the termination.
26.8 Before leaving the Contract Area following termination, the Contractor
must ensure that all wells are left in good condition in accordance with the
Good Practices of the Oil Industry.
26.9 Termination of the Contract shall occur notwithstanding any other right
which may have been established in favour of the Parties, under the Contract,
before said termination.
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ARTICLE XXVII
BANK GUARANTEE
27.1 In order to ensure the good performance of the minimum work obligations
provided in this Contract, the Contractor must submit within ninety (90) days
following the Effective Date, an irrevocable bank guarantee in accordance with
the sample in Appendix C for an amount that is sufficient to finalize the work
obligations during the initial phase of the exploration period. Within
forty-five (45) days before the beginning of each extension phases of the
exploration period of the Contract, the Contractor must submit an irrevocable
bank guarantee for an amount that is sufficient to finalize the work obligations
for the phase considered.
Non-submission of the bank guarantee within the period required shall constitute
a failure to the provisions of the Contract and shall lead de facto to its
termination by the Minister in accordance with the provisions relating to
termination.
27.2 The sum due in accordance with the bank guarantee mentioned above shall
be progressively reduced as soon as the minimum work obligations for the year
concerned have been finalized. For the purpose of this reduction, the
Contractor may, at any time, submit for the Minister's approval a declaration
establishing the level of performance of the work obligations. This approval
shall take place within reasonable periods.
27.3 In order to render the above mentioned reduction effective, the
Minister must notify its approval to the bank issuing the bank guarantee within
a period of thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of the Contractor's
request.
27.4 If the Contractor considers that the Minister's approval mentioned
above has been unduly delayed or if the Minister deems that the Contractor has
not satisfactorily executed a minimum work obligation according to the Good
Practices of the Oil Industry, any of the Parties may submit the matter to the
decision of an expert.
27.5 The guarantees to be submitted by the Contractor under this Article
must be approved by the Minister. The Contractor shall forward to the Minister
the original guarantees to enable him to review and keep them.
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ARTICLE XXVIII
NOTIFICATION
28.1 In order to be considered valid, any communication or notification
relating to the Contract must be submitted on a working day or received by
registered letter, cable, telex or fax to the addressees at the following
addresses:
THE GOVERNMENT:
represented by
THE MINISTER OF MINES, ENERGY AND HYDRAULICS
04 Boite Postale: 1412
Cotonou (R publique du B nin)
Fax (229) 31.35.46 T lex: 5237 MINERH
THE CONTRACTOR
ADDAX PETROLEUM BENIN LIMITED
c/o Addax Management Services SA
9, rue du Valais
CH 1202 Gen ve Suisse
Fax: 00 41 22 741 50 20
and
ABACAN RESOURCE (BENIN) LTD.
c/o Abacan Resource Corp.
1750 - 800 5th Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3T6 Canada
Fax: 001 403 269 3944
28.2 The Parties shall have the right to change address for the purpose of
notification and communication by notifying same in writing to the other Party
at least five (5) days before the date of actual change.
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ARTICLE XXIX
APPLICABLE LEGISLATION, STABILIZATION
AND COMPENSATION
29.1 This Contract shall be governed and interpreted in accordance with the
laws and regulations in force in the Republic of Benin.
29.2 If the laws or regulations of Benin in force on the date of signature
and applicable for the execution or the interpretation of the Contract or to the
economic rights of the Parties are amended so as to substantially modify the
economic equilibrium existing between the Parties on the date of signature, the
latter must meet to discuss any additional agreement which, by mutual agreement,
would reestablish said equilibrium. Any additional agreement jointly adopted by
the Parties must take into account the most probable technical and commercial
parameters in case of future development of the Hydrocarbons. If the parties
cannot agree on the parameters to be used for these calculations, or on the
additional agreements which would reestablish the economic equilibrium existing
on the date of signature, the dispute or disputes must be submitted to the
decision of an expert.
If no appropriate rules exist concerning the dispute, the contract or related
thereto in the Code or in the regulations in force in Benin, the customs and
practices of the international oil industry and the principles of law applicable
in this regard in the oil countries shall be used.
29.3 The parties agree that the Government will assume the responsibility
for the consequences of contractual commitments, legal and financial concerning
third parties, as well as all suits and damages until the end of the
Transitional Period. The Contractor will be held harmless from any operations
and activities on Seme or Block 1 which took place before the end of the
Transitional Period.
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ARTICLE XXX
INFRASTRUCTURE
30.1 The Government shall facilitate to the Contractor, for the performance
of the Petroleum Operations, the use of any roads, storage tanks and other
structures for storage and processing, piers and other loading and shipment
structures, railway lines, pipelines and other transportation infrastructures
existing in Benin and which are not exclusively used for other activities
including other petroleum activities.
30.2 The Contractor shall pay passage rights and other reasonable dues for
the use of such infrastructures in accordance with the regulations in force in
Benin. The costs incurred within this framework shall be considered as
Petroleum Costs and may be recovered by the Contractor but must not exceed those
paid by the public in general or by other parties in the same situation as the
Contractor.
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ARTICLE XXXI
GUARANTEE OF PARENT COMPANIES
31. The Contractor undertakes to produce on the Effective Date of the
Contract a letter from the parent companies guaranteeing the performance of the
ADDAX PETROLEUM-ABACAN Benin Consortium with regard to all the obligations
described or mentioned in the Contract.
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ARTICLE XXXII
TRANSITIONAL PERIOD
The Transitional Period is a period for the transfer of powers between the
Government and the Contractor.
The Parties agree that the Transitional Period is required to enable the
accounting and technical audits, in particular, for the certification of the
facilities.
This Transitional Period shall be for a maximum of three (3) months from the
date of signature of the Contract.
During the Transitional Period, the following obligations shall be observed:
32.1 JOINT OBLIGATIONS
32.1.1 The Parties undertake to evaluate the assets of the Seme Oil Project
(PPS) and to proceed if necessary with their distribution between the Government
and the Contractor, and to the sharing of responsibilities.
32.1.2 The Parties also undertake to discuss the geological, technical and
financial position of the Seme Field in order to determine the economic
conditions thereof, and their impact on the operations in Block 1.
32.2 GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS
32.2.1 The Government shall retain the full ownership of the facilities and
is the owner of all the oil production.
32.2 After the Transitional Period, a percentage of the oil production shall
be allocated to the Contractor to cover the Petroleum Costs incurred by it
before the end of the transfer of powers in accordance with the contractual
provisions relating to production sharing in Seme.
32.3 CONTRACTOR'S OBLIGATIONS
32.3.1 The Contractor undertakes, after carrying out the geological,
geophysical, reservoir engineering and production technology studies to submit
to the government an Action Program to produce the H6 and H6.5 reservoirs or
other reservoirs in Block 1. This program may cover the reprocessing of seismic
lines, the drilling of new wells as well as the well workovers, temporary or
final shutdown.
33.3.2 The Contractor undertakes to submit to the Government a report on
the condition of the facilities together with a program for their remediation
and their management on their temporary or final shutdown. In the case of
remediation he undertakes to make the investments to the Good Practices of the
Oil Industry, and taking into account the future production of Seme and Block 1.
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ARTICLE XXXIII
FINAL PROVISIONS
33.1 If on one or several occasions, the Minister or the Contractor omits to
invoke or to emphasize the execution of one of the provisions of the Contract,
the latter must not be interpreted as a renunciation to the future application
of the provision or of the right in question.
33.2 All matters which are not expressly provided for in this Contract shall
be governed by the Code and other laws and regulations of the Republic of Benin.
33.3 If a provision of the Contract is declared null or non-invocable for
any reason whatsoever, this does not imply that the Contract or any other of its
provisions may be declared null or non-invocable, except if the Contract or
these other provisions are affected by this nullity.
33.4 The Contract may not be amended without the unequivocal and written
consent of the Parties, but the Minister may, however, extend the period during
which the Contractor must fulfill any obligation under this Contract and each
Party, or both Parties together, may freely exercise, implicitly or explicitly,
any rights granted to them hereunder.
33.5 The purpose of the headings used in the Contract is to facilitate its
reading and cannot be interpreted as having a special meaning.
33.6 Any reference to the singular shall include the plural and vice versa.
33.7 Any reference to the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender
and vice versa.
33.8 The Contract shall constitute the full agreement of the Parties and
shall replace any agreements and negotiation results conducted between the
Parties before the date of signature.
33.9 Once the Contract has been signed by the Parties, it shall be published
in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Benin and anywhere else required.
33.10 This Contract has been signed in two (2) originals.
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MADE IN COTONOU, THE 01/02 1997
FOR THE CONTRACTOR
FOR THE GOVERNMENT
OF THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN
MR. EMMANUEL GOLOU MR. MARC LORENCEAU
- -------------------- --------------------
MINISTER OF MINES, ENERGY AND HYDRAULICS PRESIDENT OF ADDAX
PETROLEUM BENIN AND BY
ORDER
MR. JEAN CLAUDE GANDUR
-------------------------
PRESIDENT OF THE ADDAX
AND ORYX GROUP
MR. WADE CHERWAYCO
--------------------
PRESIDENT OF ABACAN
RESOURCE LIMITED (BENIN)
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APPENDIX "A"
------------
COORDINATE REGION CONTRACT
--------------------------
TOTAL AREA OF BLOCK 1: 551,3 Km2
1) EXPLOITATION PERMIT (62Km2)
--------------------
1-B) 6 16' 28" North 2 43' 00" East
2-C) 6 16' 28" 2 39' 55"
3-D) 6 11' 43" 2 39' 55"
4-E) 6 11' 43" 2 43' 30"
2) EXPLORATION PERMIT (489,3 km2)
-------------------
1-1)_ 6 22' 20" North 2 42' 30" East
2-F) 6 05' 00" 2 44' 12"
3-G) 6 05' 00" 2 34' 00"
4-H 6 21' 23" 2 34' 00"
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APPENDIX "B"
------------
MAP OF BENIN
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APPENDIX "C"
------------
FORM OF BANK GUARANTEE
----------------------
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APPENDIX "D"
------------
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL PROCEDURES
-----------------------------------
The present Appendix is attached and is made part of the Contract of
exploration and exploitation.
Dated
_________________________________________
Between THE GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN
and THE SYNDICATE ADDAX PETROLEUM - ABACAN BENIN S.A.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- -------------------
PAGES
CHAPTER 1: General arrangements
CHAPTER 2: Classifications, Distribution of costs and expenditures
CHAPTER 3: Method of recuperation of Contractor's costs
CHAPTER 4: Inventory and evaluation of assets
CHAPTER 5: Report of activities during the Period of exploration
CHAPTER 6: Production Report
CHAPTER 7: Report on the value of the Production
CHAPTER 8: Report on recoverable costs
CHAPTER 9: Statement of expense and receipts
CHAPTER 10: Yearly report
CHAPTER 11: Yearly budget
CHAPTER 12: Forecasts and long term plans
CHAPTER 13: Procedures of accounting and financial revisions
CHAPTER 14: Disagreement with the Contract
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CHAPTER 1: GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS
The present Appendix has for a main objective, to establish rules and accounting
procedures allowing the determination of investments, expenses, costs of
exploitation and receipts of the Contractor.
1.1 DEFINITIONS
Terms used in the present Appendix have the same meaning as terms used in the
Contract.
1.2 REPORTS THAT THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PRESENT:
a) Within the thirty (30) days that follow the Date of commencement of the
Contract, the Contractor will submit for the Minister's approval the general
lines of one project of accounting procedures, of operational registries. These
procedures should be compliant to norms in Benin and compatible with those of
the International Oil industry. Within the sixty (60) days following the receipt
of the above documents, the Minister will either have to approve or ask for
their revision. Within ninety (90) days after the Minister's approval, the
Contractor, on the basis of the recommendations that are made will revise the
manuals and the accounting procedures which will be in force during the length
of the Contract.
b) The reports relating to the Oil Operations that the Contractor should
regularly produce are those that are stipulated in the Contract, In the present
Appendix and those that might make the object of an agreement subsequently
between Parties or that could be required by the Beninese legislation.
1.3 ACCOUNTING SYSTEM
The Oil operations accounting system is prepared by the Contractor
according to the terms of the Contract and of the National Accounting Plan. The
whole cost (CCE) method of Capitalization will be used.
1.4 LANGUAGES AND UNITS OF AMOUNT TO BE USED:
a) Amounts will be held in the local currency of Benin. Metric units and
Barrels will be measures concerned by the present Appendix. The language of use
will be French.
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b) Rules of accounting and financial procedures are directed so that
neither the Minister nor the Contractor undergo exchange gains or losses at the
expense of either Party. However, if an exchange gain or a loss is produced, it
would be credited or debited to accounts foreseen by this Contract.
i) Receipts and expenses in Francs CFA or in American dollars will be
converted on the basis of the average between the exchange rate for the sale and
the exchange rate for the purchase of currencies in question, as published the
last day of the previous month by the specialized magazines of the BCEAO or of
the IMF.
ii) If an increase or reduction - isolated or cumulative -, of ten percent
(10%) or more occurs in the exchange rate between the CFA Francs and American
Dollars, during the course of any one month, the exchange rate to use would be
the following:
(1) For the period from the first day of the month until the day when such
increase or reduction occurs for the first time, the average of the official
exchange rate for the purchase and the sale between the American Dollar and the
CFA franc as published the last day of the previous month;
(2) For the period going from the day when this increase or reduction
occurs for the first time until the end of the Month, the mean of the official
exchange rate for the purchase and the sale between the American Dollar and the
CFA Franc published the day when such an increase or reduction would take
- -place.
1.5 PAYMENTS
a) All payments between Parties, except if stated otherwise, will be made
according to the Contract and by the intermediary of a bank that will be
designated by each of the Parties.
b) All the moneys due by one of the Parties, in virtue of the Contract,
during any one Month, will be subjected at the time of the payment, for every
day of the Month following their deadline, to a daily compound interest
corresponding to the rate of the Contract + 1
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CHAPTER 2: COST AND EXPENDITURES
All expenses concerning the Oil Operations will be classified, and
distributed as follows:
2.1 Costs of exploration including all direct costs and indirect charges for
the oil exploration in the Contract Area, before obtaining the exploration
Permit, notably:
a) The geophysical studies, geochemical, paleontological, geological,
topographic and seismic studies and their respective interpretations.
b) The drilling and the coring of Exploration Wells and Appraisal Wells
under the condition that these are not transformed into Development wells.
c) The manpower, and the material used for the drilling of Exploration
Wells mentioned below including services there pertaining.
d) Facilities used exclusively for this goal including access roads.
e) The service costs relative to operations as described in the Section 2.4
of the present Chapter and agreed upon between the Minister and the Contractor.
f) The administrative and general expenses relative to Exploration
Operations as described in the Section 2.5 of this Chapter, and agreed upon
between the Minister and the Contractor.
g) All other contractual costs engaged before the beginning of the
commercial production and that would not have been foreign in Section 2.2.
2.2 Investments for Production development including all expenses during the
Operations of Development and Production, notably:
a) The drilling of Production Wells from a reservoir already discovered,
whether these wells are dry or in production.
b) The completion of wells for the purpose of production.
c) The intangible costs of drilling such as the manpower, the consumables,
and the services relative to the drilling and the deepening of wells for the
purpose of production.
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d) Costs of development facilities such as pipelines, flexables, units of
production and treatment, wellhead and bottom hole equipment of wells, systems
for improved recovery, drilling platforms, facilities for the storage of
hydrocarbons, terminals and jetties for exportation, harbors and their
equipments and access roads for production activities.
e) Studies of engineering and design of installations for the field.
f) The service costs relative to Production Operations, described in
Section 2.4 of this Chapter and as agreed upon between the Minister and the
Contractor.
g) The administrative and general expenses relative to the operations
described in Section 2.5 of the present Chapter and as agreed upon between the
Minister and the Contractor.
h) All other Developmental expenses incurred before the beginning of the
commercial production.
2.3 Operating costs including the expenses undertaken for the functioning of
the Field, after the beginning of commercial production. These include notably:
Costs of electric energy supplies to power the Wells.
Expenses of upkeep and repair of machines, equipments and facilities.
Costs of treatment, transport and storage of the Raw Oil or of the Gas.
Costs of the production -- production control laboratory.
Cost of transportation on the ground, by sea and by air of personal and
equipment.
Costs related to safety, to the security and the surveillance.
Costs of Well reconditioning.
Costs of insurance and certification
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2.4 Costs of services representing the direct, or indirect expenses of
support services to the Oil Operations notably warehouses, jetties, ships,
vehicles, rolling motorized transports, aerial transports, safety stations and
fire stations, shops, water and sewers facilities, electric plants, lodgings,
recreational and communal facilities as well as the furniture, tools and
facilities used for these activities. Costs for one Calendar Year will include
the totality of the costs committed in the said year for the rental, purchase
and/or the building of such facilities as well as the committed yearly costs for
their operation and upkeep. The totality of service costs will be distributed
regularly, as stipulated above.
2.5 Administrative and general expenses abroad including:
a) all administrative and general expenses of the head office and offices
including personnel costs.
b) expenses of services provided by the head office outside of Benin.
The totality of administrative and general expenses, distributed as
stipulated above, will be defined every month of the Calendar Year by a Oil Cost
percentage accumulated during said Calendar Year according to the following
scale:
of 0 to 10,000,000 of dollars - 3%
subsequent 10,000,000 dollars - 2%
in excess of 20,000,000 dollars - 1%
CHAPTER 3: METHOD OF RECUPERATION OF THE CONTRACTOR COSTS
By virtue of the arrangements of the Contract, the Contractor shall take to
his account all costs and expenses concerning the Oil Operations. They will be
recoverable by the Contractor according to arrangements following:
3.1 Recoverable costs without approval of the Minister to operations
previously programmed by the Contractor and approved by the Minister according
to arrangements of the Contract.
They include: costs of exploration, costs of development, operating costs,
costs of services and the general administrative expenses described respectively
in sections 2.1; 2.2; 2.3; 2.4 and 2.5 hereinabove.
a) WITH REGARD TO PERSONNEL
The costs of the Contractor's employees affected to Benin and directly
employed in conducting Oil Operations of temporary ' or permanent nature are
taken in consideration under the following conditions:
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(i) the total cost of salaries and wages.
(ii) the reasonable costs incurred by the Contractor for sickness leave,
disability benefits, living and lodging allowances, travel, bonuses
and other generally applicable benefits to the salaries and wages as
direct costs in the framework of the present Appendix, as well as the
proportional costs relating to the benefits in employee favor such as,
among others, life insurance and sickness-insurance, union,
hospitalization, retirement, bonus and other similar benefits.
(iii)expenses or contributions made regarding charges imposed by a public
organism in favor of said employees.
(iv) expenses for the transportation of employees, of equipment, of
materials and of the necessary elements for the realization of the Oil
Operations.
(v) costs incurred by the Contractor for the relocation of employees to or
from the Region of the Contract or in its neighborhood, whether they
are affected in a permanent or temporary manner to the Oil operations.
When an employee is affected to other activities, other than that of the
Oil Operations, costs of relocation must be imputed according to solid and
generally accepted accounting principles .
The costs of relocation of employees and their family, the move of the
personal effects and of the domestic articles of employees and their family and
all other expenses according to practices of the oil industry.
Costs of relocation from the Region of the Contract or its neighborhood,
toward another foreign place are not recoverable unless the foreign site is the
usual place of residence of the employees.
b) WITH REGARD TO OFFICES, EQUIPMENTS AND VARIOUS FACILITIES:
i) Costs caused by the utilization of offices, dependences, camps,
storage depot, lodgings and other facilities of the Contractor in
Benin and serving directly to the Oil Operations. If these facilities
serve to other operations than the Oil Operations, and that it is not
possible to define expenses as direct expenses tied to the Oil
operations for which the service has been given, costs must be imputed
to facilities to which the service has been given, in a systematic and
reasonable manner.
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<PAGE>
ii) Costs caused by the acquisition, the rental, the installation, the
exploitation, the repair and the maintenance of systems of
communications, including the radio and VHF facilities used directly
for operations.
c) WITH REGARD TO PROVISION OF SERVICES
i) Costs and expenses incurred regarding Consultants used for technical
services and those of all other nature directly bound to the Oil
operations including, among others, laboratory analyses, the
industrial drawings, the geophysical and geological interpretations,
the engineering and the processing of data, obtained from external
sources.
ii) The costs invoiced for services provided by Affiliated companies must
be competitive with services of the same quality provided by third
parties.
d) WITH REGARD TO THE MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENTS OF THE CONTRACTOR
For the assessment of the material and equipment provided by the Contractor
from its own inventory or one of its Affiliated members, the values -"All," B"
or "C" must be taken in consideration, according to the case, being understood
that any value exceeding the just price of the market in Benin is not
recognized:
- Material and new Equipments (Category "A")
The material and the new equipments are valued at the price of the
corresponding commercial invoice increased by the supplementary costs of import,
if the case arises, and of the other costs generally admitted by accounting
techniques and practices.
- Material and used equipments (Category "B" and "C") . Are considered
in the "B" category the material and facilities that are not new but that can be
used without having to be refurbished; this material and these facilities are
valued to seventy-five percent (75%) of the price of the new material and
equipments.
Are considered in the "C" category facilities and the material which can be
used for their initial function after an appropriate refurbishing. These
equipments and materials are valued at fifty percent (50%) of the price of new
equipments and materials.
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<PAGE>
1-2)_ With regard to the acquisition of goods and equipments
i) The cost of acquisition of goods and equipments from third parties
must include expenses of custom agents, of transport, of loading and
unloading and procedures of purchase, export or import duties and
expenses caused by obtaining licenses as well as losses of equipments
and goods in transit if these are not covered by an insurance. The
accumulation of excess stocks must be reduced to the minimum, taking
into account the localization of sources of provisioning and the
necessary time for the delivery of goods and equipments from distant
locations.
ii) All material bought by the Contractor in the conducting of Oil
Operations will be inspected by the Government diligence before their
use according to the regulations in force.
iii) The Contractor not guaranteeing the material beyond the guarantee of
the supplier or the manufacturer, any sums received by the Contractor
from the suppliers, manufacturers or of their representatives in
compensation for deficient materials or equipments will be written to
the credit of the Contractor under the terms of the Contract and will
be deducted from recoverable costs.
f) WITH REGARD TO INSURANCE COSTS
This means costs incurred by the Contractor or by an Affiliated Company to
subscribe to an ins ice policy in the framework of the, Operations and this on a
competitive basis.
g) WITH REGARD TO TRAINING COSTS
This means expenses incurred by the Contractor for the training of its
employees and for all other necessary training according to the Contract.
h) RENTAL COSTS ACCORDING TO ARTICLE 4 OF THE CONTRACT
3.2 RECOVERABLE COSTS UNDER RESERVE OF THE MINISTER'S APPROVAL
These are:
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a) Research and development costs for new equipment, materials and
techniques intended for exploration, development and the production of Oil which
are not included in the work program approved by the Minister.
b) Of costs and expenses not mentioned in the present Appendix and that are
incurred during the Petroleum Operations .
c) Of interest charges incurred on loans received by the Contractor for the
financing of the Petroleum Operations. All interest rates conform to the
international financial market and agreed upon by both Parties are recoverable.
d) Rents, Charges and other taxes:
Rents, excluding the residences of the Contractor, taxes, contributions, duties,
subscriptions and all other taxes and charges levied by the State concerning the
Petroleum Operations and paid directly or indirectly by the Contractor,
according to the clauses of the Contract.
e) Of costs and losses incurred as a consequence of events that are not
foreseen by insurance as defined in the Contract, except in the case where costs
and losses would be the exclusive result of a mistake or an act of gross
carelessness by the Contractor or an Affiliated Company or one of its
subcontractors.
f) Of legal costs and expenses relative to the Petroleum Operations.
79
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3.3 NON RECOVERABLE COSTS
These are:
a) Fines, supplements and adjustments for delay in the payment of duties or
taxes prevailing in the country or adjustments for incorrect payment of these
taxes provided that such a delay or incorrect payment is attributable to the
Contractor.
b) Of import duties of goods and equipment not proving necessary to the
Petroleum Operations, and for housing of non necessary personnel.
c) Of all costs and expenses incurred before the starting date of the
Contract.
d) Of expenses pertaining to interests on credit for receivable.
e) Expenses made due to non fulfillment of the Contract obligations.
f) Of expenses pertaining to Petroleum Operations which are badly executed
as a result of a major technical error by the Contractor or any of its
subcontractors.
g) Of costs and expenses of all banking guarantee tied to the Contract.
h) Of grants in general.
i) Of advertisement expenses.
j) The costs of inventory taking in case of the Contractor rights transfer
according to the Contract.
k) The commercialization costs of the Crude or its transport beyond the
Delivery point.
l) The costs of appraisals and arbitrations described in the Contract.
m) Of the additional sum of 300% tied to Operations in Sole risks.
n) Of Commissions paid by the Contractor to intermediaries.
o) Of costs and expenses without accounting receipts.
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p) Of costs and expenses of goods or services exceeding the price of
similar goods or services in the area of West Africa at the moment of their
acquisition if circumstances didn't justify such costs and expense surplus.
CHAPTER 4: INVENTORIES AND ASSESSMENT OF ASSETS
4.1 The Contractor must hold the licences of real estate possessions and
other assets used in the Petroleum Operations according to the normal accounting
practices of the country and the International Oil industry.
4.2 At reasonable intervals, but at least once per year pertaining to mobile
assets and at least every three (3) years for the case of real estate assets,
the Contractor will make an inventory of the goods concerned by the Contract. At
least thirty (30) days in advance, the Contractor will communicate in writing to
the Minister its intention to make the said inventory; the Minister will be
represented during the realization of this inventory. The Contractor will
clearly express the
principles used for the valuation of stocks.
4.3 The Minister can ask the Contractor for information on its assets at any
time he judges necessary.
CHAPTER 5: REPORT OF ACTIVITIES DURING THE EXPLORATION PERIOD
5.1 During the exploration period, the Contractor will prepare for every
trimester, a report of activities which includes:
the list with a detailed description of activities achieved during the aforesaid
trimester. This report will be based on plans, maps, cross sections and all
other data indicating the level of completion of the work being performed. the
costs relative to the different activities mentioned above.
5.2 The activity report will be submitted to the Minister for approval
within a time limit of thirty (30) days after the end of the trimester
considered.
CHAPTER 6: PRODUCTION REPORT
6.1 Once the commercial production begins in the Contract Area, the
Contractor shall prepare for every Trimester a production report for each
exploitation zone which will include the following data;
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a) The quantity of Crude oil produced and stored during the Trimester.
b) The quantity of Crude Oil used for Petroleum Operations during the
Trimester.
c) The quantity of Crude Available at the end of the Trimester concerned .
d) Parameters and performances of the reservoir; recordings of the logs and
well tests and their interpretations; analyses of the fluids produced.
6.2 The production report for every Trimester will be submitted to the
Minister for approval within the thirty (30) days following the end of the
Trimester considered.
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CHAPTER 7: REPORT ON THE VALUE OF THE PRODUCTION
7.1 The Contractor shall prepare a report on the precise determination of
the market value of the Crude produced and stored after losses relative to the
Petroleum Operations during each Trimester. This report will contain the
following data:
a) The quantities sold and prices received by the Contractor as a result of
its sales of Crude to third parties during the Trimester considered.
b) Information obtained by the Contractor concerning the prices of Crude
produced by the main producers and exporting countries including contract
prices, discounts and bonuses, as well as the prices received on the spot
markets.
7.2 The report on the value of the production, will be presented to the
Minister for approval within the thirty (30) days following the Trimester.
CHAPTER 8: RECOVERABLE COSTS REPORT
8.1 The Contractor should prepare, for every Quarter, a report concerning
the recoverable costs, a report which will contain the following information,:
a) The recoverable Petroleum Costs, carried over if necessary, from the
previous Quarter.
b) The recoverable Petroleum Costs of the Quarter considered.
c) The total amount of the recoverable Petroleum Costs for the Quarter
considered described in the paragraphs above.
d) The quantity and the total value of the Crude Oil calculated by the
Contractor for the Cost Oil during the Quarter.
e) The Petroleum Costs recovered during the Quarter considered .
f) The cumulative amount of Petroleum Costs recovered until the end of the
Quarter considered.
g) The amount of recoverable Petroleum Costs which must be reported to the
next Quarter.
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8.2 The report of the recoverable costs for each Quarter will be submitted
to the Minister for approval within thirty (30) days following the end of each
Quarter.
8.3 In spite of the obligation that it has to keep accounts in Francs CFA,
the Contractor will keep a separate account in US Dollars for the determination
of the Cost Oil.
84
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CHAPTER 9: STATEMENTS OF EXPENSES AND REVENUES
9.1 The Contractor should prepare for every Quarter, a statement of expenses
and revenues made in the framework of the Contract. This statement will make the
distinction between Exploration Costs, investment expenses, development and
exploitation expenses, and Operating Costs, and it will identify the main
categories of expenses corresponding to these. It will show notably:
a) Real expenses and revenues for the Quarter considered.
b) Cumulative expenses and revenues for the budget of the year considered.
c) The latest forecast of cumulative expenses till the end of the year.
d) Discrepancies between the estimated budget and realizations and their
explanation.
9.2 The statement of expenses and revenues for every Quarter will be
submitted to the Minister for approval within thirty (30) days following the end
of the Quarter considered.
CHAPTER 10: YEARLY REPORT
The Contractor should prepare a yearly report that will be the synthesis of
informations relating to the production, to costs recovery of costs, to revenues
and expenses. Said report will be based on the real volumes of Oil produced and
of the incurred expenses. From this report, any necessary adjustment will be
done to payments made to the Parties according to the Contract. The yearly
report for each Civil Year will be submitted to the Minister for approval within
sixty (60) days after the end of said Year.
CHAPTER 11: YEARLY BUDGET
11.1 The Contractor shall prepare a yearly Budget that will make the
distinction between Exploration Costs, Development and Exploitation Investment
and Operating Costs to outline the following:
a) Forecast of expenses and revenues for the budgetary year according to
the Contract.
b) Cumulative expenses and revenues to the end of said budgetary Year.
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c) Program showing the most important categories of expenses of development
and exploitation investment for said budgetary Year.
d) For a budgetary item and provided that he respects the General program
of the approved tasks, the Contractor is allowed to commit overrun expenses to
the limit of ten percent (10%) of said item and said expenses must be justified.
If this limit is exceeded, the Contractor will take all necessary arrangements
to inform the Minister and to justify all overrun of expenses within thirty (30)
days following its execution.
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11.2 The yearly Budget will be presented to the Minister within a time limit
of ninety (90) days before the beginning of the year considered except for the
first Year of the Contract where the aforesaid Budget will be submitted within a
time limit of thirty (30) days after the Date of Commencement of the Contract.
CHAPTER 12: FORECASTS AND LONGTERM PLANS
The Contractor should prepare and should submit to the Minister the two (2)
following long term plans:
12.1 PROGRAM OF EXPLORATION
During phases of Exploration, the Contractor will prepare a Program of
Exploration for every phase starting from the Commencement Date of the Contract,
program that will contain the following information:
a) Evaluations of Exploration Costs showing expenses for each of the Years
of the program.
b) Seismic operation details for each Year.
c) Details of drilling activities programmed for each Year.
d) Details of the utilization and requirements for infrastructure for each
Year.
The program of exploration will be reviewed each Year. The Contractor will
prepare and will submit to the Minister, the first program of exploration within
the sixty (60) days following the Commencement Date of the Contract. It will do
thus each Year, within a time limit of forty-five (45) days, before the end of
the Civil Year.
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12.2 DEVELOPMENT FORECASTS
The Contractor shall prepare triennial Development forecasts beginning the
first day of January after the date of the first program of assessment has been
approved by the Minister. The Contractor will prepare and will submit to the
Minister development forecasts reviewed at least forty-five thus (45) days
before each civil Year, as long as required by the Contract or by common
agreement between Parties.
12.3 CHANGES IN PROGRAMS AND FORECASTS
The Minister and the Contractor agree that details of the Exploration
Program and Forecasts of Development may require changes due to changing
circumstances and results acquired. In this spirit, a revision of said programs
and forecasts may be done annually.
CHAPTER 13: PROCEDURES FOR ACCOUNTING & FINANCIAL REVISIONS
The terms of accounting and financial procedures may be amended by
agreement of both Parties. Amendments will be made in writing and will specify
the date to which they will come into effect.
CHAPTER 14 DISAGREEMENT WITH THE CONTRACT
In the case of a difference between terms of the present Appendix and those
of the Contract, those of the Contract will prevail.
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Appendix "E"Abandonment Procedure
The following procedure of dismantling of the offshore facilities indicates the
steps to be implemented for the removal of the steel structures in water depths
from 85 to 150 feet ( 26m to 46m).
I.MOBILIZATION
- --------------
1. Obtain all approvals and authorizations pertaining to the abandonment of
the facilities, and dump the structures into a deep water site.
2. Plug and abandon each well. Cut the guide tubular of each well 15 feet
under the mud line.
3. Evacuate all hydrocarbons out of the tanks and reservoirs, and clean up
with water all surface pipes, evacuation flowlines and pipelines.
II. DISMANTLING
- ----------------
1. Unhook and remove the mobile equipments and facilities.
2. Cut the feet and displace the bridge of the structure.
3. Cut the feet under the mudline and displace the jacket of the structure.
4. Drive back the jacket to an approved water depth.
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Exhibit 10.24
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN:
ADDAX PETROLEUM BENIN LIMITED
OF THE FIRST PART
- and -
ABACAN RESOURCES (BENIN) LTD.
OF THE SECOND PART
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
-----------------
ARTICLE I
INTERPRETATION 2
-----------------------------------------------
1.1 Definitions 2
1.2 Incorporation of Appendices 4
1.3 Appendix References 4
1.4 Headings 4
1.5 Persons 4
ARTICLE II
SALE AND PRICE 4
-----------------------------------------------
2.1 Sale 4
2.2 Price 4
2.3 Deposit 5
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES 5
-----------------------------------------------
3.1 Vendor's Representations and Warranties 5
3.2 Purchaser's Representations and Warranties 8
3.3 No Merger 8
3.4 Reliance 9
3.5 Claims 9
ARTICLE IV
CLOSING CONDITIONS 9
-----------------------------------------------
4.1 Vendor's Conditions 9
4.2 Purchaser's Conditions 10
ARTICLE V
CLOSING 10
-----------------------------------------------
5.1 Pre-Closing 10
5.2 Closing 11
5.3 Covenants 11
5.4 Conveyances 11
5.5 Possession, etc. 11
5.6 Data and Receipts 12
ii
<PAGE>
5.7 Change of Corporate Name 12
ARTICLE VI
GENERAL 12
-----------------------------------------------
6.1 Remedies 12
6.2 Further Assurances 12
6.3 Construction 12
6.4 Time 12
6.5 Notices 13
6.6 Prior Agreements and Amendments 13
6.7 Entire Agreement 14
6.8 Enurement 14
6.9 Assignment 14
6.10 Counterpart Execution 14
6.11 Severability 14
6.12 Waiver 14
6.13 Amendment 15
6.14 Currency 15
6.15 Public Announcements 15
APPENDIX A
BLOCK 1 CONTRACT 16
APPENDIX B
BLOCK 1 CONTRACT
(ENGLISH VERSION) 17
APPENDIX C
BLOCK 4 CONTRACT 18
APPENDIX D
BLOCK 4 CONTRACT
(ENGLISH VERSION) 19
APPENDIX E
TRUST LETTER 20
<PAGE>
PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made as of this 31st day of July, 1997.
B E T W E E N:
ADDAX PETROLEUM BENIN LIMITED, a company organized and existing under the laws
of the Isle of Man and having its registered office at Victory House, Prospect
Hill, Douglas, Isle of Man (hereinafter referred to as the "Vendor")
OF THE FIRST PART
- and -
ABACAN RESOURCES (BENIN) LTD., a company organized and existing under the laws
of the Bahamas and having its registered office at Suite 303, Anbacher House,
East Sheet North, Nassau, Bahamas (hereinafter referred to as the "Purchaser")
OF THE SECOND PART
WHEREAS the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Benin under a Letter of
Intent dated 8th March, 1996 expressed its intention to entrust the Vendor with
the redevelopment and exploitation of Seme Offshore and Onshore as well as the
exploration Block 1 (outside Seme) ("Block 1") subject to finalising the
negotiations of the Production Sharing Contract (the "Block 1 Contract") and the
Interministerial Commission on behalf of the Republic of Benin and the Vendor
have agreed on certain terms ("Terms") for the Contract, as detailed in the
Annex to the above Letter of Intent, also dated March 8, 1996;
AND WHEREAS, one prerequisite of the Terms requires the Vendor to produce
to the Government of the Republic of Benin ("Government") a contractual
partnership relating to the Vendor's position as contractor under the contract;
AND WHEREAS, the Government has accepted the Purchaser as partner of the
Vendor in its role as Co-contractor;
AND WHEREAS, on 1st February, 1997, the Vendor and the Purchaser have
jointly entered into the Block 1 Contract with the Government providing for the
exploitation and exploration of Block 1;
AND WHEREAS, on February 1, 1997 the Vendor and the Purchaser have jointly
entered into a second Production Sharing Contract (the "Block 4 Contract") with
the Government providing for the exploitation and exploration of Block 4;
<PAGE>
AND WHEREAS the Purchaser and the Vendor constitute the "Contractor" under
both the Block 1 Contract and the Block 4 Contract and the Contractor is defined
in both these contracts as the "Consortium Addax Petroleum-Abacan Benin";
AND WHEREAS pursuant to a Purchase Agreement dated April 23, 1997 (the
"Purchase Agreement"), the Vendor and the Purchaser agreed, inter alia, that the
Purchaser would acquire from the Vendor an additional 35% interest in the
Contracts, that the Purchaser would pay 100% of certain of the costs payable by
the Vendor and the Purchaser under the Contracts, and that the Purchaser would
act as operator under the Contracts, but the parties have not completed such
purchase;
AND WHEREAS the Vendor and the Purchaser had previously determined that
they will jointly conduct the activities that may be carried on within the
Republic of Benin through Addax Petroleum Benin S.A. ("Addax S.A.") a company
registered under the laws of the Republic of Benin;
AND WHEREAS the Vendor desires to sell all of its remaining interest in
Block 1 and Block 4, and under the Block 1 Contract and Block 4 Contract to the
Purchaser, and the Purchaser desires to purchase all of such interest from the
Vendor;
AND WHEREAS the Vendor desires to sell and convey all of the Shares of
Addax S.A. to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser wishes to purchase such Shares,
upon the terms and conditions herein set forth;
NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the premises and of the covenants,
warranties, representations, agreements and payments herein set forth and
provided for, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
INTERPRETATION
--------------
1.1 DEFINITIONS
In this Agreement (including the recitals hereto, this clause and each
appendix):
(a) "ASSETS" means the 50% interest owned by the Vendor in Block 1 and Block
--------
4 and its 50% interest in and to all property, assets and rights in the
Contracts, being all of the Vendor's right, title and interest in and to Block
1, Block 4 and the Contracts;
(b) "BANK" means Cr dit Suisse. CH 1211 Geneva 70, Account number:
------
0251/529981/102/50 Reference: "Jacques Python/Benin";
-
(c) "BLOCK 1" means Block 1 and Seme located in the territorial waters of
----------
the Republic of Benin, as more particularly described in the Block 1 Contract;
(d) "BLOCK 1 CONTRACT" means "Le Contrat pour l'Exploration et
--------------------
l'Exploitation P troli res Block Offshore No. 1 et Seme" dated February 1, 1997
between the Government and the Parties, a true copy of which is annexed hereto
as Appendix "A" and an English language translation of which is annexed hereto
as Appendix "B";
-2-
<PAGE>
(e) "BLOCK 4" means Block 4 located in the territorial waters of the
----------
Republic of Benin, as more particularly described in the Block 4 Contract;
(f) "BLOCK 4 CONTRACT" means "Le Contrat pour l'Exploration et
--------------------
l'Exploitation P troli res Block Offshore Profond No. 4" dated February 1, 1997
between the Government and the Parties, a true copy of which is annexed hereto
as Appendix "C" and an English language translation of which is annexed hereto
as Appendix "D";
(g) "CFAF" means franc de la communaut francaise en Afrique;
------
(h) "CONSENT" means the written consent of the Government to the purchase
---------
and sale contemplated in this Agreement, such consent to be in a form and on
terms satisfactory to both the Vendor and the Purchaser;
(i) "CONTRACT AREAS" means collectively the Contract Areas defined and
-----------------
identified as such in each of the Contracts;
(j) "CONTRACTS" means collectively the Block 1 Contract and the Block 4
-----------
Contract;
(k) "CLOSING" means the transfer of the Assets by the Vendor to the
---------
Purchaser and the payment by the Purchaser to the Vendor of the purchase
consideration therefor, and the completion of all matters incidental thereto;
(l) "CLOSING DATE" means the date on which Closing is to occur pursuant to
---------------
clause 5.2;
(m) "EFFECTIVE TIME" means the time at which the Closing is complete;
-----------------
(n) "PARTY" or "PARTIES" means a party or the parties to this Agreement and
------- ---------
their respective successors and assigns;
(o) "PLACE OF CLOSING" means the offices of Ma tre Nicolas de Gottrau,
--------------------
Geneva, located at 9 rue Massot, Switzerland, Telephone: 41 22 1346 4645, Fax:
41 22 1346 85 76;
(p) "PURCHASE PRICE" shall have the meaning ascribed thereto in clause 2.2;
-----------------
(q) "SHARES" means all of the issued and outstanding shares in the share
--------
capital of Addax S.A., which consists of as at the date hereof 2,500 shares in
the share capital of Addax S.A.;
(r) "TIME OF CLOSING" means the time on the Closing Date at which the
-------------------
Closing occurs; and
(s) "VENDOR'S SOLICITOR" means the law firm of Ma tre de Gottrau, Geneva, 9
---------------------
rue Massot, Switzerland, acting on behalf of Maitre Jaques Python
1.2 INCORPORATION OF APPENDICES
Appended hereto are the following appendices:
-3-
<PAGE>
A - Block 1 Contract
B - Block 1 Contract - English Version
C - Block 4 Contract
D - Block 4 Contract - English Version
E - Trust Letter
All appendices hereto are incorporated into and form part of this Agreement
by this reference as fully as though contained in the body of this Agreement.
References to "the Agreement" or "this Agreement" in an appendix means this
Purchase and Sale Agreement.
1.3 APPENDIX REFERENCES
Wherever any provision of any appendix to this Agreement conflicts with any
provision of the body of this Agreement, the provisions of the body of this
Agreement shall prevail.
1.4 HEADINGS
The headings of clauses and subclauses herein and in the appendices are
inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not affect or be considered
to affect the construction of the provisions hereof.
1.5 PERSONS
In this Agreement references to persons include corporations, companies,
partnerships, trustees, trusts, unincorporated associations, individuals and
other entities of a similar nature and references to the masculine gender
include the feminine and neuter genders.
ARTICLE II
SALE AND PRICE
--------------
2.1 SALE
The Vendor agrees to sell, assign and transfer the Assets and the Shares to
the Purchaser, and the Purchaser agrees to purchase the Assets and Shares from
the Vendor, in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions set forth
in this Agreement.
2.2 PRICE
The purchase price (herein called the "Purchase Price") to be paid by the
Purchaser to the Vendor for the Assets and the Shares is an aggregate One
Million Three Hundred Seventy Five Thousand U.S. Dollars ($1,375,000 U.S.).
Subject to Clause 2.3, the Purchase Price shall be paid at Closing by banker's
draft.
2.3 DEPOSIT
-4-
<PAGE>
(a) Deposit At the time of execution and delivery of this Agreement, the
-------
Purchaser shall pay an amount of Four Hundred Thousand U.S. Dollars ($400,000
U.S.) (which amount is hereinafter called the "Deposit") to the Vendor's
Solicitor, to be held by the Vendor's Solicitor in an interest-bearing deposit
in trust for the Vendor and the Purchaser to be applied in accordance with the
terms of this clause 2.3.
(b) At Closing If Closing occurs, the Deposit together with all interest
-----------
earned thereon shall be deemed to be paid over to the Vendor in partial
satisfaction of the Purchaser's obligation to pay the Purchase Price, at
Closing.
(c) Forfeiture If Closing does not occur solely or primarily because the
----------
Purchaser has wrongfully terminated this Agreement, or has wrongfully repudiated
or failed to perform one or more of its obligations hereunder, the Vendor shall
be entitled to the Deposit and all interest earned thereon on the Closing Date.
The Deposit and such interest shall thereupon be forfeited to the Vendor as
liquidated damages, and constitute a genuine pre-estimate by the Vendor and the
Purchaser of liquidated damages suffered or to be suffered by the Vendor by
virtue of the failure of the Purchaser to close and complete the transaction
contemplated herein in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
(d) Return of Deposit If Closing does not occur solely or primarily for any
-----------------
reason or circumstance including the termination of this Agreement pursuant to
subclause 5.2(b)(i) or (ii) other than one described in subclause (c) and,
without restricting the generality of the foregoing, if closing does not occur
because the Government does not provide the consent as contemplated in this
Agreement, the Purchaser shall be entitled to the return of the Deposit and all
interest earned thereon, and the Vendor shall on the Closing Date pay the
Deposit and such interest back to the Purchaser.
(e) Dispute If the Vendor's Solicitor is notified by the Purchaser, or
-------
otherwise becomes aware or determines, that there is a dispute between the
Vendor and the Purchaser as to entitlement to all or part of the Deposit and the
interest earned thereon, the Vendor shall, unless the Vendor and the Purchaser
otherwise agree in writing prior to the Closing Date, pay the Deposit and
interest thereon (or that portion thereof as to which there is a dispute as to
entitlement) into the High Court of Justice in London, England.
ARTICLE III
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
------------------------------
3.1 VENDOR'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Vendor hereby represents, warrants and covenants to and with the
Purchaser that:
-5-
<PAGE>
(a) Corporate Standing of the Vendor The Vendor is a company duly organized
--------------------------------
and validly subsisting under the laws of the Isle of Man and is duly qualified
to do business as a corporation under the laws of Benin;
(b) Requisite Authority of the Vendor (i) the Vendor has all requisite
-------------------------------------
corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its
obligations hereunder and (ii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and
the consummation of the transaction contemplated herein by the Vendor have been
duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Vendor;
(c) No Conflicts The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
-------------
consummation of the transaction contemplated herein by the Vendor will not
violate nor be in conflict with, or constitute a material default under, any
material provision of any agreement or instrument to which the Vendor is a party
or is bound, or, so far as it is aware, any judgment, decree, order, law,
statute, rule, licence, regulation, ordinance or any other law applicable to the
Vendor;
(d) Execution of Documents (i) this Agreement has been duly executed and
------------------------
delivered by the Vendor and all other documents executed and delivered by the
Vendor pursuant hereto shall have been duly executed and delivered by the Vendor
and (ii) this Agreement does and such documents will, constitute legal, valid
and binding obligations of the Vendor enforceable in accordance with their
respective terms;
(e) No Default under Laws The Purchaser has not received any notice of and
----------------------
so far as it is aware is not in, default or violation of any order, rule,
regulation, writ, injunction or decree of any court or governmental authority or
any statute to the extent that any such default or violation would materially
and adversely affect the operation or ownership of any of the Assets;
(f) Title to Assets (i) the Vendor has not done any act or thing whereby
-----------------
any of the Assets have been or will be sold or otherwise alienated and (ii) the
Assets are or will at Closing be free and clear of all liens, charges,
encumbrances, royalties, burdens, production payments, profits interests and
adverse claims whatsoever created by, through or under the Vendor;
(g) Quiet Enjoyment Subject to the rents, covenants, conditions and
----------------
stipulations in the Contracts and all other agreements pertaining to the Assets,
and on the Vendor's part thereunder to be paid, performed and observed, if
Closing occurs (i) the Purchaser may continue to hold and enjoy the Assets, for
the residue of their respective terms and all renewals or extensions thereof,
for the Purchaser's own use and benefit without any interruption of or by the
Vendor or any other person whomsoever claiming or to claim by, through or under
the Vendor and (ii) the Vendor binds itself to warrant and defend all and
singular the Assets, against all persons whomsoever claiming or to claim the
same or any part thereof or any interest therein by, through or under the
Vendor;
-6-
<PAGE>
(h) Judgments, Lawsuits or Claims There are no material judgments
--------------------------------
unsatisfied against the Vendor or any material consent decrees or injunctions to
which the Vendor is subject and there are no material proceedings, actions or
lawsuits in existence, or so far as the Vendor is aware, threatened or asserted,
against the Vendor with respect to any of the Assets;
(i) Shares (i) the Vendor has or will have at the Time of Closing good,
------
marketable, beneficial and recorded title to the Shares purported to be owned by
the Vendor, and such Shares are free of all mortgages, charges, liens, pledges,
claims, security interests and agreements and other encumbrances of whatsoever
nature and no person, firm or corporation has any agreement or option or right
capable of becoming an agreement or option for the purchase from the Vendor of
any of the Shares except as provided herein, and the Vendor has good right, full
power and absolute authority to sell and assign its Shares to the Purchaser for
the purpose and in the manner as provided in this Agreement. Such Shares are
not subject to any shareholder, pooling, escrow or similar agreements; (ii) no
consents of, filings with or approval or any governmental or regulatory body
authority is required by the Vendor for its sale and transfer of its Shares to
the Purchaser, except as contemplated herein; and (iii) the Vendor is not
obligated to obtain the written consent of any person to the transaction
contemplated by this Agreement other than from those persons from whom consent
has, or prior to the Time of Closing, will be obtained.
(j) Due Incorporation and Capitalization of Addax S.A. (i) Addax S.A. has
----------------------------------------------------
been duly registered with the "Tribunal de Commerce" of Cotonou, on September
20, 1996 and is in good standing with respect to the filing of all returns and
notices required thereby; (ii) as of the date hereof the authorized and issued
share capital of Addax S.A. consists of 2,500 shares each with a value of 10,000
CFAF. The total paid in share value amounts to 25,000,000 CFAF; (iii) as at the
date hereof and at the Time of Closing there are not and will not be, any
outstanding subscriptions, options, rights, warrants or other agreements or
commitments obligating Addax S.A. to sell or issue any additional shares or
securities of any class of Addax S.A. or any securities convertible into any
shares of any class of Addax S.A.; (iv) Addax S.A. has not authorized delivery
of or delivered any application for amendment to its charter documents as at the
date hereof.
(k) Subsidiaries and Securities Addax S.A. has no subsidiary corporations
-----------------------------
and owns no shares or securities of any other entity, and there are no
agreements of any nature to acquire any subsidiary or business or to acquire
howsoever any other business.
(l) Dividends Addax S.A. has not authorized the payment or declaration of
---------
any distribution on or in respect of any of its shares or securities by way of
dividend, redemption, purchase, return of capital or otherwise.
(m) Business Addax S.A. has not carried on any business or operations of
--------
any kind, and has no assets or liabilities, and will not have any assets or
liabilities at the Time of Closing.
(n) Remuneration of Officers, Etc. No payments have been made or authorized
------------------------------
by Addax S.A. to its officers, directors, shareholders or employees, or former
officers, directors, shareholders or employees, or to any person or company not
dealing at arm's length with it.
(o) Capital Expenditures No capital expenditures have been made or
---------------------
authorized by Addax S.A
-7-
<PAGE>
(p) Employees, Officers, Directors, Managers, Consultants The Vendor
---------------------------------------------------------
guarantees that all employees, officers and directors of Addax S.A. will resign
at the Closing.
3.2 PURCHASER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
The Purchaser hereby represents, warrants and covenants to and with the
Vendor that:
(a) Corporate Standing The Purchaser is a corporation duly organized and
-------------------
validly subsisting under the laws of the Bahamas and is duly qualified to do
business as a corporation under the laws of Benin;
(b) Requisite Authority (i) the Purchaser has all requisite power and
--------------------
authority to enter into this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder
and (ii) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of
the transaction contemplated herein by the Purchaser have been duly authorized
by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Purchaser;
(c) No Conflicts The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
-------------
consummation of the transaction contemplated herein by the Purchaser will not
violate nor be in conflict with, or constitute a material default under any
material provisions of any agreement or instrument to which the Purchaser is a
party or is bound, or, so far as it is aware, any judgment, decree, order, law,
statute, rule, license, regulation, ordinance or any other law applicable to the
Purchaser;
(d) Execution of Documents (i) this Agreement has been duly executed and
------------------------
delivered by the Purchaser and all other documents executed and delivered by the
Purchaser pursuant hereto shall have been duly executed and delivered by the
Purchaser and (ii) this Agreement does, and such documents will, constitute
legal, valid and binding obligations of the Purchaser enforceable in accordance
with their respective terms; and
(e) No Default under Laws The Vendor has not received any notice of and so
----------------------
far as it is aware is not in, default or violation of any order, rule,
regulation, writ, injunction or decree of any court or governmental authority or
any statute to the extent that any such default or violation would materially
and adversely affect the operation or ownership of any of the Assets.
3.3 NO MERGER
The covenants, representations, warranties and indemnities set forth in
this Agreement shall be deemed to apply to all assignments, conveyances,
transfers and documents conveying the Assets from the Vendor to the Purchaser.
There shall not be any merger of any covenant, representation or warranty in
such assignments, transfers or documents notwithstanding any rule of law, equity
or statute to the contrary and all such rules are hereby waived.
3.4 RELIANCE
-8-
<PAGE>
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein expressed or implied, it is
acknowledged that the covenants, representations and warranties set forth in
clause 3.1 and 3.2 are relied upon by the Purchaser and the Vendor respectively
as being true on the date hereof and on the Closing Date and shall be deemed to
have been repeated at the Closing as being true in all material respects on the
Closing Date. Notwithstanding the Closing and deliveries of covenants,
representations and warranties in any other agreements or certificates at
Closing or prior or subsequent thereto or investigations by the parties hereto
or their counsel, the representations and warranties set forth in clauses 3.1
and 3.2 shall survive Closing for the benefit of the parties hereto for a period
which shall end two (2) years after the Closing Date. All other covenants,
representations and warranties set forth herein shall survive Closing for the
benefit of the parties hereto for the longest period permitted by law.
3.5 CLAIMS
If after Closing a party becomes aware of any facts which give rise to a
claim under any of the provisions of this Agreement, it shall forthwith notify
the other party hereto in writing of such facts and the provisions under which
the particular claim may arise. No claim may be made or legal proceedings
commenced in respect of a particular claim under clause 3.1 or 3.2 by a party
hereto thereunder unless such a notice in respect of the particular claim has
been given by the party advancing or who may advance the particular claim within
the said two (2) year period and legal proceedings shall not be commenced in
respect of a claim prior to the expiry of 30 days after the party against whom
the claim is made has received written notice as aforesaid, unless before the
expiry of the said 30 day period, the said two (2) year period will expire.
ARTICLE IV
CLOSING CONDITIONS
------------------
4.1 VENDOR'S CONDITIONS
The obligation of the Vendor to sell the Assets to the Purchaser is subject
to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions
precedent:
(a) Representations True All representations and warranties of the
---------------------
Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall be true in all material respects at
and as of the Closing Date and the Purchaser shall have performed and satisfied
all covenants and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed and
satisfied by the Purchaser at or prior to the Closing Date;
(b) Payment The Purchaser shall have tendered in the form stipulated herein
-------
the total amount payable at Closing by the Purchaser to the Vendor; and
-9-
<PAGE>
(c) Consents All consents, waivers, permissions and approvals required in
--------
connection with the sale and purchase contemplated herein shall have been
obtained, including the Government Consent.
The conditions of this clause 4.1 shall be for the benefit of the Vendor and
may, without prejudice to any of its rights hereunder, be waived by the Vendor
in writing, in whole or in part, at any time. In case any of the said
conditions shall not be complied with, or waived by the Vendor, at or before the
Closing Date, the Vendor may rescind or terminate this Agreement by written
notice to the Purchaser.
4.2 PURCHASER'S CONDITIONS
The obligation of the Purchaser to purchase the Assets from the Vendor is
subject to the satisfaction at or prior to the Closing Date of the following
conditions precedent:
(a) Representations True All representations and warranties of the Vendor
---------------------
contained in this Agreement shall be true in all material respects at and as of
the Closing Date and the Vendor shall have performed and satisfied all covenants
and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed and satisfied by the
Vendor at or prior to the Closing Date; and
(b) Government Consent The Government shall have provided the Consent to
-------------------
the purchase and sale in the manner contemplated in this Agreement, by August
31, 1997, or at the election of the Purchaser September 30, 1997.
The conditions of this clause 4.2 shall be for the benefit of the Purchaser and
may, without prejudice to any of its rights hereunder, be waived by the
Purchaser in writing, in whole or in part, at any time. In case any of the said
conditions shall not be complied with, or waived by the Purchaser at or before
the Closing Date, the Purchaser may rescind or terminate this Agreement by
written notice to the Vendor.
ARTICLE V
CLOSING
-------
5.1 PRE-CLOSING
At 9:00 a.m. (local Geneva time) on the last business day prior to the
Closing Date, the Vendor and the Purchaser shall meet at the Place of Closing
and shall execute and place in escrow with the Vendor's solicitors all of the
documents referred to in clause 5.4 and all other documents required hereunder
to be delivered at Closing other than any payments required hereunder. The
aforementioned documents shall be withdrawn from escrow at Closing for delivery
to the parties in accordance with this Agreement. The Vendor shall not be
required to execute at Closing any document of a type described in clause 5.4
unless a draft of the particular document in final form has been delivered to it
not later than two business days prior to the Closing Date.
-10-
<PAGE>
5.2 CLOSING
(a) Closing shall occur at the Place of Closing at 6:00 p.m. (local Geneva
time) on the later of: (i) August 31, 1997; or (ii) the day that is the tenth
business day after both the Vendor and the Purchaser have been advised that the
Government has granted its Consent to the transaction contemplated by this
Agreement; or
(b) If the Consent is not received by August 31, 1997, then the Purchaser
shall either: (i) terminate this Agreement, in which case the Deposit and
interest shall be refunded to the Purchaser without set-off or deduction as
provided for in subclause 2.3(d); or (ii) extend the term of this Agreement for
an additional 30 days. If the Purchaser extends the term of this Agreement for
an additional thirty (30) days but the Consent is not received by September 30,
1997, then after September 30, 1997 the Purchaser may terminate this Agreement,
in which case the Deposit and interest shall be refunded to the Purchaser
without set-off or deduction as provided for in subclause 2.3(d).
5.3 COVENANTS
Each of the parties hereto covenants and agrees with the other party hereto
to use all reasonable efforts until Closing to take or refrain from taking all
actions with the intent that the closing conditions set forth in Article IV
herein shall be satisfied, the representations and warranties herein made by it
shall be true and correct and all covenants and agreements herein made by it
shall have been performed.
5.4 CONVEYANCES
At Closing, the Vendor shall deliver to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser
shall deliver to the Vendor, all transfers, assignments and novation agreements,
conveyances and bills of sale with respect to the Assets and Shares as may be
reasonably required by the Vendor or the Purchaser for the purpose of giving
effect to this Agreement. It will not be necessary for any such documents to
have been executed prior to or to be executed at Closing by any parties thereto
other than the Vendor and the Purchaser. The Vendor shall co-operate with the
Purchaser to enable the Purchaser to secure execution of all such documents by
such other parties after Closing. If Closing occurs, the Purchaser shall
thereupon be liable for and shall perform as they become due all obligations in
respect of the Assets arising, occurring or relating to any period after the
Effective Time including without limitation the payments of all royalties under
the Contracts and the performance of all obligations under all operating
agreements relating to the Assets, notwithstanding that parties other than the
Vendor and the Purchaser may not have executed documents referred to in this
clause 5.4.
5.5 POSSESSION, ETC.
Possession of and title to the Assets and Shares will pass at Closing.
-11-
<PAGE>
5.6 DATA AND RECEIPTS
At the Closing the Vendor shall deliver to the Purchaser all data,
interpretations and records which the Vendor has acquired upon Operator's
consent and/or for and on behalf of the joint account under the Block 1 Contract
and Block 4 Contract.
The parties acknowledge that, pursuant to the Block 1 Contract and the
Block 4 Contract, the Government of Benin is the owner of certain data. In the
event that the Government of Benin shall require delivery of any data to which
it is entitled under the Block 1 and Block 4 Contract, the Vendor shall deliver
such data either to the Government or to the Purchaser to hold as custodian
pursuant to the terms of the Block 1 Contract and Block 4 Contract.
5.7 CHANGE OF CORPORATE NAME
Upon closing of the purchase and sale of the Shares, the Purchase shall
cause the name of Addax S.A. to be renamed to Abacan Petroleum Operations
(Benin) S.A. and obtain a new registered seat in Cotonou, Benin, such changes to
occur as soon as reasonably possible following the Closing.
ARTICLE VI
GENERAL
-------
6.1 REMEDIES
If a party hereto improperly fails to perform any of its obligations
hereunder, the other party shall be entitled to all remedies available to it
under this Agreement, at law, in equity or otherwise, expressly including
without limitation specific performance. The exercise by a party hereto of any
particular remedies shall not preclude the party from seeking, exercising or
invoking any other remedy available to it. The aforementioned remedies are
cumulative, and not mutually exclusive or dependent upon each other.
6.2 FURTHER ASSURANCES
At Closing and thereafter as may be necessary or desirable, and without
further consideration, the parties hereto shall execute, acknowledge and deliver
such other instruments and shall take such other action as may be necessary to
carry out their respective obligations under this Agreement.
6.3 CONSTRUCTION
The Agreement herein shall, in all respects, be subject to and be
interpreted, construed and enforced in accordance with English law. Each party
hereto accepts the jurisdiction of the High Court of Justice in London and all
courts of appeal therefrom without reference to arbitration.
6.4 TIME
Time shall be of the essence in this Agreement.
-12-
<PAGE>
6.5 NOTICES
The address for notice of each of the parties hereto shall be as follows:
(a) by mail or delivery:
Vendor: Addax Petroleum Benin Limited
9, rue du Valais
CH 1202, Geneve,Switzerland
Attention: President
Purchaser: Abacan Resources (Benin) Limited
7th Floor, Folawiyo Plaza
38 Warehouse Road
Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria
Attention: President
(b) by telephone or telecopier:
Purchaser: Telephone: 234 1545 0283
Fax: 234 1545 0301
Vendor: Telephone: 44 22 741 5010
Fax: 44 22 741 5020
Either of the parties hereto may from time to time change its address for notice
herein by giving written notice to the other party hereto. Any notice may be
served by delivery to a party hereto or by mailing the same by prepaid post in a
properly addressed envelope addressed to the party hereto at its address for
notice hereunder or by telecopier to the telecopier number for notice hereunder.
Any notice given by delivery to a party hereto shall be deemed to be given and
received on the date of such delivery. Any notice given by mail shall be deemed
to be given and received on the sixth day (except Saturdays, Sundays, statutory
holidays and days upon which postal service in England is interrupted) after the
mailing thereof. Any notice given by telecopier shall be deemed to be given and
received on the day that it is sent.
6.6 PRIOR AGREEMENTS AND AMENDMENTS
Upon Closing being completed, this Agreement shall supersede and replace
any and all prior agreements between the parties hereto relating to the sale and
purchase of the Assets or any portion and may be amended only by written
instrument signed by the parties hereto. For greater certainty, this Agreement
shall not terminate the rights of the Parties under the Purchase Agreement dated
April 23, 1997 such that if this Agreement does not close the Parties will be
returned to the same positions they were in as of the date prior to the
execution of this Agreement. If this Agreement is completed, the Purchaser
shall not be under any obligation to make the payment required to be made under
the April 23, 1997 Purchase Agreement, as it is acknowledged that the 35%
interest that is the subject of that Purchase Agreement is a part of the 50%
interest being acquired pursuant to this Agreement.
-13-
<PAGE>
6.7 ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement (including all appendices hereto) states and comprises the
entire agreement between the parties hereto. There is no representation,
warranty or collateral agreement relating to the sale and purchase of the Assets
except as expressly set forth herein.
6.8 ENUREMENT
This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall enure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective successors, receivers, receiver-managers,
trustees and permitted assigns.
6.9 ASSIGNMENT
Neither party hereto may assign this Agreement or any of its rights or
obligations hereunder without first obtaining the consent of the other party
hereto.
6.10 COUNTERPART EXECUTION
This Agreement may be executed and delivered in counterparts and, if so
executed and delivered, the execution and delivery of a counterpart by each of
the parties hereto shall constitute execution and delivery of this Agreement.
6.11 SEVERABILITY
If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person
or in any circumstances shall be held to be invalid, the remaining provisions of
this Agreement, and the application of the particular provision to persons and
in circumstances other than those as to which it had been held to be invalid,
shall not be affected by the invalidity.
6.12 WAIVER
The failure of any party to insist upon strict performance of a provision
of this Agreement, irrespective of the length of time for which the failure
continues, shall not constitute a waiver of the party's right to demand strict
compliance thereafter. No consent or waiver, express or implied, to or of any
breach or default in the performance of any provision of this Agreement shall
constitute a consent or wavier to or of any other breach or default.
6.13 AMENDMENT
No amendment to this Agreement shall be valid unless it is in writing and
signed by the parties hereto.
6.14 CURRENCY
All amounts of money referred to herein and all payments hereunder shall be
in United States dollars.
-14-
<PAGE>
6.15 PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS
The parties shall cooperate with each other in relaying information
concerning this Agreement and the transaction herein contemplated and shall
furnish to and discuss with the other party drafts of all press and other
releases prior to publication; and in particular, without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, the Purchaser shall not without the express written
consent of the Vendor reveal in any such release the identity of the Vendor or
the value of the transaction herein contemplated. Nothing contained in this
clause shall prevent a party at any time from furnishing any information to any
governmental agency or regulatory authority or to the public if required to do
so by any applicable law or regulation.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the seals of the parties hereto have been affixed and
this Agreement has been delivered by their duly authorized officers on the date
first above written.
ADDAX PETROLEUM BENIN LIMITED
Per: /s/ Peter J. Fleimish
------------------------
PETER J. FLEIMISH, GENERAL MANAGER
ABACAN RESOURCES (BENIN) LTD.
Per: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
--------------------
WADE G. CHERWAYKO - PRESIDENT
Per: /s/ Tunde Folawiyo
--------------------
TUNDE FOLAWIYO - VICE-PRESIDENT
-15-
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
BLOCK 1 CONTRACT
French Text - Not required to be filed
-16-
<PAGE>
APPENDIX B
BLOCK 1 CONTRACT
(ENGLISH VERSION)
This document has been filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Form 10-KSB dated effective
March 1, 1999.
-17-
<PAGE>
APPENDIX C
BLOCK 4 CONTRACT
French Version - Not required to be filed.
-18-
<PAGE>
APPENDIX D
BLOCK 4 CONTRACT
(ENGLISH VERSION)
This document has been filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Form 10-KSB dated effective
March 1, 1999.
-19-
<PAGE>
APPENDIX E
TRUST LETTER
July, 1997
ON BEHALF OF MA TRE JACQUES PYTHON:
MA TRE NICOLAS DE GOTTRAU
9 RUE MASSOT
GENEVA,
SWITZERLAND
Dear Sirs:
The undersigned, Abacan Resources (Benin) Ltd. (herein referred to as the
"Purchaser"), and Addax Petroleum Benin Limited (herein referred to as the
"Vendor"), are parties to a certain Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated July
,1997 between the Purchaser and the Vendor (herein referred to as the
"Agreement") a true copy of which is attached hereto as Schedule "A". In
connection with the Closing of the transactions contemplated in the Agreement
the Purchaser has placed on deposit with you the sum of $400,000.00 (U.S.)
(herein referred to as the "Funds"), in trust, with interest to follow
principal, pursuant to the terms hereof and thereafter to be held in trust by
you as follows:
a) If the Closing occurs $400,000.00 (U.S.) together with all interest
earned thereon shall be released to the Vendor at the Closing; or
b) If the Closing does not occur $400,000.00 (U.S.) together with all
interest earned thereon shall be released to the Purchaser on September 1, 1997,
or October 1, 1997 if the Purchaser has elected to extend the Closing pursuant
to Clause 5.2 (b) of the Agreement.
7. Unless you have been advised otherwise in writing jointly by both
parties, you shall be at liberty and hereby directed to release the Funds in
accordance with the provisions hereof and the parties hereto agree to such
release thereof. You shall be entitled to release the Funds only on the joint
instructions made either by fax, letter or by courier and signed by the
President of the Purchaser, Mr. Wade Cherwayko and the President of the Vendor,
Mr. Marc Lorenceau jointly.
8. You shall have no duties or obligations other than those specifically set
forth herein.
9. You shall not be obligated to take any legal action hereunder which
might, in your judgment, involve any expense or liability unless you shall have
been furnished with reasonable retainer or indemnity in respect thereof by the
undersigned, or any one thereof.
10. You are not bound in any way by any other contract or agreement between
the parties hereto whether or not you have knowledge thereof or of its terms and
conditions and your only duty, liability and responsibility shall be to hold and
deal with the Funds as herein directed.
11. You shall be entitled to assume that any instruction, notice and
evidence received by you pursuant to these instructions from either of the
undersigned has been duly executed by the party by whom it purports to have been
signed and you shall not be obligated to inquire into the sufficiency or
authority of any signatures appearing on such notice or evidence.
-20-
<PAGE>
12. The undersigned jointly and severally covenant and agree to indemnify
you and to hold you harmless against loss, liability or expense incurred without
negligence or bad faith on your part arising out of or in connection with the
administration of your duties hereunder, including the costs and expenses of
defending you against any claim or liability arising therefrom.
13. In the event of any disagreement between any of the parties to these
instructions or between them or any of them and any other person, resulting in
adverse claims or demands being made in connection with the Funds, or in the
event that you, in good faith, are in doubt as to what action you should take
hereunder, you may, at your option, refuse to comply with any claims or demands
on you, or refuse to take any other action hereunder, so long as such
disagreement continues or such doubt exists, and in any such event, you shall
not be or become liable in any way or to any person for your failure or refusal
to act, and you shall be entitled to continue so to refrain from acting until
(i) the rights of all parties shall have been finally adjudicated by the High
Court of Justice in London and all courts of appeal therefrom or (ii) all
differences shall have been adjusted and all doubt resolved by agreement among
all of the interested parties, and you shall have been notified thereof in
writing signed by all such parties. Your rights under this paragraph are
cumulative of all other rights which you may have by law or otherwise.
14. For the purpose of these instructions, the addresses of the undersigned
are as set out in the Agreement.
15. The terms of these instructions are irrevocable by the undersigned
unless revocation is consented to in writing by all of the undersigned.
16. The terms herein shall be binding upon you and your successors in the
practise of law and upon the undersigned and the respective successors and
assigns to the undersigned.
17. Unless otherwise set forth herein to the contrary, all terms as used
herein shall have the same meaning as ascribed to them in the Agreement.
18. You shall be entitled, upon notice to the undersigned, to assign your
rights and obligations under this agreement to a member of the Law Society of
Switzerland residing in and practising law in the city of Geneva, provided that
such assignment shall not be effective unless and until such assignee has agreed
in writing to assume such obligations.
19. Any dispute out of or in connection with this trust letter between the
Vendor's Solicitor on one side and the Purchaser and the Vendor on the other
side should be construed and interpreted under the law of Switzerland, Canton
Geneva, and shall be settled under the jurisdiction of the Court of Geneva,
Switzerland.
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<PAGE>
Please confirm the arrangement herein provided by signing below.
Yours very truly,
ABACAN RESOURCES (BENIN) LTD.
Per:/s/ Wade Cherwayko
--------------------
ADDAX PETROLEUM BENIN LIMITED
Per:/s/ Peter Fleimish
--------------------
The undersigned agrees to hold and deal with the Funds in accordance with the
above instructions.
Dated at the City of Geneva, Switzerland, as of the day of July, 1997.
ON BEHALF OF MA TRE JACQUES PYTHON:
MA TRE NICOLAS DE GOTTRAU
Per:/s/ Nicholas de Gottrau
--------------------------
[AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE]
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.25
CONVEYANCE AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made the 30th day of September, 1997.
BETWEEN:
ADDAX PETROLEUM BENIN LIMITED, a company organized
and existing under the laws of the Isle of Man and having its registered
office at Victory House, Prospect Hill, Douglas Isle of Man
(hereinafter referred to as the "Vendor")
OF THE FIRST PART
- and -
ABACAN RESOURCES (BENIN) LTD., a company organized
and existing under the laws of the Bahamas and having its registered
office at Suite 303, Anbacher House, East Street North, Nassau,
Bahamas (hereinafter referred to as the "Purchaser")
OF THE SECOND PART
WHEREAS the Assignor is a party to those agreements (collectively called
the "Agreements") described in Schedule A hereto;
AND WHEREAS by virtue of the Agreements, the Assignor holds an interest in
Concession Block 1 and Concession Block 4, both being located in the Republic of
Benin.
AND WHEREAS the Assignor wishes to convey and assign all of its right,
title, interest and estate in and to the Agreements to the Assignee;
NOW THEREFORE in consideration of the premises hereto and the mutual
covenants and agreements herein set forth, the parties hereto mutually covenant
and agree as follows:
1. The Assignor hereby assigns, transfers, sets over and conveys to the
Assignee all of its right, title, interest and estate in and to the Agreements,
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the same unto the Assignee for the Assignee's sole and
exclusive use and benefit absolutely.
<PAGE>
2. The Assignee hereby accepts the within conveyance and assignment and
covenants and agrees with the Assignor that it shall be bound by, observe and
perform the covenants, duties and obligations contained in the Agreements to be
observed and performed by the Assignor, to the extent that such covenants,
duties and obligations relate to a period, or arise, as the case may be, on or
after September 1, 1997 (the "Effective Date"), it being the intent and purpose
of the parties hereto that the Assignee shall hold all of the rights and
interests conferred in the Agreements from and after the Effective Date, for its
exclusive use and benefit absolutely.
3. The Assignor covenants and agrees with the Assignee that it shall and
will, from time to time and at all times hereafter, at the request of the
Assignee, execute such further documents and assurances and do all such further
acts as may be reasonably required for the purpose of confirming and giving
effect to the transfer of all interests and rights of the Assignor to the
Assignee under and purusant to the Agreements.
4. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as a release of the Assignor
from any obligation or liability under the said Agreement which obligation or
liability had accrued prior to the Effective Date.
5. This Agreement may be executed in as many counterparts as are necessary
and, when a counterpart has been executed by each party, all counterparts
together shall constitute this Agreement.
6. This Agreement shall enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the
Parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed and delivered this
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
ADDAX PETROLEUM BENIN LIMITED
Per: /s/ Marc Lorenceau
--------------------
ABACAN RESOURCES (BENIN) LTD.
Per: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
---------------------
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE A attached to and forming part of an ASSIGNMENT AND NOVATION AGREEMENT
made the 30th day of September, 1997, between Addax Petroleum Benin Limited, as
Assignor, and Abacan Resources (Benin) Ltd., as Assignee.
AGREEMENTS
1. "Le Contrat pour l'Exploration et l'Exploitation Petrolieres - Block
Offshore No. 1 et Seme" dated February 1, 1997.
2. "Le Contrat pour l'Exploration et l'Exploitation Petrolieres - Block
Offshore Profond No. 4" dated February 1, 1997.
<PAGE>
Exhibit 10.26
THIS AGREEMENT made effective as of the 18th day of July, 1996.
BETWEEN:
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD., a body corporate, incorporated under the laws
of the Commonwealth of Bahamas, with an office in Lagos, Nigeria
(hereinafter called the "Corporation")
-and-
TEXADA HOLDINGS LTD., of Nassau, Bahamas
(hereinafter called the "Consultant");
CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT
-----------------------------
RECITALS:
A. The Corporation is principally engaged in the business of exploration and
development of oil and gas properties located principally in Nigeria, Africa;
B. The Corporation is desirous of engaging the consulting services and
expertise of the Consultant on the terms, conditions and for the consideration
as hereinafter set forth; and
C. The parties desire to enter into this Agreement to set forth the terms
pursuant to which the Consulting Services will be provided to the Corporation
and the respective rights and obligations of the parties hereto.
NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH that in consideration of the
premises, the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto mutually covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
CONTRACT FOR SERVICES
---------------------
1.01 Subject to the prior termination of this Agreement as hereinafter
provided, the Corporation hereby agrees to contract for and retain the services
of the Consultant (hereafter the "Consulting Services") which Consulting
Services are to be provided in accordance with the terms and provisions hereof.
1.02 The Consultant covenants and agrees with the Corporation that it shall,
for the duration of this Agreement provide an individual having satisfactory
professional qualifications and working credentials (the "Named Representative")
to perform the Consulting Services. Where the context so requires, any
reference to the performance of the Consulting Services shall imply that the
Name Representative shall perform such services on the Consultant's behalf. The
Consultant appoints Thomas Horricks as the Named Representative under this
agreement. The Consultant may not change the Named Representative without the
express consent of the Corporation. The Corporation shall not be responsible or
liable for the payment of any compensation (except as specifically set out
herein) to the Named Representative.
<PAGE>
1.03 The Consultant shall be responsible for and shall have such authority as
is consistent with the position of Drilling Manager of the Corporation,
subject to the power, direction and control of the board of directors of the
Corporation (the "Board") or the Operating Committee of the Corporation (the
"Operating Committee").
1.04 Notwithstanding Article 1.03 hereof, the Consulting Services shall
include the services set forth below, and which Consulting Services shall be
provided on the basis of the following terms and conditions:
(a) the Consultant shall control, supervise, manage and direct the
operations of the Corporation, as they relate to the planning,
drilling, testing and completion of oil and gas wells. The duties of
the Consultant shall include the following:
(1) assist in all well planning and implementation activities being
performed by the Corporation;
(2) manage, oversee and where applicable, co-ordinate and control
well construction and related services being provided in respect
of wells to be drilled by or on behalf of the Corporation;
(3) preparation of all well AFE's including the tracking of such
AFE's during drilling, testing and completion operations;
(4) subject to the prior approval of the Operating Committee,
procurement of equipment and services as reasonably required for
the drilling and testing of wells;
(5) management, supervision and reporting to Operating Committee of
day to day operations respecting the drilling and testing of each
well;
(6) collection and archiving of all data and other information
obtained from each well during drilling and testing operations;
(7) provision of regular drilling and other related reports to the
Operating Committee on a daily basis during drilling and testing
operations or at such other times as may be requested by the
Operating Committee;
(8) liaise and provide assistance to other employees/consultants of
the Corporation as required or directed by the Operating
Committee.
(b) in addition to the duties set forth above, the Consultant shall
assume, obey, implement and execute such duties, directions,
responsibilities, procedures, policies and lawful orders as may be
determined or given by the Board or Operating Committee from time to
time and report results of same as may from time to time be determined
by the Board or Operating Committee;
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<PAGE>
(c) the Consultant shall faithfully, honestly and diligently serve the
Corporation and cooperate with the Corporation and utilize maximum
professional skill and care to ensure that all services rendered
hereunder are to the satisfaction of the Corporation, acting
reasonably, and to provide any other services not specifically
mentioned herein, which are in the best interests of the Corporation
are maintained;
(d) the Named Representative's title shall be Drilling Manager;
(e) the Consultant will, subject to the prior approval of the Board or
Operating Committee, arrange for the Named Representative to join in
or participate with organizations, clubs, associations or groups that
may provide good business contacts and learning facilities for the
benefit of the Corporation.
1.05 The Consultant agrees that the Named Represenative will be required to
devote the whole of his time, attention and best efforts to further the business
and interests of the Corporation during the period of this Agreement to the
exclusion of any and all other employment. Nothing herein shall prohibit the
Consultant or the Named Representative from being a shareholder in any
corporation whose common shares are traded publicly on a stock exchange. The
Named Representative shall not be entitled to be a director for any other
company without the prior consent of the Corporation.
1.06 The Consultant acknowledges and agrees that the Consulting Services are
of such a nature that regular business hours may be impossible. The Consultant
understands that it and the Named Representative may be required to provide the
Consulting Services in excess of eight (8) hours per day or five days (5) per
week, and on evenings, weekends and holidays. The Consultant agrees that the
consideration herein set forth shall be in full and complete satisfaction for
the Consulting Services to be provided hereunder, no matter when and how
performed and the Consultant releases the Corporation from any additional
obligation for pay or other compensation, whatsoever which it might have by
reason of any existing or future legislation or otherwise.
1.07 The Consulting Services shall be carried out and performed in Calgary,
Alberta or such other places as may be mutually agreed upon between the
Consultant and the Corporation.
ARTICLE 2
TERM OF CONTRACT
----------------
2.01 Subject to prior termination pursuant to the terms contained in Article
9 hereof, the term of this Agreement respecting the provision of the Consulting
Services shall be for a period of three years commencing September 1, 1996 (the
"Commencement Date") to and including August 31, 1999 (the "Expiry Date"). The
first 90 days following the Commencement Date of this Agreement shall be the
"Probation Term" during which time the Consultant shall be subject to the
termination provisions contained in Article 9.01(a) hereof and such other terms
and conditions set forth throughout this Agreement.
-3-
<PAGE>
2.02 This Agreement may be renewed from time to time for a further one (1)
year term or such other term as the parties may agree, upon the written consent
of both parties hereto.
ARTICLE 3
COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES INCURRED BY CONSULTANT
------------------------------------------------
3.01 The Corporation shall pay the following fees (the "Consulting Fees") to
the Consultant in respect of the provision of the Consulting Services:
(a) the sum of United States dollars Ten Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty
Four (U.S.$10,834) dollars per month (being U.S.$130,000 per annum)
from the Commencement date until the Expiry Date of this Agreement or
until this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article 9.01
herein.
The Consulting Fees shall be payable on the last day of each month during the
term hereof.
3.02 In addition to the Consulting Fees, the Consultant or, at its
discretion, the Named Representative shall receive 155,000 incentive stock
options (the "Stock Options") to purchase common shares of Abacan Resource
Corporation ("Abacan"), being the parent company of the Corporation. The Stock
Options are to be issued pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the
incentive stock option plan of Abacan Resource Corporation (the "Plan") at an
exercise price of Cdn.$5.35 per common share, exercisable on or before five (5)
years from the date hereof. The issuance and exercise price of the Stock
Options shall at all times be subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable
regulatory and stock exchange approval. The Corporation may change the number
or price of the Stock Options issuable herein in accordance with the
requirements of the applicable regulatory authority or stock exchange, and any
such changes shall hereafter be binding upon the Consultant without additional
consideration. Provided that this Agreement has not been previously terminated
by the Corporation in accordance with the terms hereof, the Stock Options
granted hereby shall vest to the Consultant or the Named Representative as
follows:
(a) 55,000 Stock Options on December 1, 1996;
(b) 50,000 Stock Options on August 31, 1998;
(c) 50,000 Stock Options on August 31, 1999.
The Stock Options will be issued in accordance with the usual form of stock
option agreement currently in use by Abacan with such changes as counsel for
Abacan may advise in order to reflect the terms contained herein. The
Corporation acknowledges that in the event of termination of this agreement
pursuant to Article 9.01(d) (death of the Named Representative), all unvested
stock options shall immediately vest to the Consultant or the Named
Representative (as the case may be) on the date of termination.
3.03 In addition to the compensation set forth in Articles 3.01 and 3.02
herein, the Corporation shall pay the Consultant a premium of U.S.$300 per day
for each day the Named Representative is outside the continental United States
and Canada for business purposes. The premium does not apply to days ("Travel
Days") where the Named Representative is en-route by air to the business
destination where the Named Representative elects to travel to the business
destination in business class or equivalent. The premium will be payable in
respect of Travel Days if the Named Representative elects to fly economy class
or its equivalent.
-4-
<PAGE>
3.04 In addition to the other compensation set forth herein, the Corporation
shall pay the Consultant a one-time Pension Compensation Payment of U.S. $30,000
on September 1, 1996, in lieu of the Name Representative's loss of pension plan
from his previous employer. The Consultant shall be responsible for and promptly
pay any foreign and domestic taxes that may become payable in respect of the
Pension Compensation Payment.
3.05 In addition to the compensation set forth herein, the Corporation shall
pay for and on behalf of the Consultant the following costs and expenses:
(a) corporate vehicle required for business purposes;
(b) one half of the costs of a term life insurance policy for the Named
Representative in the amount of U.S.$500,000, with a double indemnity
provision in the event of accidental death. The Consultant is to
arrange for the aforesaid life insurance policy, the terms of which
are to be pre-cleared by the Corporation.
3.06 The Consultant shall be responsible for and shall pay any and all
domestic or foreign income or related taxes that may become payable by virtue of
receiving compensation for the provision of the Consulting Services.
3.07 The Consultant and the Named Representative are authorized to incur
reasonable expenses in or about the provision of the Consulting Services
hereunder, including living expenses of the Named Representative while absent
from his city of employment, travel and meeting expenses. Subject to approval,
the Corporation shall reimburse the Consultant for all such business expenses,
provided the Consultant or the Named Representative presents to the Corporation
the following:
(a) A monthly expense report in a form acceptable to the Corporation
completed by the Consultant at the end of each calendar month:
(i) stating the amount of the expenditure;
(ii) the time, place, and designation of the type of entertainment and
travel or other expense incurred by the Consultant;
(iii)the business reason for the expenditure and to the extent
possible, the nature of the business benefit derived or expected
to be derived as a result of the expenditure;
(iv) the names, occupations, addresses, and other information
concerning each person who was entertained, sufficient to
establish a business relationship to the Corporation.
(b) Documentary evidence to be appended to the monthly expense report,
such as a receipt or a paid bill, that states sufficient information
to establish the amount, date, place, and the essential character of
the expenditure, for each expenditure.
3.08 The Named Representative shall be expected to travel on the
Corporation's behalf as required from time to time. Such travel shall be made
in accordance with the Corporation's domestic and international travel policies.
The Corporation acknowledges that all international travel will be business
class or equivalent and when not available, economy class or its equivalent.
-5-
<PAGE>
3.09 In the event the Named Representative is assigned overseas, the
Corporation will reimburse the Consultant for reasonable in-transit expenses for
the Named Representative and his dependants, such as meals, limousine and taxi
fares, tips, en-route accommodation, etc. for the initial assignment overseas,
transfer between foreign assignments and return to the Named Representative's
home of record. Included in the in-transit expenses will be an allowance of one
hundred (100) pounds weight for "unaccompanied air baggage" for the initial
assignment overseas, transfer between foreign assignments and return to the
Consultant's home of record. The Consultant shall provide an expenditure report
to the Corporation in respect of such expenses.
3.10 The Named Representative may be issued a corporate credit card of the
Corporation (the "credit card"). The Consultant confirms that the credit card
is supplied to be used exclusively to cover costs of business travel,
accommodation and meals incurred by the Named Representative while on business
for the Corporation outside of the city or location of his current assignment.
All expenditures incurred on the credit card shall be submitted to the
Corporation along with an expense report prepared by the Consultant or Named
Representative setting forth:
(a) the date and place of expenditure;
(b) the business reason for the trip abroad, including details of work
done while outside city or location of his current assignment;
(c) the names of persons entertained while outside his city or location of
current assignment.
The Consultant agrees that the Named Representative will surrender the corporate
credit card to the Corporation immediately upon request and in any event, at the
Expiry Date of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 4
REVIEW OF COMPENSATION
----------------------
4.01 Subject to renewal as herein provided, the remuneration payable
pursuant to Article 3.01 hereof may be reviewed annually by the Board or
Operating Committee on or before the anniversary date hereof, at which time the
Board shall consider such matters as it may consider relevant and shall
determine, in its absolute discretion, whether to maintain or increase the
annual remuneration payable by the Corporation to the Consultant hereunder. In
the event the Board or Operating Committee elects to amend the Consultant's
remuneration, such an amendment shall not effect the other provisions set forth
in this Agreement.
-6-
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 5
INCAPACITYOF NAMED REPRESENTATIVE
---------------------------------
5.01 The Corporation agrees that the Named Representative shall be entitled
to reasonable time from service:
(a) without loss of compensation payable to the Consultant, due to
sickness or injury or other incapacity on the part of the Named
Representative directly associated with the provision of the
Consulting Services to the Corporation;
(b) without compensation being paid to the Consultant due to sickness or
pre-existing injury or medical condition on the part of the Named
Representative on the effective date of this Agreement;
(c) without compensation being paid to the Consultant for a voluntary
medical procedure on the part of the Named Representative, provided
that the prior consent of the Corporation is obtained.
5.02 Nothing herein shall prohibit the Corporation, during of the term of
any such incapacity of the Named Representative referred to herein from
terminating the services of the Consultant in accordance with Article 9.01
herein.
5.03 The Consultant shall, prior to the end of the Probation Term, advise
the Corporation in writing of any pre-existing medical condition, injury or
sickness on the part of the Named Representative that could prevent the Named
Representative from fully and effectively performing the Consulting Services on
behalf of the Consultant for the term of this Agreement.
5.04 The Consultant shall, prior to the end of the Probation Term, require
the Named Representative to submit to a full medical examination with a
practitioner of the Corporation's choice, all at the Corporation's cost.
5.05 The Consultant acknowledges that the Named Representative may, from
time to time and without notice, be required by the Corporation to submit to
tests and related procedures relating to the use of illicit or illegal drugs.
The Consultant shall enter into an agreement with the Named Representative
requiring the Named Representative to voluntarily submit to such tests when
requested in a co-operative manner. The Consultant waives any and all claims or
actions against the Corporation and its affiliates in respect of the
requirement of such tests whatsoever that he might have by reason of any
existing or future legislation and shall obtain a similar waiver from the Named
Representative upon request of the Corporation.
5.06 In the event the Consultant insures the Named Representative through
the Corporation or through a group plan provided by the Corporation for loss of
income as a result of disability and the Consultant receives compensation or
disability income pursuant thereto, then the amount of remuneration which the
Consultant is otherwise entitled to receive hereunder during the period of
illness or incapacity on the part of the Named Representative shall be reduced
by the amount of compensation or disability income paid by such insurer to the
Consultant or Named Representative and the Consultant covenants and agrees that
it shall immediately advise the Corporation from time to time of the receipt of
any such disability income paid by such insurer to the Consultant or the Named
Representative.
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<PAGE>
ARTICLE 6
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
------------------------
6.01 The Consultant covenants and agrees that during the term hereof and for
a period of three (3) years thereafter, it will keep in strict confidence
and shall not use, directly or indirectly, for any other purpose other than for
the purpose of providing services hereunder, all knowledge, information (whether
oral or written) and materials obtained or acquired during the course of its
providing services hereunder relating to the Corporation or their business and
affairs. Other than information disclosed or divulged to the Board or Operating
Committee and duly authorized officers and employees of the Corporation, the
Consultant will not disclose, divulge, publish or transfer, or authorize or
permit anyone else to disclose, divulge, publish or transfer or use to his own
advantage any such knowledge, materials, business data or other information
obtained pursuant to this Agreement or which relate in any manner to the
business and affairs of the Corporation, without the prior written consent of
the Corporation, which consent may not be arbitrarily or unreasonably withheld.
The Consultant shall obtain an undertaking of confidentiality from the Named
Representative in the form of Schedule "A" attached.
6.02 The obligation of the Consultant or the Named Representative as
identified in Article 6.01 hereof shall not apply to such knowledge,
information, material or business data obtained pursuant to this Agreement or
relating in any manner to the business affairs of the Corporation which:
(a) was demonstrably known to the Consultant prior to receipt thereof
pursuant to this Agreement;
(b) is available to the public in the form of written publication;
(c) shall have become available to the Consultant or the Named
Representative in good faith from a third party who has a bona fide
right to disclose same; and
(d) that information which is required to be disclosed to any federal,
provincial, state or local government or governmental branch, board,
agency or instrumentality necessary to comply with relevant timely
disclosure laws or regulatory authorities, including stock exchanges
having jurisdiction in respect of securities of the Corporation.
ARTICLE 7
VACATION
--------
7.01 The Named Representative shall be entitled to one (1) thirty day
(inclusive of business days and weekends) vacation (the "Vacation Period") for
each year throughout the term of this Agreement and any and all renewals
thereof, provided that the Named Representative shall not be entitled to take
any vacation time until following the expiry of the Probation Term. The
Consultant shall continue to receive the Consulting Fees during the Vacation
Term.
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<PAGE>
ARTICLE 8
NON-ASSIGNABILITY
-----------------
9.01 This contract for Consulting Services and all other rights, benefits,
and privileges herein conferred may not be assigned by the Consultant without
the express written consent of the Corporation.
ARTICLE 9
TERMINATION
-----------
1.30 Notwithstanding the term of this Agreement as set forth in Article 2.01
hereof, this Agreement and the Consulting Services being provided shall be
terminable by the Corporation upon the occurrence of any one of the following
events:
(a) at any time without notice or additional compensation during the
Probation Term;
(b) except in the case of termination for cause, at any time following the
Probation Term, upon the provision to the Consultant of ninety (90)
days written notice (or payment in lieu thereof) of its intention to
terminate this Agreement;
(c) at any time by the Corporation, without notice, or additional
compensation for cause. "Cause" shall, without limiting its meaning in
common law, include the conviction of the Consultant or the Named
Representative for an indictable criminal offence, the failure of a
medical examination or drug test, or the breach by the Consultant or
the Named Representative of any of the covenants or terms of this
Agreement;
(d) immediately upon the death of the Named Representative provided that
the Corporation agrees to pay the Consultant the equivalent of three
month's Consulting Fees;
(e) immediately upon the Consultant or the Named Representative becoming
bankrupt or making an assignment for the benefit of creditors in
general without additional compensation;
(f) immediately upon the Corporation becoming bankrupt or making an
assignment for the benefit of credits in general or ceasing to carry
on business for a period greater than six (6) months; and
(g) immediately upon confirmation of permanent incapacity due to permanent
illness, injury or disability on the part of the Named Representative.
For the purposes hereof, "permanent incapacity" means illness, injury
or disability on the part of the Named Representative incurred while
performing the Consulting Services for the Corporation that in the
opinion of an independent medical expert acceptable to the Consultant
(or his legal personal representative) and the Corporation will
prevent the Named Representative from performing his duties or
providing the Consulting Services on behalf of the Consultant for a
period longer than six (6) consecutive months. Should the Named
Representative become permanently incapacitated and this agreement is
terminated for this reason, the Corporation shall pay the Consultant
the equivalent of three months Consulting Fees. All unvested stock
options shall vest to the Consultant or the Named Representative (as
the case may be) on the termination date in the event of termination
due to permanent incapacity.
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<PAGE>
9.02 Subject to Article 10.04, in the event this Agreement is terminated in
accordance with the provisions of Article 9.01 hereof, the Consultant shall not
be entitled to additional remuneration payable by the Corporation hereunder from
and after the date of termination except as specifically provided in Article
9.01 herein. In the event the Named Representative is relocated overseas, the
Corporation shall pay for reasonable in-transit expenses to enable the Named
Representative to return to his home jurisdiction as set out in Article 3.08
upon the termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 10
CHANGE OF CONTROL, MERGER, AMALGAMATION, SALE OF ASSETS
-------------------------------------------------------
10.01 In the event of:
(a) a change of control of the Corporation or Abacan (as such term is
customarily used in the Securities Act, Alberta) through ownership of
its common shares; or
(b) a change in all or substantially all of the Board of the Corporation
or Abacan; or
(c) the Corporation or Abacan merging, amalgamating or re-organizing with
another corporation that is not an affiliate with the Corporation or
Abacan; or
(d) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets or undertakings of
the Corporation, the Corporation shall provide the Consultant with
Notice of such events (the "Change of Control Event").
10.02 Not later than 30 days following the completion of the Change of
Control Event contemplated in Article 10.01(a), (b) or (c), the Corporation or
its successor shall advise the Consultant whether the Consultant Services are
still required.
10.03 Should notice be provided that the Consultant's services are still
required after the Change of Control Event, the Consultant, Corporation or the
successor shall continue to be bound by the terms of this agreement.
10.04 Should the Change of Control Event be pursuant to Article 10.01(d) or
should notice be provided that the Consultant's services are no longer required
after the Change of Control Event, in accordance with Article 10.02 herein, or
should the services of the Consultant be terminated within 30 days of the Change
of Control Event (other than in accordance with Article 9.01(c)),
(a) the Consultant shall be entitled to a lump sum payment upon
termination of the equivalent of three months Consulting Fees; and
(b) all unvested stock options shall immediately vest to the Consultant or
the Named Representative (as the case may be) effective as of the
Change of Control Event.
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<PAGE>
ARTICLE 11
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
--------------------
11.01 The Consultant covenants and agrees with the Corporation that during
the term hereof and for a period of three (3) years thereafter, it will not,
either individually or in partnership or jointly or in conjunction with any
person or association, syndicate, as principal, agent, shareholder, or in any
other manner whatsoever carry on or be engaged in or be concerned with or
interested in or advise, lend money to, guarantee the debts or obligations of or
permit its name or any part thereof to be used by any person or persons,
including, without limitation, any individual, firm, association, syndicate,
company, corporation, or other business enterprise, engaged in or concerned with
or interested in any business or any part thereof presently carried on by the
Corporation with respect to their business or any other business at any time
during the term hereof carried on by the Corporation, without the prior written
consent of the Corporation which consent will not be arbitrarily or unreasonably
withheld. The Consultant shall obtain an equivalent undertaking from the Named
Representative in the form of Schedule "B" attached.
11.02 During the period identified in Article 11.01, the Consultant shall not
solicit, engage in, assist or have an interest in or be connected with any
person, firm or corporation soliciting any customer known or ought to be known
to the Consultant to be a customer or business associate of the Corporation.
11.03 During the period identified in Article 11.01, the Consultant shall not
induce, entice or attempt to obtain the withdrawal from the Corporation of
any employee or management personnel either before or after the termination of
this Agreement.
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<PAGE>
11.04 If the Corporation ceases to carry on business for a continuous period
of six (6) months or more, then the provisions of Article 6 and Article 11
hereof shall be null and void and shall cease to have any force and effect after
the expiration of the aforesaid period of time.
ARTICLE 12
NOTICES
-------
12.01 All notices required or allowed to be given under this Agreement shall
be made either personally or by mailing same by prepaid registered post,
addressed as hereinafter set forth or to such other address as may be designated
from time to time by such party in writing, and any notice mailed as
aforesaid shall be deemed to have been received by the addressees thereof on the
fifth business day following the day of mailing:
Corporation: Liberty Technical Services Ltd.
7th Floor, Folawiyo Plaza
38 Warehouse Road, Apapa, Lagos
Nigeria
Fax: (234) 1-545-0301
with a copy to: Abacan Resource Corporation
1750, 800 - 5th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 3T6
Fax: (403) 269-3944
Consultant: Texada Holdings Ltd.
64 Tradewinds Building
Bay Street
P.O. Box N-8220
Nassau, Bahamas
Attention: Bruce C. Bell
Tel: (809) 322-8020
Fax: (809) 328-7330
Any party may from time to time change its address for service hereunder on
written notice to the other parties. Any notice may be served by hand delivery
or by mailing same by prepaid, registered post, in a properly addressed
envelope, addressed to the party to whom the notice is to be given at its
address for service hereunder.
-12-
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 13
SEVERABILITY
------------
13.01 Each provision of this Agreement is declared to constitute a separate
and distinct covenant and to be severable from all other such separate and
distinct covenants. If any covenant or provision herein is determined to be
void or unenforceable in whole or in part, it will not be deemed to affect or
impair the enforceability or validity of any other covenant or provision of this
Agreement or any part thereof.
ARTICLE 14
RELIEF
------
14.01 The parties to this Agreement recognize that a breach by the
Consultant or Named Representative of any of the covenants herein contained
would result in damages to the Corporation and that the Corporation could not
adequately be compensated for such damages by monetary award. Accordingly, the
Consultant agrees that in the event of any such breach, in addition to all other
remedies available to the Corporation at law or in equity, the Corporation will
be entitled as a matter of right to apply to a court of competent equitable
jurisdiction of such relief by way of restraining order, injunction, decree or
otherwise, as may be appropriate to ensure compliance with the provisions of
this Agreement.
ARTICLE 15
WAIVER
------
15.01 The parties agree that all restrictions in this Agreement are necessary
and fundamental to the protection of the Corporation and are reasonable and
valid, and all defences to the strict enforcement of Article 6 and Article 11
hereof by the Corporation are hereby waived by the Consultant.
ARTICLE 16
GENERAL
-------
16.01 The parties hereto agree that they have expressed herein their entire
understanding and agreement concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and
it is expressly agreed that no implied covenant, condition, term or reservation
or prior representation or warranty shall be read into this Agreement relating
to or concerning the subject matter hereof or any matter or operation provided
for herein.
16.02 The provisions of this Agreement will enure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the successors and assigns of the Corporation and Consultant
respectively.
16.03 Wherever the singular or masculine or neuter is used in this Agreement,
the same shall be construed as meaning the plural or feminine or a body
politic or corporate and vice versa where the context of the parties hereto so
require.
16.04 Time is of the essence hereof.
-13-
<PAGE>
16.05 This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with
the laws of England and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably attorns to
the jurisdiction of the courts of such jurisdiction.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Agreement
effective as of the date and year first above written.
LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD.
Per: /s/ Wade Cherwayko
------------------------
Wade G. Cherwayko, President
TEXADA HOLDINGS LTD.
Per: /s/ Bruce Bell
-----------------
Bruce C. Bell
-14-
<PAGE>
Schedule "A"
Undertaking of Confidentiality
------------------------------
In consideration of the execution of a Consulting Services Agreement between
Texada Holdings Ltd. (the "Consultant") and Liberty Technical Services Ltd. (the
"Corporation"), the undersigned covenants and agrees with the Consultant and the
Corporation as follows:
1. That during the term of the Consulting Services Agreement and for a
period of three (3) years thereafter, I will keep in strict confidence and shall
not use, directly or indirectly, for any other purpose other than for the
purpose of providing services thereunder, all knowledge, information (whether
oral or written) and materials obtained or acquired during the course of the
provision of the services under the Consulting Services Agreement on behalf of
the Consultant relating to the Corporation or its business and affairs. Other
than information disclosed or divulged to the Board or Operating Committee and
duly authorized officers and employees of the Corporation, I will not disclose,
divulge, publish or transfer, or authorize or permit anyone else to disclose,
divulge, publish or transfer or use to his own advantage any such knowledge,
materials, business data or other information obtained pursuant to this
Agreement or which relate in any manner to the business and affairs of the
Corporation, without the prior written consent of the Corporation, which consent
may not be arbitrarily or unreasonably withheld.
2. My obligation of confidentiality as identified above shall not apply to
such knowledge, information, material or business data obtained pursuant to this
Agreement or relating in any manner to the business affairs of the Corporation
which:
(a) was demonstrably known by me prior to the effective date of the
Consulting Services Agreement;
(b) is available to the public in the form of written publication;
(c) shall have become available to mr in good faith from a third party who
has a bona fide right to disclose same; and
(d) that information which is required to be disclosed to any federal,
provincial, state or local government or governmental branch, board,
agency or instrumentality necessary to comply with relevant timely
disclosure laws or regulatory authorities, including stock exchanges
having jurisdiction in respect of securities of the Corporation.
Dated this ____ day of August, 1996
/s/ Thomas Horricks
-------------------
Thomas Horricks
-15-
<PAGE>
Schedule "B"
Undertaking of Non-Competition
------------------------------
In consideration of the execution of a Consulting Services Agreement between
Texada Holdings Ltd. (the "Consultant") and Liberty Technical Services Ltd. (the
"Corporation"), the undersigned covenants and agrees with the Consultant and the
Corporation as follows:
1. That during the term of the Consulting Services Agreement and for a
period of three (3) years thereafter, I will not, either individually or in
partnership or jointly or in conjunction with any person or association,
syndicate, as principal, agent, shareholder, director, officer, employee or in
any other manner whatsoever carry on or be engaged in or be concerned with or
interested in or advise, lend money to, guarantee the debts or obligations of or
permit my name or any part thereof to be used employed by any person or persons,
including, without limitation, any individual, firm, association, syndicate,
company, corporation, or other business enterprise, engaged in or concerned with
or interested in any business or any part thereof presently carried on by the
Corporation with respect to its business or any other business at any time
during the term hereof carried on by the Corporation, without the prior written
consent of the Corporation which consent will not be arbitrarily or unreasonably
withheld.
2. During the period identified above, I shall not solicit, engage in,
assist or have an interest in or be connected with any person, firm or
corporation soliciting any customer known or ought to be known by me to be a
customer or business associate of the Corporation.
3. During the period identified above, I shall not induce, entice or attempt
to obtain the withdrawal from the Corporation of any employee or management
personnel either before or after the termination of this Agreement.
Dated this ____ day of August, 1996
/s/ Thomas Horricks
-------------------
Thomas Horricks
-16-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.27
THIS AGREEMENT made effective as of the 10th day of February, 1998.
BETWEEN
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION, a body corporate, incorporated under the laws of
the Province of Alberta, Canada (hereinafter called the "Corporation")
-and-
TIMOTHY T. STEPHENS, of the City of Houston, Texas (hereinafter called the
"Employee");
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT
-----------------------------
RECITALS:
A. The Corporation is principally engaged in the business of exploration and
development of oil and gas properties located principally in Nigeria, Africa;
B. The parties desire to enter into this Agreement to set forth the terms
pursuant to which the Employee's services will be provided to the Corporation
and the respective rights and obligations of the parties hereto.
NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSES that in consideration of the
premises, the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto mutually covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1.
CONTRACT FOR SERVICES
---------------------
1.01 Subject to the earlier termination of this Agreement as hereinafter
provided, the Corporation hereby agrees to contract for and engage the services
of the Employee as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation
(hereafter the "Employment Services") details of which are described herein all
in accordance with the terms and provisions hereof.
1.02 The Employee shall be responsible for and shall have such authority as
is consistent with the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Corporation with the full power and authority to control, supervise, manage and
direct the day to day business and affairs of the Corporation except such
matters and duties as by law must be transacted or performed by the board of
directors and/or the shareholders of the Corporation, all subject to the power,
direction and control of the board of directors of the Corporation (the
"Board").
1.03 Notwithstanding Clause 1.02 hereof, the Employment Services shall
include the services set forth below, and which services shall be provided on
the basis of the following terms and conditions:
(a) the Employee shall control, supervise, manage and direct all of the
business affairs of the Corporation;
(b) in addition to the duties set forth above, the Employee shall assume,
obey, implement and execute such duties, directions, responsibilities,
procedures, policies and lawful orders as may be determined or given by the
Board of the Corporation from time to time and report results of same as may
from time to time be determined by the Board of the Corporation;
<PAGE>
(c) the Employee shall perform such duties and may exercise such powers as
may from time to time be assigned to or vested in him by the by-laws of the
Corporation;
(d) the Employee shall faithfully, honestly and diligently serve the
Corporation and cooperate with the Corporation and utilize maximum professional
skill and care to ensure that all services rendered hereunder are to the
satisfaction of the Corporation, acting reasonably, and to provide any other
services not specifically mentioned herein, but which by reason of his
capability he knows or ought to know to be necessary to ensure that the best
interests of the Corporation are maintained;
(e) the Employee's title with the Corporation shall be President and Chief
Executive Officer;
(f) the Employee will, subject to the prior approval of the Board, join in
or participate with organizations, clubs, associations or groups that may
provide good business contacts and learning facilities for the benefit of the
Corporation.
1.04 The Employee agrees to devote all or substantially all of his time,
attention and best efforts necessary to further the business and interests of
the Corporation during the period of this Agreement to the exclusion of any and
all other employment except as may specifically be approved by the directors of
the Corporation. Nothing herein shall prohibit the Employee from being a
shareholder in any corporation whose common shares are traded publicly on a
stock exchange.
1.05 The Employee acknowledges and agrees that the Employment Services are
of such a nature that regular business hours may be impossible. The Employee
understands that he may be required to provide the employment services in excess
of eight (8) hours per day or five days (5) per week and on evenings, weekends
and holidays. The Employee agrees that the consideration to be paid or which is
granted to the Employee as set forth herein shall be in full and complete
satisfaction for his work and Employment Services to be provided hereunder, no
matter when and how performed and the Employee releases the Corporation from any
obligation for pay or other compensation, whatsoever which it might have by
reason of any existing or future legislation or otherwise.
1.06 The Employment Services to be carried out and performed by the Employee
shall be carried out and performed in Houston, Texas, or such other places as
may be mutually agreed between the Employee and the Corporation.
ARTICLE 2.
TERM OF CONTRACT
----------------
2.01 Subject to prior termination pursuant to the terms contained in Article
9, the term of this Agreement for the provision of the Employment Services shall
be for a period of three (3) years from and including February 10, 1998 (the
"Effective Date") up to and including February 9, 2001 (the "Expiry Date").
2.02 This Agreement may be renewed from time to time by the Corporation
prior to the Expiry Date for a further one (1) year term or terms or such other
term as the parties may agree upon the written consent of both parties hereto.
-2-
<PAGE>
2.03 Should this Agreement not be renewed by the Corporation on or before
the Expiry Date, the Corporation shall, on the Expiry Date, pay the Employee a
one-time departure fee (the "Departure Fee") equal to one (1) year Employment
Fees. The Departure Fee shall be the only compensation payable to the Employee
in the event of non-renewal of this Agreement by the Corporation, and the
Employee expressly confirms that upon payment of the Departure Fee, he is not
entitled to any other compensation, severance payment, Employment Fees or
termination fees whatsoever arising out of the non-renewal of this Agreement.
Nothing herein shall however prevent the Employee from exercising any or all
stock options that may have vested to him during the term hereof in accordance
with the provisions of the applicable stock option agreement, which shall
provide that Employee will have 90 days from date of termination within which to
exercise such vested options.
ARTICLE 3.
COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES INCURRED BY EMPLOYEE
----------------------------------------------
3.01 The Corporation agrees that commencing the Effective Date, the
Corporation shall pay the following fees (the "Employment Fees") to the Employee
in respect of the provision of the Employment Services:
(a) the sum of United States dollars Two Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand
($225,000.00) dollars per annum, payable in bi-monthly instalments of $ 9,375
(the "bi-monthly instalment") from the Commencement Date until the Expiry Date
of this Agreement or until the date this Agreement is terminated in accordance
with Article 9.01 herein, provided however that for the month of February 1998,
the monthly payment shall be 18/28 of the monthly instalment;
3.02 In addition to the payment of the Employment Fees, the Employee shall
be entitled to receive 1,000,000 incentive stock options (the "Stock Options")
to purchase common shares of the Corporation. The stock options will be issued
pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of the incentive stock option plan
of the Corporation, shall be at an exercise price per common share of $3.25
(Canadian dollars) which is the closing trading price for the Corporation's
shares on The Toronto Stock Exchange on February 10, 1998. The options shall
vest as follows:
(i) one-third (a) immediately;
(ii) one-third (a) on February 10, 1999; and
(iii) one-third (a) on February 10, 2000.
The issuance and exercise price of the stock options shall at all times be
subject to applicable regulatory and stock exchange approval.
3.03 The Employee shall be responsible for and shall pay any and all foreign
income or related taxes that may become payable by virtue of receiving
compensation for the provision of services contemplated herein.
3.04 The Employee is authorized to incur reasonable expenses in or about the
provision of his services hereunder, including living expenses while absent from
his city of employment and travel and meeting expenses. The Corporation shall
reimburse the Employee for all such business expenses upon provision of
satisfactory proof of such expenses to the Corporation.
3.05 The Employee shall be expected to travel on the Corporation's behalf as
required from time to time. Such travel shall be made in accordance with the
Corporation's domestic and international travel policies. The Corporation
acknowledges that all international travel will be first class or equivalent and
when not available, business class or its equivalent.
-3-
<PAGE>
3.06 The Employee may receive a corporate credit card of the Corporation
(the "credit card"). The Employee confirms that the credit card is supplied to
be used exclusively to cover costs of business travel, accommodation and meals
incurred by the Employee while on business for the Corporation outside of the
city or location of his current assignment. All expenditures incurred on the
credit card shall be submitted to the Corporation along with proof of such
expenditures in a form acceptable to the Corporation. The Employee agrees to
surrender the corporate credit card to the Corporation immediately upon request
and in any event, at the Expiry Date or Termination Date of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 4.
REVIEW OF COMPENSATION
----------------------
4.01 Subject to renewal as herein provided, the remuneration payable
pursuant to Article 3.01 hereof may be reviewed annually by the Board of the
Corporation on or before the anniversary date hereof, at which time the Board
shall consider such matters as it may consider relevant and shall determine, in
its absolute discretion, whether to maintain or increase the annual remuneration
payable by the Corporation to the Employee hereunder. The Corporation shall not
be entitled to reduce the annual cash compensation payable hereunder. In the
event the Board elects to amend the Employee's remuneration, such an amendment
shall be in writing and shall not effect the other provisions set forth in this
Agreement.
ARTICLE 5.
INCAPACITY
----------
5.01 The Employee shall be entitled to reasonable time from service:
(a) without loss of compensation, due to sickness or injury or other
incapacity directly associated with the provision of the Employment Services to
the Corporation;
(b) without compensation due to sickness or pre-existing injury or medical
condition on the effective date of this Agreement;
(c) without compensation for a voluntary medical procedure, provided that
the prior consent of the Corporation is obtained.
5.02 Nothing herein shall prohibit the Corporation, during the term of any
such incapacity referred to herein from terminating the services of the Employee
in accordance with Article 9.01 herein.
5.03 Health Benefits
----------------
The Corporation will pay the premiums for a newly created medical plan for
Employee, which
shall provide coverage for medical expenses for Employee and his family, such
plan to include major medical coverage underwritten by a recognized provider in
the United States. Policy documents govern benefit entitlement. Further,
whether self-insured or included as part of the medical coverage, expenses for
Employee and Employee's family dental bills will also be included. If
self-insured, Employee will submit such expenses as part of monthly expense
reports.
-4-
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 6.
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
------------------------
6.01 The Employee covenants and agrees that during the term hereof and for a
period of one (1) year thereafter, he will keep in strict confidence all
knowledge, information (whether oral or written) and materials obtained or
acquired during the course of his providing Employment Services hereunder
relating to the Corporation or its business and affairs. Other than information
disclosed or divulged to the Board and duly authorized officers and employees of
the Corporation, the Employee will not disclose, divulge, publish or transfer,
or authorize or permit anyone else to disclose, divulge, publish or transfer or
use to his own advantage any such knowledge, materials, business data or other
information obtained in the course of providing the Employment Services,
pursuant to this Agreement or which relate in any manner to the business and
affairs of the Corporation, without the prior written consent of the
Corporation, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
6.02 The obligation of the Employee as identified in Article 6.01 hereof
shall not apply to such knowledge, information, material or business data
obtained pursuant to this Agreement or relating in any manner to the business
affairs of the Corporation which:
(a) was demonstrably known to the Employee prior to receipt thereof pursuant
to this Agreement;
(b) is available to the public in the form of written publication;
(c) shall have become available to the Employee in good faith from a third
party who has a bona fide right to disclose same; and
(d) that information which is required to be disclosed to any federal,
provincial, state or local government or governmental branch, board, agency or
instrumentality necessary to comply with relevant timely disclosure laws or
regulatory authorities, including stock exchanges having jurisdiction in respect
of securities of the Corporation.
6.03 The Employee covenants and agrees that during the term and any
extensions or renewals hereof, the Employee shall maintain the terms of this
Agreement strictly confidential and shall not disclose the terms of this
Agreement to any other party or entity, except Employee's attorney or legal
counsel.
ARTICLE 7.
VACATION
--------
7.01 The Employee shall be entitled to four (4) weeks paid vacation (the
"Vacation") for each year throughout the term of this Agreement and any and all
renewals thereof. The Vacation shall be taken from time to time at the
discretion of the Employee upon the provision of reasonable notice to the
Corporation.
ARTICLE 8.
NON-ASSIGNABILITY
-----------------
8.01 This Agreement for Employment Services and all other rights, benefits,
and privileges herein conferred are personal to the Employee and accordingly may
not be assigned by the Employee.
-5-
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 9.
TERMINATION
-----------
9.01 Notwithstanding the term of this Agreement as set forth in Article 2.01
hereof, this Agreement and the Employment Services being provided shall be
terminable by the Corporation upon the occurrence of any one of the following
events, the date of such termination to be hereafter called the "Termination
Date":
(a) except in the case of termination for Cause under Article 9.01(b) or as
a result of the death of the Employee under Article 9.01(c) hereunder, at any
time prior to the Expiry Date, upon payment to the Employee of the Departure
Fee;
(b) at any time by the Corporation, without notice, or additional
compensation for Cause. For the purposes herein, "Cause" shall, without
limiting its meaning in common law, include the conviction of the Employee for
an indictable criminal offence or the breach by the Employee of any of the
covenants or terms of this Agreement;
(c) immediately upon the death of the Employee provided that the Corporation
agrees to pay the Employee's estate the equivalent of one years' Employment Fees
on the Termination Date;
(d) immediately upon the Employee becoming bankrupt or making an assignment
for the benefit of creditors in general without additional compensation;
(e) immediately upon confirmation of permanent incapacity due to permanent
illness, injury or disability on the part of the Employee. For the purposes
hereof, "permanent incapacity" means illness, injury or disability on the part
of the Employee incurred while performing the Employment Services for the
Corporation that in the opinion of an independent medical expert acceptable to
the Employee (or his legal personal representative) and the Corporation will
prevent the Employee from performing his duties or providing the Employment
Services on behalf of the Employee for a period longer than six (6) consecutive
months. Should the Employee become permanently incapacitated and this agreement
is terminated for this reason, the Corporation shall pay the Employee the
equivalent of one years' Employment Fees on the Termination Date.
9.02 Subject to Article 10.04, in the event this Agreement is terminated in
accordance with the provisions of Article 9.01 hereof, the Employee shall not be
entitled to other payments from the Corporation other than all stock options as
provided for in Section 3.02, from and after the Termination Date except as
specifically provided in Article 9.01 herein.
9.03 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, Employee may
terminate this Agreement at any time upon giving thirty (30) days written notice
to the Corporation.
ARTICLE 10.
CHANGE OF CONTROL, MERGER, AMALGAMATION, SALE OF ASSETS
-------------------------------------------------------
10.01 In the event of:
(a) a change of control of the Corporation (as such term is customarily used
in the Securities Act, Alberta) through ownership of its common shares including
a "takeover bid", an "exempt takeover bid", "issuer bid" or an "exempt issuer
bid"; or
-6-
<PAGE>
(b) a change in a majority of the members of the Board of the Corporation or
the removal of the Employee as an officer or director of the Corporation; or
(c) the Corporation merging, amalgamating or re-organizing with another
corporation that is not an affiliate with the Corporation; or
(d) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets or undertakings of
the Corporation;
the Corporation shall provide the Employee with notice of such events (the
"Change of Control Event").
10.02 Not later than 30 days following the completion of the Change of
Control Event contemplated in Article 10.01(a), (b) or (c), the Corporation or
its successor shall confirm with the Employee whether the Employment Services of
the Employee continue to be required by the Corporation or its successor.
10.03 Should confirmation be provided that the Employment Services continue
to be required after the Change of Control Event, the Employee and the successor
Corporation shall continue to be bound by the terms of this agreement provided
that any change to the title, duties or responsibilities of the Employee with
the Corporation after the Change of Control Event shall, at the option of the
Employee, be deemed to be Termination and subject to Article 10.04 below, with
the Change of Control Event being the Termination Date for the purposes hereof.
All unvested Stock Options shall immediately vest to the Employee effective as
of the date of Change of Control Event.
10.04 Should at the time of the Change of Control Event notice be provided
in accordance with Article 10.02 herein that the Employment Services no longer
be required after the Change of Control Event, this Agreement shall be deemed to
be terminated by the Corporation on the date of the Change of Control Event and
the Employee shall be entitled to compensation equal to the accelerated amount
of all remaining payments under this Agreement. All unvested Stock Options
shall immediately vest to the Employee effective as of the date of Change of
Control Event.
ARTICLE 11.
INDEMNIFICATION
---------------
11.01 The Corporation hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Employee
from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (or actions or
other proceedings commenced or threatened in respect thereof), any expenses that
arise out of, result from or in any way relate to this Agreement and Employee's
service as an officer and director of the Corporation, and to reimburse Employee
upon his demand, for any legal or other expenses incurred in connection with any
investigation, defending or participating in any such loss, claim, damage,
liability, action or other proceeding, other than any of the foregoing claimed
to the extent incurred by reason of the gross negligence of willful misconduct
of the Employee.
ARTICLE 12
NOTICES
-------
12.01 All notices required or allowed to be given under this Agreement shall
be made either personally or by mailing same by prepaid registered post,
addressed as hereinafter set forth or to such other address as may be designated
from time to time by such party in writing, and any notice mailed as aforesaid
shall be deemed to have been received by the addressees thereof on the fifth
business day following the day of mailing:
-7-
<PAGE>
Corporation: Abacan Resource Corporation
#140, 14811 St. Mary's Lane
Houston, Texas
77079
Fax: (281) 721-0560
Employee: Timothy T. Stephens
3263 Reba Drive
Houston, Texas
U.S.A.
Fax: (713) 522-0807
Any party may from time to time change its address for service hereunder on
written notice to the other parties. Any notice may be served by hand delivery
or by mailing same by prepaid, registered post, in a properly addressed
envelope, addressed to the party to whom the notice is to be given at its
address for service hereunder.
ARTICLE 13.
SEVERABILITY
------------
13.01 Each provision of this Agreement is declared to constitute a separate
and distinct covenant and to be severable from all other such separate and
distinct covenants. If any covenant or provision herein is determined to be
void or unenforceable in whole or in part, it will not be deemed to affect or
impair the enforceability or validity of any other covenant or provision of this
Agreement or any part thereof.
ARTICLE 14.
RELIEF
------
14.01 The parties to this Agreement recognize that a breach by the Employee
of any of the covenants herein contained would result in damages to the
Corporation and that the Corporation could not adequately be compensated for
such damages by monetary award. Accordingly, the Employee agrees that in the
event of any such breach, in addition to all other remedies available to the
Corporation at law or in equity, the Corporation will be entitled as a matter of
right to apply to a court of competent equitable jurisdiction of such relief by
way of restraining order, injunction, decree or otherwise, as may be appropriate
to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Agreement.
ARTICLE 15.
WAIVER
------
15.01 The parties agree that all restrictions in this Agreement are
necessary and fundamental to the protection of the Corporation and are
reasonable and valid, and all defences to the strict enforcement of Article 6
and Article 11 hereof by the Corporation are hereby waived by the Employee.
-8-
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 16.
GENERAL
-------
16.01 The parties hereto agree that they have expressed herein their entire
understanding and agreement concerning the subject matter of this Agreement and
it is expressly agreed that no implied covenant, condition, term or reservation
or prior representation or warranty shall be read into this Agreement relating
to or concerning the subject matter hereof or any matter or operation provided
for herein.
16.02 The provisions of this Agreement will enure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators and legal personal
representatives of the Employee and the successors and assigns of the
Corporation respectively.
16.03 Wherever the singular or masculine or neuter is used in this
Agreement, the same shall be construed as meaning the plural or feminine or a
body politic or corporate and vice versa where the context of the parties hereto
so require.
16.04 Time is of the essence hereof.
16.05 This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted exclusively in
accordance with the laws of England and each of the parties hereto hereby
irrevocably attorns to the jurisdiction of the courts of such jurisdiction.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Agreement
effective as of the date and year first above written.
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
Per: /s/ James Harvie
---------------------------
James Harvie
Chief Operating Officer
Witness as to the signature of
Timothy T. Stephens
/s/ /s/ Timothy T. Stephens
- ------------------------------ ---------------------------
TIMOTHY T. STEPHENS
-9-
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.28
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
STOCK OPTION PLAN
-----------------
1. PURPOSE
-------
The purpose of the Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") of Abacan Resource
Corporation, a body corporate incorporated under the Business Corporations Act
(Alberta) (the "Corporation"), is to advance the interests of the Corporation or
any of its subsidiaries or affiliates by encouraging the directors, officers,
employees and consultants of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates to acquire shares in the Corporation, thereby increasing their
proprietary interest in the Corporation, encouraging them to remain associated
with the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and furnishing
them with additional incentive in their efforts on behalf of the Corporation or
any of its subsidiaries or affiliates in the conduct of their affairs.
2. ADMINISTRATION AND GRANTING OF OPTIONS
------------------------------------------
The Plan shall be administered by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation, or if appointed, by a special committee of directors appointed from
time to time by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (such committee, or if
no such committee is appointed, the Board of Directors of the Corporation is
hereinafter referred to as the "Committee") pursuant to rules of procedure fixed
by the Board of Directors.
The Committee may from time to time designate directors, officers,
employees and consultants of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates (the "Participants") to whom options to purchase common shares of the
Corporation may be granted and the number of common shares to be optioned to
each, provided that the total number of common shares to be optioned shall not
exceed the number provided in clauses 3 and 4 hereof.
3. SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN
-------------------------
Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15 hereof, the shares to be
offered under the Plan shall consist of shares of the Corporation's authorized
but unissued common shares. If any Option granted hereunder shall expire or
terminate for any reason without having been exercised in full, the unpurchased
shares subject thereto shall again be available for the purpose of this Plan.
The aggregate number of shares to be delivered upon the exercise of all options
granted under the Plan (the "Options") shall not exceed the maximum number of
shares permitted under the rules of any stock exchange on which the common
shares are then listed or other regulatory body having jurisdiction.
(a) Maximum Number Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 15 hereof,
--------------
the aggregate number of common shares which may be reserved for issuance under
the Plan shall not exceed 18,750,000 common shares.
(b) Restrictions Notwithstanding anything else herein contained:
------------
i) the number of common shares which may be reserved for issuance
under the Plan and under any other employee stock option plans of
the Corporation to insiders (as defined in the Securities Act
(Ontario)) of the Corporation, and of any affiliate or subsidiary
of the Corporation, shall not exceed 10% of the outstanding issue
(as hereinafter defined);
<PAGE>
ii) the number of common shares which may be issued within a one year
period pursuant to the Plan and under any other employee stock
option plans or other share compensation arrangements of the
Corporation shall not exceed 10% of the outstanding issue;
iii) the number of common shares which may be issued pursuant to the
Plan and under any other employee stock option plans of the
Corporation to any one individual shall not exceed 5% of the
outstanding issue; and
iv) the number of common shares which may be issued within a one year
period pursuant to the Plan and under any other employee stock
option plans or other share compensation arrangements of the
Corporation to any one insider of the Corporation, or of any
affiliate or subsidiary of the Corporation, and such insider's
associates shall not exceed 5% of the outstanding issue.
For the purposes of this subsection "outstanding issue" means the number of
common shares outstanding on a non-diluted basis, subject to applicable
adjustments as provided for in the by-laws and rules of any stock exchange
having jurisdiction. For the purposes of this subsection "outstanding issue"
is determined on the basis of the number of common shares that are outstanding
immediately prior to the share issuance in question, excluding common shares
issued pursuant to share compensation arrangements over the preceding one year
period. For the purposes of this subsection, an entitlement granted prior to
the grantee becoming an insider may be excluded in determining the number of
shares issuable to insiders.
4. NUMBER OF OPTIONED SHARES
----------------------------
The number of shares subject to an Option to a Participant shall be
determined by the Committee, but no Participant shall be granted an Option which
exceeds the maximum number of shares permitted by any stock exchange on which
the common shares are then listed or other regulatory body having jurisdiction.
5. VESTING
-------
The Committee may, in its sole discretion, determine the time during which
Options shall vest and the method of vesting, or that no vesting restriction
shall exist. Notwithstanding the terms of any agreement granting Options
pursuant to the Plan, all Options shall be deemed to have vested immediately
prior to a change of control of the Corporation.
For the purposes of this section, "change of control" means any purchase
and sale of a sufficient number of voting securities so as to materially affect
the control of the Corporation.
6. MAINTENANCE OF SUFFICIENT CAPITAL
------------------------------------
The Corporation shall at all times during the term of the Plan reserve and
keep available such numbers of shares as will be sufficient to satisfy the
requirements of the Plan.
<PAGE>
7. PARTICIPATION
-------------
The Committee shall determine to whom Options shall be granted, the terms
and provisions of the respective Option agreements, the time or times at which
such Options shall be granted, and the number of shares to be subject to each
Option. An individual who has been granted an Option may, if he is otherwise
eligible, and if permitted by any stock exchange on which the common shares are
then listed or other regulatory body having jurisdiction, be granted an
additional Option or Options if the Committee shall so determine.
8. EXERCISE PRICE
---------------
The exercise price of the shares covered by each Option shall be determined
by the Committee. The exercise price shall be not less than the price permitted
by any stock exchange on which the common shares are then listed or other
regulatory body having jurisdiction.
The option price per common share shall be determined by the Board at the
time any option is granted but in no event shall such price be lower than the
Market Price (as hereinafter defined) at the time of the grant.
"Market Price" means:
(a) at any time during which the common shares are listed and posted for
trading on The Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSE"), the closing sale price for
board lots of common shares on the TSE on the business day immediately prior to
the date of grant or if there is no sale of board lots of common shares on such
day, then the five-day weighted average trading price of the common shares on
the TSE;
(b) at any time during which the common shares are not listed and posted
for trading on the TSE, but are quoted on any other stock exchange, the closing
sale price for board lots of common shares on such exchange on the business day
immediately prior to the date of grant of the Option, or if there is no sale of
board lots of common shares on such day, then the average of the bid and asked
prices on such exchange for the business day immediately prior to the date of
grant of the Option, or if there are no bid and asked prices on such exchange on
such day, then the five-day weighted average of the closing sale prices for
board lots of common shares on such exchange based on the five business days
immediately prior to the date of grant of the Option; and
(c) at any other time, the fair market value of the common shares, as
determined by the Board, with due regard being had to any over-the-counter sale
prices, asked and bid prices, volume quotations, value of assets and liabilities
of the Corporation, and income and prospects of the Corporation, as the Board
shall in its sole discretion determine to be relevant.
9. DURATION OF OPTION
--------------------
Each Option and all rights thereunder shall be expressed to expire on the
date set out in the Option agreements and shall be subject to earlier
termination as provided in paragraphs 11 and 12.
<PAGE>
10. OPTION PERIOD, CONSIDERATION AND PAYMENT
--------------------------------------------
(a) The Option period shall be a period of time fixed by the Committee, not
to exceed the maximum period permitted by any stock exchange on which the common
shares are then listed or other regulatory body having jurisdiction, provided
that the Option period shall be reduced with respect to any Option as provided
in Sections 11 and 12 covering cessation as a director, officer, employee or
consultant of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates or death
of the Participant.
(b) Except as set forth in Sections 10(c), 11 and 12, no Option may be
exercised unless the Participant is at the time of such exercise a director,
officer, employee or consultant of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or
affiliates.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, an Option granted
to a consultant in connection with specific services provided or to be provided
by that consultant shall be exercised only after the date of completion of such
service and prior to 30 days following the date of completion of such service.
(d) The exercise of any Option will be contingent upon receipt by the
Corporation at its head office of a written notice of exercise, specifying the
number of shares with respect to which the Option is being exercised,
accompanied by cash payment, certified cheque or bank draft for the full
purchase price of such shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. No
Participant or his legal representatives, legatees or distributees will be, or
will be deemed to be, a holder of any shares subject to an Option under this
Plan, unless and until the certificates for such shares are issued to such
persons under the terms of the Plan.
11. CEASING TO BE A DIRECTOR, OFFICER, EMPLOYEE OR CONSULTANT
-----------------------------------------------------------------
If a Participant shall cease to be a director, officer, employee or
consultant of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates for any
reason (other than death), the Participant may but only within 90 days next
succeeding the Participant's ceasing to be a director, officer, employee or
consultant, exercise the Participant's Option to the extent that the Participant
was entitled to exercise it at the date of such cessation.
Nothing contained in the Plan nor in any Option granted pursuant to the
Plan shall confer upon any Participant any right with respect to continuance as
a director, officer, employee or consultant of the Corporation or any of its
subsidiaries or affiliates.
12. DEATH OF PARTICIPANT
----------------------
In the event of the death of a Participant, the Option previously granted
to him shall be exercisable only within the twelve months next succeeding such
death and then only:
(a) by the person or persons to whom the Participant's rights under the
Option shall pass by the Participant's will or the laws of descent and
distribution; and
(b) if and to the extent that the Participant was entitled to exercise the
Option at the date of the Participant's death.
13. RIGHTS OF OPTIONEE
--------------------
No person entitled to exercise an Option shall have any of the rights or
privileges of a shareholder of the Corporation in respect of any shares issuable
upon exercise of such Option until certificates representing such shares shall
have been issued and delivered.
<PAGE>
14. PROCEEDS FROM SALE OF SHARES
--------------------------------
The proceeds from sale of shares issued upon the exercise of Options shall
be added to the general funds of the Corporation and shall thereafter be used
from time to time for such corporate purposes as the Committee may determine and
direct.
15. ADJUSTMENTS
-----------
Appropriate adjustments in the number of common shares optioned and in the
option price per share, as regards Options granted or to be granted, may be made
by the Committee in its discretion to give effect to adjustments in the number
of common shares of the Corporation resulting subsequent to the approval of the
Plan by the Committee from subdivisions, consolidations or reclassification of
the common shares of the Corporation, the payment of stock dividends by the
Corporation or other relevant changes in the capital of the Corporation.
16. TRANSFERABILITY
---------------
All benefits, rights and Options accruing to any Participant in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the Plan shall not be transferrable or
assignable unless specifically provided herein. During the lifetime of a
Participant any benefits, rights and Options may only be exercised by the
Participant.
17. AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF PLAN
-------------------------------------
The Committee may, at any time, suspend or terminate the Plan. The board
may also at any time amend or revise the terms of the Plan, subject to
regulatory approval, PROVIDED that no such amendment or revision shall alter the
terms of any Options theretofore granted under the Plan.
18. NECESSARY APPROVALS
--------------------
The ability of the Options to be exercised and the obligation of the
Corporation to issue and deliver shares in accordance with the Plan is subject
to any approvals which may be required from the shareholders of the Corporation,
any regulatory authority or stock exchange having jurisdiction over the
securities of the Corporation. If any shares cannot be issued to any
Participant for whatever reason, the obligation of the Corporation to issue such
shares shall terminate and any Option exercise price paid to the Corporation
will be returned to the Participant.
19. PRIOR PLANS
------------
The Plan shall entirely replace and supersede prior share option plans, if
any, enacted by the Board of Directors of the Corporation or its predecessor
corporations and all stock options reserved for issuance or granted pursuant to
any such prior share option plans shall be deemed to be reserved for issuance or
granted pursuant to the provisions of the Plan.
20. EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN
-------------------------
The Plan has been adopted by the Committee subject to the approval of any
stock exchange on which the shares of the Corporation are to be listed or other
regulatory body having jurisdiction and, if so approved, the Plan shall become
effective upon such approvals being obtained.
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Corporation has caused its corporate seal to be
affixed hereto in the presence of its officers duly authorized in that behalf as
of the 20th day of June, 1997.
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
Per:/s/ Wade Cherwayko
-----------------------------------
Wade G. Cherwayko, President
Per:/s/ Derrick Armstrong
-----------------------------------
Derrick R. Armstrong, Secretary
<PAGE>
STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
----------------------
THIS AGREEMENT made effective as of the 2nd day of June, 1998.
BETWEEN:
_____________________, an individual residing in __________ (herein referred to
as the "Optionee")
- and -
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION, a body corporate, having an office in Calgary,
Alberta (herein referred to as the "Corporation")
WHEREAS:
1. the Corporation is incorporated under the laws of the Province of
Alberta, having an authorized capital consisting of an unlimited number of
common shares without nominal or par value and an unlimited number of preferred
shares without nominal or par value;
2. the Optionee is an employee, consultant, officer or director of the
Corporation or a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation;
3. the Board of Directors of the Corporation has agreed to grant unto
the Optionee an option to purchase an aggregate of ______________
(__________________) common shares of its authorized unissued share capital in
consideration of the ongoing services and contributions to the Corporation or
subsidiaries of the Corporation by the Optionee or an associate or affiliate of
the Optionee; and
4. the granting of such option to the Optionee was authorized by the
Board of Directors effective May 22, 1998;
NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSES that in consideration of the
premises and mutual covenants hereinafter set forth, and for other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which the parties hereto
have agreed as set forth herein.
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
-----------
1.01 In this Agreement the following terms shall have the following
meanings:
(a) "Agreement", "herein", "hereto", "hereof" and similar expressions means
this Agreement, and includes any Agreement amending this Agreement or any
Agreement or instrument which is supplemental or ancillary hereof;
(b) "Board" means the board of directors of the Corporation;
<PAGE>
(c) "Expiration Date" means _____________________;
(d) "Option Shares" means the Shares the Optionee is entitled to purchase
under a Share Option;
(e) "Share" means a common share of the Corporation as constituted at the
date hereof;
(f) "Share Option" means an option to purchase ________________
(______________) Treasury Shares from and after the applicable Vesting Date,
which are granted to the Optionee pursuant to this Agreement, and includes any
portion of that Option;
(g) "Treasury Share" means a theretofore unissued Share which is purchased
directly from the Corporation by or for the account of the Optionee; and
(h) "Vesting Date" means the date after which the respective Share Option
granted pursuant to this Agreement may be exercised, as more particularly set
forth in paragraph 2.01 hereof. No Share Option may be exercised prior to the
applicable Vesting Date thereof. Notwithstanding anything else contained herein,
if a "take-over bid", an "exempt take-over bid", "issuer bid" or an "exempt
issuer bid" is made in respect of the Shares of the Corporation or any class of
securities convertible or exchangeable into Shares of the Corporation, each of
the respective Vesting Dates shall be deemed to be amended to be the date upon
which the "offer to acquire" is made. The terms "take-over bid", "exempt
take-over bid", "issuer bid", "exempt issuer bid" and "offer to acquire" used
herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the Securities Act (Alberta).
1.02 In this Agreement, the masculine gender shall include the feminine
gender and the singular shall include the plural and vice versa wherever the
context requires.
ARTICLE II
SHARE OPTION
------------
2.01 The Corporation hereby grants to the Optionee, subject to the
terms and conditions hereinafter set out, an irrevocable and non-assignable
option to purchase at any time or from time to time after the respective Vesting
Date and on or before the Expiration Date,______________ (___________) common
shares of the Corporation, in instalments as set forth below:
(a) from and after the Vesting Date of ____________________, up to and
including the Expiration Date, the Optionee shall be entitled to purchase
_____________ (_____________) Option Shares at a price of Cdn. $______________
per common share; and
(b) from and after the Vesting Date of ______________________, up to and
including the Expiration Date, the Optionee shall be entitled to purchase
_______________ (__________________) Option Shares at a price of Cdn.
$_____________ per common share.
2.02 At 4:30 p.m., Calgary time, on the Expiration Date, the Share
Option shall forthwith expire and terminate and be of no further force or effect
whatsoever as to such of the Option Shares in respect of which the Share Option
hereby granted have not then been exercised.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE III
CURRENCY DURING TERM OF EMPLOYMENT
----------------------------------
3.0 (a) If prior to the Expiration Date, the Optionee's position as a
consultant to or a director, an officer or an employee of the Corporation or a
subsidiary of the Corporation, as the case may be, is terminated by reason of
the death of the Optionee, the Share Option may be exercised during the period
expiring the earlier of the Expiration Date or one year after such date of death
provided that the respective Vesting Date has occurred. In the event of the
Optionee's death, the rights of the Optionee under the Share Option may be
exercised by the person or persons to whom the Optionee's rights under the Share
Option shall pass by will or applicable law or, if no such person has such
right, by the Optionee's executors or administrators, subject to the time
limitations as aforesaid.
(b) If prior to the Expiration Date, the Optionee's position as a
consultant to or a director, an officer or an employee of the Corporation or a
subsidiary of the Corporation, as the case may be, is terminated for any reason
other than the death of the Optionee, any Share Options that have vested to the
Optionee may be exercised during the period expiring the earlier of the
Expiration Date or thirty (30) days following the date of such termination.
ARTICLE IV
MATERIAL CHANGE
---------------
4.01 In the event that, prior to the Expiration Date or exercise in
full of the Share Option, the outstanding share capital of the Corporation shall
be subdivided or consolidated into a greater or lesser number of Shares, or, in
the event of the payment of a stock dividend by the Corpora-tion, or in the
event that all of the shareholders of the Corporation are granted the right to
purchase additional Shares of the Corporation, the number and price of Option
Shares remaining subject to the Share Option hereunder shall be increased or
reduced accordingly, as the case may be.
4.02 If, prior to the Expiration Date or exercise in full of the Share
Option granted hereby, the Corporation shall, at any time arrange with or merge
into another corporation, the Optionee will thereafter receive, upon the
exercise of the Share Option, the securities or properties to which a holder of
the number of Shares then deliverable upon the exercise of the Share Option
would have been entitled upon such arrangement or merger, and the Corporation
will take steps in connection with such arrangement or merger as may be
necessary to assure that the provisions hereof shall thereafter be applicable,
in relation to any securities or property thereafter deliverable upon the
exercise of the Option granted hereby. A sale of all or substantially all of
the assets of the Corporation for consideration, (apart from the assumption of
obligations), consisting primarily of securities shall be deemed to be an
arrangement or merger for the foregoing purposes.
ARTICLE V
CHANGE OF CONTROL
-----------------
5.01 In the event of:
(a) a change of control of the Corporation (as such term is customarily
used in the Securities Act, (Alberta) through ownership of its common shares,
including a "take-over bid", an "exempt take-over bid", "issuer bid" or an
"exempt issuer bid"; or
<PAGE>
(b) a change in all or substantially all of the members of the Board of
directors of the Corporation; or
(c) the Corporation merging, amalgamating or re-organizing with another
company that is not an affiliate of the Corporation; or
(d) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets or undertakings of
the Corporation
(a "Change of Control Event") all unvested Share Options shall immediately vest
to the Optionee effective as of the date of the Change of Control Event.
ARTICLE VI
RESERVATION OF TREASURY SHARES
------------------------------
6.01 The Corporation shall at all times during the term of this
Agreement, reserve and keep available a sufficient number of Treasury Shares to
satisfy the requirements hereof.
ARTICLE VII
RESTRICTION ON ASSIGNMENT
-------------------------
7.01 The Share Option granted hereby are, insofar as the Optionee is
concerned, personal and non-assignable and neither this Agreement nor any rights
in regard thereto shall be transferable or assignable except upon the death of
the Optionee pursuant to Clause 3.01 hereof.
ARTICLE VIII
EXERCISE OF THE SHARE OPTION
----------------------------
8.01 After the respective Vesting Date, the Share Option may be
exercised by the Optionee in accordance with the provisions hereof in whole or
in part, from time to time, by delivery of written notice of such exercise and
by tendering the pay-ment therefor in cash or by certified cheque to the
Corporation at its principal office or registered office in Calgary, Alberta.
Such notice shall state the number of the Option Shares with respect to which
the Share Option or Share Option are then being exercised. The Share Option
shall be deemed for all purposes to have been exercised to the extent stated in
such notice upon delivery of the notice and a tender of payment in full,
notwithstanding any delay in the issuance and delivery of the certificates for
the Shares so purchased.
8.02 Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary, Option Shares shall
always be granted and exercised in accordance with applicable securities
legislation, including the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and
regulations thereunder.
<PAGE>
ARTICLE IX
RIGHTS OF THE OPTIONEE PRIOR TO EXERCISE DATE
---------------------------------------------
9.01 The Share Option herein granted shall not entitle the Optionee to
any rights whatsoever as a shareholder of the Corporation with respect to any
Shares subject to the Share Option until they have each been exercised in
accordance with Clause 8.01 and Option Shares have been issued as fully paid and
non-assessable.
ARTICLE X
FURTHER ASSURANCES
------------------
10.01 The parties hereto covenant that they shall and will from time to
time and at all times hereafter do and perform all such acts and things and
execute all such additional documents as may be required to give effect to the
terms and intention of this Agreement.
ARTICLE XI
INTERPRETATION
--------------
11.01 It is understood and agreed by the parties hereto that questions
may arise as to the interpretation, construction or enforcement of this
Agreement and the parties are desirous of having the Board of the Corporation
determine any such question of interpretation, construction or enforcement. It
is therefore understood and agreed by and between the parties hereto that any
question arising under the terms of this Agreement as to interpretation,
construction or enforcement shall be referred to the Board of the Corporation
and their majority decision shall be final and binding on both of the parties
hereto.
ARTICLE XII
ENTIRE AGREEMENT
----------------
12.01 This Agreement supersedes all other agreements, documents,
writings and verbal understandings among the parties relating to the subject
matter hereof and represents the entire agreement between the parties relating
to the subject matter hereof.
ARTICLE XIII
ENUREMENT
---------
13.01 Subject to the other provisions hereof, this Agreement shall
enure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties hereto and their
respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and permitted assigns.
<PAGE>
13.02 This Agreement shall continue to constitute a binding obligation
of the Corporation notwithstanding any change of control of its voting
securities during the term hereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of
the day and year first above written.
SIGNED AND DELIVERED )
in the presence of: )
)
)
)
)
- ------------------------------ ------------------------------------
Witness
ABACAN RESOURCE CORPORATION
Per:
--------------------------------
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT 11.1
COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS
<S> <C>
Earnings (1) 12497000
- ---------------------------------------- ----------
Shares Outstanding 114370836
- ---------------------------------------- ----------
Shares Outstanding (Fully Diluted) (2) 125334953
----------
Basic Earnings per Share $ 0.11
----------
Basic Earnings per Share (Fully Diluted) $ 0.11
- ---------------------------------------- ----------
- --------------
<FN>
(1) Based on Canadian GAAP.
(2) Consists of 9,764,117 exercisable stock options at prices ranging from
Cdn $0.28 to Cdn $12.15 per share; 600,000 options at $0.91 per share; 100,000
broker warrants at U.S. $7.50 per share and 500,000 broker warrants at $3.40 per
share.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES
<C> <S> <C>
1. DAHOMEY RESOURCE CORPORATION BAHAMAS
2. LIBERTY TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD. BAHAMAS
3. WEST AFRICAN RESOURCE CORPORATION BAHAMAS
4. ABACAN RESOURCES (BENIN) LIMITED BAHAMAS
5. ABACAN RESOURCES (DELTA) LIMITED BAHAMAS
6. ABACAN TECHNICAL SERVICES LTD. BAHAMAS
7. ABACAN POWER BENIN LIMITED BAHAMAS
8. ABACAN RESOURCES (NIGERIA) LTD. NIGERIA
9. AGBARA RESOURCES LIMITED BAHAMAS
10. ANGUS INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES LTD. BAHAMAS
11. PROFILE INTERNATIONAL LTD. BAHAMAS
12. ABACAN-ADDAX BENIN CONSORTIUM S.A. BENIN
13. ABACAN SERVICES (U.K.) LIMITED UK
14. ABACAN SERVICES (USA) LIMITED TEXAS
</TABLE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM ABACAN
RESOURCES CORPORATION DECEMBER 31, 1998 FORM 10-KSB AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<CASH> 3305
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 31
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 3336
<PP&E> 92431
<DEPRECIATION> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 95809
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 9663
<BONDS> 0
<COMMON> 276750
0
0
<OTHER-SE> (226679)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 95809
<SALES> 12264
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 12445
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 26298
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 3022
<INCOME-PRETAX> 12497
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 12497
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 12497
<EPS-PRIMARY> .11
<EPS-DILUTED> .11
</TABLE>
