MALLON RESOURCES CORP
S-2/A, 1996-09-19
CRUDE PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
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<PAGE>   1
 
   
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON SEPTEMBER 19, 1996
    
 
   
                                                              FILE NO. 333-10985
    
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
 
                               ------------------
 
   
                               AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO
    
 
                                    FORM S-2
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                             ---------------------
 
                          MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                            <C>
                   COLORADO                                      84-1095959
        (State or other jurisdiction of                       (I.R.S. Employer
        incorporation or organization)                      Identification No.)

                                                           GEORGE O. MALLON, JR.
                                                        MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION
          999 18TH STREET, STE. 1700                     999 18TH STREET, STE. 1700
            DENVER, COLORADO 80202                         DENVER, COLORADO 80202
                (303) 293-2333                                 (303) 293-2333
  (Address, including zip code, and telephone   (Address, including zip code, and telephone
                    number,                                       number,
including area code, of registrant's principal   including area code, of agent for service)
              executive offices)
</TABLE>
 
                                   Copies to:
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>                             <C>
  THOMAS A. RICHARDSON, ESQ.          ROY K. ROSS, ESQ.             DEREK R. MCCLAIN, ESQ.
   HOLME ROBERTS & OWEN LLP      MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION        ALAN P. BADEN, ESQ.
   1700 LINCOLN, STE. 4100        999 18TH STREET, STE. 1700        VINSON & ELKINS L.L.P.
    DENVER, COLORADO 80203          DENVER, COLORADO 80202       2001 ROSS AVENUE, STE. 3700
        (303) 861-7000                  (303) 293-2333               DALLAS, TEXAS 75201
                                                                        (214) 220-7700
</TABLE>
    
 
     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
 
   
                             ---------------------
    
 
     THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
***************************************************************************
*                                                                         *
*  Information contained herein is subject to completion or amendment. A  *
*  Registration Statement relating to these securities has been filed     *
*  with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These securities may not  *
*  be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the        *
*  Registration Statement becomes effective. This Prospectus shall not    *
*  constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy     *
*  nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any State in which  *
*  such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to            *
*  registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such    *
*  State.                                                                 *
*                                                                         *
***************************************************************************

 
   
                SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED SEPTEMBER 19, 1996
    
 
                                1,800,000 SHARES
                             [MALLON RESOURCES LOGO]    
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
 
     All of the 1,800,000 shares of Common Stock offered hereby are being sold
by Mallon Resources Corporation (the "Company").
 
   
     The Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"MLRC" (temporarily "MLRCD"). The last reported sale price of the Common Stock
on September 18, 1996, as reported by the Nasdaq National Market, was $6.25 per
share. See "Price Range of Common Stock."
    
 
   
     FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN MATERIAL FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN
CONNECTION WITH AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK, SEE "RISK FACTORS" COMMENCING
ON PAGE 7 HEREOF.
    
 
                             ---------------------
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
   SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
    PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
       REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
============================================================================================
                                                           UNDERWRITING
                                        PRICE TO           DISCOUNTS AND         PROCEEDS TO
                                         PUBLIC           COMMISSIONS(1)         COMPANY(2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>                  <C>                  <C>
Per Share.........................           $                   $                    $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total(3)..........................           $                   $                    $
============================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
   
(1) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain civil
    liabilities, including certain liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933,
    as amended. Does not reflect additional compensation to the Underwriters in
    the form of (i) a non-accountable expense allowance of $
    ($          if the over-allotment option is exercised in full) and (ii) a
    warrant to purchase an aggregate of 144,000 shares of Common Stock at 120%
    of the Price to Public for two years beginning one year after the effective
    date of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. For
    additional information with respect to the arrangements between the Company
    and the Representative, see "Underwriting."
    
   
(2) Before deducting offering expenses estimated to be approximately $300,000,
    payable by the Company.
    
   
(3) The Company has granted to the Underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up
    to 270,000 additional shares of Common Stock, solely to cover
    over-allotments, if any, on the same terms and conditions as the shares
    offered hereby. If such option is exercised in full, the total Price to
    Public, Underwriting Discounts and Commissions and Proceeds to Company will
    be $          , $          and $          , respectively. See
    "Underwriting."
    
 
                             ---------------------
 
     The shares of Common Stock are offered by the several Underwriters named
herein, subject to receipt and acceptance by them and subject to their right to
reject any order in whole or in part. It is expected that delivery of such
shares will be made at the offices of Rodman & Renshaw, Inc., New York, New
York, on or about             , 1996.
 
                             ---------------------
 
                             RODMAN & RENSHAW, INC.
 
               The date of this Prospectus is             , 1996
<PAGE>   3
 
   
                          PRINCIPAL AREAS OF ACTIVITY
    
 
   
     The map below reflects the general location of the Company's principal
acreage positions in the Delaware and San Juan Basins of New Mexico. Although,
as reflected by the map, the Company's acreage is largely located in the
vicinity of acreage that has, historically, produced oil or natural gas, no
assurance can be given that the Company's undeveloped acreage in these areas
contains commercial quantities of oil or natural gas. Also, due to limitations
of the map's scale, the Company's acreage blocks are depicted as relatively
larger than they are in fact. See "Business and Properties -- Selected Fields
and Areas of Interest."
    
 
   
     IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK AT
A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH
TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET, IN THE
OVER-THE-COUNTER MARKET OR OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE
DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME. IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, CERTAIN UNDERWRITERS
AND SELLING GROUP MEMBERS (IF ANY) OR THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES MAY ENGAGE IN
PASSIVE MARKET MAKING TRANSACTIONS IN THE COMMON STOCK ON THE NASDAQ NATIONAL
MARKET IN ACCORDANCE WITH RULE 10B-6A UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT. SEE
"UNDERWRITING."
    
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   4
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
   
     The following summary should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified
in its entirety by, the more detailed information and Consolidated Financial
Statements (including the notes thereto) appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus
and incorporated herein by reference. The term "Company" refers to Mallon
Resources Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Mallon Oil Company, but
such references do not include Laguna Gold Company ("Laguna"), the Company's
majority owned, consolidated subsidiary, except when consolidated financial
information is being presented or unless the context requires otherwise. Unless
otherwise indicated, the information in this Prospectus assumes a public
offering price of $6.00 per share and that the Underwriters' over-allotment
option will not be exercised. Unless otherwise indicated, all dollar amounts are
in U.S. dollars. All Common Stock amounts, share prices and per share data have
been adjusted to give effect to a four to one reverse stock split that occurred
on September 9, 1996. See "Glossary of Terms" for definitions of certain oil and
gas terms used in this Prospectus. Investors should carefully consider the
information set forth in "Risk Factors," beginning on page 7.
    
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
GENERAL
 
   
     Mallon Resources Corporation is an independent energy company engaged in
the domestic oil and gas development, exploration and production business. The
Company's activities are focused in the Delaware Basin of southeast New Mexico
where it has been active since 1982, and in the San Juan Basin of northwest New
Mexico where it has been active since 1984. The Company owns interests in
approximately 24,100 gross (18,900 net) acres in the Delaware Basin and
approximately 31,100 gross (16,500 net) acres in the San Juan Basin. At June 30,
1996, these two basins accounted for 99% of the Company's estimated proved
reserves. The Company's properties are primarily located in fields with
established production histories, which typically contain multiple productive
geologic formations and zones. To date, the Company's efforts to develop its
properties have been constrained by its limited capital resources. The Company
intends to use a majority of the net proceeds from this Offering to drill or
recomplete approximately 55 wells in these two basins through the end of 1997.
    
 
   
     The Company increased its estimated proved reserves from 2.2 MMBOE as of
December 31, 1992, to 5.5 MMBOE as of June 30, 1996, a 150% increase. As of June
30, 1996, the Company's proved reserves, as estimated by its independent
petroleum engineers, GeoQuest Reservoir Technologies, Inc. ("GeoQuest")
consisted of 1.9 MMBbls of crude oil and 21.2 Bcf of natural gas, with a Pre-tax
SEC 10 Value of $23.8 million. At June 30, 1996, the Company owned interests in
225 gross (74 net) producing wells and operated 88, or 39%, of them. The Company
also has interests in four waterflood units, which contain a total of 544 gross
(8.5 net) wells. The Company's geographic concentration of its activities and
its control over its operating expenses resulted in average production costs of
$4.93 per BOE for 1995.
    
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
   
     The Company's objectives are to develop its inventory of properties, expand
its oil and gas reserves and increase its cash flow. The Company intends to
pursue these objectives by increasing its drilling and recompletion activities
on its Delaware and San Juan Basin properties, while maintaining control over
its drilling, completion and operating costs.
    
 
     Approximately $7.6 million of the net proceeds of this Offering will be
dedicated to the exploitation of the Company's current inventory of properties
in the Delaware and San Juan Basins. During the next 15 months, using net
proceeds from this Offering and cash flow from operations, the Company intends
to drill approximately 30 wells on its Delaware Basin acreage and approximately
five wells on its San Juan Basin acreage, and recomplete approximately 20 of its
San Juan Basin wells. Thereafter, the Company anticipates that cash flow from
its operations will be sufficient to fund the continued development of its
current properties.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
     Numerous potentially productive geologic formations and zones tend to be
stacked atop one another in the Delaware and San Juan Basins. This feature
allows most wells to target multiple potential pay zones, thus reducing drilling
risks. It also permits the Company to conduct exploration operations in
conjunction with its development drilling. Wells drilled to one horizon offer
opportunities to examine up-hole zones or can be drilled to deeper prospective
formations for relatively little additional cost. The Company believes that its
substantial experience in the Delaware and San Juan Basins has enabled it to
drill and complete wells for lower costs than those incurred by other operators
in these areas. The Company also believes that innovative fracturing and
completion techniques it employs extend the lives of its wells and accelerate
their production. Since 1990, the Company has completed 18 of the 21 wells it
has drilled in these two basins. Due to its substantial acreage positions and
operating experience in these areas, the Company intends to continue to
concentrate its operational efforts on these two basins for the foreseeable
future.
 
LAGUNA GOLD COMPANY
 
   
     The Company owns 14 million common shares, representing an approximate 56%
interest, in Laguna, a company with interests in gold mining concessions in
Costa Rica. To establish itself as a financially independent company, Laguna
recently completed a financing in Canada and listed its common shares on The
Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "LGC." Laguna received
approximately $4.3 million of net proceeds from its Canadian financing, which
will permit Laguna to continue its operations without further reliance on the
Company for financial support. The Company does not have any obligation or
intention to finance Laguna's future operations. Over time, the Company may
reduce its investment in Laguna. Approximately 8.4 million of the Laguna shares
owned by the Company are subject to an escrow agreement with The Toronto Stock
Exchange that restricts the ability of the Company to sell such shares for up to
three years. Proceeds from any disposition of the Company's Laguna shares will
be devoted to the Company's oil and gas operations. On September 18, 1996, the
closing price for a share of Laguna common stock, as quoted on The Toronto Stock
Exchange was Cdn$1.50 (approximately US$1.10). See "Risk Factors -- Ownership
Interest in Laguna" and "Business and Properties -- Laguna Gold Company."
    
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                             <C>
Common Stock Offered by the Company..........   1,800,000 shares
Common Stock to be Outstanding After the
  Offering(1)................................   3,883,305 shares
Use of Proceeds..............................   To fund drilling activities and to acquire
                                                all of the outstanding shares of the
                                                Company's Series A Convertible Preferred
                                                Stock.
Nasdaq National Market Symbol................   "MLRC" (temporarily "MLRCD")
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(1) Does not include (i) 131,914 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise
    of currently outstanding options and warrants, (ii) 240,384 shares of Common
    Stock issuable upon conversion of the Company's outstanding Series B
    Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, and (iii) 144,000 shares
    of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Representative's warrant. See
    "Description of Capital Stock and Other Securities."
    
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
                             SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
     The following table sets forth, for the periods and at the dates indicated,
selected historical consolidated financial data of the Company. The consolidated
financial data for each of the five fiscal years ended December 31, 1991, 1992,
1993, 1994 and 1995 is derived from the Company's audited Consolidated Financial
Statements. The consolidated financial data of the Company for the six months
ended June 30, 1995 and 1996 is derived from the Company's unaudited interim
consolidated financial statements, which, in the opinion of management of the
Company, have been prepared on the same basis as the annual Consolidated
Financial Statements and include all adjustments (consisting of only normal
recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial data
for such periods. The information in this table should be read in conjunction
with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto
included elsewhere herein. The results for the six month period ended June 30,
1996 are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                        JUNE 30,
                                                  ----------------------------------------------------    ------------------
                                                   1991       1992        1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                                  -------    -------    --------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                               <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
SELECTED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Revenues:
    Oil and gas sales...........................  $ 1,349    $ 1,408    $  2,061    $ 4,629    $ 4,800    $ 2,603    $ 2,834
    Other.......................................      259        568         230        280        628        118        107
                                                  -------    -------    --------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                                    1,608      1,976       2,291      4,909      5,428      2,721      2,941
                                                  -------    -------    --------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Costs and expenses:
    Oil and gas production......................      846        800         976      2,024      1,868        996        973
    Mining project expenses.....................       52        171         133        169        448        247        359
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization....    4,034        306         937      2,409      2,340      1,233      1,170
    General and administrative..................    1,157        891       1,183      1,806      2,015        982        953
    Interest and other..........................      150         76         249        132        433        111        465
                                                  -------    -------    --------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                                    6,239      2,244       3,478      6,540      7,104      3,569      3,920
                                                  -------    -------    --------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Minority interest in loss of consolidated
    subsidiary..................................       --         --          --         --         --         --         54
                                                  -------    -------    --------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Loss before extraordinary item................   (4,631)      (268)     (1,187)    (1,631)    (1,676)      (848)      (925)
  Extraordinary loss on early retirement of
    debt........................................       --         --          --         --       (253)        --       (160)
                                                  -------    -------    --------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Net loss......................................   (4,631)      (268)     (1,187)    (1,631)    (1,929)      (848)    (1,085)
  Dividends on preferred stock and accretion....       --         --          --       (258)      (360)      (158)      (186)
                                                  -------    -------    --------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Net loss attributable to common
    shareholders................................  $(4,631)   $  (268)   $ (1,187)   $(1,889)   $(2,289)   $(1,006)   $(1,271)
                                                  =======    =======    ========    =======    =======    =======    =======
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA(1):
  Loss attributable to common shareholders
    before extraordinary item...................  $ (3.96)   $ (0.24)   $  (0.88)   $ (1.00)   $ (1.04)   $ (0.52)   $ (0.55)
  Extraordinary loss............................       --         --          --         --      (0.12)        --      (0.08)
                                                  -------    -------    --------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Net loss attributable to common
    shareholders................................  $ (3.96)   $ (0.24)   $  (0.88)   $ (1.00)   $ (1.16)   $ (0.52)   $ (0.63)
                                                  =======    =======    ========    =======    =======    =======    =======
  Weighted average shares outstanding...........    1,168      1,195       1,368      1,916      1,947      1,944      2,005
SELECTED CASH FLOW AND OTHER DATA:
  EBITDA(2).....................................  $  (549)   $    56    $    (79)   $   876    $ 1,093    $   465    $   706
  Capital expenditures..........................  $   906    $   190    $ 20,612    $ 2,379    $ 3,883    $ 2,351    $ 3,988
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                AT JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                                           --------------------------
                                                                                           ACTUAL      AS ADJUSTED(3)
                                                                                           -------     --------------
<S>                                                                                        <C>         <C>
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Total assets...........................................................................  $37,540        $ 45,160
  Long-term debt(4)......................................................................    7,705           7,705
  Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock.....................................    3,870           3,870
  Shareholders' equity...................................................................   11,290          18,910
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(1) As adjusted for four to one reverse stock split.
    
 
   
(2) EBITDA is income before income taxes, interest, depreciation, depletion and
    amortization, and extraordinary loss. EBITDA is a financial measure commonly
    used in the Company's industry and should not be considered in isolation or
    as a substitute for net income, cash flow provided by operating activities
    or other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with generally
    accepted accounting principles or as a measure of a company's profitability
    or liquidity.
    
 
   
(3) As adjusted to reflect the receipt by the Company of estimated net proceeds
    from the issuance of 1.8 million shares of Common Stock and the application
    of such proceeds. See "Use of Proceeds" and "Capitalization."
    
 
   
(4) Long-term debt includes long-term debt net of current maturities, notes
    payable-other and capital lease obligations net of current portion.
    
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
                        SUMMARY OIL AND GAS RESERVE DATA
 
   
     The following table sets forth summary information concerning the Company's
estimated proved oil and gas reserves as of June 30, 1996, based upon a report
prepared by GeoQuest, a summary of which is included as Annex A to this
Prospectus. All calculations have been made in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and give no effect to
federal or state income taxes otherwise attributable to estimated future net
revenues from the sale of oil and gas. The present value of estimated future net
revenues has been calculated using a discount factor of 10%. See "Risk
Factors -- Uncertainty of Estimates of Reserves and Future Net Revenues."
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         NATURAL
                                                                OIL        GAS        TOTAL
                                                               (MBBL)    (MMCF)      (MBOE)
                                                               -----     -------     -------
    <S>                                                        <C>       <C>         <C>
    Proved developed reserves................................  1,272      16,074      3,951
    Proved undeveloped reserves..............................    665       5,139      1,521
    Total proved reserves....................................  1,937      21,213      5,473
    Estimated future net revenues (in thousands)..................................  $41,166
    Present value of estimated future net revenues (in thousands).................  $23,784
</TABLE>
    
 
                             SUMMARY OPERATING DATA
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,            JUNE 30,
                                                ----------------------------     -----------------
                                                 1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                                ------     ------     ------     ------     ------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
NET PRODUCTION:
  Oil (MBbl)(1)...............................      70        146        173         89         91
  Natural Gas (MMcf)(1).......................     695      1,648      1,238        731        700
AVERAGE SALES PRICE REALIZED(2):
  Oil (per Bbl)...............................  $14.75     $14.81     $16.45     $16.58     $16.98
  Natural Gas (per Mcf).......................  $ 1.48     $ 1.50     $ 1.58     $ 1.54     $ 1.84
  Per BOE.....................................  $11.08     $11.00     $12.66     $12.34     $13.63
AVERAGE COST DATA (per BOE):
  Production costs............................  $ 5.25     $ 4.81     $ 4.93     $ 4.72     $ 4.68
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization....  $ 4.70     $ 5.53     $ 5.70     $ 5.51     $ 5.22
PRODUCING WELLS (at end of period):
  Gross wells(3)..............................     218        219        222        223        225
  Net wells(3)................................      70         66         72         67         74
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Includes 6 MBbl and 70 MMcf in 1993, 48 MBbl and 961 MMcf in 1994, 26 MBbl
    and 692 MMcf in 1995 and 20 MBbl and 520 MMcf for the six months ended June
    30, 1995 delivered pursuant to the terms of a volumetric production payment
    agreement.
 
(2) Includes effects of hedging. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
    Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Hedging Activities."
 
(3) In addition, the Company owns interests in four waterflood units, which
    contain a total of 544 gross wells (8.5 net wells) and four gross (1.4 net)
    salt water disposal wells.
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
           CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
     The discussion in this Prospectus contains forward-looking statements that
involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ
significantly from those discussed herein. Factors that could cause or
contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed
in "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and "Business and Properties," as well as those
discussed elsewhere in this Prospectus. Statements contained in this Prospectus
that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements that are subject to
the safe harbor created by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     In evaluating an investment in the Common Stock being offered hereby,
prospective investors should consider carefully, among other things, the
following risk factors.
 
OIL AND GAS PRICES; MARKETABILITY OF PRODUCTION
 
     The Company's oil and gas revenues and profitability are substantially
affected by prevailing prices for oil and natural gas. Hydrocarbon prices can be
extremely volatile. In general, hydrocarbon prices are affected by numerous
factors such as economic, political and regulatory developments. Prices have
risen recently but there can be no assurance that such price levels will be
sustained. The unsettled nature of the energy market, which is sensitive to
foreign political and military events and the unpredictability of the actions of
the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, makes it particularly
difficult to estimate future prices of oil and natural gas. Any significant
decline in prices of oil or natural gas for an extended period could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, liquidity and
results of operations. Additionally, substantially all of the Company's sales of
oil and natural gas are made in the spot market or pursuant to contracts based
on spot market prices and not pursuant to longterm fixed price contracts. With
the objective of reducing price risk, the Company enters into hedging
transactions with respect to a portion of its expected future production. There
can be no assurance, however, that such hedging transactions will reduce risk or
mitigate the effect of any substantial or extended decline in oil or natural gas
prices.
 
     In addition, the marketability of the Company's production depends upon the
availability and capacity of pipelines and gas gathering systems, the effect of
federal and state regulation of such production and transportation, general
economic conditions and changes in demand, all of which could adversely affect
the Company's ability to market its production. All of these factors are beyond
the control of the Company, and the Company is limited in its ability to protect
its economic interests from their effect. The Company conducts substantially all
of its operations in the Delaware and San Juan Basins in the State of New Mexico
and, consequently, is particularly subject to marketing constraints that exist
or may arise in the future in those areas. Historically, due to the San Juan
Basin's relatively isolated location and the resulting limited access its
natural gas production has to the natural gas marketplace, natural gas produced
in the San Juan Basin has tended to command prices that are lower than natural
gas prices that prevail in other areas.
 
UNCERTAINTY OF ESTIMATES OF RESERVES AND FUTURE NET REVENUES
 
     This Prospectus contains estimates of the Company's proved oil and gas
reserves and the estimated future net revenues therefrom based upon a report
(the "GeoQuest Report") prepared by GeoQuest that relies upon various
assumptions, including assumptions required by the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") as to oil and gas prices, drilling and operating
expenses, capital expenditures, taxes and availability of funds. For a
description of assumptions utilized by GeoQuest in preparing such estimates, see
Annex A. The process of estimating oil and gas reserves is complex, requiring
significant decisions and assumptions in the evaluation of available geological,
geophysical, engineering and economic data for each reservoir. As a result, such
estimates are inherently imprecise. Actual future production, oil and gas
prices, revenues, taxes, development expenditures, operating expenses and
quantities of recoverable oil and gas reserves may vary substantially from those
estimated in the GeoQuest Report. Any significant variance in these assumptions
could materially affect the estimated quantity and value of reserves set forth
in this Prospectus. In addition, the Company's reserves may be subject to
downward or upward revision based upon production history, results of future
development and exploration, prevailing oil and gas prices and other
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Actual production,
revenues, taxes, development expenditures and operating expenses with respect to
the Company's reserves will likely vary from the estimates used, and such
variances may be material.
 
   
     Approximately 28% of the Company's total proved reserves at June 30, 1996
were undeveloped, which are by their nature less certain. Recovery of such
reserves will require significant capital expenditures and successful drilling
operations. The reserve data set forth in the GeoQuest Report as of June 30,
1996 assumes, based on the Company's estimates, that aggregate capital
expenditures by the Company of approximately $6.0 million through 1998 will be
required to develop such reserves. Although cost and reserve estimates
attributable to the Company's oil and gas reserves have been prepared in
accordance with industry standards, no assurance can be given that the estimated
costs are accurate, that development will occur as scheduled or that the results
will be as estimated. See "Business and Properties -- Proved Reserves."
    
 
     The present value of future net revenues referred to in this Prospectus
should not be construed as the current market value of the estimated oil and gas
reserves attributable to the Company's properties. In accordance with applicable
requirements of the Commission, the estimated discounted future net cash flows
from proved reserves are generally based on prices and costs as of the date of
the estimate, whereas actual future prices and costs may be materially higher or
lower. Actual future net cash flows also will be affected by changes in
consumption and changes in governmental regulations or taxation. The timing of
actual future net cash flows from proved reserves, and thus their actual present
value, will be affected by the timing of both the production and the incurrence
of expenses in connection with development and production of oil and gas
properties. In addition, the 10% discount factor, which is required by the
Commission to be used in calculating discounted future net cash flows for
reporting purposes, is not necessarily the most appropriate discount factor
based on interest rates in effect from time to time and risks associated with
the Company or the oil and gas industry in general.
 
LACK OF PROFITABLE OPERATIONS
 
     The Company recorded net losses attributable to common shareholders for
1993, 1994, 1995 and the six months ended June 30, 1996 of $1,187,000,
$1,889,000, $2,289,000 and $1,271,000, respectively. The Company's ability to
continue in business and maintain its financing arrangements would be adversely
affected by a continued lack of profitability. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
WORKING CAPITAL DEFICITS; NEED FOR ADDITIONAL CAPITAL
 
     Due to its active development and exploration program, the Company has
substantial working capital requirements and currently has a working capital
deficit. While the Company believes that the net proceeds from the Offering and
cash flow from operations should allow the Company to successfully implement its
present business strategy, some or all of the Company's cash flow from
operations may be required to service the Company's bank debt. As a consequence,
additional financing may be required in the future to fund the Company's
developmental and exploratory drilling. No assurances can be given as to the
availability or terms of any such additional financing that may be required. In
the event such capital resources are not available to the Company, its drilling
activity may be curtailed. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
REPLACEMENT OF RESERVES
 
     The Company's future success will depend upon its ability to find, develop
or acquire additional oil and gas reserves at prices that permit profitable
operations. Unless the Company conducts successful exploitation or exploration
activities or acquires properties containing reserves, the proved reserves of
the Company will decline. There can be no assurance that the Company's
acquisition, exploitation and exploration activities will result in additional
reserves, or that the Company will be able to drill productive wells at
acceptable costs.
 
OPERATING HAZARDS; UNINSURED RISKS
 
     The oil and gas business involves a variety of operating risks, including
the risk of fire, explosions, blow-outs, pipe failure, casing collapse,
abnormally pressured formations and environmental hazards such as oil
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
spills, gas leaks, ruptures and discharges of toxic gases, the occurrence of any
of which could result in substantial losses to the Company due to injury and
loss of life, damage to and destruction of property and equipment, pollution and
other environmental damage and related suspension of operations. Gathering
systems and processing plants are subject to many of the same hazards, and any
significant problems related to those facilities could adversely affect the
Company's ability to market its production. Drilling activities are subject to
numerous risks, including the risk that no commercially productive oil or gas
reservoirs will be encountered or that particular wells will not produce at
economic levels. The cost of drilling, completing and operating wells may vary
from initial estimates. Drilling activities may be curtailed, delayed or
canceled as a result of numerous factors outside the Company's control,
including but not limited to title problems, weather conditions, compliance with
governmental requirements, mechanical difficulties and shortages or delays in
the delivery of drilling rigs or other equipment. The Company maintains
insurance against some, but not all, potential risks; however, there can be no
assurance that such insurance will be adequate to cover any losses or exposure
for liability. Furthermore, the Company cannot predict whether insurance will
continue to be available at premium levels that justify its purchase or whether
insurance will be available at all. See "Business and Properties -- Operating
Hazards and Environmental Matters."
 
REGULATION
 
     Virtually all of the Company's oil and gas activities are subject to a wide
variety of federal, state, local and foreign governmental regulations, which are
changed from time to time in response to economic or political conditions.
Matters subject to regulation include, but are not limited to, environmental
matters, discharge permits for drilling operations, drilling and operating
bonds, reports concerning operations, the spacing of wells, unitization and
pooling of properties, allowable rates of production, restoration of surface
areas, plugging and abandonment of wells, requirements for the operation of
wells and taxation. From time to time, regulatory agencies have imposed price
controls and limitations on production by restricting the rate of flow of oil
and gas wells below actual production capacity in order to conserve supplies of
oil and gas. Many states have raised state taxes on energy sources and
additional increases may occur, although there can be no certainty of the effect
that such increases would have on the Company. Legislation and new regulations
concerning oil and gas exploration and production operations are constantly
being reviewed and proposed. All of the jurisdictions in which the Company owns
and operates properties have statutes and regulations governing a number of the
matters enumerated above. Compliance with such laws and regulations generally
increases the Company's cost of doing business and consequently affects its
profitability. Due to the frequently changing requirements of laws and
regulations, there can be no assurance that costs of future compliance will not
impose new or substantial burdens on the Company. See "Business and
Properties -- Regulation."
 
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
     The discharge of oil, gas or other pollutants into the air, soil or water
may give rise to liabilities to governmental agencies and third parties, and may
require the Company to incur costs to remedy such discharges. Oil, natural gas
and other pollutants (including salt water brine) may be discharged in many
ways, including from a well or drilling equipment at a drill site, leakage from
pipelines or other gathering and transportation facilities, leakage from storage
tanks and tailings ponds, and sudden discharges from damage or explosion at
natural gas facilities, oil and gas wells or other facilities. Discharged
hydrocarbons and other pollutants may migrate through soil to water supplies or
adjoining property, giving rise to additional liabilities. A variety of federal,
state and foreign laws and regulations govern the environmental aspects of oil
and natural gas exploration, production and transportation and may, in addition
to other laws and regulations, impose liability in the event of discharges
(whether or not accidental), failure to notify the proper authorities of a
discharge, and other failures to comply with those laws and regulations.
Compliance with environmental quality requirements and reclamation laws imposed
by governmental authorities may necessitate significant capital outlays, may
materially affect the acquisition or operating costs of a given property, or may
cause material changes or delays in the Company's intended activities.
Management of the Company does not believe that its environmental, health, and
safety risks are materially different from those of comparable companies engaged
in similar businesses. Nevertheless, new or different environmental standards
imposed in the future may adversely affect the Company's activities and there
can be no assurance that significant costs for compliance will not be incurred
in the future. Moreover, no assurance can be given that environmental laws
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
will not, in the future, result in curtailment of production or material
increases in the cost of exploration, development or production or otherwise
adversely affect the Company's operations and financial condition. See "Business
and Properties -- Operating Hazards and Environmental Matters."
 
OWNERSHIP INTEREST IN LAGUNA
 
   
     The Company currently owns 14 million shares of Laguna common stock. The
Company has no current plans for disposing of such shares, and approximately 8.4
million of the shares owned by the Company are subject to an escrow agreement
with The Toronto Stock Exchange that restricts the ability of the Company to
sell such shares for up to three years. No assurance can be given as to the
value that might be received by the Company in the future from any transaction
in which such interest is sold. Furthermore, although the common stock of Laguna
is publicly traded in Canada on The Toronto Stock Exchange, trading prices on
that exchange are not necessarily representative of the consideration the
Company could obtain for such shares currently or in the future. See "Business
and Properties -- Laguna Gold Company."
    
 
     The value of the Company's investment in Laguna will be affected by the
business results of Laguna. There are many uncertainties in any mineral
exploration and development program, such as the location of economic ore
bodies, the receipt of necessary government permits and the construction of
mining and processing facilities, as well as widely fluctuating prices of
minerals. Because Laguna's properties are in Costa Rica, additional
uncertainties include currency risks, risks of changes in foreign laws and the
risk of expropriation. Substantial expenditures will be required to pursue
Laguna's exploration and development activities, and substantial time may elapse
from the initial phases of development until Laguna's activities are fully
operational.
 
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
 
     Sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock in the public market could
adversely affect the market price for the Common Stock. If the Company's
shareholders were to sell a significant number of shares, the prevailing market
price of the Common Stock could be adversely affected. The Company and its
officers and directors have agreed that they will not sell any shares of Common
Stock until at least 180 days after the Offering. See "Principal Shareholders"
and "Underwriting."
 
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS
 
     The Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation impose restrictions on
changes in control of the Company. The existence of these provisions may
discourage a party from making a tender offer for or otherwise seeking to obtain
control of the Company. See "Description of Capital Stock and Other
Securities -- Certain Voting Requirements."
 
RELIANCE ON KEY PERSONNEL
 
     The Company is dependent upon its executive officers, key employees and
certain consultants. The unexpected loss of services of one or more of these
individuals could have a detrimental effect on the Company. At present, the
Company relies on consultants for geological analysis of its properties. The
Company does not maintain key man insurance on any of its executive officers or
key employees. In addition, the continued growth and expansion of the Company
will depend upon, among other factors, the successful retention of skilled and
experienced management and technical personnel. See "Key Employees and
Consultants."
 
COMPETITION
 
     The oil and gas industry and the mining industry are both highly
competitive. The Company and Laguna compete with major companies, other
independent concerns and individual producers and operators. Many of these
competitors have substantially greater financial and other resources than do the
Company and Laguna. See "Business and Properties -- Competition."
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the shares of Common Stock
being offered hereby (based on an assumed public offering price of $6.00 per
share) are estimated to be approximately $9.5 million ($11 million if the
Underwriters' over-allotment option is exercised in full) after deducting
underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses.
 
     Approximately $7.6 million of the net proceeds of the Offering will be used
to finance the Company's oil and gas drilling activities in the Delaware and San
Juan Basins.
 
     In addition, approximately $1.9 million of the proceeds of the Offering
will be used to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company's Series A
Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series A Preferred Stock"). See "Transactions With
Related Parties" and "Description of Capital Stock and Other
Securities -- Series A Convertible Preferred Stock."
 
   
     Prior to the expenditure of the net proceeds of this Offering that are to
be used for oil and gas drilling activities, a portion of such proceeds will be
used to pay down the Company's line of credit with Bank One, Texas, N.A. (the
"Bank"). On March 20, 1996, the Company replaced its previous line of credit
with a revolving line of credit facility (the "Facility") from the Bank,
consisting of a revolving line of credit (the "Revolver") and a separate
drilling line of credit (the "Drilling Line"). Under the Revolver, the current
borrowing base is $8,820,000 and the amount outstanding at August 31, 1996 was
approximately $8,570,000. The initial borrowing under the Revolver was used to
repay a previous bank credit facility. The Facility requires a reduction in the
commitment under the Revolver of $130,000 per month beginning on January 31,
1997, subject to any borrowing base redetermination. The interest rate on
amounts drawn down under the Revolver is, at the Company's election, either the
Bank's base rate plus 0.75% or the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus
2.5% (7.875% as of June 30, 1996). The Drilling Line consists of a $2.0 million
line of credit established to be used for development drilling approved by the
Bank. Amounts drawn under the Drilling Line are repayable from 100% of the net
revenues generated by wells under the Company's drilling program. If borrowing
base levels increase under the Revolver, such amounts must be borrowed and used
to prepay amounts outstanding under the Drilling Line. Amounts outstanding under
the Drilling Line bear interest at the greater of 12.5% or the Bank's base rate
plus 4%. The Facility is collateralized by substantially all of the Company's
oil and gas properties and expires on March 31, 1999. Under the Facility, the
Company is obligated to pay down $1.0 million under the Revolver and $2.0
million under the Drilling Line from the net proceeds of this Offering. Such
amounts may be reborrowed by the Company under the terms, and subject to the
restrictions, of the Facility, including the right of the Bank to redetermine
the borrowing base under the Revolver at any time.
    
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
                          PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
 
   
     The Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"MLRC" (temporarily "MLRCD"). The following table sets forth, for the periods
indicated, the high and low sale prices of the Common Stock as reported on the
Nasdaq National Market. All of the following quotations have been adjusted to
reflect the four to one reverse stock split of the Common Stock that occurred on
September 9, 1996.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          HIGH       LOW
                                                                         ------     ------
    <S>                                                                  <C>        <C>
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994:
      First Quarter....................................................  $18.00     $14.00
      Second Quarter...................................................   15.00      10.50
      Third Quarter....................................................   14.00       9.50
      Fourth Quarter...................................................   12.50       5.50
    YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995:
      First Quarter....................................................  $ 8.00     $ 5.00
      Second Quarter...................................................    8.50       5.50
      Third Quarter....................................................   10.00       6.00
      Fourth Quarter...................................................   11.00       4.00
    YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1996:
      First Quarter....................................................  $ 8.25     $ 5.50
      Second Quarter...................................................   11.00       6.00
      Third Quarter (through September 18, 1996).......................    8.00       5.00
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     On September 18, 1996, the last reported sale price for the Common Stock on
the Nasdaq National Market was $6.25. As of September 18, 1996, there were
approximately 750 shareholders of record of the Common Stock.
    
 
                                DIVIDEND POLICY
 
     The Company does not intend to pay cash dividends on Common Stock in the
foreseeable future. The Company instead intends to retain its earnings to
support the growth of the Company. Any future cash dividends would depend on
future earnings, capital requirements, the Company's financial condition and
other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. Under the terms of the
Facility, the Company may not pay dividends without the consent of the Bank. For
a description of the Facility, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital
Resources."
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
   
     The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the
Company as of June 30, 1996 and as adjusted (i) to reflect the sale of 1.8
million shares of Common Stock offered by the Company hereby and (ii) the
application of the estimated net proceeds to the Company therefrom, as described
under "Use of Proceeds." The following table should be read in conjunction with
the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and the related notes and
other financial information included elsewhere in this Prospectus. All Common
Stock amounts have been adjusted to reflect the four to one reverse stock split
that occurred on September 9, 1996.
    
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            AT JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                        ------------------------
                                                                         ACTUAL      AS ADJUSTED
                                                                        --------     -----------
                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                     <C>          <C>
Long-term debt(1).....................................................  $  7,705      $   7,705
Series B Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par
  value, 500,000 shares authorized, 400,000 shares issued and
  outstanding, liquidation preference and mandatory redemption of
  $4,000,000..........................................................     3,870          3,870
Shareholders' equity:
  Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value, 1,467,890
     shares authorized, 1,100,918 shares issued and outstanding,
     liquidation preference $6,000,000, and 0 shares, as
     adjusted(2)......................................................     5,730             --
  Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized;
     2,083,305 shares issued and outstanding and 3,883,305 shares as
     adjusted(3)......................................................        21             39
  Additional paid-in capital..........................................    39,191         52,523
  Accumulated deficit.................................................   (33,652)       (33,652)
                                                                        --------       --------
          Total shareholders' equity..................................    11,290         18,910
                                                                        --------       --------
          Total capitalization........................................  $ 22,865      $  30,485
                                                                        ========       ========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
   
(1) Long-term debt includes long-term debt net of current maturities, notes
    payable-other and capital lease obligations net of current portion. Assumes
    the Company will reborrow the $1,000,000 that the Company is obligated to
    pay down under the Revolver from the net proceeds of this Offering. See
    "Use of Proceeds."
    
 
(2) Assumes the purchase of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock for
    approximately $1.9 million. See "Transactions With Related Parties."
 
   
(3) Does not include (i) 131,914 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise
    of currently outstanding options and warrants, (ii) 240,384 shares of
    Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Company's outstanding Series B
    Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock and (iii) 144,000 shares
    of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Representative's warrant. See
    "Description of Capital Stock and Other Securities."
    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
                      SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
   
     The following is a summary of selected consolidated financial data which
the Company believes highlights trends in its financial condition and results of
its operations. The table presents the consolidated results of operations for
the years ended December 31, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995, and balance sheet
data as of June 30, 1996 and as adjusted as of that date to reflect the results
of this Offering. This information should be read in conjunction with the
Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto and "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," included
elsewhere herein.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                           SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                       JUNE 30,
                                                    --------------------------------------------------    ------------------
                                                     1991       1992      1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                                    -------    ------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
SELECTED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Revenues:
    Oil and gas sales.............................. $ 1,349    $1,408    $ 2,061    $ 4,629    $ 4,800    $ 2,603    $ 2,834
    Other..........................................     259       568        230        280        628        118        107
                                                    -------    ------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                                      1,608     1,976      2,291      4,909      5,428      2,721      2,941
                                                    -------    ------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Costs and expenses:
    Oil and gas production.........................     846       800        976      2,024      1,868        996        973
    Mining project expenses........................      52       171        133        169        448        247        359
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization.......   4,034       306        937      2,409      2,340      1,233      1,170
    General and administrative.....................   1,157       891      1,183      1,806      2,015        982        953
    Interest and other.............................     150        76        249        132        433        111        465
                                                    -------    ------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
                                                      6,239     2,244      3,478      6,540      7,104      3,569      3,920
                                                    -------    ------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Minority interest in loss of consolidated
    subsidiary.....................................      --        --         --         --         --         --         54
                                                    -------    ------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Loss before extraordinary item...................  (4,631)     (268)    (1,187)    (1,631)    (1,676)      (848)      (925)
  Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt...      --        --         --         --       (253)        --       (160)
                                                    -------    ------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Net loss.........................................  (4,631)     (268)    (1,187)    (1,631)    (1,929)      (848)    (1,085)
  Dividends on preferred stock and accretion.......      --        --         --       (258)      (360)      (158)      (186)
                                                    -------    ------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Net loss attributable to common shareholders..... $(4,631)   $ (268)   $(1,187)   $(1,889)   $(2,289)   $(1,006)   $(1,271)
                                                    =======    ======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA(1):
  Loss attributable to common shareholders before
    extraordinary item............................. $ (3.96)   $(0.24)   $ (0.88)   $ (1.00)   $ (1.04)   $ (0.52)   $ (0.55)
  Extraordinary loss...............................      --        --         --         --      (0.12)        --      (0.08)
                                                    -------    ------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -------
  Net loss attributable to common shareholders..... $ (3.96)   $(0.24)   $ (0.88)   $ (1.00)   $ (1.16)   $ (0.52)   $ (0.63)
                                                    =======    ======    =======    =======    =======    =======    =======
  Weighted average shares outstanding..............   1,168     1,195      1,368      1,916      1,947      1,944      2,005
SELECTED CASH FLOW AND OTHER DATA:
  EBITDA (2)....................................... $  (549)   $   56    $   (79)   $   876    $ 1,093    $   465    $   706
  Capital expenditures............................. $   906    $  190    $20,612    $ 2,379    $ 3,883    $ 2,351    $ 3,988
</TABLE>
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         AT JUNE 30, 1996
                                                                  AT DECEMBER 31,                     ----------------------
                                                 -------------------------------------------------                   AS
                                                  1991      1992      1993       1994       1995      ACTUAL     ADJUSTED(3)
                                                 ------    ------    -------    -------    -------    -------    -----------
<S>                                              <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Total assets.................................. $8,026    $7,675    $28,773    $28,226    $31,635    $37,540      $45,160
  Long-term debt(4).............................     41        30         20         --     10,037      7,705        7,705
  Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock........     --        --         --      3,804      3,844      3,870        3,870
  Shareholders' equity..........................  6,645     6,738     15,029     13,549     11,760     11,290       18,910
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
(1) As adjusted for four to one reverse stock split.
    
 
   
(2) EBITDA is income before income taxes, interest, depreciation, depletion and
    amortization, and extraordinary loss. EBITDA is a financial measure commonly
    used in the Company's industry and should not be considered in isolation or
    as a substitute for net income, cash flow provided by operating activities
    or other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with generally
    accepted accounting principles or as a measure of a company's profitability
    or liquidity.
    
 
   
(3) As adjusted to reflect the receipt by the Company of estimated net proceeds
    from the issuance of 1.8 million shares of Common Stock and the application
    of such proceeds. See "Use of Proceeds" and "Capitalization."
    
 
   
(4) Long-term debt includes long-term debt net of current maturities, notes
    payable-other and capital lease obligations net of current portion.
    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following discussion is intended to assist in understanding the
Company's historical consolidated financial position at December 31, 1993, 1994
and 1995, and June 30, 1996, and results of operations and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995 and the unaudited six
month periods ended June 30, 1995 and 1996. The Company's historical
Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this
Prospectus contain detailed information that should be referred to in
conjunction with the following discussion. The financial information discussed
below is consolidated information, which includes the accounts of Laguna.
 
OVERVIEW
 
   
     Historically, the Company has engaged in two separate and distinct facets
of the natural resources business. Through Mallon Oil Company, the Company has
pursued its core oil and gas interests. Through Laguna, the Company has pursued
its mining interests. The Company has determined that the level of capital and
management resources required to fully develop each of these businesses make it
inadvisable for the Company to continue to pursue both. Accordingly, the Company
decided to separate the businesses by establishing the financial independence of
Laguna and having the Company focus its efforts on the oil and gas business.
Laguna's recent Canadian financing and listing on The Toronto Stock Exchange
have been major steps toward the accomplishment of that goal and should permit
Laguna to operate independently without further reliance on the Company for
financial support. The Company does not have any obligation or intention to
finance Laguna's future operations.
    
 
     In light of the recent implementation of this fundamental change in the
manner in which the Company will henceforth pursue its business, the Company's
past financial performance is not necessarily indicative of its future
operations.
 
     The Company's revenues, profitability and future rate of growth will be
substantially dependent upon prevailing prices for oil and gas, which are in
turn dependent upon numerous factors that are beyond the Company's control, such
as economic, political and regulatory developments and competition from other
sources of energy. The energy markets have historically been volatile, and there
can be no assurance that oil and gas prices will not be subject to wide
fluctuations in the future. A substantial or extended decline in oil or gas
prices could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position,
results of operations and access to capital, as well as the quantities of oil
and gas reserves that the Company may economically produce.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     The Company has been significantly constrained by a continued shortage of
capital. The Company had working capital deficits of $1,764,000 and $476,000 at
December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively. To address those deficits, the Company
has, at various times, obtained debt financing and limited infusions of equity
capital. However, management has always been of the view that the Company's
liquidity problem will only be solved, on a long term basis, by the Company's
development of its oil and gas properties. Management believes that such
operations, if successful, will increase the Company's cash flow and improve its
liquidity, and thereby correct the Company's working capital deficits. To date,
the Company has lacked the funds necessary to fund such operations at a level
sufficient to achieve such results.
 
     Historically, the Company's involvement in both oil and gas and mining
activities has hampered its ability to raise capital due to the complexity of
the Company's financial structure and apparent market perceptions that the
Company was too small to effectively pursue two such disparate businesses. By
establishing independent financing arrangements for Laguna, management hopes to
overcome these problems, raise development capital and place the Company in a
position to exploit its oil and gas acreage. The elimination of the Company's
commitment to fund Laguna's operations should assist the Company in these
efforts.
 
     To implement the drilling and development programs described in this
Prospectus, the Company will require expenditures of approximately $10.7 million
during the balance of 1996 and through 1997. Without the
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
net proceeds of this Offering, the Company could not fund all of its planned
operations, and its capital expenditure plans would need to be scaled back.
However, with the net proceeds of this Offering, the Company's working capital
and credit facility and the operating cash flows that are expected to be
generated by the application of such funds to the Company's drilling program,
management anticipates that the Company will have sufficient capital to fund the
continued development of its current properties in an orderly fashion and to
meet the Company's liquidity requirements for the foreseeable future.
 
     In March 1996, the Company established the Facility with the Bank. The
significant terms of the Facility, as it has been amended, are as follows:
 
     - The Facility establishes two separate lines of credit: the Revolver and
       the Drilling Line.
 
     - The borrowing base under the Revolver is subject to redetermination every
       six months, at June 30 and December 31, or at such other times as the
       Bank may determine.
 
     - The interest rate on amounts drawn under the Revolver is, at the
       Company's election, either the Bank's base rate plus 0.75%, or LIBOR plus
       2.5% (7.875% as of June 30, 1996). Amounts outstanding under the Drilling
       Line bear interest at the greater of 12.5% or the Bank's base rate plus
       4%.
 
     - The Facility requires a reduction in the commitment under the Revolver of
       $130,000 per month beginning January 31, 1997, subject to borrowing base
       redeterminations.
 
     - Amounts drawn under the Drilling Line are repayable from 100% of the net
       revenues generated by wells drilled with such funds. If the borrowing
       base under the Revolver increases, such additional amounts must be
       borrowed and used to reduce amounts outstanding under the Drilling Line.
 
     - The principal amount drawn under the Drilling Line is due on the earlier
       of the completion of this Offering or December 31, 1996.
 
     - The Facility is collateralized by substantially all of the Company's oil
       and gas properties.
 
     - The Company is obligated to maintain certain financial and other
       covenants, including a minimum current ratio, minimum net equity, a debt
       coverage ratio and a total bank debt ceiling.
 
     - The Facility expires on March 31, 1999.
 
     Initial amounts drawn under the Revolver were used to retire the Company's
prior line of credit and related accrued interest. At June 30, 1996, the
borrowing base under the Revolver was $8,820,000, and the principal amount
outstanding was $8,231,000, leaving the amount available under the Revolver at
$589,000. The principal amount outstanding under the Drilling Line was
$2,000,000 at June 30, 1996. The Company is currently in compliance with the
covenants of the Facility.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                  YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,            JUNE 30,
                                                ----------------------------     -----------------
                                                 1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                                ------     ------     ------     ------     ------
                                                (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT AVERAGE PRICES AND $ PER BOE)
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
OPERATING RESULTS:
  Oil and gas revenues........................  $2,061     $4,629     $4,800     $2,603     $2,834
  Oil and gas production expenses.............     976      2,024      1,868        996        973
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization....     937      2,409      2,340      1,233      1,170
  Mining project expenses.....................     133        169        448        247        359
  General and administrative expenses.........   1,183      1,806      2,015        982        953
NET PRODUCTION:
  Oil (MBbl)..................................      70        146        173         89         91
  Natural Gas (MMcf)..........................     695      1,648      1,238        731        700
AVERAGE SALES PRICE REALIZED:
  Oil (per Bbl)...............................  $14.75     $14.81     $16.45     $16.58     $16.98
  Natural Gas (per Mcf).......................  $ 1.48     $ 1.50     $ 1.58     $ 1.54     $ 1.84
AVERAGE PRODUCTION COSTS AND TAXES (PER
  BOE):.......................................  $ 5.25     $ 4.81     $ 4.93     $ 4.72     $ 4.68
AVERAGE DEPRECIATION, DEPLETION AND
  AMORTIZATION (PER BOE):.....................  $ 4.70     $ 5.53     $ 5.70     $ 5.51     $ 5.22
</TABLE>
 
  Six Months Ended June 30, 1996 Compared with Six Months Ended June 30, 1995
 
     Revenues. Total revenues for the six months ended June 30, 1996 increased
8.1% to $2,941,000, compared with $2,721,000 for the six months ended June 30,
1995. The increase was primarily due to higher oil and gas prices. Average oil
prices for the six months ended June 30, 1996 increased 2.4% to $16.98 per Bbl,
compared with $16.58 per Bbl for the six months ended June 30, 1995. Average gas
prices for the six months ended June 30, 1996 increased 19.5% to $1.84 per Mcf,
compared with $1.54 per Mcf for the six months ended June 30, 1995.
 
     Oil and Gas Production Expenses. Oil and gas production expenses for the
six months ended June 30, 1996 decreased 2.3% to $973,000, compared with
$996,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1995. The decrease was primarily
attributable to fewer new wells drilled which typically have higher operating
expenses in their first six months of production.
 
     Mining Project Expenses. Mining project expenses for the six months ended
June 30, 1996 increased 45.3% to $359,000, compared with $247,000 for the six
months ended June 30, 1995. The increase was primarily due to Laguna's business
development expenses related to reviewing other mineral concessions. During the
six months ended June 30, 1995 and 1996 there were no sales of gold or silver
and the Company does not expect sales in the immediate future.
 
     General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses
for the six months ended June 30, 1996 decreased 3.0% to $953,000, compared with
$982,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1995.
 
     Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization. Depreciation, depletion and
amortization for the six months ended June 30, 1996 decreased 5.1% to
$1,170,000, compared with $1,233,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1995.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization decreased 5.3% to $5.22 per BOE for the
six months ended June 30, 1996, compared with $5.51 per BOE for the six months
ended June 30, 1995 primarily due to an increase in oil and gas reserves.
 
     Interest and Other Expenses. Interest and other expenses for the six months
ended June 30, 1996 increased 318.9% to $465,000, compared with $111,000 for the
six months ended June 30, 1995. The increase was primarily due to higher
outstanding borrowings under the Company's credit facility which were used
primarily to terminate a volumetric production payment in August 1995.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
     Other Items. Minority interest in loss of consolidated subsidiary of
$54,000 represents the minority interest share in the Laguna loss. The minority
interest in the Laguna common stock was created in June 1996. The Company
incurred an extraordinary loss of $160,000 during the six months ended June 30,
1996 as a result of the refinancing of its credit facility with a new lender.
 
     Income Taxes. The Company did not recognize any tax benefit from its losses
in the six months ended June 30, 1996 and June 30, 1995.
 
     Net Loss. Net loss for the six months ended June 30, 1996 increased 27.9%
to $1,085,000, compared with $848,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1995 as
a result of the factors discussed above. The Company paid the 8% dividend
totaling $160,000 on its $4,000,000 face amount Series B Mandatorily Redeemable
Convertible Preferred Stock ("Series B Preferred Stock") during the six months
ended June 30, 1996, and realized accretion of $26,000. Net loss attributable to
common shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 1996 increased 26.3% to
$1,271,000, compared with $1,006,000 for the six months ended June 30, 1995.
 
  Year Ended December 31, 1995 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 1994.
 
   
     Revenues. Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased
10.6% to $5,428,000, compared with $4,909,000 for the year ended December 31,
1994. The increase was primarily due to a gain on termination of a volumetric
production payment. For the year ended December 31, 1995 oil and gas sales,
including amortization of deferred revenue from a volumetric production payment,
increased 3.7% to $4,800,000 from $4,629,000 for the year ended December 31,
1994. Total oil production increased 18.5% to 173,000 Bbls and total gas
production decreased 24.9% to 1,238,000 Mcf for the year ended December 31,
1995. The increase in oil sales was due to the completion of eight productive
wells during 1995, and the decrease in gas sales was due in part to a decrease
in production from one of the Company's producing properties, which has a steep
decline curve, accounting for 267,000 Mcf of the production decrease. Average
oil prices for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased 11.1% to $16.45 per
Bbl, compared with $14.81 per Bbl for the year ended December 31, 1994. Average
gas prices for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased 5.3% to $1.58 per Mcf,
compared with $1.50 per Mcf for the year ended December 31, 1994.
    
 
     Oil and Gas Production Expenses. Oil and gas production expenses for the
year ended December 31, 1995 decreased 7.7% to $1,868,000, compared with
$2,024,000 for the year ended December 31, 1994. The decrease was primarily due
to a reduction in repair costs in some of the Company's older fields.
 
     Mining Project Expenses. Mining project expenses for the year ended
December 31, 1995 increased 165.1% to $448,000, compared with $169,000 for year
ended December 31, 1994. The increase was due primarily to increased general and
administration costs relating to the Rio Chiquito Project. During the year ended
December 31, 1995 there were no sales of gold or silver and the Company does not
expect sales in the immediate future.
 
     General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses
for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased 11.6% to $2,015,000, compared
with $1,806,000 for the year ended December 31, 1994. The increase was primarily
due to an increase in investment banking fees related to a contract which
expired in 1995 and additional salary expense for two officers hired April 1,
1994, which was included for a full year in 1995. These increases were partially
offset by a reduction in legal fees and office expenses. Additionally, during
1995, consulting fees related to Laguna's exploration program increased
significantly and travel and related expenses increased due to expenditures
incurred in pursuing the Laguna private placement and financing arrangement and
for new personnel traveling to Costa Rica.
 
     Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization. Depreciation, depletion and
amortization for the year ended December 31, 1995 decreased 2.9% to $2,340,000,
compared with $2,409,000 for the year ended December 31, 1994. Depreciation,
depletion and amortization for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased 3.1%
to $5.70 per BOE, compared with $5.53 per BOE for the year ended December 31,
1994, due primarily to lower gas production.
 
     Interest and Other Expenses. Interest and other expenses for the year ended
December 31, 1995 increased 228.0% to $433,000, compared with $132,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1994. The increase was
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
primarily due to higher outstanding borrowings under the Company's credit
facility which were used primarily to terminate a volumetric production payment
in August 1995.
 
     Other Items. The Company incurred an extraordinary loss of $253,000 during
1995 as a result of the refinancing of its credit facility with a new lender.
 
     Income Taxes. The Company incurred net operating losses ("NOLs") for
Federal income tax purposes in 1995, 1994 and 1993, which can be carried forward
to offset future taxable income. Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No.
109 requires that a valuation allowance be provided if it is more likely than
not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The
Company's ability to realize the benefit of its deferred tax asset will depend
on the generation of future taxable income through profitable operations and the
expansion of the Company's oil and gas producing activities. The market and
capital risks associated with achieving the above requirement are considerable,
resulting in the Company's conclusion to provide a valuation allowance equal to
the deferred tax asset. Accordingly, the Company did not recognize any tax
benefit in its consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December
31, 1995, 1994, and 1993.
 
     Net Loss. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 1995 increased 18.3% to
$1,929,000, compared with $1,631,000 for the year ended December 31, 1994 as a
result of the factors discussed above. The Company paid the 8% dividend totaling
$320,000 on its Series B Preferred Stock during 1995, and realized accretion of
$40,000. Net loss attributable to common shareholders for the year ended
December 31, 1995 increased 21.2% to $2,289,000, compared to $1,889,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1994.
 
  Year Ended December 31, 1994 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 1993
 
   
     Revenues. Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 1994 increased
114.3% to $4,909,000, compared with $2,291,000 for the year ended December 31,
1993. The increase was primarily due to the Company's acquisition of producing
properties in September 1993. For the year ended December 31, 1994 oil and gas
sales increased 124.6% to $4,629,000 from $2,061,000 for the year ended December
31, 1993. The increase was attributable to a substantial property acquisition in
September 1993, and drilling and enhancement operations completed during 1994.
Total oil production increased 108.6% to 146,000 Bbls and total gas production
increased 137.1% to 1,648,000 Mcf for the year ended December 31, 1994. Average
oil prices for the year ended December 31, 1994 increased 0.4% to $14.81 per
Bbl, compared with $14.75 per Bbl for the year ended December 31, 1993. Average
gas prices for the year ended December 31, 1994 increased 1.4% to $1.50 per Mcf,
compared with $1.48 per Mcf for the year ended December 31, 1993.
    
 
     Oil and Gas Production Expenses. Oil and gas production expenses for the
year ended December 31, 1994 increased 107.4% to $2,024,000, compared with
$976,000 for the year ended December 31, 1993. The increase was primarily due to
expenses related to the oil and gas properties acquired in September 1993.
 
     Mining Project Expenses. Mining project expenses for the year ended
December 31, 1994 increased 27.1% to $169,000, compared with $133,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1993. The increase was due to direct costs related to
Laguna's exploration program. During the year ended December 31, 1994 there were
no sales of gold or silver.
 
     General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses
for the year ended December 31, 1994 increased 52.7% to $1,806,000, compared
with $1,183,000 for the year ended December 31, 1993. The increase was primarily
due to increased salary expense for additional personnel directly related to the
Company's September 1993 acquisition of producing properties and legal fees
incurred in connection with a lawsuit initiated by the Company. Additionally,
travel expenses increased significantly due to efforts related to the Laguna
mining operation.
 
     Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization. Depreciation, depletion and
amortization for the year ended December 31, 1994 increased 157.1% to
$2,409,000, compared with $937,000 for the year ended December 31, 1993.
Depreciation, depletion and amortization for the year ended December 31, 1994
increased 17.7% to $5.53 per BOE, compared with $4.70 per BOE for the year ended
December 31, 1993. This increase primarily reflects a decrease in production in
one of the Company's major properties and the effect of low year-end 1993 gas
prices on reserves.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
     Interest and Other Expenses. Interest and other expenses for the year ended
December 31, 1994 decreased 47.0% to $132,000, compared with $249,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1993. The decrease was primarily due to lower
outstanding borrowings resulting from the refinancing of a net profits interest
with the proceeds of the sale of the Series B Preferred Stock, which bears an 8%
dividend rate.
 
     Net Loss. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 1994 attributable to
common shareholders increased 37.4% to $1,631,000, compared with $1,187,000 for
the year ended December 31, 1993 as a result of factors discussed above. The
Company paid the 8% dividend totaling $228,000 on its Series B Preferred Stock
during 1994, and realized accretion of $30,000. Net loss attributable to common
shareholders increased 59.1% to $1,889,000, compared with $1,187,000 for year
ended December 31, 1993.
 
HEDGING ACTIVITIES
 
     The Company has in the past and may in the future engage in hedging
transactions when management believes it is in the Company's interest to do so.
Such transactions "lock in" prices, thus protecting against future price
downturns, but they also limit the Company's ability to benefit from future
price increases. The Company's use of hedging arrangements is limited to
management of commodity price risks. Gains and losses on such transactions are
matched to product sales and charged or credited to oil and gas sales when that
product is sold. Management believes that the use of various hedging
arrangements can be a prudent means of protecting the Company's financial
interests from the volatility of oil and gas prices.
 
     In November 1995, the Company entered into a "collar" hedging transaction
with an independent crude oil buyer covering 12,000 Bbls per month of its oil
production. Under this arrangement, for each month beginning November 1995
through October 1996, the Company will receive a minimum of $16.50 per Bbl and a
maximum of $18.00 per Bbl for the 12,000 Bbls subject to the collar agreement.
The premium for this collar is $0.30 per Bbl, payable monthly.
 
     Also in November 1995, the Company entered into a "floor" hedging
transaction with an independent purchaser covering 30,000 MMBtus per month of
the Company's gas production. Under this arrangement, for each month beginning
November 1995 through October 1996, if the price for gas as quoted on the New
York Mercantile Exchange ("NYMEX") is less than $1.70, the Company will receive
the difference between $1.70 and the average settlement price for that month for
the 30,000 MMBtus subject to the floor agreement. The premium for this floor is
$.095 per MMBtu, payable monthly.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
     The Company's oil and gas operations are significantly affected by certain
provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), that
are applicable to the oil and gas industry. Current law permits the Company to
deduct currently, rather than capitalize, intangible drilling and development
costs incurred or borne by it. The Company, as an independent producer, is also
entitled to a deduction for percentage depletion with respect to the first 1,000
Bbls per day of domestic crude oil (and/or equivalent units of domestic natural
gas) produced (if such percentage depletion exceeds cost depletion). Generally,
this deduction is 15% of gross income from an oil and gas property, without
reference to the taxpayer's basis in the property. The percentage depletion
deduction may not exceed 100% of the taxable income from a given property.
Further, percentage depletion is limited in the aggregate to 65% of the
Company's taxable income. Any depletion disallowed under the 65% limitation,
however, may be carried over indefinitely.
 
     At December 31, 1995, the Company had an NOL carryforward for Federal
income tax purposes of approximately $13,400,000, which will begin to expire in
2005. The amount and availability of an NOL carryforward is subject to a variety
of interpretations and restrictions. Under a provision of the Code, a
corporation's ability to utilize an NOL carryforward to offset taxable income
following an "ownership change" is limited. If an ownership change occurs, the
ability of the Company to use its NOL carryforward will be limited so that a
portion of the Company's NOL carryforward will not be available to offset the
Company's taxable income in a particular year. The Company believes that this
Offering may effect such an ownership change.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   22
 
     Inflation has not historically had a material impact on the Company's
financial statements, and management does not believe that the Company will be
materially more or less sensitive to the effects of inflation than other
companies in the oil and gas business.
 
     When evaluating the Company, its operations, or its expectations, the
reader should bear in mind that the Company and its operations are subject to
numerous risks and uncertainties. Among these are risks related to the oil and
gas and the mining businesses (including operating risks and hazards and the
plethora of regulations imposed thereon), risks and uncertainties related to the
volatility of the prices of oil and gas and minerals, uncertainties related to
the estimation of reserves of oil and gas and minerals and the value of such
reserves, the effects of competition and extensive environmental regulation, the
uncertainties related to foreign operations, and many other factors, many of
which are necessarily beyond the Company's control.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   23
 
                            BUSINESS AND PROPERTIES
 
GENERAL
 
     Mallon Resources Corporation is an independent energy company engaged in
the domestic oil and gas development, exploration and production business. The
Company's activities are focused in the Delaware Basin of southeast New Mexico
where it has been active since 1982, and in the San Juan Basin of northwest New
Mexico where it has been active since 1984. The Company owns interests in
approximately 24,100 gross (18,900 net) acres in the Delaware Basin and
approximately 31,100 gross (16,500 net) acres in the San Juan Basin. The
Company's properties are primarily located in fields with established production
histories, which typically contain multiple productive geologic formations and
zones. To date, the Company's efforts to develop its properties have been
constrained by its limited capital resources. The Company intends to use a
majority of the net proceeds from this Offering to drill or recomplete
approximately 55 wells in these two basins through the end of 1997.
 
   
     The Company increased its estimated proved reserves from 2.2 MMBOE as of
December 31, 1992, to 5.5 MMBOE as of June 30, 1996, a 150% increase. As of June
30, 1996, the Company's proved reserves, as estimated by its independent
petroleum engineers, GeoQuest, consisted of 1.9 MMBbls of crude oil and 21.2 Bcf
of natural gas, with a Pre-tax SEC 10 Value of $23.8 million. At June 30, 1996,
the Company owned interests in 225 gross (74 net) producing wells and operated
88, or 39%, of them. The Company also has interests in four waterflood units,
which contain a total of 544 gross (8.5 net) wells. The Company's geographic
concentration of its activities and its control over its operating expenses
resulted in average production costs of $4.93 per BOE for 1995.
    
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
   
     The Company's objectives are to develop its inventory of properties, expand
its oil and gas reserves and increase its cash flow. The Company intends to
pursue these objectives by increasing its drilling and recompletion activities
on its Delaware and San Juan Basin properties, while maintaining control over
its drilling, completion and operating costs.
    
 
     Approximately $7.6 million of the net proceeds of this Offering will be
dedicated to the exploitation of the Company's current inventory of properties
in the Delaware and San Juan Basins. During the next 15 months, using net
proceeds from this Offering and cash flow from operations, the Company intends
to drill approximately 30 wells on its Delaware Basin acreage and approximately
five wells on its San Juan Basin acreage, and recomplete approximately 20 of its
San Juan Basin wells. Thereafter, the Company anticipates that cash flow from
its operations will be sufficient to fund the continued development of its
current properties.
 
   
     Numerous potentially productive geologic formations and zones tend to be
stacked atop one another in the Delaware and San Juan Basins. This feature
allows most wells to target multiple potential pay zones, thus reducing drilling
risks. It also permits the Company to conduct exploration operations in
conjunction with its development drilling. Wells drilled to one horizon offer
opportunities to examine up-hole zones or can be drilled to deeper prospective
formations for relatively little additional cost. The Company believes that its
substantial experience in the Delaware and San Juan Basins has enabled it to
drill and complete wells for lower costs than those incurred by other operators
in these areas. The Company also believes that innovative fracturing and
completion techniques it employs extend the lives of its wells and accelerate
their production. Since 1990, the Company has completed 18 of the 21 wells it
has drilled in these two basins. Due to its substantial acreage positions and
operating experience in these areas, the Company intends to continue to
concentrate its operational efforts on these two basins for the foreseeable
future.
    
 
SELECTED FIELDS AND AREAS OF INTEREST
 
   
     The Company's activities are focused in the Delaware Basin of southeastern
New Mexico and in the San Juan Basin of northwestern New Mexico. At June 30,
1996, these areas accounted for 99% of the Company's 5.5 MMBOE of estimated
proved reserves. Of this total, 3.9 MMBOE were attributable to the Company's
Delaware Basin properties and 1.6 MMBOE were attributable to its San Juan Basin
properties.
    
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   24
 
  DELAWARE BASIN, SOUTHEASTERN NEW MEXICO
 
   
     The Delaware Basin has been an area of significant activity for the Company
since 1982, when the Company drilled its first well in the Brushy Draw field.
Wells in the Delaware Basin produce from a variety of formations, the principal
of which are the Cherry Canyon, Brushy Canyon, Strawn and Morrow Formations.
These formations each contain multiple potentially productive zones. The Cherry
Canyon and Brushy Canyon formations are shallow and primarily produce oil, while
the Strawn and Morrow Formations, which are deeper, generally produce natural
gas. The Company's primary properties in the Delaware Basin are in the Lea
Northeast, Quail Ridge, White City and South Carlsbad fields. The Company also
continues to assess potential in its Shipp, Lovington Northeast and Brushy Draw
properties. The Company owns interests in approximately 24,100 gross (18,900
net) acres of oil and gas leases in the Delaware Basin.
    
 
     Lea Northeast Field, Lea County, New Mexico. The Company is actively
developing a Cherry Canyon Formation play in this field. Since 1994 it has
drilled 13 wells here, 11 of which were productive and one of which is used as a
salt water disposal well. These wells extended the productive limits of the Lea
Northeast Field by more than a mile to the northwest. The Company currently
operates 12 wells in this field. The Company's wells in Lea Northeast typically
target between 10 and 15 zones that are productive in the area. The primary
producing interval in the field is in the Cherry Canyon Formation, although more
recently attention has also been directed to the deeper Brushy Canyon Formation.
The Company intends to drill wells to 10,500 feet in order to test zones in the
Bone Springs Formation, which is also productive on portions of the Company's
acreage. These formations contain multiple reservoir zones that occur at depths
between 5,500 and 8,200 feet. The Company intends to drill 16 wells in Lea
Northeast by the end of 1997 and has delineated 30 additional drill locations in
the field. The Company's working interest in these wells range from 36% to 84%,
and averages approximately 55%.
 
     Quail Ridge, Lea County, New Mexico. Adjacent to Lea Northeast, the Company
controls a large block of acreage on which it operates wells producing from the
Bone Springs, Atoka, and Morrow Formations. The Quail Ridge Field has produced
primarily from the Morrow sandstone at depths of approximately 13,500 feet. The
Company currently has an interest in 10 wells in this area and operates five of
them. The Company plans to further develop this block by drilling at least seven
wells in 1997. These wells will be drilled for production from the same Cherry
Canyon Formation and Brushy Canyon Formation zones found by the Company's recent
development activities in Lea Northeast, and, if successful, would extend the
limits of the field by more than two miles to the northwest. The Company
controls an approximate 40% working interest in this acreage.
 
     White City and South Carlsbad Fields, Eddy County, New Mexico. These
adjacent fields have been the focus of much of the Company's recompletion and
development activities since 1993. The Company has interests in 28 wells in
these fields and operates 10 of them. After the Lea Northeast/Quail Ridge area,
this is the Company's largest operated acreage block in the Delaware Basin. The
Company has successfully recompleted gas wells in the Canyon, Strawn, Atoka, and
Morrow Formations. Plans for development include drilling wells to the Morrow at
12,000 feet. Like all of the Company's recent drilling, a Morrow well will allow
for exploration of various up-hole zones in the Cherry Canyon and Brushy Canyon
Formations at depths from 1,500 to 5,300 feet, as well as the targeted Canyon,
Strawn, Atoka and Morrow Formations, which range in depth from 9,000 feet to
12,000 feet. The Company's working interest averages 38%.
 
     Shipp and Lovington Northeast Fields, Lea County, New Mexico. Shipp and
Lovington Fields are comprised of a collection of individual reservoirs, or
algal mounds, in a Strawn Formation interval at depths of approximately 11,500
feet. The mounds range in size from 100 to 700 acres. The Company has interests
in 33 wells and operates 23 wells in these adjacent fields. The Company recently
initiated a low installation cost pilot waterflood project on one of these
mounds. The Company will evaluate the success of this secondary recovery project
and determine the feasibility of expanding the project to other mounds in the
fields. The Company's working interest averages 33% in Lovington Northeast, and
46% in Shipp.
 
     Brushy Draw Field, Eddy County, New Mexico. The Company's initial drilling
and field development here began in 1982. Current production is from the base of
the Cherry Canyon Formation, at a depth of approximately 5,000 feet. The Company
operates 14 wells with an average working interest of 68%. The
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   25
 
Company will continue its Cherry Canyon development here, drilling three wells
in 1997, which will also be analyzed to evaluate potential productive zones in
the Brushy Canyon Formation.
 
  SAN JUAN BASIN, NORTHWESTERN NEW MEXICO
 
     The San Juan Basin has been a significant area of activity for the Company
since 1984. The Company's primary areas of interest in the San Juan Basin are
the East Blanco, Gavilan and Otero areas. The Company owns interests in
approximately 31,100 gross (16,500 net) acres of oil and gas leases in the San
Juan Basin. Wells on these leases produce from a variety of zones in the
Pictured Cliffs, Mesaverde, Mancos and Dakota Formations and primarily produce
natural gas. Historically, due to the San Juan Basin's relatively isolated
location and the resulting limited access its natural gas production has to the
natural gas marketplace, natural gas produced in the San Juan Basin has tended
to command prices that are lower than natural gas prices that prevail in other
areas.
 
     East Blanco Area, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. This area has been under
development by the Company since 1986. The Company holds interests in 23 wells
in this area. All production in the area has been natural gas, and East Blanco
wells typically contain reserves in more than one productive zone, primarily in
the Pictured Cliffs Formation and the Ojo Alamo Formation. The wells also
penetrate the Fruitland Coal Formation, which is productive in fields adjacent
to East Blanco. At present, management has identified 44 potential drilling and
recompletion locations on its East Blanco acreage. Of the locations currently
identified, 14 have been assigned proved undeveloped reserves in the Pictured
Cliffs or Ojo Alamo Formations. The Company owns a 59% average working interest
in this 20,000 acre block to the bottom of the Pictured Cliffs Formation.
 
     Gavilan Field, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. The Company operates seven
wells in this field. Current production is primarily natural gas from the Mancos
Formation at approximately 5,600 feet. In 1997 the Company plans to recomplete
three wells in the Mesaverde Formation and to utilize such wells to test the
Pictured Cliffs gas sand and two additional Mesaverde pays. The Company holds an
average 34% working interest in this acreage.
 
     Otero Field, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico. The Company operates its two
wells in this field, which produce oil from the Mancos Formation at
approximately 5,300 feet. The Company intends to drill one well in this field in
1997, which will commingle production from the Pictured Cliffs, Mesaverde and
Mancos Formations. The Company has an 88% working interest in this acreage.
 
  OTHER AREAS
 
     All of the Company's oil and gas operations are currently conducted
on-shore in the United States. In addition to the properties described above, it
has properties in the states of Colorado, Oklahoma, Wyoming, North Dakota and
Alabama. While it intends to continue to produce its current wells in those
states, it currently does not expect to engage in any development activities in
those areas. The Company also owns a 2.5% working interest in an exploration
venture to drill one or more wells offshore Belize, where the Company is
initially committed to spend approximately $200,000, beginning in late 1996 or
early 1997.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   26
 
ACREAGE
 
     The majority of the Company's producing oil and gas properties are located
on leased land held by the Company for as long as production is maintained. The
following table summarizes the Company's oil and gas acreage holdings as of
December 31, 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              GROSS          NET           GROSS            NET
                                            DEVELOPED     DEVELOPED     UNDEVELOPED     UNDEVELOPED
                     AREA                    ACREAGE       ACREAGE        ACREAGE         ACREAGE
    --------------------------------------  ---------     ---------     -----------     -----------
    <S>                                     <C>           <C>           <C>             <C>
    Delaware Basin........................    22,582        18,555          1,560             312
    San Juan Basin........................    10,308         3,503         20,773          13,033
    Other.................................    10,225         3,953          2,931              50
                                              ------        ------         ------          ------
              Total.......................    43,115        26,011         25,264          13,395
                                              ======        ======         ======          ======
</TABLE>
 
Much of the Delaware Basin developed acreage relates to deeper natural gas zones
as to which larger spacing rules apply. Most of this developed acreage is
undeveloped as to shallower zones.
 
PROVED RESERVES
 
   
     The following table sets forth summary information concerning the Company's
estimated proved oil and gas reserves as of June 30, 1996, based upon the
GeoQuest Report, a summary of which is included as Annex A to this Prospectus.
All calculations have been made in accordance with the rules and regulations of
the Commission and give no effect to federal or state income taxes otherwise
attributable to estimated future net revenues from the sale of oil and gas. The
present value of estimated future net revenues has been calculated using a
discount factor of 10%. See "Risk Factors -- Uncertainty of Estimates of
Reserves and Future Net Revenues."
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             OIL        GAS        TOTAL
                                                            (MBBL)     (MMCF)     (MBOE)
                                                            ------     ------     -------
    <S>                                                     <C>        <C>        <C>
    Proved developed reserves.............................  1,272      16,074      3,951
    Proved undeveloped reserves...........................    665       5,139      1,521
    Total proved reserves.................................  1,937      21,213      5,473
    Estimated future net revenues (in thousands).............................    $41,166
    Present value of estimated future net revenues (in thousands)............    $23,784
</TABLE>
    
 
DRILLING ACTIVITY
 
     The following table sets forth, for each of the last three years, and for
the six months ended June 30, 1996, the drilling activities conducted by the
Company:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    DEVELOPMENT WELLS
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------
                                                         GROSS WELLS                 NET WELLS
                                                   ------------------------   ------------------------
                                                   PRODUCTIVE   DRY   TOTAL   PRODUCTIVE   DRY   TOTAL
                                                   ----------   ---   -----   ----------   ---   -----
    <S>                                            <C>          <C>   <C>     <C>          <C>   <C>
    1993.........................................       0        0      0           0       0       0
    1994.........................................       4        0      4        1.75       0    1.75
    1995.........................................       7        1      8        4.40      .56   4.96
    Six months ended June 30, 1996...............       3        0      3        2.41       0    2.41
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    EXPLORATORY WELLS
                                                   ---------------------------------------------------
                                                         GROSS WELLS                 NET WELLS
                                                   ------------------------   ------------------------
                                                   PRODUCTIVE   DRY   TOTAL   PRODUCTIVE   DRY   TOTAL
                                                   ----------   ---   -----   ----------   ---   -----
    <S>                                            <C>          <C>   <C>     <C>          <C>   <C>
    1993.........................................       0        0      0          0        0       0
    1994.........................................       0        0      0          0        0       0
    1995.........................................       1        0      1         .3        0      .3
    Six months ended June 30, 1996...............       0        0      0          0        0       0
</TABLE>
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   27
 
PRODUCTIVE WELLS
 
     The following table summarizes the Company's gross and net interests in
productive wells at June 30, 1996. Net interests represented in the table are
net "working interests" which bear the cost of operations.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           GROSS WELLS                            NET WELLS
- ---------------------------------     ---------------------------------
OIL       NATURAL GAS       TOTAL     OIL       NATURAL GAS       TOTAL
- ---       -----------       -----     ---       -----------       -----
<S>       <C>               <C>       <C>       <C>               <C>
121           108            225      40             33             74
</TABLE>
 
In addition, the Company owns interests in four waterflood units, which contain
a total of 544 gross wells (8.5 net wells) and four gross (1.4 net) salt water
disposal wells.
 
PRODUCTION AND SALES PRICE
 
     The following table sets forth information concerning the Company's total
oil and gas production (including deliveries under its volumetric production
payment) and sales for each of the last three years and for the six months ended
June 30, 1996:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,            JUNE 30,
                                            ----------------------------     -----------------
                                             1993       1994       1995       1995       1996
                                            ------     ------     ------     ------     ------
    <S>                                     <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
    NET PRODUCTION:
      Oil (MBbl)..........................      70        146        173         89         91
      Natural Gas (MMcf)..................     695      1,648      1,238        731        700
    AVERAGE SALES PRICE REALIZED(1):
      Oil (per Bbl).......................  $14.75     $14.81     $16.45     $16.58     $16.98
      Natural Gas (per Mcf)...............  $ 1.48     $ 1.50     $ 1.58     $ 1.54     $ 1.84
      Per BOE.............................  $11.08     $11.00     $12.66     $12.34     $13.63
    AVERAGE COST (PER BOE):
      Production costs....................  $ 5.25     $ 4.81     $ 4.93     $ 4.72     $ 4.68
      Depreciation, depletion and
         amortization.....................  $ 4.70     $ 5.53     $ 5.70     $ 5.51     $ 5.22
    PRODUCING WELLS (at end of period)(2):
      Gross Wells.........................     218        219        222        223        225
      Net Wells...........................      70         66         72         67         74
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Includes effects of hedging. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
    Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Hedging Activities."
 
(2) In addition, the Company owns interests in four waterflood units, which
    contain a total of 544 gross wells (8.5 net wells) and four gross (1.4 net)
    salt water disposal wells.
 
MARKETING
 
     For 1996, approximately 400 Bbls per day (more than 80%) of the Company's
oil production is committed under a contract, which extends through October 31,
1996, with one company, Gulfmark Energy Incorporated. Other oil and liquids are
sold on the open market to unaffiliated purchasers, generally pursuant to
purchase contracts that are cancelable on 30 days' notice. The price paid for
this production is generally an established or posted price that is offered to
all producers in the field, plus any applicable differentials. Natural gas is
generally sold on the spot market or pursuant to short term contracts. Prices
paid for crude oil and natural gas fluctuate substantially. Because future
prices are difficult to predict, the Company hedges a portion of its oil and gas
sales to protect against market downturns. The nature of hedging transactions is
such that producers forego the benefit of some price increases that may occur
after the hedging arrangement is in place. The Company nevertheless believes
that hedging is prudent in certain circumstances in order to minimize the risk
of falling prices. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operation -- Hedging Activities."
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   28
 
LAGUNA GOLD COMPANY
 
   
     The Company owns 14 million common shares, representing an approximate 56%
interest, in Laguna, a company with interests in gold mining concessions in
Costa Rica. To establish itself as a financially independent company, Laguna
recently completed a financing in Canada and listed its common shares on The
Toronto Stock Exchange, under the trading symbol "LGC." Laguna received
approximately $4.3 million of net proceeds from its Canadian financing, which
will permit Laguna to continue its operations without further reliance on the
Company for financial support. The Company does not have any obligation or
intention to finance Laguna's future operations. Over time, the Company may
reduce its investment in Laguna. Proceeds from any disposition of the Company's
Laguna shares will be devoted to the Company's oil and gas operations. The
Company entered into an agreement with The Toronto Stock Exchange pursuant to
which it has agreed to escrow 8.4 million shares of Laguna common stock, and
one-third of such shares will be released from escrow in each of the three years
after the date of the agreement. On September 18, 1996, the closing price for a
share of Laguna common stock, as quoted on The Toronto Stock Exchange was
Cdn$1.50 (approximately US$1.10). See "Risk Factors -- Ownership Interest in
Laguna" and "Business and Properties -- Laguna Gold Company."
    
 
COMPETITION
 
     The oil and natural gas industry is intensely competitive. Competition is
particularly intense in the acquisition of prospective oil and natural gas
properties and oil and gas reserves. The Company's competitive position depends
on its geological, geophysical and engineering expertise, on its financial
resources, its ability to develop its properties and its ability to select,
acquire and develop proved reserves. The Company competes with a substantial
number of other companies having larger technical staffs and greater financial
and operational resources. Many such companies not only engage in the
acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas
reserves, but also carry on refining operations, generate electricity and market
refined products. The Company also competes with major and independent oil and
gas companies in the marketing and sale of oil and gas to transporters,
distributors and end users. There is also competition between the oil and
natural gas industry and other industries supplying energy and fuel to
industrial, commercial and individual consumers. The Company also competes with
other oil and natural gas companies in attempting to secure drilling rigs and
other equipment necessary for drilling and completion of wells. Such equipment
may be in short supply from time to time, although there is no current shortage
of such equipment. Finally, companies not previously investing in oil and
natural gas may choose to acquire reserves to establish a firm supply or simply
as an investment. Such companies will also provide competition for the Company.
The Company's business is affected not only by such competition, but also by
general economic developments, governmental regulations and other factors that
affect its ability to market its oil and natural gas production. The prices of
oil and natural gas realized by the Company are both highly volatile and
generally dependent on world supply and demand. Declines in crude oil prices or
natural gas prices adversely impact the Company's activities. The Company's
financial position and resources may also adversely affect the Company's
competitive position. Lack of available funds or financing alternatives will
prevent the Company from executing its operating strategy and from deriving the
expected benefits therefrom. For further information concerning the Company's
financial position, see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations."
 
REGULATION
 
     Various aspects of the Company's oil and natural gas operations are
regulated by administrative agencies under statutory provisions of the states
where such operations are conducted and by certain agencies of the Federal
government for operations on Federal leases. The Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission ("FERC") regulates the transportation and sale for resale of natural
gas in interstate commerce pursuant to the Natural Gas Act of 1938 ("NGA") and
the Natural Gas Policy Act of 1978 ("NGPA"). In the past, the Federal government
has regulated the prices at which oil and gas could be sold. While sales by
producers of natural gas, and all sales of crude oil, condensate and natural gas
liquids can currently be made at uncontrolled market prices, Congress could
reenact price controls in the future. Deregulation of wellhead sales in the
natural gas
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   29
 
industry began with the enactment of the NGPA in 1978. In 1989, Congress enacted
the Natural Gas Wellhead Decontrol Act (the "Decontrol Act"). The Decontrol Act
removed all NGA and NGPA price and nonprice controls affecting wellhead sales of
natural gas effective January 1, 1993.
 
     Commencing in April 1992, the FERC issued Order Nos. 636, 636-A, and 636-B
("Order No. 636"), which require interstate pipelines to provide transportation
separate, or "unbundled," from the pipelines' sales of gas. Also, Order No. 636
requires pipelines to provide open-access transportation on a basis that is
equal for all gas supplies. Although Order No. 636 does not directly regulate
the Company's activities, the FERC has stated that it intends for Order No. 636
to foster increased competition within all phases of the natural gas industry.
It is unclear what impact, if any, increased competition within the natural gas
industry under Order No. 636 will have on the Company's activities. Although
Order No. 636 could provide the Company with additional market access and more
fairly applied transportation service rates, Order No. 636 could also subject
the Company to more restrictive pipeline imbalance tolerances and greater
penalties for violation of those tolerances. Numerous parties have filed
petitions for review of Order No. 636, as well as orders in individual pipeline
restructuring proceedings. In July 1996, Order No. 636 was generally upheld on
appeal. The portions remanded for further action do not appear to materially
affect the Company. It is difficult to predict when all appeals of Order No. 636
will be completed or their impact on the Company.
 
     The FERC has recently announced several important transportation-related
policy statements and proposed rule changes. In 1995, the FERC issued a policy
statement on how interstate natural gas pipelines can recover the costs of new
pipeline facilities. In January 1996, the FERC issued a policy statement and a
request for comments concerning alternatives to its traditional cost-of-service
ratemaking methodology, including criteria to be used in evaluating proposals to
charge market-based rates for the transportation of natural gas. In addition,
the FERC recently issued a notice of proposed rulemaking pursuant to which it
proposes to substantially revise its regulations regarding releases of firm
interstate natural gas pipeline capacity. While any resulting FERC action
regarding these matters would affect the Company only indirectly, the FERC's
current rules and policy statements may have the effect of enhancing competition
in natural gas markets by, among other things, encouraging non-producer natural
gas marketers to engage in certain purchase and sale transactions. The Company
cannot predict what action the FERC will take on these matters, nor can it
accurately predict whether the FERC's actions will achieve the goal of
increasing competition in markets in which the Company's natural gas is sold.
However, the Company does not believe that it will be treated materially
differently than other natural gas producers and marketers with which it
competes.
 
     Commencing in October 1993, the FERC issued a series of rules (Order Nos.
561 and 561-A) establishing an indexing system under which oil pipelines will be
able to change their transportation rates, subject to prescribed ceiling levels.
The indexing system, which allows or may require pipelines to make rate changes
to track changes in the Producer Price Index for Finished Goods, minus one
percent, became effective January 1, 1995.
 
     Substantially all of the Company's operations are located on federal oil
and gas leases, which are administered by the United States Department of the
Interior Minerals Management Service ("MMS"). Such leases are issued through
competitive bidding, contain relatively standardized terms and require
compliance with detailed MMS regulations. The MMS is conducting an inquiry into
certain contract agreements from which producers on MMS leases have received
settlement proceeds that the MMS contends are royalty-bearing and the extent to
which producers have paid the appropriate royalties on those proceeds. The
Company believes that this inquiry will not have a material impact on its
financial condition, liquidity or results of operations.
 
     In 1995, the MMS issued a notice of proposed rulemaking in which it
proposes to amend its regulations governing the calculation of royalties and the
valuation of natural gas produced from federal leases. The principal feature in
the amendments, as proposed, would establish an alternative market index-based
method to calculate royalties on certain natural gas production sold to
affiliates or pursuant to non-arm's-length sales contracts. The MMS has proposed
this rulemaking to facilitate royalty valuation in light of changes in the gas
marketing environment. The MMS has recently announced its intention to
re-examine these proposed rules
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   30
 
and to allow interested parties to file additional comments. The MMS has also
recently proposed a rule describing the types of transportation components that
are deductible for purposes of calculating and reporting royalties, as well as
various cost components associated with marketing functions that are not
deductible. The Company cannot predict what action the MMS will take on these
matters, nor can it predict at this stage of these rulemaking proceedings how
the Company might be affected by amendments to the regulations.
 
     Additional proposals and proceedings that might affect the oil and gas
industry are pending before the FERC and the courts. The Company cannot predict
when or whether any such proposals may become effective. In the past, the
natural gas industry has been heavily regulated. There is no assurance that the
regulatory approach currently pursued by the FERC will continue indefinitely.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company does not anticipate that compliance
with existing federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations will have a
material or significantly adverse effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings
or competitive position of the Company or its subsidiaries. No material portion
of the Company's business is subject to renegotiation of profits or termination
of contracts or subcontracts at the election of the Federal government.
 
OPERATING HAZARDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
     The oil and gas business involves a variety of operating risks, including
the risk of fire, explosions, blow-outs, pipe failure, casing collapse,
abnormally pressured formations and environmental hazards such as oil spills,
gas leaks, ruptures and discharges of toxic gases, the occurrence of any of
which could result in substantial losses to the Company due to injury or loss of
life, severe damage to or destruction of property, natural resources and
equipment, pollution or other environmental damage, clean-up responsibilities,
regulatory investigation and penalties and suspension of operations.
 
     The Company's operations relating to the exploration, development and
production of oil and natural gas are subject to extensive federal, state and
local laws governing the discharge of materials into the environment or
otherwise relating to the protection of the environment. Numerous governmental
departments issue rules and regulations to implement and enforce such laws which
are often difficult and costly to comply with and which carry substantial civil
and criminal penalties for failure to comply. These laws, rules, and regulations
may require the acquisition of a permit before drilling commences, restrict the
types, quantities, and concentration of various substances that can be released
into the environment in connection with drilling and production activities,
limit or prohibit drilling activities on certain lands lying within wilderness,
wetlands, frontier and other protected areas, require some form of remedial
action to prevent pollution from former operations, such as pit cleanups and
plugging abandoned wells, and impose substantial liabilities for pollution
resulting from the Company's operations. In addition, these laws, rules and
regulations may restrict the rate of oil and natural gas production below the
rate that would otherwise exist. The regulatory burden on the oil and natural
gas industry increases its cost of doing business and consequently affects its
profitability. These laws, rules and regulations affect the operations of the
Company and compliance with the underlying environmental requirements generally
could have a material adverse effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings or
competitive position of the Company. While the Company believes that it is in
substantial compliance with current applicable environmental laws and
regulations and that continued compliance with existing requirements will not
have a material adverse impact on the Company, changes in environmental law have
the potential to adversely affect the Company's operations. The Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), also known as
the "Superfund" law, imposes liability, without regard to fault or the legality
of the original conduct, on certain classes of persons who are considered to be
responsible for the release of "hazardous substances" into the environment.
These persons include the owner or operator of the disposal site or sites where
the release occurred and companies that disposed or arranged for the disposal of
the hazardous substances at the site where the release occurred. Under CERCLA,
such persons may be subject to joint and several liability for the costs of
cleaning up the hazardous substances that have been released into the
environment, for damages to natural resources and for the costs of certain
health studies and it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third
parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused
by the release of hazardous substances or other pollutants into the environment.
Furthermore, although petroleum, including crude oil and natural gas is
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   31
 
exempt from CERCLA, at least two separate courts have ruled that certain wastes
associated with the production of crude oil may be classified as hazardous
substances under CERCLA and thus the Company could become subject to the
burdensome cleanup and liability standards established under the federal
Superfund program if significant concentrations of such wastes were determined
to be present at the Company's properties or to have been produced as a result
of the Company's operations.
 
     Although the Company maintains insurance against some, but not all, of the
risks described above, including insuring the costs of clean-up operations,
public liability and physical damage, there is no assurance that such insurance
will be adequate to cover all such costs or that such insurance will continue to
be available in the future or that such insurance will be available at premium
levels that justify its purchase. The occurrence of a significant event not
fully insured or indemnified against could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial condition and operations.
 
CORPORATE OFFICES; EMPLOYEES
 
     The Company's principal office is located at 999 18th Street, Suite 1700,
Denver, Colorado 80202. The Company's phone number is (303) 293-2333. The
Company employs 14 full time employees and one part time employee at this
office. The Company maintains an oil field operations office in Carlsbad, New
Mexico, where it employs four individuals.
 
   
     Certain of the Company's employees, including George Mallon, Roy Ross and
Alfonso Lopez, devote a portion of their time to Laguna. Laguna bears a portion
of the compensation of these individuals, and also bears a portion of the
general and administrative expenses of the Denver office.
    
 
CHANGE OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
     Effective November 10, 1994, the Company released Hein + Associates LLP
("H+A") as its independent certified public accounting firm. During the two most
recent fiscal years, and for the period from December 31, 1993 through November
10, 1994, there were no disagreements with H+A on any matter of accounting
principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or
procedure, and H+A's reports did not contain any adverse or qualified opinions.
The release of H+A was approved by the Company's Board of Directors at its
November 9, 1994 meeting. At that same meeting, the Company's Board of Directors
approved the selection of Price Waterhouse LLP as the Company's independent
accounting firm for the fiscal years 1993 through 1996. The Company had no prior
business dealings or consultations with Price Waterhouse LLP.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   32
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
     The following are the members of the Company's Board of Directors and the
Company's executive officers:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     NAME                    AGE                  TITLE(S)
    ---------------------------------------  ---   ---------------------------------------
    <S>                                      <C>   <C>
    George O. Mallon, Jr ..................   51   Director, Chairman of the Board and
                                                   President of the Company; Chairman of
                                                   Mallon Oil and Director of Laguna
    Kevin M. Fitzgerald....................   41   Director and Executive Vice President
                                                   of the Company; President of Mallon Oil
    James A. McGowen.......................   53   Director and Executive Vice President
                                                   of the Company; Chairman of Laguna
    Roy K. Ross............................   45   Director, Executive Vice President and
                                                   General Counsel of the Company, Laguna,
                                                   and Mallon Oil
    Frank Douglass.........................   63   Director
    Roger R. Mitchell......................   64   Director
    Francis J. Reinhardt, Jr...............   65   Director
    Alfonso R. Lopez.......................   47   Vice President-Finance and Treasurer
    Carolena F. Chapman....................   52   Secretary and Controller
</TABLE>
 
     The directors serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders.
Following are brief descriptions of the business experience of the Company's
directors and executive officers:
 
          George O. Mallon, Jr. has been the President and Chairman of the Board
     of the Company since December 1988. He formed Mallon Oil in 1979, and
     served as its President until December 1988, when he became that company's
     Chairman of the Board. Mr. Mallon was a co-founder of Laguna in 1980, and
     served as its President until April 1986. He is now a director of Laguna.
     Mr. Mallon earned a B.S. degree in Business from the University of Alabama
     in 1965, and an M.B.A. degree from the University of Colorado in 1977.
 
          Kevin M. Fitzgerald has been Executive Vice President of the Company
     since June 1990. He joined Mallon Oil in 1983 as Petroleum Engineer and
     served as Vice President of Engineering from 1987 through December 1988,
     when he became President of that company. Mr. Fitzgerald was Vice
     President, Oil and Gas Operations for the Company from 1988 through October
     1990, when he was named Executive Vice President. Mr. Fitzgerald is also a
     director of Mallon Oil. Mr. Fitzgerald earned a B.S. degree in Petroleum
     Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 1978.
 
          James A. McGowen has been Executive Vice President of the Company
     since December 1988. He was a co-founder of Laguna and served as Vice
     President of Production and a director of Laguna from its inception in 1980
     until December 1988, when he became President of that company. Mr. McGowen
     is currently Chairman and a director of Laguna. He earned an A.B. degree in
     Zoology from the University of California in 1966.
 
          Roy K. Ross has been Executive Vice President and General Counsel of
     the Company since 1992. From June 1976 through September 1992, Mr. Ross was
     an attorney in private practice with the Denver-based law firm of Holme
     Roberts & Owen. Mr. Ross is also Executive Vice President, General Counsel
     and a director of Mallon Oil and Laguna. He earned his B.A. degree in
     Economics from Michigan State University in 1973, and his J.D. degree from
     Brigham Young University in 1976.
 
          Frank Douglass has been a director since 1988. He is a Senior Partner
     in the Texas law firm of Scott, Douglass, Luton & McConnico, LLP, where he
     has been a partner since 1976. Mr. Douglass earned a B.B.A. degree from
     Southwestern University in 1953 and a L.L.B. degree from the University of
     Texas School of Law in 1958.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   33
 
          Roger R. Mitchell has been a director of the Company since 1990. He
     joined the Company in January 1989 as a Vice President with responsibility
     for investor relations, broker-dealer liaison, and special marketing
     projects. He was President of Mallon Securities Corporation, a limited
     broker-dealer firm wholly owned by Mallon Oil, from 1982 until that firm
     was dissolved in October 1990. In August 1991, Mr. Mitchell left the
     employment of the Company to start First Federated Telepartners, a private
     telecommunications business headquartered in Chicago. In December 1992, Mr.
     Mitchell sold his interest in First Federated Telepartners, and retired,
     although he continues to provide consulting services to various businesses
     on a part-time basis. He earned a B.S. degree in Business from Indiana
     University in 1954 and an M.B.A. degree from Indiana University in 1956.
 
          Francis J. Reinhardt, Jr. has been a director since 1994. He is with
     the New York investment banking firm of Carl H. Pforzheimer & Co., where he
     has been a partner since 1966. He is a member and past president of the
     National Association of Petroleum Investment Analysts. Mr. Reinhardt is
     also a director of The Exploration Company of Louisiana, a public company
     engaged in the oil and gas business. Mr. Reinhardt holds a B.S. degree from
     Seton Hall University, and an M.B.A. from New York University.
 
          Alfonso R. Lopez joined the Company in July 1996 as Vice
     President-Finance and Treasurer. He was Vice President-Finance for
     Consolidated Oil & Gas, Inc. (now Hugoton Energy Corporation) from 1993 to
     1995. Mr. Lopez was a consultant from 1991 to 1992. From 1981 to 1990, he
     was Controller for Decalta International Corporation, a Denver based
     exploration and production company. He served as Controller for Western
     Crude Oil, Inc. (now Texaco Trading and Transportation, Inc.) from 1978 to
     1981. Mr. Lopez is a certified public accountant and was with Arthur Young
     & Company (now Ernst & Young) from 1970 to 1978. Mr. Lopez earned his B.A.
     degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Adams State College
     in Colorado in 1970.
 
          Carolena F. Chapman has been Controller and Secretary of the Company
     since 1989. She also serves as Secretary and Controller for Mallon Oil.
 
KEY EMPLOYEES AND CONSULTANTS
 
     The following is information concerning certain of the Company's employees
and consultants who are instrumental to the Company's success:
 
          Ray E. Jones is Vice President-Engineering of Mallon Oil. Before
     joining the Company in January 1994, Mr. Jones spent eight years with Jerry
     R. Bergeson & Associates (now GeoQuest), an independent consulting firm,
     where he did reservoir engineering, field studies and reserve evaluations,
     and taught industry courses in basic reservoir engineering, reservoir
     simulation and well testing. Mr. Jones graduated from of Colorado School of
     Mines in 1979, and is a registered professional engineer.
 
          Randy Stalcup has been the Vice President-Land of Mallon Oil since
     April 1995. Prior to joining the Company in April 1994, Mr. Stalcup was
     employed by Beard Oil Company for 13 years, where he was the Acquisition
     and Unitization Manager from 1989 on. Mr. Stalcup, a Certified Professional
     Landman, earned his B.B.A. degree in Petroleum Land Management from the
     University of Oklahoma in 1979.
 
          Duane Winkler is Production Superintendent of Mallon Oil, working out
     of the Carlsbad, New Mexico office. Before joining the Company in October
     1993, he was employed by Natural Gas Processing as Production
     Superintendent from 1986 to 1993. Mr. Winkler, who has 24 years of
     experience in drilling, completion and production operations, completed his
     Associates of Engineering Certificate from Central Wyoming College in 1996.
 
          Wendell A. Bond, an independent geological consultant, has been
     engaged by the Company since July 1994. Mr. Bond has 23 years of experience
     in the petroleum industry, both domestically and internationally, and is
     president of Wendell A. Bond, Inc., a company specializing in petroleum
     geological consulting services that he formed in 1988. Prior to 1988, Mr.
     Bond had been employed in a variety of positions for several independent
     and major oil and gas companies, including Project Geologist for Webb
     Resources, District Geologist for Sohio Petroleum and Chief Geologist for
     Samuel Gary Jr. &
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   34
 
     Associates. Mr. Bond earned his B.S. degree in geology from Capital
     University, Columbus, Ohio, and his M.S. degree in geology from the
     University of Colorado.
 
          Laura Levorsen, an independent geological consultant, has been engaged
     by the Company since 1994. Ms. Levorsen has been an independent consultant
     since 1992. Prior to 1992, she worked as a geologist for Pecten
     International (a Shell Oil subsidiary) and Anadarko Petroleum. Her
     geological experience has involved working with active foreign and domestic
     drilling programs, wellsite evaluation, basin analysis and prospect
     generation. Ms. Levorsen earned a Masters of Science in geology from the
     Colorado School of Mines in 1987 and has a B.A. in geology from the
     University of Colorado, a B.A. in Eastern Asian Languages and Cultures and
     a B.A. in biology from the University of Kansas.
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   35
 
                             PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
 
   
     The following table sets forth information concerning the beneficial
ownership of the Common Stock as of September 18, 1996, by (i) the Company's
chief executive officer; (ii) each of the Company's directors; (iii) each
shareholder known by the Company to own of record or beneficially more than 5%
of the Company's outstanding Common Stock; and (iv) all directors and executive
officers as a group. The following share amounts have been adjusted to reflect
the four to one reverse stock split that occurred on September 9, 1996.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               PERCENT OWNED
                                                                           ---------------------
                                                            NUMBER OF       BEFORE       AFTER
           NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER(1)           SHARES        OFFERING    
    ------------------------------------------------------  ---------      --------     --------
    <S>                                                     <C>            <C>          <C>
    George O. Mallon, Jr..................................   309,350(2,3)    14.8%         8.0%
    Kevin M. Fitzgerald...................................    28,278(3)       1.4            *
    James A. McGowen......................................    14,546(3)      *               *
    Roy K. Ross...........................................     7,675(3)      *               *
    Frank Douglass........................................     7,926         *               *
    Roger R. Mitchell.....................................    47,757          2.3          1.2%
    Francis J. Reinhardt, Jr..............................    27,795(4)       1.3            *
    Larry Abrams..........................................   141,279          6.8          3.6%
    Thomas B. McMillan, Jr................................   116,465(5)       5.6          3.0%
    Bank of America NT&SA.................................   278,293(6)      11.8           --(7)
    Robert J. Monroe......................................   184,933(8)       8.9          4.8%
    All officers and directors as a group (8 persons).....   443,173(3)      21.3         11.4%
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
 *   Less than 1%
 
(1)  The address of Messrs. Mallon, Fitzgerald, McGowen and Ross is 999 18th
     Street, Suite 1700, Denver, Colorado 80202. The address of Mr. Mitchell is
     5436 Lake Edge Drive, Holly Spring, North Carolina 27540. The address of
     Mr. Douglass is 4350 Beltway Drive, Dallas, Texas 75244-3110. The address
     of Mr. Reinhardt is 650 Madison Avenue, 23rd Floor, New York, New York
     10022. The address of Mr. Abrams is 24 Park Central South, New York, New
     York 10019. The address of Mr. McMillan is PO Box 809, Brewton, Alabama
     36427. The address of the John Simmet Estate is PO Box 9, Newport,
     Minnesota 55055. The address of Mr. Monroe is 228 St. Charles Avenue, New
     Orleans, Louisiana 70130. The address of Bank of America NT&SA is 555
     California Street, San Francisco, California 94104.
 
(2)  Includes 2,166 shares owned by Mr. Mallon's wife.
 
(3)  Includes shares that could be acquired upon the exercise of immediately
     exercisable stock options.
 
   
(4)  Includes 12,175 shares of the Company's Series B Preferred Stock, which are
     currently convertible into 7,316 shares of Common Stock. Does not include
     5,000 shares owned by Mr. Reinhardt's children for which beneficial
     ownership is disclaimed.
    
 
(5)  Includes 6,849 shares owned by Mr. McMillan's children.
 
   
(6)  Consists of shares of Common Stock issuable to Bank of America NT&SA upon
     the conversion of its 1,100,918 shares of Series A Preferred Stock, which
     are convertible at any time. The "Percent Owned" calculation for Bank of
     America NT&SA assumes that such a conversion is made; all other "Percent
     Owned" calculations ignore the potential effect of the conversion of Bank
     of America NT&SA's Series A Preferred Stock. Bank of America NT&SA owns
     100% of the outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, which carry a
     voting power equal to 278,293 shares of Common Stock and the right to elect
     one director.
    
 
   
(7)  Reflects the purchase by the Company of the Series A Preferred Stock held
     by Bank of America NT&SA. See "Use of Proceeds" and "Transactions With
     Related Parties." 
    
 
   
(8)  Consists of the following amounts: 4,250 shares owned directly; 13,500
     shares of Common Stock, warrants to purchase 23,567 shares of Common Stock,
     and 30,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock convertible into 18,028
     shares of Common Stock owned by a foundation of which Mr. Monroe is
    
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   36
 
   
     president and a director; 70,250 shares of Common Stock, warrants to
     purchase 23,570 shares of Common Stock and 15,000 shares of Series B
     Preferred Stock convertible into 9,014 shares of Common Stock owned by an
     estate of which Mr. Monroe is the executor; and 19,750 shares of Common
     Stock and 5,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock convertible into 3,004
     shares of Common Stock owned by a company of which the estate is the sole
     shareholder. The "Percent Owned" calculation for Mr. Monroe assumes that
     all outstanding Series B Preferred Stock has been converted; all other
     "Percent Owned" calculations ignore the potential effect of the conversion
     of the Series B Preferred Stock.
    
 
                       TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
 
     The Huxford Field, in which the Company has working interests, is operated
by Smackco Ltd., a company that is owned by Thomas E. McMillan, who owned
beneficially, prior to the Offering in excess of 5% of the outstanding Common
Stock.
 
     The Company serves as operator of certain oil and gas properties in which
some of the officers and directors of the Company have working interests. Such
individuals pay their pro-rata share of all costs relating to the properties, on
the same basis as other unaffiliated interest owners.
 
     During the year ended December 31, 1995, the Company paid $31,000 of legal
fees to the law firm of Scott, Douglass, Luton & McConnico, LLP, of which Mr.
Douglass is a senior partner.
 
     During the year ended December 31, 1995, the Company paid $200,000 of
consulting and other fees to the investment banking firm of Carl H. Pforzheimer
& Co., of which Mr. Reinhardt is a partner.
 
     In February 1995, the Company entered into a loan agreement establishing a
$2.5 million line of credit facility pursuant to which it could borrow funds
from three entities, two of which are affiliates of Robert J. Monroe, an
individual who owns, beneficially, in excess of 5% of the Company's outstanding
common stock. The line of credit was retired in August 1995.
 
     The Company has entered into a Securities Repurchase and Sale Agreement
under which it has agreed to purchase all of the outstanding shares of the
Company's Series A Preferred Stock from Bank of America National Savings and
Trust Association ("BofA") for a purchase price of approximately $1.9 million.
The purchase price (which is equal to $6.76 per share of Common Stock into which
the Series A Preferred Stock is convertible) is equal to the average between the
bid and asked quotations for a share of Common Stock on July 22, 1996, the day
prior to the day the Company and BofA agreed to the purchase and sale. In
connection with the purchase, the Company also agreed to pay fees and expenses
in the approximate amount of $49,000 to Carl H. Pforzheimer & Co., a company
that was separately engaged by BofA to assist in the sale of the Series A
Preferred Stock to others.
 
               DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK AND OTHER SECURITIES
 
GENERAL
 
   
     The Company's Articles of Incorporation (the "Articles") authorize the
Company to issue 25,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share,
and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share. The shares
of the Company's preferred stock are issuable from time to time in one or more
series and with such designations, powers, preferences and rights, and
qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as may be determined by the
Board, consistent with the Articles and with the laws of the State of Colorado.
Unless otherwise indicated, all Common Stock amounts have been adjusted to give
effect to a four to one reverse stock split that occurred on September 9, 1996.
    
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     The Company had 2,083,305 shares of Common Stock outstanding prior to this
Offering, which were held by approximately 750 shareholders of record. Each
share of Common Stock entitles the shareholder to one vote. Holders of Common
Stock are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of directors and
have
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   37
 
   
no preemptive or subscription rights. Subject to the rights of holders of any
outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, shares of Common Stock are entitled to
share equally in dividends paid from the funds legally available for the payment
thereof, when, as and if declared by the Board. Subject to the rights of holders
of any outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, holders of Common Stock are also
entitled to share ratably in the assets of the Company available for
distribution to holders of Common Stock upon liquidation or dissolution of the
Company, whether voluntary or involuntary. The Common Stock is listed on the
Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "MLRC" (temporarily "MLRCD"). The
Company's transfer agent is Securities Transfer Corporation, Dallas, Texas.
    
 
OPTIONS
 
   
     At September 18, 1996, options to purchase an aggregate of 44,414 shares of
the Company's Common Stock were issued and outstanding. These options were
issued under the Company's Equity Plan to various of the Company's employees and
consultants.
    
 
WARRANTS
 
     Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 62,500 shares of the Company's Common
Stock at an exercise price of $10.00 per share are issued and outstanding. These
warrants were issued to the holders of Laguna's Series A Preferred Stock in
connection with the private placement of that stock. The warrants expire
February 15, 2000.
 
     In August 1995, the Company issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of
25,000 shares of the Common Stock at an exercise price of $10.00 per share to an
affiliate of Midland Bank plc, New York Branch, as an "equity kicker" in
connection with the establishment of a $15 million line of credit with that
bank. The Company paid off the line of credit in March 1996, and has sued
Midland Bank to recover the warrants and the fees and expenses it incurred in
establishing the line on the grounds that the bank misled the Company as to its
true intentions at the time the line of credit was initially established. The
outcome of this litigation cannot be predicted at this time.
 
   
     The Company will issue to the Representative a warrant to purchase 144,000
shares of Common Stock in connection with the Offering, with an exercise price
equal to 120% of the price of the Common Stock to the public in the Offering.
The warrant will be exercisable for a two-year period beginning one year after
the effective date of the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a
part. See "Underwriting."
    
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
     The Board is authorized under the Articles to issue up to 10,000,000 shares
of Preferred Stock from time to time in one or more series and to fix (without
shareholder action) the voting rights and other special rights, including,
without limitation, the conversion rights, rights and terms of redemption
(including sinking fund provisions), and dividend and liquidation rights of each
series.
 
     Shareholders will not have any preemptive rights with respect to any of the
authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock. Issuance of
shares of Preferred Stock could impact the voting rights of the holders of
Common Stock by creating a series of shares with disproportionately higher
voting rights and by the creation of class or series voting rights on particular
matters. The issuance of shares of Preferred Stock with conversion rights or
which are redeemable for shares of Common Stock could increase the potential
number of shares of Common Stock outstanding. It is probable that when shares of
Preferred Stock are issued they will have rights prior to the Common Stock as to
dividends and as to the distribution of assets in the event of liquidation. In
addition, the Board may provide that the holders of any series of Preferred
Stock will be entitled, in addition to their preferential rights, to participate
with the holders of Common Stock in dividends and in distributions in
liquidation. The authorized shares of preferred stock are available for issuance
at such times and for such purposes as the Board may deem advisable, without
further action by the shareholders. The Board, without shareholder approval, can
issue Preferred Stock with voting and conversion rights that could adversely
affect the voting power of holders of Common Stock. The issuance of Preferred
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   38
 
Stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in
control of the Company. The Company has no present plans to issue any additional
shares of Preferred Stock.
 
SERIES A CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
 
     In 1989, the Company sold 1,100,918 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock
to BofA in a private transaction for $6 million. The Series A Preferred Stock is
convertible to Common Stock at any time at the option of the holder. The
conversion price, as adjusted, is $21.56 per share, which means a total of
278,293 shares of Common Stock are issuable upon the conversion of the Series A
Preferred Stock. The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible to Common Stock
automatically if the Common Stock trades at a price in excess of 135% of the
original issue price ($21.80 per share, or a target price of approximately
$29.44 per share) for each day in a period of 20 consecutive trading days. The
Series A Preferred Stock provides for a non-cumulative, preferential dividend
only to the extent declared by the Company's Board. The Series A Preferred Stock
has a preference on liquidation of $6 million (the original face value).
Thereafter, after an equivalent amount has been distributed to holders of the
Common Stock, it shares proportionately with the Common Stock. Except as
otherwise required by law, and except with respect to elections of directors,
holders of Series A Preferred Stock vote together with holders of Common Stock
on all matters submitted to a vote of the Company's shareholders and holders of
Series A Preferred Stock are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock
into which their shares of Series A Preferred Stock are then convertible. In
addition, the Series A Preferred Stock has the right to elect one director to
the Company's board of directors, which BofA has not exercised in the last four
years. BofA and Messrs. George Mallon and Roger Mitchell are parties to an
agreement that provides that if BofA converts its Series A Preferred Stock into
Common Stock, Messrs. Mallon and Mitchell will vote their Common Stock to elect
BofA's designees as a director of the Company. The Series A Preferred Stock is
not redeemable.
 
     The Company has entered into a Securities Repurchase and Sale Agreement
under which it has agreed to purchase all of the outstanding shares of the
Company's Series A Preferred Stock from BofA for a purchase price of
approximately $1.9 million. The purchase price is equal to $6.76 per share of
Common Stock into which the Series A Preferred Stock is convertible.
 
SERIES B MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
 
   
     In April 1994, the Company sold 400,000 shares of its Series B Preferred
Stock to several institutional investors in private transactions for an
aggregate of $4 million. The Series B Preferred Stock is convertible to Common
Stock at any time at the option of the holder. The conversion price, as
adjusted, is currently $16.64, which means a total of 240,384 shares of Common
Stock are issuable upon the conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock. The
Series B Preferred Stock is convertible to Common Stock automatically if the
Common Stock trades at a price in excess of 140% of the conversion price
(meaning the target price is currently $23.30 per share) for each day in a
period of 10 consecutive trading days. The Series B Preferred Stock provides for
a preferential 8% dividend, payable quarterly. The Series B Preferred Stock has
a preference on liquidation of $4 million (the original face value). The Series
B Preferred Stock is redeemable at the Company's election, at any time. The
optional redemption price is $10.00 per preferred share (the original purchase
price), plus a decreasing early redemption premium if it is redeemed before
April 1, 2001. Starting April 1, 1997, 20% of the Series B Preferred Stock must
be redeemed each year. No early redemption premium is payable in connection with
such mandatory redemptions. Except as otherwise required by law, holders of
Series B Preferred Stock have no voting rights, except upon default. In the
event of a default, holders of the Series B Preferred Stock have the right to
elect two additional directors to the Company's Board during the duration of the
default.
    
 
CERTAIN VOTING REQUIREMENTS
 
     The Articles require a super-majority vote of the Company's shareholders to
approve certain business combinations or other significant corporate
transactions involving the Company and a substantial shareholder of the Company.
The Articles require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares entitled to vote to approve a merger, consolidation or
dissolution of the Company or a disposition of all or substantially all of the
Company's assets, under ordinary circumstances. The Articles raise the required
affirmative vote to 80% of the total number of votes entitled to be cast to
approve these and other significant
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   39
 
corporate transactions ("Business Combinations") if a "9% Shareholder" (as
defined) is a party to the transaction or its percentage equity interest in the
Company or any subsidiary of the Company will be increased by the transaction. A
majority of the whole Board may, in all such cases, determine not to require
such 80% affirmative vote, but only if 80% of the "Continuing Directors" (as
defined) so determine. The required 80% approval of any such business
combination must include at least a majority of all votes entitled to be cast
with respect to voting shares not beneficially owned by any 9% Shareholder.
 
     A "9% Shareholder" generally is defined as the "beneficial owner" as
defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange
Act") of 9% or more of the outstanding shares of Company stock entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors ("voting shares"). A Business Combination
includes: a merger or consolidation involving the Company or any of its
subsidiaries (as defined) and a 9% Shareholder; a sale, lease or other
disposition of a substantial part of the assets of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries (that is, assets constituting in excess of 10% of the book value of
the total consolidated assets of the Company) to a 9% Shareholder; an issuance
of equity securities of the Company or any of its subsidiaries to a 9%
Shareholder for consideration aggregating $5 million or more; liquidation or
dissolution of the Company (if as of the record date for the determination of
shareholders entitled to vote with respect thereto any person is a 9%
Shareholder); and a reclassification or recapitalization of securities
(including any reverse stock split) of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or
a reorganization, in any case having the effect, directly or indirectly, of
increasing the percentage interest of a 9% Shareholder in any class of equity
securities of the Company or such subsidiary.
 
     A "continuing director" is defined as one designated in the original
Articles or one designated as a continuing director (prior to his initial
election or appointment) by a majority of the whole board of directors, but only
if a majority of the whole board shall then consist of continuing directors, or,
if a majority of the whole board does not then consist of continuing directors,
by a majority of the then continuing directors. Each of the directors identified
in this Prospectus is a continuing director.
 
     These provisions are intended to provide safeguards to the Company's public
shareholders in the event another entity first gains working control of the
Company and then wishes to accomplish a combination of the two businesses, or
otherwise eliminate the holdings of the public.
 
     Accordingly, these provisions are intended to provide some assurance that
adequate time and needed information will be available to the public
shareholders and the Board in order that a considered judgment may be made with
respect to a business combination, taking into account such matters as the
proposed price and form of consideration, the tax implications to public
shareholders and the impact of the business combination upon the employees of
the Company. This result is intended to be accomplished by encouraging another
entity that is interested in a business combination with or acquisition of the
Company to negotiate the terms of the business combination or acquisition in
advance of its acquisition of a substantial number of shares of the Company.
 
     Under those circumstances in which the provisions would apply, a minority
of the Company's shareholders may prevent the consummation of a transaction
favored by a majority of shareholders. As a practical matter, the requirement of
an 80% vote may also mean that the type of business combination to which these
provisions are addressed might not be accomplished by the controlling entity
while there remains any widely dispersed public market in the Company's voting
shares. Because the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the total votes entitled
to be cast (rather than the votes actually cast at a meeting) would be required,
the failure of shareholders to vote also could result in the defeat of a
proposed transaction. These provisions could operate to the disadvantage of
present management by restricting its flexibility in the conduct of corporate
affairs.
 
     These provisions may not be amended, altered, changed or repealed without
the affirmative vote of 80% or more of the votes entitled to be cast by all
holders of voting shares (which 80% vote must include the affirmative vote of a
majority of the votes entitled to be cast by all holders of voting shares not
beneficially owned by any 9% Shareholder). This vote requirement will not apply
to any amendment, alteration, change or repeal recommended to the shareholders
by 75% of the whole Board, provided that a majority of the members of the Board
acting upon such matter are continuing directors. Under such circumstances, an
amendment, alternation, change or repeal may be approved by a simple majority of
the votes entitled to be cast.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   40
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
     The Underwriters named below, for whom Rodman & Renshaw, Inc. is acting as
representative (the "Representative"), have severally agreed to purchase from
the Company the respective number of shares of Common Stock set forth opposite
their names:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                NUMBER OF
                                   UNDERWRITER                                   SHARES
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------
    <S>                                                                         <C>
    Rodman & Renshaw, Inc. ...................................................
 
                                                                                ---------
              Total...........................................................  1,800,000
                                                                                =========
</TABLE>
 
     The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the several
Underwriters thereunder are subject to approval of certain legal matters by
counsel and to various other considerations. The nature of the Underwriters'
obligations is such that they are committed to purchase and pay for all of the
above shares of Common Stock if any are purchased.
 
     The Underwriters, through the Representative, have advised the Company that
they propose to offer the Common Stock initially at the public offering price
set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus; that the Underwriters may allow
to selected dealers a concession of $          per share; and that such dealers
may reallow a concession of $          per share to certain other dealers. After
the public offering, the offering price and other selling terms may be changed
by the Underwriters. The Common Stock is included for quotation on the Nasdaq
National Market.
 
     The Company has granted to the Underwriters a 30-day over-allotment option
to purchase up to an aggregate of 270,000 additional shares of Common Stock,
exercisable at the public offering price less the underwriting discount. If the
Underwriters exercise such over-allotment option, then each of the Underwriters
will have a firm commitment, subject to certain conditions, to purchase
approximately the same percentage thereof as the number of shares of Common
Stock to be purchased by it as shown in the above table bears to the 1,800,000
shares of Common Stock offered hereby. The Underwriters may exercise such option
only to cover over-allotments made in connection with the sale of the shares of
Common Stock offered hereby.
 
     The Company and the officers and directors of the Company have agreed that
they will not sell or dispose of any shares of Common Stock of the Company for a
period of 180 days after the later of the date on which the Registration
Statement is declared effective by the Commission or the first date on which the
shares are bona fide offered to the public, without the prior written consent of
the Representative.
 
     In connection with the offering made hereby, the Company has agreed to sell
to the Representative, for nominal consideration, a warrant (the
"Representative's Warrant") to purchase from the Company up to 144,000 shares of
Common Stock. The Representative's Warrant is exercisable, in whole or in part,
at an exercise price of 120% of the price to public at any time during the
two-year period commencing one year after the effective date of the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus is a part. The Representative's Warrant
contains provisions providing for adjustment of the exercise price and the
number and type of securities issuable upon exercise of the Representative's
Warrant should any one or more of certain specified events occur. The
Representative's Warrant grants to the holders thereof certain rights of
registration for the securities issuable upon exercise of the Representative's
Warrant.
 
     The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, losses and expenses, including liabilities under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or to contribute to payments that the
Underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof. The Company has agreed
to pay to the Representative a nonaccountable expense allowance of 2.25% of the
gross proceeds derived from the
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   41
 
sale of the Common Stock (including the sale of any Common Stock subject to the
Underwriters' over-allotment option).
 
   
     In addition, the Representative has a right of first refusal to perform
services for the Company with respect to future transactions for a period of
three years after the closing of the Offering.
    
 
     In connection with the Offering, certain Underwriters and selling group
members (if any) or their respective affiliates who are qualified registered
market makers on the Nasdaq National Market may engage in passive market making
transactions in the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market in accordance
with Rule 10b-6A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"),
during a specified period before commencement of offers or sales of the Common
Stock. The passive market making transactions must comply with applicable volume
and price limits and be identified as such. In general, a passive market maker
may display its bid at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid for
such security; if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market
maker's bid, however, such bid must then be lowered when certain purchase limits
are exceeded.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
   
     The legality of the securities offered hereby will be passed on for the
Company by Holme Roberts & Owen LLP, Denver, Colorado. Certain legal matters in
connection with the sale of such securities will be passed on for the
Underwriters by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., Dallas, Texas.
    
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 1995 and 1994 and
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995 included in
this Prospectus have been so included in reliance on the report of Price
Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as
experts in auditing and accounting.
 
   
     Information set forth in this Prospectus relating to the Company's
estimated proved oil and gas reserves at June 30, 1996, the related calculations
of future net production revenues and net present value thereof have been
derived from an independent petroleum engineering report prepared by GeoQuest
Reservoir Technologies, Inc., independent petroleum engineers, and is included
herein in reliance on such firm as an expert in preparing such information. A
summary of the GeoQuest Report is included herein as Annex A.
    
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     The Company has filed with the Commission a registration statement on Form
S-2 (the "Registration Statement," which term encompasses all amendments,
exhibits, annexes and schedules thereto) under the Securities Act with respect
to the Common Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus, which constitutes a part of
the Registration Statement, does not contain all the information set forth in
the Registration Statement, to which reference is hereby made. Statements made
in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or other
document referred to are not necessarily complete. With respect to each such
contract, agreement or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and the exhibits thereto, reference is hereby made to the exhibit for
a more complete description of the matter involved, and each statement made
herein shall be deemed qualified in its entirety by such reference.
 
     The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange
Act and in accordance therewith files periodic reports, proxy and information
statements and other information filed with the Commission. The Registration
Statement filed by the Company with the Commission, as well as such reports,
proxy and information statements and other information filed by the Company with
the Commission, are available at the web site that the Commission maintains at
http:(w)ww.sec.gov. and can be inspected and copied at the public reference
facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the regional offices of the
Commission located at 7 World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048, and the
Chicago Regional Office, Northwestern Atrium
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   42
 
Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. Copies of
such material, when filed, may also be obtained from the Public Reference
Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549 at
prescribed rates. The Common Stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market and
such reports, proxy and information statements and other information concerning
the Company are available at the offices of the Nasdaq National Market located
at 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
   
     Incorporated by reference in this Prospectus are (i) the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995, (ii) the
Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 1996
and June 30, 1996 and (iii) the Company's Current Reports on Form 8-K dated
March 20, May 24, May 29, June 27, July 19, August 15, August 16, September 3
and September 11, 1996 filed previously with the Commission pursuant to Section
13 of the Exchange Act. Any statement contained in a document incorporated by
reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of
this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be
deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
Prospectus.
    
 
     The Company will provide without charge to each person, including any
beneficial owner of Common Stock, to whom a copy of this Prospectus has been
delivered, on the written or oral request of such person, a copy of any or all
of the foregoing documents incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, other
than exhibits to such documents unless such exhibits are specifically
incorporated by reference into the information that this Prospectus
incorporates. Written or oral requests for such copies should be directed to
Carolena F. Chapman, Secretary, Mallon Resources Corporation, 999 18th Street,
Suite 1700, Denver, Colorado 80202 (telephone: (303) 293-2333).
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   43
 
                               GLOSSARY OF TERMS
 
     Bbl. One stock tank barrel, or 42 U.S. gallons liquid volume, used herein
in reference to crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.
 
     Bcf. Billion cubic feet.
 
     BOE. Barrels of oil equivalent, determined using the ratio of six Mcf of
natural gas (including natural gas liquids) to one Bbl of crude oil or
condensate.
 
     Btu. British thermal unit, which is the heat required to raise the
temperature of a one-pound mass of water from 58.5 to 59.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
 
     Development location. A location on which a development well can be
drilled.
 
     Development well. A well drilled within the proved area of an oil or gas
reservoir to the depth of a stratigraphic horizon known to be productive in an
attempt to recover proved undeveloped reserves.
 
     Dry hole. A well found to be incapable of producing either oil or gas in
sufficient quantities to justify completion as an oil or gas well.
 
     Estimated future net revenues. Revenues from production of oil and gas, net
of all production-related taxes, lease operating expenses and capital costs.
 
     Exploratory well. A well drilled to find and produce oil or gas in an
unproved area, to find a new reservoir in a field previously found to be
productive of oil or gas in another reservoir, or to extend a known reservoir.
 
     Gross acres. An acre in which a working interest is owned.
 
     Gross well. A well in which a working interest is owned.
 
     MBbl. One thousand barrels of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.
 
     MBOE. One thousand barrels of oil equivalent.
 
     Mcf. One thousand cubic feet.
 
     MMBbl. One million barrels of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.
 
     MMBOE. One million barrels of oil equivalent.
 
     MMBtu. One million Btus.
 
     MMcf. One million cubic feet.
 
     Net acres or net wells. The sum of the fractional working interests owned
in gross acres or gross wells.
 
     Pre-tax SEC 10 Value or present value of estimated future net revenues.
Estimated future net revenues discounted by a factor of 10% per annum, before
income taxes and with no price or cost escalation or de-escalation, in
accordance with guidelines promulgated by the Commission.
 
     Production costs. All costs necessary for the production and sale of oil
and gas, including production and ad valorem taxes.
 
     Productive well. A well that is producing oil or gas or that is capable of
production.
 
     Proved developed reserves. Reserves that can be expected to be recovered
through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods.
 
     Proved reserves. The estimated quantities of crude oil, natural gas and
natural gas liquids which geological and engineering data demonstrate with
reasonable certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs
under existing economic and operating conditions.
 
     Proved undeveloped reserves. Reserves that are expected to be recovered
from new wells on undrilled acreage, or from existing wells where a relatively
major expenditure is required for recompletion.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   44
 
     Recompletion. The completion for production of an existing wellbore in
another formation from that in which the well has previously been completed.
 
     Undeveloped acreage. Lease acreage on which wells have not been drilled or
completed to a point that would permit the production of commercial quantities
of oil and gas regardless of whether such acreage contains proved reserves.
 
     Working interest. The operating interest which gives the owner the right to
drill, produce and conduct operating activities on the property and a share of
production.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   45
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                     <C>
AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  Report of Independent Accountants...................................................  F-2
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1994 and 1995........................  F-3
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 1993, 1994
     and 1995.........................................................................  F-4
  Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity for the Years Ended
     December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995.................................................  F-5
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 1993, 1994
     and 1995.........................................................................  F-6
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..........................................  F-7
UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
  Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and June 30, 1996...............  F-24
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Six Months and the Three Months Ended
     June 30, 1995 and 1996...........................................................  F-25
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended June 30, 1995 and
     1996.............................................................................  F-26
  Notes to Interim Consolidated Financial Statements..................................  F-27
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   46
 
                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Mallon Resources Corporation
 
   
     In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the
related consolidated statements of operations, of cash flows, and of changes in
shareholders' equity present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Mallon Resources Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31,
1995 and 1994, and the results of their operations and cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about 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, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
    
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
Denver, Colorado
   
April 12, 1996, except as to
    
   
the reverse stock split described
    
   
in Note 1, which is as of
    
   
September 9, 1996
    
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   47
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                                     ASSETS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               DECEMBER 31,
                                                                       ----------------------------
                                                                           1994            1995
                                                                       ------------    ------------
<S>                                                                    <C>             <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents........................................... $     88,000    $  1,269,000
  Accounts receivable, with no allowance for doubtful accounts:
     Joint interest participants......................................      490,000         376,000
     Related parties..................................................       15,000          22,000
     Oil and gas sales................................................      551,000       1,065,000
     Other............................................................       79,000              --
  Inventories.........................................................       30,000          53,000
  Other...............................................................       89,000         143,000
                                                                       ------------    ------------
          Total current assets........................................    1,342,000       2,928,000
                                                                       ------------    ------------
Property and equipment:
  Oil and gas properties, under full cost method......................   41,127,000      43,751,000
  Mining properties and equipment.....................................    5,010,000       6,248,000
  Other equipment.....................................................      375,000         508,000
                                                                       ------------    ------------
                                                                         46,512,000      50,507,000
Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization.............  (19,834,000)    (22,085,000)
                                                                       ------------    ------------
                                                                         26,678,000      28,422,000
                                                                       ------------    ------------
Notes receivable - related parties....................................       43,000          63,000
Other, net............................................................      163,000         222,000
                                                                       ------------    ------------
Total Assets.......................................................... $ 28,226,000    $ 31,635,000
                                                                       ============    ============
                        LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Current portion of capital lease obligation......................... $         --    $     23,000
  Trade accounts payable..............................................    2,253,000       2,309,000
  Undistributed revenue...............................................      584,000         711,000
  Drilling advances...................................................      207,000         271,000
  Accrued taxes and expenses..........................................       62,000          90,000
                                                                       ------------    ------------
          Total current liabilities...................................    3,106,000       3,404,000
                                                                       ------------    ------------
Long-term debt........................................................           --      10,000,000
Capital lease obligation, net of current portion......................           --          37,000
Drilling advances.....................................................      315,000         315,000
Deferred revenues.....................................................    7,452,000              --
                                                                       ------------    ------------
          Total non-current liabilities...............................    7,767,000      10,352,000
                                                                       ------------    ------------
Total liabilities.....................................................   10,873,000      13,756,000
                                                                       ------------    ------------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)................................           --              --
Minority interest.....................................................           --       2,275,000
Series B Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par
  value, 500,000 shares authorized, 400,000 shares issued and
  outstanding, respectively; liquidation preference and mandatory
  redemption of $4,000,000............................................    3,804,000       3,844,000
Shareholders' equity:
  Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value, 1,467,890
     shares authorized, 1,100,918 shares issued and outstanding;
     liquidation preference $6,000,000................................    5,730,000       5,730,000
  Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized;
     1,918,125 and 1,949,914 shares issued and outstanding,
     respectively.....................................................       19,000          19,000
  Additional paid-in capital..........................................   38,785,000      38,965,000
  Accumulated deficit.................................................  (30,985,000)    (32,954,000)
                                                                       ------------    ------------
          Total shareholders' equity..................................   13,549,000      11,760,000
                                                                       ------------    ------------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity............................ $ 28,226,000    $ 31,635,000
                                                                       ============    ============
</TABLE>
    
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   48
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      -------------------------------------------
                                                         1993            1994            1995
                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
<S>                                                   <C>             <C>             <C>
Revenues:
  Oil and gas sales.................................  $ 1,877,000     $ 2,263,000     $ 3,380,000
  Deferred revenue amortization.....................      184,000       2,366,000       1,420,000
  Mining management fee.............................       81,000              --              --
  Operating service revenue.........................      101,000         174,000         158,000
  Interest and other................................       48,000         106,000         115,000
  Gain on termination of volumetric production
     payment........................................           --              --         355,000
                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                        2,291,000       4,909,000       5,428,000
                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
Costs and expenses
  Oil and gas production............................      976,000       2,024,000       1,868,000
  Mining project expenses...........................      133,000         169,000         448,000
  Depreciation, depletion and amortization..........      937,000       2,409,000       2,340,000
  General and administrative........................    1,183,000       1,806,000       2,015,000
  Interest and other................................      249,000         132,000         433,000
                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                        3,478,000       6,540,000       7,104,000
                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
Loss before extraordinary item......................   (1,187,000)     (1,631,000)     (1,676,000)
Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt......           --              --        (253,000)
                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
Net loss............................................   (1,187,000)     (1,631,000)     (1,929,000)
Dividends on preferred stock and accretion..........           --        (258,000)       (360,000)
                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
Net loss attributable to common shareholders........  $(1,187,000)    $(1,889,000)    $(2,289,000)
                                                      ===========     ===========     ===========
Per share:
  Loss attributable to common shareholders before
     extraordinary item.............................  $     (0.88)    $     (1.00)    $     (1.04)
  Extraordinary loss................................           --              --           (0.12)
                                                      -----------     -----------     -----------
  Net loss attributable to common shareholders......  $     (0.88)    $     (1.00)    $     (1.16)
                                                      ===========     ===========     ===========
Weighted average shares outstanding.................    1,368,000       1,916,000       1,947,000
                                                      ===========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   49
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               SERIES A
                                           PREFERRED STOCK          COMMON STOCK       ADDITIONAL
                                        ----------------------   -------------------     PAID-IN     ACCUMULATED
                                         SHARES       AMOUNT      SHARES     AMOUNT      CAPITAL       DEFICIT         TOTAL
                                        ---------   ----------   ---------   -------   -----------   ------------   -----------
<S>                                     <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>       <C>           <C>            <C>
Balances 1/1/93.......................  1,100,918   $5,730,000   1,210,257   $12,000   $29,133,000   $(28,137,000)  $ 6,738,000
  Private placement of common stock...         --           --     553,472    6,000      8,934,000            --      8,940,000
  Stock options exercised.............         --           --      25,000       --        262,000            --        262,000
  Employee stock options exercised....         --           --         810       --         16,000            --         16,000
  Stock issued to directors...........         --           --         392       --         12,000            --         12,000
  Stock issued for Fruitland Gas
    Company...........................         --           --     100,000    1,000       (102,000)           --       (101,000)
  Stock issued for property and
    equipment.........................         --           --       7,500       --        151,000            --        151,000
  Options exercised for services......         --           --       2,000       --         33,000            --         33,000
  Employee stock options granted......         --           --          --       --        165,000            --        165,000
  Net loss............................         --           --          --       --             --     (1,187,000)   (1,187,000)
                                        ---------   ----------   ---------   -------   -----------   ------------   -----------
Balances 12/31/93.....................  1,100,918    5,730,000   1,899,431   19,000     38,604,000    (29,324,000)   15,029,000
  Employee stock options exercised....         --           --       1,250       --             --            --             --
  Stock issued to directors...........         --           --         769       --         11,000            --         11,000
  Stock issued for property and
    equipment.........................         --           --      16,675       --        300,000            --        300,000
  Employee stock options granted......         --           --          --       --         32,000            --         32,000
  Other...............................         --           --          --       --         66,000            --         66,000
  Dividends on preferred stock........         --           --          --       --       (228,000)           --       (228,000)
  Accretion of preferred stock........         --           --          --       --             --        (30,000)      (30,000)
  Net loss............................         --           --          --       --             --     (1,631,000)   (1,631,000)
                                        ---------   ----------   ---------   -------   -----------   ------------   -----------
Balances 12/31/94.....................  1,100,918    5,730,000   1,918,125   19,000     38,785,000    (30,985,000)   13,549,000
  Employee stock options exercised....         --           --       1,250       --             --            --             --
  Stock issued to directors...........         --           --       1,539       --         12,000            --         12,000
  Stock issued for property...........         --           --      14,000       --        112,000            --        112,000
  Stock issued for loan fees..........         --           --      15,000       --        112,000            --        112,000
  Employee stock options granted......         --           --          --       --         89,000            --         89,000
  Issuance of warrants................         --           --          --       --        175,000            --        175,000
  Dividends on preferred stock........         --           --          --       --       (320,000)           --       (320,000)
  Accretion of preferred stock........         --           --          --       --             --        (40,000)      (40,000)
  Net loss............................         --           --          --       --             --     (1,929,000)   (1,929,000)
                                        ---------   ----------   ---------   -------   -----------   ------------   -----------
Balances 12/31/95.....................  1,100,918   $5,730,000   1,949,914   $19,000   $38,965,000   $(32,954,000)  $11,760,000
                                        =========   ==========   =========   =======   ===========   ============   ===========
</TABLE>
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   50
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                -------------------------------------------
                                                                   1993            1994            1995
                                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>             <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net loss....................................................  $(1,187,000)    $(1,631,000)    $(1,929,000)
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by
    (used in) operating activities:
    Amortization of deferred revenues.........................     (184,000)     (2,366,000)     (1,420,000)
    Depletion, depreciation and amortization..................      937,000       2,409,000       2,340,000
    Stock issued for compensation.............................      210,000          43,000         101,000
    Termination of volumetric production payment..............           --              --      (5,586,000)
    Gain on termination of volumetric production payment......           --              --        (355,000)
    Non-cash portion of extraordinary loss....................           --              --          90,000
    Other.....................................................           --              --          (8,000)
    Proceeds from volumetric production payment...............   10,002,000              --              --
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Increase in:
         Accounts receivable..................................     (607,000)       (257,000)       (328,000)
         Inventory and other current assets...................     (117,000)       (100,000)        (77,000)
      Increase (decrease) in:
         Accounts payable and undistributed revenue...........      963,000       1,549,000         183,000
         Accrued taxes and expenses...........................      105,000          14,000          28,000
         Drilling advances....................................       (8,000)        104,000          64,000
                                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities...........   10,114,000        (235,000)     (6,897,000)
                                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Increase in notes receivable - related party................       (8,000)         (2,000)        (20,000)
  Additions to property and equipment.........................  (13,048,000)     (2,079,000)     (3,820,000)
                                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
Net cash used in investing activities.........................  (13,056,000)     (2,081,000)     (3,840,000)
                                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from long-term debt................................           --              --      10,000,000
  Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligation.....      (70,000)        (31,000)         (3,000)
  Debt issue costs paid.......................................           --              --        (159,000)
  Payments of note payable....................................   (7,343,000)             --              --
  Proceeds from sale of net profits interest..................    1,998,000              --              --
  Payments on net profits interest............................           --      (2,075,000)             --
  Payment of origination fee for net profits interest.........     (120,000)             --              --
  Net proceeds from private placement of common stock.........    8,940,000              --              --
  Proceeds from stock options exercised.......................      278,000              --              --
  Issuance of preferred stock, net of issuance costs..........           --       3,774,000              --
  Issuance of preferred stock in subsidiary, net of issuance
    costs.....................................................           --              --       2,275,000
  Issuance of warrants........................................           --              --         125,000
  Payment of preferred dividends..............................           --        (228,000)       (320,000)
                                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities.....................    3,683,000       1,440,000      11,918,000
                                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents..........      741,000        (876,000)      1,181,000
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year..................      223,000         964,000          88,000
                                                                -----------     -----------     -----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year........................  $   964,000     $    88,000     $ 1,269,000
                                                                ============    ============    ============
Supplemental cash flow information:
  Cash paid for interest......................................  $    93,000     $   175,000     $   525,000
                                                                ============    ============    ============
  Cash paid for income taxes..................................  $        --     $        --     $        --
                                                                ============    ============    ============
  Non-cash transactions:
    Note payable exchanged for oil and gas property...........  $ 7,343,000     $        --     $        --
    Issuance of common stock in exchange for:
    Acquisition of FGC, net of $70,000 property acquisition...     (101,000)             --              --
    Acquisition of property and equipment.....................      151,000     $   300,000     $   112,000
    Loan origination fee......................................           --              --         112,000
  Issuance of warrants in exchange for:
    Loan origination fee......................................           --              --          50,000
    Acquisition of equipment under capital lease..............           --              --          63,000
</TABLE>
    
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   51
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
   
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
    
 
NOTE 1. ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Organization:
 
     Mallon Resources Corporation (the "Company" or "MRC") was incorporated on
July 18, 1988 under the laws of the State of Colorado. The Company had no
significant business activity until December 21, 1988 when the combination of
two companies and 19 limited partnerships into MRC became effective (the
"Consolidation"). The participants in the Consolidation were Mallon Oil Company
("MOC"), Laguna Gold Company ("Laguna"), and 19 Colorado limited partnerships
for which MOC or Laguna served as a general partner. Effective December 21,
1988, the Company issued shares of its $0.01 par value common stock in exchange
for all of the shares of MOC and Laguna and for the net assets of all of the
partnerships.
 
  Nature of Operations:
 
     The Company operates in two lines of business: oil and gas exploration and
production, and gold and silver exploration. The significant majority of the
Company's assets and revenues are utilized in its oil and gas operations, which
are conducted primarily in the State of New Mexico, and entirely within the
United States. Mining operations are conducted through Laguna in Costa Rica and
are in the pre-production stage.
 
  Reverse Stock Split:
 
   
     On September 9, 1996, a four to one reverse stock split of the Company's
issued and outstanding shares of common stock was effected. Common stock,
paid-in capital and earnings per share information have been restated to give
retroactive effect to the reverse stock split.
    
 
  Principles of Consolidation:
 
     The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of MOC, Laguna,
and all of their wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
transactions and accounts have been eliminated from the consolidated financial
statements.
 
  Cash Equivalents:
 
     Cash equivalents include amounts which are readily convertible into cash
and have an original maturity of three months or less, such as bankers
acceptances, certificates of deposit, and commercial paper.
 
  Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
 
     The Company's on-balance sheet financial instruments consist of cash and
cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventories, accounts payable, other
accrued liabilities and long-term debt. Except for long-term debt, the carrying
amounts of such financial instruments approximate fair value due to their short
maturities. At December 31, 1995, based on rates available for similar types of
debt, the fair value of long-term debt was not materially different from its
carrying amount.
 
     The Company's off-balance sheet financial instruments consist of "collar"
and "floor" derivative instruments which are intended to manage commodity price
risk (see Note 10). Based on market prices at December 31, 1995, the Company
will receive approximately $70,000 less revenue than at spot price over the term
of the derivative agreements.
 
  Inventories:
 
     Inventories, which are composed of oil and gas lease and well equipment,
and mining materials and supplies, are valued at the lower of average cost or
estimated net realizable value.
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   52
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
    
 
  Oil and Gas Properties:
 
     Oil and gas properties are accounted for using the full cost method of
accounting. Under this method, all costs associated with property acquisition,
exploration and development are capitalized. All such costs are accumulated in
one cost center, the continental United States.
 
     Proceeds on disposal of properties are ordinarily accounted for as
adjustments of capitalized costs, with no profit or loss recognized, unless such
adjustment would significantly alter the relationship between capitalized costs
and proved oil and gas reserves. Costs capitalized, net of accumulated
depreciation, depletion and amortization and deferred revenue from any
volumetric production payments, cannot exceed the estimated future net revenues,
net of the related income tax effects, discounted at 10%, of the Company's
proved reserves.
 
     Depletion is calculated using the units-of-production method based upon the
ratio of current period production to estimated proved oil and gas reserves
expressed in physical units, with oil and gas converted to a common unit of
measure on the basis of relative energy content.
 
     Estimated abandonment costs (including plugging, site restoration, and
dismantlement expenditures) are accrued if such costs exceed estimated salvage
values, as determined using current market values and other information.
Abandonment costs are estimated based primarily on environmental and regulatory
requirements in effect from time to time. As of December 31, 1995, estimated
salvage values equaled or exceeded estimated abandonment costs.
 
  Mineral Properties and Equipment:
 
     The Company expenses general prospecting costs and the costs of acquiring
and exploring unevaluated mining properties. When a property is determined to
have development potential, further exploration and development costs are
capitalized. When commercially profitable ore reserves are developed and
operations commence, capitalized costs will be amortized using the
units-of-production method based on the estimated tons of ore to be recovered.
Upon abandonment or sale of projects, all capitalized costs relating to the
specific project are expensed in the year abandoned or sold and any gain or loss
would be recognized. Proceeds from advanced royalties are to be accounted for as
adjustments of capitalized costs, with no profit or loss recognized.
 
     Mining equipment is depreciated using the units-of-production method,
except during suspended operations. When not in production, this equipment is
depreciated at approximately 2% per year.
 
     Capitalized costs, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and
amortization, may not exceed the estimated net realizable value of the
properties, as determined by management on a periodic basis. Management
estimates net realizable values based on reserve estimates (including informal
deposit, resource and reserve estimates prepared by Company staff), feasibility
studies, engineering data, commodity prices and market trends, actual or
projected mining and operating costs, estimated income, severance and other
taxes, and other information deemed to be relevant to such estimations. As of
December 31, 1995, capitalized costs were less than estimated net realizable
values.
 
  Other Property and Equipment:
 
     Other property and equipment is recorded at cost, and is depreciated over
the estimated useful lives (five to seven years) using the straight-line method.
The cost of normal maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred.
Significant expenditures which increase the life of an asset are capitalized and
depreciated over the estimated useful life of the asset. Upon retirement or
disposition of assets, related gains or losses are reflected in operations.
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   53
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
    
 
  Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:
 
     In the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." SFAS No. 121
prescribes that an impairment loss is recognized in the event that facts and
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable, and an estimate of future undiscounted cash flows is less than the
carrying amount of the asset. Impairment is recorded based on an estimate of
future discounted cash flows. The adoption of SFAS No. 121 had no effect on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.
 
  Gas Balancing:
 
     The Company uses the entitlements method of accounting for recording
natural gas sales revenues. Under this method, revenue is recorded based on the
Company's net working interest in field production. Deliveries of natural gas in
excess of the Company's working interest are recorded as liabilities while
under-deliveries are recorded as receivables.
 
  Concentration of Credit Risk:
 
   
     The Company is exposed to credit losses in the event of non-performance by
counterparties to financial instruments, but does not expect any counterparties
to fail to meet their obligations. The Company generally does not obtain
collateral or other security to support financial instruments subject to credit
risk but does monitor the credit standing of counterparties.
    
 
  Intangible Assets:
 
     Intangible assets are recorded at cost and are amortized over their
estimated useful lives using the straight-line method.
 
  Drilling Advances and Deferred Revenues:
 
     Revenues billed in advance for services are deferred and recorded in income
in the period in which the related services are rendered. Revenues received in
advance of production are classified as deferred revenue. The deferred revenue
is amortized as production and delivery occur.
 
  Income Taxes:
 
     In fiscal 1993, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes." SFAS No. 109 requires the recognition of deferred
tax liabilities and assets for the expected future tax consequences of temporary
differences between the carrying amounts and tax bases of those assets and
liabilities based on currently enacted tax rates.
 
     The benefits of tax credits will be reflected as a reduction of income tax
expense in the year in which management determines that such credits are more
likely than not to be realized.
 
  Stock-Based Compensation:
 
     SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," was issued in
October 1995 with an effective date for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 1995. As permitted under SFAS No. 123, the Company has elected to continue
to measure compensation cost using the intrinsic value based method of
accounting prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees." Upon adoption
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   54
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
    
 
in 1996, the Company will make pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings
per share as if the fair value based method of accounting as defined in SFAS No.
123 had been applied.
 
  Management Fees:
 
     Management fees received in connection with oil and gas properties are
credited to the full cost pool. All other management fees are recorded as income
when earned.
 
  Foreign Currency Translation:
 
     Management has determined the U.S. dollar to be the functional currency for
the Company's Costa Rican operations. Accordingly, the assets, liabilities and
results of operations of the Costa Rican subsidiaries are measured in U.S.
dollars. Transaction gains and losses are not material for any of the periods
presented herein.
 
  Hedging Activities:
 
     The Company's use of derivative financial instruments is limited to
management of commodity price risk. Gains and losses on such transactions are
matched to product sales and charged or credited to oil and gas sales when that
product is sold.
 
  Per Share Data:
 
     Loss per share of common stock is computed by dividing net loss
attributable to shares of common stock by the weighted average number of common
shares outstanding. Loss attributable to shares of common stock is net loss,
preferred stock dividends and accretion of Series B Mandatorily Redeemable
Convertible Preferred Stock. Preferred stock dividends and accretion totaled
$360,000 and $258,000 for the years ended December 31, 1995 and 1994,
respectively. The computation of fully diluted loss per share of common stock
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995 was not
dilutive; therefore, only primary loss per share of common stock is presented.
 
  Use of Estimates and Significant Risks:
 
     The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make significant
estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in these financial
statements and accompanying notes. The more significant areas requiring the use
of estimates relate to oil and gas and mineral reserves, fair value of financial
instruments, future cash flows associated with assets, valuation allowance for
deferred tax assets, and useful lives for depreciation, depletion and
amortization. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
     The Company and its operations are subject to numerous risks and
uncertainties. Among these are risks related to the oil and gas and the mining
businesses (including operating risks and hazards and the plethora of
regulations imposed thereon), risks and uncertainties related to the volatility
of the prices of oil and gas and minerals, uncertainties related to the
estimation of reserves of oil and gas and minerals and the value of such
reserves, the effects of competition and extensive environmental regulation, the
uncertainties related to foreign operations, and many other factors, many of
which are necessarily out of the Company's control. The nature of oil and gas
drilling operations is such that the expenditure of substantial drilling and
completion costs are required well in advance of the receipt of revenues from
the production developed by the operations. Drilling activities are subject to
numerous risks, including the risk that no commercially productive oil or gas
reservoirs will be encountered. Also, the sales from successful drilling
activities are affected by prevailing prices for oil
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   55
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
    
 
and gas. Hydrocarbon prices can be extremely volatile and can substantially
affect the Company's revenues, cash flows and working capital.
 
  Reclassifications:
 
     Certain prior years' amounts in the consolidated financial statements have
been reclassified to conform to the presentation used in 1995.
 
NOTE 2. OIL AND GAS PROPERTIES
 
     During 1995, the Company's oil and gas activities were conducted entirely
in the United States. Subsequent to December 31, 1995, Mallon Oil acquired a
2.5% working interest in an exploration venture to drill one or more wells
offshore Belize. The company is initially committed to spend approximately
$200,000. These expenditures will not begin until late 1996 or early 1997.
 
     Depreciation, depletion and amortization of oil and gas property costs were
$4.70, $5.53 and $5.70 per equivalent barrel of oil production for the years
ended December 31, 1993, 1994, and 1995, respectively.
 
     On September 30, 1993, the Company purchased interests in certain
properties for approximately $19,300,000. The purchase price was paid with $10.0
million of proceeds from the sale of a volumetric production payment (which was
terminated in August 1995), $2.0 million of proceeds from the sale of a net
profits interest (which was retired in April 1994), and with a note payable to
the seller of $7.3 million (which was repaid in November 1993).
 
     The operations of the acquired properties have been included in the
Company's accompanying consolidated statements of operations, beginning October
1, 1993. The following represents the unaudited pro forma results of operations
for the year ended December 31, 1993, assuming the acquisition had taken place
as of January 1, 1993:
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           (UNAUDITED)
                                                                           -----------
        <S>                                                                <C>
        Total revenues...................................................  $ 6,006,000
                                                                           ===========
        Net loss attributable to common shareholders.....................  $  (242,000)
                                                                           ===========
        Net loss per share...............................................  $      (.03)
                                                                           ===========
</TABLE>
    
 
  Capitalized Costs Relating to Oil and Gas Activities:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                 --------------------------------------------
                                                     1993            1994            1995
                                                 ------------    ------------    ------------
    <S>                                          <C>             <C>             <C>
    Oil and gas properties.....................  $ 38,885,000    $ 41,127,000    $ 43,751,000
    Accumulated depreciation, depletion and
      amortization.............................   (16,683,000)    (19,011,000)    (21,173,000)
                                                 ------------    ------------    ------------
                                                   22,202,000      22,116,000      22,578,000
    Deferred revenues attributable to the
      volumetric production payment............    (9,818,000)     (7,452,000)             --
                                                 ------------    ------------    ------------
                                                 $ 12,384,000    $ 14,664,000    $ 22,578,000
                                                 ============    ============    ============
</TABLE>
 
     The Company does not have significant costs of unproved properties or costs
excluded from the full cost pool amortization base. As of December 31, 1995, the
net book value of the Company's oil and gas properties exceeded the net present
value of the underlying reserves by $1,540,000. However, oil and gas prices
increased
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   56
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
    
 
substantially subsequent to yearend. Applying these increased prices to yearend
oil and gas reserves indicates that the oil and gas properties were not, in
fact, impaired. Accordingly, the $1,540,000 impairment was not charged to
expense during the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
  Costs Incurred in Oil and Gas Producing Activities:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      ---------------------------------------
                                                         1993           1994          1995
                                                      -----------    ----------    ----------
    <S>                                               <C>            <C>           <C>
    Property acquisition costs......................  $16,919,000    $  648,000    $  131,000
    Termination of volumetric production payment....           --            --     5,586,000
    Exploration costs...............................           --            --       180,000
    Development costs...............................    3,318,000     1,736,000     2,379,000
    Full cost pool credits..........................      (21,000)     (142,000)      (66,000)
                                                      -----------    ----------    ----------
                                                      $20,216,000    $2,242,000    $8,210,000
                                                      ===========    ==========    ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Results of Operations from Oil and Gas Producing Activities:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                     ----------------------------------------
                                                        1993          1994           1995
                                                     ----------    -----------    -----------
    <S>                                              <C>           <C>            <C>
    Oil and gas sales..............................  $1,877,000    $ 2,263,000    $ 3,380,000
    Deferred revenue amortization..................     184,000      2,366,000      1,420,000
    Lease operating expense........................    (976,000)    (2,024,000)    (1,868,000)
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization.......    (874,000)    (2,330,000)    (2,162,000)
                                                     ----------    -----------    -----------
    Results of operations from producing activities
      (excluding corporate overhead, interest and
      income taxes)................................  $  211,000    $   275,000    $   770,000
                                                     ==========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   57
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
    
 
  Estimated Quantities of Proved Oil and Gas Reserves (unaudited):
 
     Set forth below is a summary of the changes in the net quantities of the
Company's proved crude oil and natural gas reserves estimated by an independent
consulting petroleum engineering firm for the years ended December 31, 1993,
1994, and 1995. All of the Company's reserves are located in the continental
United States.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      OIL           GAS
                                                                    (BBLS)         (MCF)
                                                                   ---------     ----------
    <S>                                                            <C>           <C>
    PROVED RESERVES
      Reserves, January 1, 1993..................................    337,000     10,892,000
         Acquisition of reserves in place........................    855,000     14,967,000
         Sale of reserves in place...............................   (215,000)    (3,626,000)
         Extensions, discoveries and additions...................      8,000         20,000
         Production..............................................    (64,000)      (625,000)
         Revisions...............................................    (62,000)       708,000
                                                                   ---------     ----------
      Reserves, December 31, 1993................................    859,000     22,336,000
         Extensions, discoveries and additions...................    664,000        448,000
         Production..............................................    (98,000)      (687,000)
         Revisions...............................................    119,000     (5,803,000)
                                                                   ---------     ----------
      Reserves, December 31, 1994................................  1,544,000     16,294,000
         Acquisition of reserves in place........................    136,000      2,246,000
         Extensions, discoveries and additions...................    163,000      1,129,000
         Production..............................................   (173,000)    (1,238,000)
         Revisions...............................................    143,000      1,490,000
                                                                   ---------     ----------
      Reserves, December 31, 1995................................  1,813,000     19,921,000
                                                                   =========     ==========
    RESERVES ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE VOLUMETRIC PRODUCTION
    PAYMENT (NOT INCLUDED ABOVE)
      December 31, 1993..........................................    209,000      3,575,000
                                                                   =========     ==========
      December 31, 1994..........................................    162,000      2,938,000
                                                                   =========     ==========
      December 31, 1995..........................................         --             --
                                                                   =========     ==========
    PROVED DEVELOPED RESERVES
      December 31, 1993..........................................    602,000     17,999,000
                                                                   =========     ==========
      December 31, 1994..........................................    811,000     11,733,000
                                                                   =========     ==========
      December 31, 1995..........................................  1,238,000     14,702,000
                                                                   =========     ==========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   58
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
    
 
 Standardized Measure of Discounted Future Net Cash Flows and Changes Therein
 Relating to Proved Oil and Gas Reserves (unaudited):
 
     The following summary sets forth the Company's unaudited future net cash
flows relating to proved oil and gas reserves based on the standardized measure
prescribed in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 69:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                               ----------------------------------------------
                                                   1993             1994             1995
                                               ------------     ------------     ------------
    <S>                                        <C>              <C>              <C>
    Future cash in-flows.....................  $ 61,012,000     $ 50,964,000     $ 66,178,000
    Future production and development
      costs..................................   (27,075,000)     (28,435,000)     (30,522,000)
    Future income taxes......................    (1,701,000)              --               --
                                               ------------     ------------     ------------
    Future net cash flows....................    32,236,000       22,529,000       35,656,000
    Discount at 10%..........................   (14,048,000)      (8,771,000)     (14,618,000)
                                               ------------     ------------     ------------
    Standardized measure of discounted future
      net cash flows.........................  $ 18,188,000     $ 13,758,000     $ 21,038,000
                                               ============     ============     ============
</TABLE>
 
     Future net cash flows were computed using yearend prices and yearend
statutory income tax rates (adjusted for permanent differences, operating loss
carryforwards and tax credits) that relate to existing proved oil and gas
reserves in which the Company has an interest.
 
     The following are the principal sources of changes in the standardized
measure of discounted future net cash flows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                               ----------------------------------------------
                                                   1993             1994             1995
                                               ------------     ------------     ------------
    <S>                                        <C>              <C>              <C>
    Standardized measure, beginning of
      year...................................  $  4,425,000     $ 18,188,000     $ 13,758,000
    Net revisions to previous quantity
      estimates and other....................    (2,910,000)      (4,523,000)      (1,852,000)
    Extensions, discoveries, additions, and
      changes in timing of production, net of
      related
      costs..................................        85,000        3,959,000        1,631,000
    Purchase of reserves in place............    27,485,000               --        5,701,000
    Sales of reserves in place...............   (10,002,000)              --               --
    Increase in future development costs.....      (906,000)      (1,065,000)        (127,000)
    Sales of oil and gas produced, net of
      production costs.......................      (901,000)        (239,000)      (1,512,000)
    Net change in prices and production
      costs..................................       602,000       (5,341,000)       2,063,000
    Accretion of discount....................       443,000        1,819,000        1,376,000
    Net change in income taxes...............      (133,000)         960,000               --
                                               ------------     ------------     ------------
    Standardized measure, end of year........  $ 18,188,000     $ 13,758,000     $ 21,038,000
                                               ============     ============     ============
</TABLE>
 
     Reserves to be delivered pursuant to the Company's volumetric production
payment were excluded from the SFAS No. 69 calculations presented for 1993 and
1994. Accordingly, the standardized measure of discounted future net cash flows,
which is cash flow-based, does not include deferred revenues to be amortized as
production and delivery occurs in the future. However, all costs related to such
production and delivery, which is a commitment of the Company, are included.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   59
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
    
 
     There are numerous uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of
proved oil and gas reserves and in projecting the future rates of production,
particularly as to natural gas, and timing of development expenditures. Such
estimates may not be realized due to curtailment, shut-in conditions and other
factors which cannot be accurately determined. The above information represents
estimates only and should not be construed as the current market value of the
Company's oil and gas reserves or the costs that would be incurred to obtain
equivalent reserves.
 
NOTE 3. LAGUNA GOLD COMPANY
 
     The Company's principal precious metals property is the Rio Chiquito
project located in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica, where Laguna holds 18
exploration concessions and one exploitation concession covering 277 square
kilometers. The Company believes that it has valid rights to the Rio Chiquito
concessions, and that all necessary exploration work has been performed. The
project is owned 90% by Laguna and 10% by Red Rock Ventures, Inc. ("Red Rock").
 
     In order to achieve profitable operations, management believes that an
additional capital investment will be required for equipment and improvements
necessary to achieve acceptable production rates and unit costs.
 
     Laguna's authorized capital consists of 200,000,000 shares of $.01 par
value common stock and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per
share, with designations, rights, preferences and limitations as may be
determined by the Board. At December 31, 1995, 14,400,000 shares of common stock
were issued, outstanding and owned by the Company. Effective June 30, 1995, the
Company privately placed 25,000 shares of Laguna's Series A Convertible
Preferred Stock (the "Laguna Series A Stock") for net proceeds of $2,275,000.
Each share of Laguna Series A Stock can be converted into 144 shares of Laguna
$.01 par value common stock at the option of the stockholder, or automatically
in the event of a public offering of the common stock. The net effect of this
sale is that the Company now retains an 80% equity stake in Laguna. Each share
of Laguna Series A Stock includes 10 detachable warrants; each warrant
represents the right to purchase one-fourth share of Mallon's common stock at
$10 per whole share. The warrants, which are valued at $2 each for an aggregate
value of $125,000, expire on February 15, 2000. The net proceeds received from
the Laguna Series A Stock placement, net of the value assigned to the detachable
warrants which was reflected as additional paid-in capital, are reflected as
Minority Interest in the accompanying financial statements.
 
     In February 1994, Laguna adopted the Laguna Gold Company Equity
Participation Plan (the "Equity Plan"). Under the Equity Plan, shares of common
stock have been reserved for issuance in order to provide for incentive
compensation and awards to employees and consultants. The Equity Plan provides
that stock options, stock bonuses, stock appreciation rights, and other forms of
stock-based compensation may be granted in accordance with the provisions of the
Plan. Effective January 1, 1995, options to purchase a total of 1,620,000 shares
of Laguna's common stock were granted to four officers of Laguna, exercisable at
a price of $0.01 per share. The options vest over a period of up to four years.
The options vest in full if controlling interest in Laguna or substantially all
of its assets are sold, or if Laguna is merged into another company, or if
control of Laguna's Board is obtained by a person or persons not expressly
approved of by a majority of the members of the Board as of the date the options
are granted. The difference between the exercise price and the estimated fair
value of the shares at the date of grant was charged to compensation expense
with a corresponding entry classified as an increase to Shareholders' Equity. To
date, none of these options have been exercised.
 
     Laguna maintains an "Outside Directors Equity Plan" for outside directors
of Laguna. This plan provides that Laguna's non-management directors will be
compensated with shares of Laguna's $0.01 par value common stock. Initial stock
awards are to be for $5,000 worth of stock. The Plan has not yet been
implemented and Laguna has recorded no associated expense. Laguna currently has
one outside director.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   60
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
    
 
     Subsequent to December 31, 1995, Laguna signed a letter of intent with a
Canadian underwriter for the sale of a minimum of 4,000,000 and a maximum of
5,000,000 units at a price of $1.00 per unit. Each unit will include one share
of common stock and one warrant to purchase one share of common stock,
exercisable for $1.50 for an 18-month period. Laguna also agreed to grant the
underwriter an option to purchase an additional 500,000 shares of common stock,
exercisable at $1.00, also for an 18-month period following the issuance of the
common stock.
 
NOTE 4. NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
 
     On February 15, 1995, the Company established a $2,500,000 line of credit
pursuant to a loan agreement with three private investors. Borrowings under this
line bore interest at 11%. On August 24, 1995, the Company established a
$15,000,000 revolving line of credit facility with a commercial bank, which bore
interest at the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) plus 2.5% (8% at December
31, 1995). The proceeds from this facility were used to retire the Company's
existing $2,500,000 line of credit and to terminate its volumetric production
payment (see Note 6). The Company paid a $125,000 prepayment penalty in order to
retire the $2,500,000 line of credit, and such amount, along with the remaining
unamortized loan origination fees of the initial line of credit, is included in
the $253,000 extraordinary loss on debt retirement. As a part of the fee for the
$15,000,000 facility, the Company issued warrants, valued at $2 each, to
purchase 25,000 shares of the Company's common stock at a price of $10 per
share. As of December 31, 1995, the total amount outstanding under the line of
credit facility was $10,000,000.
 
     In March 1996, the Company established a credit facility (the "Facility")
with Bank One, Texas, N.A. (the "Bank"). The significant terms of the Facility,
as it has been amended, are as follows:
 
     - The Facility establishes two separate lines of credit: a primary
       revolving line of credit (the "Revolver") and a line of credit to be used
       for development drilling approved by the Bank (the "Drilling Line").
 
   
     - The borrowing base under the Revolver is subject to redetermination every
       six months, at June 30 and December 31, or at such other times as the
       Bank may determine.
    
 
   
     - The interest rate on amounts drawn under the Revolver is at the Company's
       election, either at the Bank's base rate plus 0.75%, or LIBOR plus 2.5%.
       Amounts outstanding under the Drilling Line bear interest at the greater
       of 12.5% or the Bank's base rate plus 4%.
    
 
     - The Facility requires a reduction in the commitment under the Revolver of
       $130,000 per month beginning January 31, 1997, subject to borrowing base
       redeterminations.
 
   
     - Amounts drawn under the Drilling Line are repayable from 100% of the net
       revenues generated by wells drilled with such funds. If the borrowing
       base under the Revolver increases, such additional amounts must be
       borrowed and used to reduce amounts outstanding under the Drilling Line.
    
 
     - The Facility is collateralized by substantially all of the Company's oil
       and gas properties.
 
   
     - The Company is obligated to maintain certain financial and other
       covenants, including a minimum current ratio, minimum net equity, a debt
       coverage ratio and a total bank debt ceiling.
    
 
     - The Facility expires on March 31, 1999.
 
NOTE 5. DRILLING ADVANCES
 
     In 1988 the Company sold a portion of its working interest in seven proved
developed and various undeveloped gas properties located in the Burns Ranch
Field to a group of related and unrelated investors. Proceeds from the sale were
divided between acquisition costs (approximately 25%) and future drilling and
completion costs (approximately 75%). Because of unfavorable gas prices in the
area, the Company has no
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   61
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
    
 
current plans to drill in this field in 1996. Accordingly, the portion of the
sales proceeds allocated to future drilling and completion costs have been
included in non-current liabilities at December 31, 1995.
 
NOTE 6. DEFERRED REVENUE
 
     In connection with its September 30, 1993 acquisition of producing oil and
gas properties, the Company sold a volumetric production payment burdening the
Company's interest in the acquired properties for net proceeds of $10.0 million.
The proceeds received were recorded as deferred revenue. The production payment
covered approximately 4,354,000 MMBtu of natural gas at an indicated average
price of $1.65 and 215 MBbls barrels of oil at an indicated average price of
$13.01 per barrel to be delivered over eight years. The Company was responsible
for production costs associated with operating the properties subject to the
production payment agreement. In August 1995, the volumetric production payment
was terminated through the Company's payment of $5,586,000. This settlement
resulted in a $355,000 gain to the Company.
 
NOTE 7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
  Operating Leases:
 
     The Company leases office space, vehicles and software under non-cancelable
leases which expire in 1998. Rental expense is recognized on a straight-line
basis over the terms of the leases. The total minimum rental commitments at
December 31, 1995 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
                <S>                                                 <C>
                1996..............................................  $123,000
                1997..............................................   110,000
                1998..............................................    29,000
                                                                    --------
                                                                    $262,000
                                                                    ========
</TABLE>
 
     Rent expense was $56,000, $74,000 and $83,000 for the years ended December
31, 1993, 1994, and 1995, respectively.
 
  Benefit Plans:
 
     Effective January 1, 1989, the Company and its affiliates established the
Mallon Resources Corporation 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan (the "401(k) Plan"). MRC
and its affiliates match an employee's contribution to the 401(k) Plan in an
amount up to 25% of his or her eligible monthly contributions. The Company may
also contribute additional amounts at the discretion of the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors, contingent upon realization of earnings by
the Company which, in the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, are
adequate to justify a corporate contribution. For the years ended December 31,
1993, 1994 and 1995, the Company made $6,000, $8,000 and $13,000, respectively,
of matching contributions. No discretionary contributions were made during any
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995.
 
     The Company maintains a plan to provide additional compensation to
employees from lease revenues which are included in a pool to be distributed at
the discretion of the Chairman of the Board. For the years ended December 31,
1993, 1994 and 1995, a total of $40,000, $59,000 and $69,000, respectively, was
distributed to employees.
 
  Contingencies:
 
     In 1993, the Minerals Management Service commenced an audit of royalties
payable on certain oil and gas properties in which the Company owns an interest.
The operator of the properties is contesting certain deficiencies. The audit is
not complete, and it is not possible for the Company to estimate any potential
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   62
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
    
 
liability. However, management of the Company does not believe that the ultimate
outcome of this matter will have a material negative impact on the financial
position, liquidity or results of operations of the Company. This matter has
been dormant for more than two years.
 
NOTE 8. MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK
 
     On April 15, 1994, the Company completed the private placement (the
"Placement") of 400,000 shares of Series B Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible
Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value per share (the "Series B Stock"). The Series B
Stock bears an 8% dividend payable quarterly, and is convertible into shares of
the Company's common stock at an adjusted conversion price of $16.72 per share.
Mandatory redemption of this stock begins on April 1, 1997, when 20% of the
total outstanding shares will be redeemed. An additional 20% per year will be
redeemed on each April 1 thereafter until all $4,000,000 of the Series B Stock
has been redeemed. Proceeds from the Placement were $3,774,000, net of stock
issue costs of $226,000. In connection with the Series B Stock, dividends of
$228,000 and $320,000 were paid in 1994 and 1995, respectively. Accretion of
preferred stock was $30,000 and $40,000 in 1994 and 1995, respectively.
 
NOTE 9. CAPITAL
 
  Preferred Stock:
 
     The Board of Directors is authorized to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of
preferred stock having a par value of $.01 per share, to establish the number of
shares to be included in each series and to fix the designation, rights,
preferences and limitations of the shares of each series.
 
     The 1,100,918 outstanding shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock
(the "Series A Stock") are convertible to common stock of the Company on a
share-for-share basis at any time at the option of the holder, or automatically
if the common stock of the Company trades at $29.44 per share for a period of
time. The Series A Stock provides for a non-cumulative, preferential dividend
only to the extent declared by the Company's Board of Directors. The Series A
Stock has a preference upon liquidation of $6,000,000 (the original face value);
thereafter, after an equivalent amount has been distributed to holders of the
Company's common stock, the Series A shareholders share proportionately with the
common shareholders. The Series A Stock has the right to one vote for each share
of common stock into which it could be converted, with voting powers equal to
holders of common stock. In addition, the Series A Stock has the right to elect
one director to the Company's Board of Directors. The Series A Stock is not
redeemable and may not be called.
 
  Common Stock:
 
     The Company has reserved 278,480 and 243,342 shares of common stock for
issuance upon a possible conversion of the Series A Stock and Series B Stock,
respectively.
 
     The Company adopted the Mallon Resources Corporation 1988 Equity
Participation Plan (the "Equity Plan"). Under the Equity Plan, 1,000,000 shares
of common stock have been reserved in order to provide for incentive
compensation and awards to employees and consultants. The Equity Plan provides
that a three-member committee may grant stock options, awards, stock
appreciation rights, and other forms of stock-based compensation in accordance
with the provisions of the Equity Plan.
 
     On June 22, 1990, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of
the Company approved the grant of options for 44,700 shares of the Company's
common stock to certain officers and employees, exercisable at a price of $0.04
per share. Subsequently, options for 7,890 shares that had not vested were
canceled due to employee resignations. During 1994, an additional 17,250 options
were issued to certain officers and employees exercisable at a price of $0.04
per share, which vest annually beginning in 1995 and continuing through 1999.
During 1995, 10,250 shares vested, resulting in non-cash compensation expense of
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   63
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
    
 
$39,000. As of December 31, 1995, options for 38,934 shares were vested and
exercisable. The difference between the exercise price and the estimated fair
value of the shares at the date of grant is charged to compensation expense with
a corresponding increase to Shareholders' Equity.
 
     Also on June 22, 1990, options exercisable at $0.04 per share for 10 years
were granted that do not vest until the market price of the Company's common
stock exceeds certain prices for in excess of 120 consecutive days, as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  STOCK PRICE                            AGGREGATE
                                 IN EXCESS OF:                        SHARES COVERED:
            --------------------------------------------------------  ---------------
            <S>                                                       <C>
            $32.00..................................................        5,187
            $40.00..................................................        5,187
            $48.00..................................................       10,375
</TABLE>
 
     Management of the Company reviews the probability of these options vesting
on a quarterly basis. When management believes it is probable that the stock
will reach the required levels for vesting, it will begin accruing compensation
expense based on the difference between the market price of the stock at that
date and the exercise price. No compensation expense was recorded for these
options during the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995. Any difference
between the amount of accrued compensation at the date the stock has attained
the required level for 120 consecutive days and the amount accrued will be
charged to operations in that period.
 
     The Board of Directors of the Company approved a Stock Compensation Plan
for outside directors of the Company. This plan provides that the Company's
outside directors (presently three in number) will be compensated by
periodically granting them shares of the Company's $0.01 par value common stock
worth $1,000 for each board meeting, but no less than $4,000 per year, for each
outside director. The Company expensed $12,000, $11,000 and $12,000 for the
years 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively, in relation to the Stock Compensation
Plan.
 
     Effective October 1, 1995, the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors approved a plan whereby three of the Company's executive officers
would receive a portion of their compensation in stock options, payable
quarterly. The options are exercisable at $0.04 per share. For the quarter ended
December 31, 1995, the officers were awarded options valued at $50,000.
 
     In April 1993, the Company sold 50,000 shares of its common stock for net
proceeds of $931,000 in a private placement offering.
 
     Also in April 1993, the Company issued 7,500 shares of common stock at
$20.00 per share to an existing stockholder in satisfaction of an obligation
relating to the drilling of a well.
 
     In November 1993, the Company completed a private placement of its common
stock, selling 503,472 shares at $18.00 per share for net proceeds of
$8,025,000.
 
     Subsequent to December 31, 1995, the Company agreed to issue 61,250 shares
of common stock to certain consultants in exchange for services valued at
approximately $400,000.
 
NOTE 10. HEDGING ACTIVITIES
 
     The Company engages in hedging transactions to manage commodity price
risks. Gains and losses on such transactions are matched to product sales and
charged or credited to oil and gas sales when that product is sold.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   64
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
    
 
     In November 1995, the Company entered into a "collar" hedging transaction
with an independent crude oil buyer covering 12,000 barrels per month of its oil
production. Under this arrangement, for each month beginning November 1995
through October 1996, the Company will receive a minimum of $16.50 per barrel
and a maximum of $18.00 per barrel for the 12,000 barrels subject to the collar
agreement. The premium for this collar is $.30 per barrel payable monthly.
 
     Also in November 1995, the Company entered into a "floor" hedging
transaction with an independent crude oil buyer covering 30,000 MMBtus per month
of the Company's gas production. Under this arrangement, for each month
beginning November 1995 through October 1996, if the price for gas as quoted on
the NYMEX is less than $1.70, the Company will receive the difference between
$1.70 and the average settlement price for that month for the 30,000 MMBtus
subject to the floor agreement. The premium for this floor is $.095 MMBtu,
payable monthly.
 
NOTE 11. MAJOR CUSTOMERS
 
     Sales to customers in excess of 10% of total revenues were:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                      --------------------------------------
                                                        1993          1994           1995
                                                      --------     ----------     ----------
    <S>                                               <C>          <C>            <C>
    Customer A......................................  $222,000     $2,579,000     $2,213,000
    Customer B......................................   323,000        298,000             --
    Customer C......................................   308,000        573,000      1,319,000
    Customer D......................................   302,000             --             --
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 12. INCOME TAXES
 
     The Company incurred a loss for both book and tax purposes in 1993, 1994,
and 1995. There is no income tax benefit (expense) for the years ended December
31, 1993, 1994 or 1995.
 
     Deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following as of
December 31, 1994 and 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   1994            1995
                                                                -----------     -----------
    <S>                                                         <C>             <C>
    Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities):
      Net operating loss carryforwards........................  $ 2,567,000     $ 5,000,000
      Accumulated depreciation and amortization differences...    5,355,000       4,900,000
      Other...................................................      209,000         200,000
                                                                -----------     -----------
              Total deferred tax assets.......................    8,131,000      10,100,000
                                                                -----------     -----------
      Mining properties basis differences.....................   (1,312,000)     (1,800,000)
      Oil, gas and other properties basis differences.........   (5,856,000)     (6,500,000)
                                                                -----------     -----------
              Total deferred tax liabilities..................   (7,168,000)     (8,300,000)
                                                                -----------     -----------
      Net deferred tax assets.................................      963,000       1,800,000
      Less valuation allowance................................     (963,000)     (1,800,000)
                                                                -----------     -----------
              Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)...........  $        --     $        --
                                                                ===========     ===========
</TABLE>
 
     At December 31, 1995, the Company's remaining net operating loss ("NOL")
carryforwards were approximately $13,400,000, which expire in varying amounts
during the period 2005 through 2009. This NOL carryforward is in addition to net
operating losses arising from the operations of Laguna prior to 1989 which can
be utilized only to the extent of future taxable income of Laguna.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   65
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
    
 
     Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the
Company generally would be entitled to reduce its future federal income tax
liabilities by carrying the unused NOL forward for a period of 15 years to
offset its future income taxes. The Company's ability to utilize any NOL in
future years may be restricted, however, in the event the Company undergoes an
"ownership change" as defined in the Code. Management is not aware of any such
change.
 
NOTE 13. SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
     The Company operates in two business segments: oil and gas exploration and
production in the United States, and gold and silver mining in Costa Rica.
Information regarding total assets by business segment and geographic location
for the Company as of December 31, 1993, 1994, and 1995 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                  -------------------------------------------
                                                     1993            1994            1995
                                                  -----------     -----------     -----------
    <S>                                           <C>             <C>             <C>
    Total assets:
      Oil and gas...............................  $24,442,000     $23,746,000     $24,791,000
      Mining....................................    4,331,000       4,480,000       6,844,000
                                                  -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                  $28,773,000     $28,226,000     $31,635,000
                                                  ===========     ===========     ===========
      United States.............................  $24,375,000     $23,777,000     $25,867,000
      Costa Rica................................    4,398,000       4,449,000       5,768,000
                                                  -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                  $28,773,000     $28,226,000     $31,635,000
                                                  ===========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>
 
     The following tables summarize the Company's revenues, operating loss,
depreciation, depletion and amortization and capital expenditures by business
segment for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994, and 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 DECEMBER 31,
                                                  -------------------------------------------
                                                     1993            1994            1995
                                                  -----------     -----------     -----------
    <S>                                           <C>             <C>             <C>
    Revenues:
      Oil and gas...............................  $ 2,210,000     $ 4,909,000     $ 5,428,000
      Mining....................................       81,000              --              --
                                                  -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                  $ 2,291,000     $ 4,909,000     $ 5,428,000
                                                  ===========     ===========     ===========
    Operating loss:
      Oil and gas...............................  $(1,090,000)    $(1,427,000)    $(1,176,000)
      Mining....................................      (97,000)       (204,000)       (500,000)
                                                  -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                  $(1,187,000)    $(1,631,000)    $(1,676,000)
                                                  ===========     ===========     ===========
    Depreciation, depletion and amortization:
      Oil and gas...............................  $   893,000     $ 2,373,000     $ 2,288,000
      Mining....................................       44,000          36,000          52,000
                                                  -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                  $   937,000     $ 2,409,000     $ 2,340,000
                                                  ===========     ===========     ===========
    Capital expenditures:
      Oil and gas...............................  $20,216,000     $ 2,242,000     $ 2,624,000
      Mining....................................      396,000         137,000       1,259,000
                                                  -----------     -----------     -----------
                                                  $20,612,000     $ 2,379,000     $ 3,883,000
                                                  ===========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   66
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
    
 
     The following tables summarize the Company's revenues and net loss by
geographic area for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1993           1994           1995
                                                    -----------    -----------    -----------
    <S>                                             <C>            <C>            <C>
    Revenues:
      United States...............................  $ 2,210,000    $ 4,909,000    $ 5,428,000
      Costa Rica..................................       81,000             --             --
                                                    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                    $ 2,291,000    $ 4,909,000    $ 5,428,000
                                                    ===========    ===========    ===========
    Net loss:
      United States...............................  $  (940,000)   $(1,427,000)   $(1,800,000)
      Costa Rica..................................     (247,000)      (204,000)      (129,000)
                                                    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                    $(1,187,000)   $(1,631,000)   $(1,929,000)
                                                    ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     The accounts receivable from related parties consists primarily of joint
interest billings to directors, officers, shareholders, employees and affiliated
entities for drilling and operating costs incurred on oil and gas properties in
which these related parties participate with MOC and MOC partnerships as working
interest owners. These amounts will generally be settled in the ordinary course
of business without interest.
 
   
     Notes receivable of $43,000 and $63,000 at December 31, 1994 and 1995,
respectively, consist of loans to employees, which bear interest at prime plus
2%.
    
 
     On June 30, 1993, the Company acquired all of the stock of Fruitland Gas
Corporation ("FGC") in exchange for 100,000 shares of the Company's common
stock. The acquisition was made in order to acquire the acreage in the Burns
Ranch gas field that was owned by the seller. The value of the acreage acquired,
net of a $171,000 receivable owed by FGC to the Company, was set at $2,500,000,
a value deemed "fair" in the opinion of an independent third party appraiser.
For purposes of the exchange, shares of the Company's common stock were valued
at $25. The shares issued in the transaction are restricted securities. The
acquisition was accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common
control and recorded at predecessor cost. The assets and operations of FGC are
insignificant to the Company's balance sheet and results of operations. FGC is
owned by the former shareholders of MOC, two of whom are also directors of the
Company, and one of whom is also chairman of the Company. The former
shareholders of FGC also own Deep Gas LLC, a Colorado limited liability company
that acquired the mineral rights underlying the Burns Ranch gas field at depths
more than 20 feet below the bottom of the Pictured Cliffs geologic formation
from FGC immediately prior to the Company's acquisition of FGC.
 
     Certain oil and gas properties located in Alabama, in which the Company has
working interests, are operated by a company owned by an individual who also
owns, beneficially, in excess of 5% of the Company's common stock. As of
December 31, 1994 and 1995, the Company had a payable to the related company of
$7,000 and $25,000, respectively, which is included in accounts payable on the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
     Red Rock is owned by an individual who owns, beneficially, in excess of 5%
of the Company's common stock. The Company has payables to the stockholder of
$9,000 and $100,000 as of December 31, 1994 and 1995, respectively, which are
included in accounts payable on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
     During 1993, Red Rock purchased 12,500 shares of the Company's common stock
at $10 per share and 12,500 shares at $11 per share. Red Rock is the Company's
joint venture partner in the Rio Chiquito project.
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   67
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
              FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993, 1994 AND 1995
    
 
     During the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995, the Company paid legal
fees of $1,000 and $31,000 to a law firm of which a director of the Company is a
senior partner. Additionally, consulting fees valued at $300,000 were paid to a
member of the same firm in the form of 16,675 shares of the Company's common
stock. In January 1995, an additional 14,000 shares valued at $112,000 were
issued for services to the same individual. Also in 1995, fees of $32,000 were
paid to this individual.
 
     During the year ended December 31, 1994, the Company recorded offering
costs of $200,000, of which $17,000 was payable at December 31, 1994, to an
investment banking firm in which a director is a partner. The Company also has a
consulting agreement with that firm for investment banking services of $200,000
in 1995, of which $90,000 was payable at December 31, 1995.
 
     In February 1995, the Company entered into a Loan Agreement establishing a
$2,500,000 line of credit facility pursuant to which it could borrow funds from
three entities, two of which are affiliates of an individual who owns,
beneficially, in excess of 5% of the Company's outstanding common stock. This
line of credit was retired in August 1995.
 
NOTE 15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (UNAUDITED)
 
     On May 24, 1996, Laguna Gold sold 5,000,000 Special Warrants for $1.00 per
Warrant in a private placement. Laguna Gold received proceeds of $4,325,000, net
of offering costs of $675,000. Upon exercise, each Special Warrant will be
converted into one Unit. Each Unit will consist of one share of Laguna Gold's
common stock and one Common Share Purchase Warrant. A portion of the net
proceeds derived from the sale of the Special Warrants, in the amount of
$3,750,000, was deposited with an escrow agent who will release the proceeds to
Laguna Gold upon notification that a final prospectus has been received by the
Ontario Securities Commission or upon exercise of the Special Warrants. A
receipt for the final prospectus was issued August 26, 1996. Each Common Share
Purchase Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of Common Stock for
$1.50 (subject to adjustment) on or before November 24, 1997.
 
     Laguna Gold has, in connection with the sale of the Special Warrants,
issued to the underwriters non-assignable, special brokers' warrants. These
warrants are exercisable, without payment of additional consideration, into
compensation options entitling the holders to purchase 500,000 shares of Laguna
Gold's Common Stock on or before November 24, 1997 at $1.00 per share.
 
   
     Effective June 3, 1996, Laguna Gold acquired Red Rock Ventures, Inc. ("Red
Rock") for 2 million shares of Laguna Gold's common stock valued at $1.00 per
share, and Convertible Secured Promissory Notes in the aggregate principal
amount of $230,000 for a total consideration of $2,230,000. The notes bear
interest at 5% per annum. Principal and accrued interest are due December 31,
2000. The notes are convertible into shares of Laguna Gold's common stock, at
the holder's or maker's option. The initial conversion price, which is subject
to anti-dilution adjustments, is $1.10. The note is collateralized by a general
security agreement encumbering all of the assets of Laguna Gold. Red Rock's sole
asset at the time of the merger was a 10% interest in the same Costa Rican
mining concession in which Laguna Gold holds a 90% interest.
    
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   68
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
                                     ASSETS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        DECEMBER 31,        JUNE 30,
                                                                            1995              1996
                                                                        ------------      ------------
                                                                                          (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                     <C>               <C>
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents..........................................   $  1,269,000      $    832,000
  Funds held in escrow...............................................             --         3,750,000
  Accounts receivable, with no allowance for doubtful accounts:
    Oil and gas sales................................................      1,065,000         1,080,000
    Joint interest participants......................................        376,000           167,000
    Related parties..................................................         22,000            31,000
  Inventories........................................................         53,000            44,000
  Other..............................................................        143,000           237,000
                                                                        ------------      ------------
         Total current assets........................................      2,928,000         6,141,000
                                                                        ------------      ------------
Property and equipment:
  Oil and gas properties, under the full cost method.................     43,751,000        44,627,000
  Mining properties and equipment....................................      6,248,000         9,289,000
  Other equipment....................................................        508,000           541,000
                                                                        ------------      ------------
                                                                          50,507,000        54,457,000
  Less accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization..........    (22,085,000)      (23,234,000)
                                                                        ------------      ------------
                                                                          28,422,000        31,223,000
                                                                        ------------      ------------
Notes receivable - related parties...................................         63,000            48,000
Other, net...........................................................        222,000           128,000
                                                                        ------------      ------------
Total Assets.........................................................   $ 31,635,000      $ 37,540,000
                                                                        ============      ============
                                   LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Note payable to bank...............................................   $         --      $  2,000,000
  Current portion of long-term debt..................................             --           780,000
  Current portion of capital lease obligation........................         23,000            25,000
  Trade accounts payable.............................................      2,309,000         1,398,000
  Undistributed revenue..............................................        711,000           855,000
  Drilling advances..................................................        271,000           120,000
  Accrued taxes and expenses.........................................         90,000           278,000
                                                                        ------------      ------------
         Total current liabilities...................................      3,404,000         5,456,000
                                                                        ------------      ------------
Long-term debt.......................................................     10,000,000         7,451,000
Notes payable, other.................................................             --           230,000
Capital lease obligation, net of current portion.....................         37,000            24,000
Drilling advances....................................................        315,000           410,000
Accrued expenses.....................................................             --             1,000
                                                                        ------------      ------------
         Total non-current liabilities...............................     10,352,000         8,116,000
                                                                        ------------      ------------
Total liabilities....................................................     13,756,000        13,572,000
                                                                        ------------      ------------
Commitments and contingencies........................................             --                --
Minority interest....................................................      2,275,000         8,808,000
Series B Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01
  par value, 500,000 shares authorized, 400,000 shares issued and
  outstanding, liquidation preference and mandatory redemption of
  $4,000,000.........................................................      3,844,000         3,870,000
Shareholders' equity:
  Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value, 1,467,890
    shares authorized, 1,100,918 shares issued and outstanding,
    liquidation preference $6,000,000................................      5,730,000         5,730,000
  Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized;
    1,949,914 and 2,083,305 shares issued and outstanding,
    respectively.....................................................         19,000            21,000
  Additional paid-in capital.........................................     38,965,000        39,191,000
  Accumulated deficit................................................    (32,954,000)      (33,652,000)
                                                                        ------------      ------------
         Total shareholders' equity..................................     11,760,000        11,290,000
                                                                        ------------      ------------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity...........................   $ 31,635,000      $ 37,540,000
                                                                        ============      ============
</TABLE>
    
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   69
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   FOR THE SIX MONTHS        FOR THE THREE MONTHS
                                                     ENDED JUNE 30,             ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                -------------------------   -----------------------
                                                   1995          1996          1995         1996
                                                -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                             <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
Revenues:
  Oil and gas sales...........................  $ 1,518,000   $ 2,834,000   $1,019,000   $1,477,000
  Deferred revenue amortization...............    1,085,000            --      524,000           --
  Operating service revenue...................       79,000        77,000       39,000       38,000
  Interest and other..........................       39,000        30,000       25,000       15,000
                                                -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------
                                                  2,721,000     2,941,000    1,607,000    1,530,000
                                                -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------
Costs and expenses:
  Oil and gas production......................      996,000       973,000      540,000      548,000
  Mining project expenses.....................      247,000       359,000      151,000      265,000
  Depletion, depreciation and amortization....    1,233,000     1,170,000      659,000      592,000
  General and administrative..................      982,000       953,000      438,000      447,000
  Interest and other..........................      111,000       465,000       92,000      252,000
                                                -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------
                                                  3,569,000     3,920,000    1,880,000    2,104,000
                                                -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------
Minority interest in loss of consolidated
  subsidiary..................................           --        54,000           --       54,000
                                                -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------
Loss before extraordinary item................     (848,000)     (925,000)    (273,000)    (520,000)
Extraordinary loss on early retirement of
  debt........................................           --      (160,000)          --           --
                                                -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------
Net loss......................................     (848,000)   (1,085,000)    (273,000)    (520,000)
Dividends on preferred stock and accretion....     (158,000)     (186,000)     (79,000)     (96,000)
                                                -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------
Net loss attributable to common
  shareholders................................  $(1,006,000)  $(1,271,000)  $ (352,000)  $ (616,000)
                                                ===========   ===========   ==========   ==========
Per share:
  Loss attributable to common shareholders
     before extraordinary item................  $     (0.52)  $     (0.55)  $    (0.18)  $    (0.30)
  Extraordinary loss..........................           --         (0.08)          --           --
                                                -----------   -----------   ----------   ----------
  Net loss attributable to common
     shareholders.............................  $     (0.52)  $     (0.63)  $    (0.18)  $    (0.30)
                                                ===========   ===========   ==========   ==========
Weighted average shares outstanding...........    1,944,000     2,005,000    1,949,000    2,039,000
                                                ===========   ===========   ==========   ==========
</TABLE>
    
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>   70
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        FOR THE SIX MONTHS
                                                                          ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                    ---------------------------
                                                                       1995            1996
                                                                    -----------     -----------
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net loss........................................................  $  (848,000)    $(1,085,000)
  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided
     by operating activities:
     Amortization of deferred revenue.............................   (1,085,000)             --
     Depletion, depreciation, and amortization....................    1,233,000       1,170,000
     Stock issued for compensation................................       28,000         272,000
     Extraordinary loss on early retirement of debt...............           --         160,000
     Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
       (Increase) decrease in:
          Accounts receivable.....................................     (279,000)        185,000
          Inventory and other assets..............................     (181,000)       (106,000)
       Increase (decrease) in:
       Accounts payable...........................................      525,000        (120,000)
       Undistributed revenue......................................     (157,000)        144,000
       Accrued taxes and expenses.................................       13,000         189,000
       Deferred revenues and drilling advances....................       84,000         (56,000)
                                                                    -----------     -----------
     Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities..........     (667,000)        753,000
                                                                    -----------     -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
  Increase in funds held in escrow................................           --      (3,750,000)
  Additions to property and equipment.............................   (2,239,000)     (1,758,000)
  Increase (decrease) in notes receivable-related party...........       (2,000)         15,000
                                                                    -----------     -----------
     Net cash used in investing activities........................   (2,241,000)     (5,493,000)
                                                                    -----------     -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from long-term debt....................................    2,500,000      10,231,000
  Payments of long-term debt......................................           --     (10,000,000)
  Payment of loan origination fees................................           --         (82,000)
  Payment of capital lease obligation.............................           --         (11,000)
  Net proceeds from sale of subsidiary preferred stock............    1,155,000              --
  Net proceeds from sale of subsidiary special warrants...........           --       4,325,000
  Payment of preferred dividends..................................     (158,000)       (160,000)
                                                                    -----------     -----------
     Net cash provided by financing activities....................    3,497,000       4,303,000
                                                                    -----------     -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents..............      589,000        (437,000)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period....................       88,000       1,269,000
                                                                    -----------     -----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period..........................  $   677,000     $   832,000
                                                                    ===========     ===========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
  Cash paid for interest..........................................  $    80,000     $   383,000
                                                                    ===========     ===========
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing
  activities:
  Issuance of common stock in exchange for:
     Property and equipment.......................................  $   112,000     $        --
                                                                    ===========     ===========
     Loan origination fee.........................................  $   112,000     $        --
                                                                    ===========     ===========
     Consultants' accounts payable................................  $        --     $   791,000
                                                                    ===========     ===========
  Acquisition of Red Rock Ventures, Inc. for subsidiary common
     stock and notes payable......................................  $        --     $ 2,230,000
                                                                    ===========     ===========
</TABLE>
    
 
  The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
                                  statements.
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>   71
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
               NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
   
           FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996
    
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 1. GENERAL
 
     Mallon Resources Corporation (the "Company") was incorporated in Colorado
in 1988, in connection with the consolidation of Mallon Oil Company ("Mallon
Oil"), Laguna Gold Company ("Laguna Gold") and 19 limited partnerships that they
sponsored. Mallon Oil continues as a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. As
of June 30, 1996, the Company owned 72% of Laguna Gold on a common stock
equivalent basis. All of the Company's business activities are conducted through
these two subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions
have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
   
     The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited;
however, in the opinion of the Company, the consolidated financial statements
include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary
for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods. On September 9,
1996 a four to one reverse stock split of the Company's issued and outstanding
shares of Common Stock was effected. Common Stock, paid-in capital and earnings
per share information have been restated to give retroactive effect to the
reverse stock split. These interim statements should be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995.
    
 
NOTE 2. NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT
 
     In March 1996, the Company established a credit facility (the "Facility")
with Bank One, Texas, N.A. (the "Bank"). The significant terms of the Facility,
as it has been amended, are as follows:
 
   
     - The Facility establishes two separate lines of credit: a primary
       revolving line of credit (the "Revolver") and a line of credit to be used
       for development drilling approved by the Bank (the "Drilling Line").
    
 
   
     - The borrowing base under the Revolver is subject to redetermination every
       six months, at June 30 and December 31, or at such other times as the
       Bank may determine.
    
 
   
     - The interest rate on amounts drawn under the Revolver is, at the
       Company's election, either at the Bank's base rate plus 0.75%, or LIBOR
       plus 2.5% (7.875% as of June 30, 1996). Amounts outstanding under the
       Drilling Line bear interest at the greater of 12.5% or the Bank's base
       rate plus 4%.
    
 
   
     - The Facility requires a reduction in the commitment under the Revolver of
       $130,000 per month beginning January 31, 1997, subject to borrowing base
       redeterminations.
    
 
   
     - Amounts drawn under the Drilling Line are repayable from 100% of the net
       revenues generated by wells drilled with such funds. If the borrowing
       base under the Revolver increases, such additional amounts must be
       borrowed and used to reduce amounts outstanding under the Drilling Line.
    
 
     - The Facility is collateralized by substantially all of the Company's oil
       and gas properties.
 
   
     - The Company is obligated to maintain certain financial and other
       covenants, including a minimum current ratio, minimum net equity, a debt
       coverage ratio and a total bank debt ceiling.
    
 
     - The Facility expires on March 31, 1999.
 
   
     Initial amounts drawn under the Revolver were used to retire the Company's
prior line of credit and related accrued interest. The initial borrowing base
under the Revolver was $10,500,000. At June 30, 1996, the borrowing base was
redetermined and reduced to $8,820,000. At the time of this redetermination, the
amount outstanding under the Revolver was $10,231,000, or $1,411,000 in excess
of the redetermined borrowing base. Under the terms of the Facility, as amended,
the Company drew $2,000,000 under the Drilling Line and applied it to reduce
amounts outstanding under the Revolver to $8,231,000, which is less than the
amount of
    
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>   72
 
                 MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
       NOTES TO INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
   
           FOR THE THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1995 AND 1996
    
                                  (UNAUDITED)
 
   
the redetermined borrowing base. Accordingly, $589,000 was available under the
Revolver at June 30, 1996. The principal amount drawn under the Drilling Line is
due on the earlier of the completion of a stock offering by the Company or
December 31, 1996.
    
 
NOTE 3. LAGUNA GOLD COMPANY
 
   
     On May 24, 1996, Laguna Gold sold 5,000,000 Special Warrants for $1.00 per
Warrant in a private placement. Laguna Gold received proceeds of $4,325,000, net
of offering costs of $675,000, which are reflected as an increase to minority
interest in the June 30, 1996 consolidated balance sheet. Upon exercise, each
Special Warrant was converted into one Unit. Each Unit consists of one share of
Laguna Gold's common stock and one Common Share Purchase Warrant. A portion of
the net proceeds derived from the sale of the Special Warrants, in the amount of
$3,750,000, was deposited with an escrow agent, and is shown on the balance
sheet as funds held in escrow at June 30, 1996. The escrow agent released the
proceeds to Laguna Gold on August 26, 1996, upon notification that a final
prospectus had been received by the Ontario Securities Commission. Each Common
Share Purchase Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of Common Stock
for $1.50 (subject to adjustment) on or before November 24, 1997.
    
 
   
     In connection with the sale of the Special Warrants, Laguna Gold issued to
the underwriters non-assignable, special brokers' warrants. These warrants are
exercisable, without payment of additional consideration, into compensation
options entitling the holders to purchase 500,000 shares of Laguna Gold's Common
Stock on or before November 24, 1997 at $1.00 per share.
    
 
   
     Effective June 3, 1996, Laguna Gold acquired Red Rock Ventures, Inc. ("Red
Rock") for 2 million shares of Laguna Gold's common stock, valued at $1.00 per
share, and Convertible Secured Promissory Notes in the aggregate principal
amount of $230,000 for a total consideration of $2,230,000. The notes bear
interest at 5% per annum. Principal and accrued interest are due December 31,
2000. The notes are convertible into shares of Laguna Gold's common stock, at
the holder's or maker's option. The initial conversion price, which is subject
to anti-dilution adjustments, is $1.10. The note is collateralized by a general
security agreement encumbering all of the assets of Laguna Gold. Red Rock's sole
asset at the time of the merger was a 10% interest in the same Costa Rican
mining concession in which Laguna Gold holds a 90% interest.
    
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>   73
 
   
                                    ANNEX A
    
 
   
                               SEPTEMBER 16, 1996
    
 
   
Mr. Kevin M. Fitzgerald
    
Mallon Oil Company
999 18th Street Suite 1700
Denver, Colorado 80202
 
Dear Mr. Fitzgerald:
 
   
     At your request, GeoQuest has estimated proved reserves and future net
revenue for Mallon Oil Company's interest in certain oil and gas properties
located in the United States. The reserves and future net revenues shown in this
report are estimates effective June 30, 1996. This report has been prepared
using unescalated prices, and costs for proved reserves in accordance with
Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines ("SEC").
    
 
   
     GeoQuest's estimates of net reserves and the associated future net revenue
are summarized below. These estimates are attributable to the interest owned by
Mallon Oil Company as of June 30, 1996.
    
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   ESTIMATED                      ESTIMATED
                                                  NET RESERVES               FUTURE NET REVENUE
                                            ------------------------     ---------------------------
                                                           NATURAL                         PRESENT
                                               OIL           GAS         UNDISCOUNTED     VALUE @10%
                 CATEGORY                   (BARRELS)       (MCF)            ($)             ($)
- ------------------------------------------  ---------     ----------     ------------     ----------
<S>                                         <C>           <C>            <C>              <C>
Proved Developed Producing................  1,053,594     11,414,220      25,057,270      15,004,880
Proved Developed Non-producing............    218,552      4,660,112       7,719,044       4,758,959
Proved Undeveloped........................    664,871      5,138,807       8,389,499       4,019,772
          TOTAL PROVED....................  1,937,017     21,213,139      41,165,813      23,783,611
</TABLE>
    
 
   
     The oil reserves shown include crude oil and condensate. Oil volumes are
expressed in stock tank barrels, each of which is equivalent to 42 United States
gallons. Natural gas volumes are expressed in thousands of standard cubic feet
("MCF").
    
 
   
     This reserve report includes summary projections of reserves and revenues
for each reserve category. Production performance projections and individual
well economics are also included in this report. Please note that totals from
the various summaries may differ by a few to several units due to truncation
and/or roundoff. The estimates do not include any reserves which would be
classified as Probable or Possible, nor does this report present the value of
any acreage other than that which would be associated with Proved reserves under
the categories listed.
    
 
METHODOLOGY
 
   
     Reserves were estimated for the individual Mallon properties by using
accepted engineering principles. All reserves were classified in accordance with
the SEC definitions for oil and gas reserves. A Proved Developed Non-producing
Category was incorporated at Mallon's specific request.
    
 
   
     The calculation of the estimated future net revenue was based upon the
assumption that product prices, operating costs, and projected capital costs
would remain constant in future years. The oil prices utilized were based upon
the actual prices received on June 30, 1996, adjusted for gravity and bonus. Gas
prices were also based on the actual June 30, 1996 gas sales prices. Operating
costs were provided by Mallon Oil Company. These costs were adjusted to reflect
non-recurring costs and represent average monthly expenses. The prices, costs
and other information provided by Mallon Oil Company were not independently
verified by GeoQuest. Capital costs were included to account for planned
expenditures for workovers, new development wells and production facilities.
These costs were also provided by Mallon and were not independently verified.
    
 
                                       A-1
<PAGE>   74
 
   
     These reserve estimates assume, based on Mallon Oil Company's estimates,
that aggregate expenditures of approximately $6.0 million through 1998 will be
required to develop its Proved Undeveloped reserves.
    
 
   
     For the purposes of this report, a field inspection of the properties has
not been performed, nor has GeoQuest attempted to confirm the integrity of the
mechanical operation or the condition of the wells and related facilities.
Further, GeoQuest has not investigated possible environmental liability related
to these properties and future net revenue estimates do not include any cost
which may be incurred as a result of such liability. The analysis has not
included any costs or future value associated with abandonment and salvage of
well or surface equipment.
    
 
     The revenues shown in this report reflect a deduction for state production
and ad valorem taxes. No consideration has been made for state or federal income
taxes.
 
   
     The report does not include the effect of any loans or other financial
encumbrances.
    
 
STATEMENT OF RISK
 
   
     The accuracy of reserve and economic evaluations is always subject to
uncertainty. The magnitude of this uncertainty is generally proportional to the
quantity and quality of data available for analysis. As a well matures and new
information becomes available, or as wells are recompleted and new wells
drilled, revisions may be required which may result not only in a significant
change to the reserves and to the value assigned to a property, but also may
impact the total company reserve and financial status. The reserves and
forecasts contained in this report were based upon a technical analysis of the
available data using accepted engineering principles; however, they must be
accepted with the understanding that they are only estimates and that future
information and future reservoir performance subsequent to the date of this
estimate may justify their revision. Changes in Governmental policies and market
conditions may impact both the actual sales volumes and prices received for the
reserves along with the costs incurred in recovering these reserves. Property
value is highly dependent on prices, therefore, future production and revenues
may vary from the estimates included in this report depending upon actual
conditions.
    
 
   
     The estimates provided herein do not include any consideration of matters
pertaining to legal, or accounting interpretation, or the potential of future
changes as a result of these interpretations. In addition, GeoQuest has not made
any investigation of potential gas volumes and values relating to any
overdelivery, underdelivery or gas balancing clauses relative to Mallon Oil
Company's interests. Therefore, our estimates of reserves and future revenue do
not include possible adjustments for the settlement of such imbalances. The
projections provided in this report are based upon the assumption that Mallon
Oil Company receives its net revenue interest share of estimated future gross
gas production.
    
 
   
     The titles to the properties have not been examined by GeoQuest, nor has
the actual degree or type of interest ownership been independently confirmed.
Ownership data utilized in the estimates were provided by Mallon Oil Company,
and were accepted as accurate.
    
 
   
     GeoQuest is an independent petroleum consulting firm and does not hold any
interest in any of the properties evaluated in this report or in Mallon Oil
Company. GeoQuest's employment to provide this report was not contingent upon
the results of our analysis.
    
 
   
     GeoQuest appreciates the opportunity to provide this report for Mallon Oil
Company. If you should have any questions concerning the analysis presented
herein, please feel free to contact Mr. Bill Abbott.
    
 
                                            Very truly yours,
 
                                            GEOQUEST
 
                                            Daniel D. Domeracki
                                            Vice President, Operations -- The
                                            Americas
                                            Reservoir Technologies
 
                                       A-2
<PAGE>   75
 
                          [STRATIGRAPHIC CHARTS LOGO]
<PAGE>   76
 
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
 
   
  NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY
INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER
THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION
OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE
COMPANY OR ANY OF THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER
TO SELL OR SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO BUY BY ANY ONE IN ANY JURISDICTION IN
WHICH SUCH OFFER TO SELL OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED, OR IN WHICH THE
PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO, OR TO ANY
PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE
DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS
CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.
    
 
                            ------------------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        PAGE
                                        ----
<S>                                     <C>
Prospectus Summary....................    3
Cautionary Statement Regarding
  Forward-Looking Statements..........    7
Risk Factors..........................    7
Use of Proceeds.......................   11
Price Range of Common Stock...........   12
Dividend Policy.......................   12
Capitalization........................   13
Selected Consolidated Financial
  Data................................   14
Management's Discussion and Analysis
  of Financial Condition and Results
  of Operations.......................   15
Business and Properties...............   22
Management............................   31
Principal Shareholders................   34
Transactions with Related Parties.....   35
Description of Capital Stock and Other
  Securities..........................   35
Underwriting..........................   39
Legal Matters.........................   40
Experts...............................   40
Available Information.................   40
Incorporation of Certain Documents by
  Reference...........................   41
Glossary of Terms.....................   42
Index to Consolidated Financial
  Statements..........................  F-1
Annex A -- Summary Report of
  Independent Petroleum Engineers.....  A-1
</TABLE>
    
 
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
 
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
                             [MALLON RESOURCES LOGO]
 
                                1,800,000 SHARES
 
                                  COMMON STOCK
                              --------------------
 
                                   PROSPECTUS
                              --------------------
 
                             RODMAN & RENSHAW, INC.
 
                                           , 1996
 
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   77
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
     The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than
underwriters' discounts and commissions, and other than the Underwriters
non-accountable expense allowance equal to 2.25% of the Offering, payable by the
Company in connection with the sale of Common Stock being registered (all
amounts are estimated except the SEC Registration Fee and the NASD Filing Fee).
 
<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                         <C>
    SEC Registration Fee......................................................  $  4,300
    National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Fee......................     1,800
    NASDAQ Listing Fee........................................................         0
    Blue Sky Qualification Fees and Expenses (including legal fees)...........    12,000
    Printing Expenses.........................................................   120,000
    Legal Fees and Expenses...................................................    80,000
    Auditors' Fees and Expenses...............................................    60,000
    Transfer Agent and Registrar Fees.........................................     1,000
    Miscellaneous Expenses....................................................    20,000
                                                                                --------
              Total...........................................................  $300,000
                                                                                ========
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
     The Company's Bylaws and Restated Articles of Incorporation provide that
the Company shall, to the full extent permitted by the Colorado Business
Corporation Articles, as amended from time to time, indemnify all directors and
officers of the Company. Sections 7-109-101 to 7-109-110 of the Colorado
Business Corporation Act provide in part that a corporation shall have the power
to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceedings (other
than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that
such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation
or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation or other enterprise, against expenses
(including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement
actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or
proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to
be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and with respect
to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his
conduct was unlawful. Similar indemnity is authorized for such persons against
expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred in defense
or settlement of any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in
the right of the corporation, if such person acted in good faith and in a manner
he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, and provided further that (unless a court of competent jurisdiction
otherwise provides) such person shall not have been adjudged liable to the
corporation. Any such indemnification may be made only as authorized in each
specific case upon a determination by the shareholders or disinterested
directors that indemnification is proper because the indemnitee has met the
applicable standard of conduct. The indemnitee is presumed to be entitled to
indemnification and the Company has the burden of proof to overcome that
presumption. Where an officer or a director is successful on the merits or
otherwise in the defense of any action referred to above, the corporation must
indemnify him against the expenses which such officer or director actually or
reasonably incurred.
 
     Additionally, the Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws provide for
mandatory indemnification of directors to the fullest extent permitted by
Colorado law. This provision does not eliminate the liability of a director (i)
for a breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its
shareholders; (ii) for acts or omissions by the director not in good faith or
which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (iii) for
liability arising under Section 7-108-403 of the Colorado Business Corporation
Law (relating to
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   78
 
distributions to shareholders in violation of the Colorado Business Corporation
Act); or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper
personal benefit.
 
     Section 7 of the Underwriting Agreement (filed as Exhibit 1.1 hereto)
provides that the Underwriters will indemnify and hold harmless the Company and
each director, officer or controlling person of the Company from and against any
liability caused by any statement or omission in the Registration Statement or
Prospectus based on certain information furnished to the Company by the
Underwriters for use in the preparation thereof.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
 
     (a) Exhibits
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBIT
       NUMBER                                DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
- -------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                  <S>                                                                   <C>
        +1.1         Form of Underwriting Agreement between the Company and the
                     Underwriters.
        *3.01        Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company.......   (1)
        *3.02        Bylaws of the Company...............................................   (1)
        *3.03        Statement of Designations -- Series A Preferred Stock...............   (2)
        *3.04        Statement of Designations -- Series B Preferred Stock...............   (5)
        +5.1         Opinion of Holme Roberts & Owen LLP as to the legality of issuance
                     of the Company's Common Stock.......................................
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
       *10.58        Bank One -- Loan Agreement dated March 20, 1996.....................   (6)
       *10.63        Bank One -- Amendment One...........................................   (7)
       *10.64        Bank One -- Amendment Two...........................................   (7)
        10.65        Repurchase and Sale Agreement on Series A Preferred Stock...........
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS AND ARRANGEMENTS
       *10.1.3       Equity Participation Plan, amended November 2, 1990.................   (3)
       *10.1.4       Stock Compensation Plan for Outside Directors.......................   (4)
CONSENTS
       +23.1         Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.....................................
       +23.2         Consent of Holme Roberts & Owen LLP (See Exhibit 5.1)
       +23.3         Consent of GeoQuest Reservoir Technologies, Inc.....................
        24.          Powers of Attorney..................................................
</TABLE>
    
 
- ---------------
 
   
+  Filed herewith.
    
 
*  The exhibit numbers are the exhibit numbers assigned in the previous filings
   with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are identified in the
   notes below.
 
1. Incorporated by reference from Mallon Resources Corporation Exhibits to
   Registration Statement on Form S-4 (SEC File No. 33-23076) filed on August
   15, 1988.
 
2. Incorporated by reference from Mallon Resources Corporation (Commission File
   No. 0-17267) Form 8-K filed on January 8, 1990.
 
3. Incorporated by reference from Mallon Resources Corporation (Commission File
   No. 0-17267) Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 1990.
 
4. Incorporated by reference from Mallon Resources Corporation Exhibits to
   Registration Statement on Form S-8 (SEC File No. 33-39635) filed on March 28,
   1991.
 
5. Incorporated by reference from Mallon Resources Corporation (Commission File
   No. 0-17267) Form 8-K filed on August 24, 1995.
 
6. Incorporated by reference from Mallon Resources Corporation (Commission File
   No. 0-17267) Form 8-K filed on March 20, 1996.
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   79
 
7. Incorporated by reference from Mallon Resources Corporation (Commission File
   No. 0-17267) Form 8-K filed on August 15, 1996.
 
   
     (b) Financial Statement Schedules
    
 
        None
 
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the
related instructions, are inapplicable and therefore have been omitted or the
information required by the applicable schedule is included in the notes to the
financial statements.
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrant, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy
as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a
claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action,
suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
     The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:
 
          (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act
     of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part
     of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in
     a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or
     (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this
     registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
 
          (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
     Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of
     prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to
     the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that
     time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   80
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
   
     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THE REGISTRANT
HAS DULY CAUSED THIS AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED
ON ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN DENVER,
COLORADO, ON THIS 19TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1996.
    
 
                                            MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION
 
                                            By: /s/  GEORGE O. MALLON, JR.
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                   George O. Mallon, Jr.
                                                         President
 
     PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE
CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 SIGNATURES                               TITLE                     DATE
- ---------------------------------------------  ----------------------------  ------------------
<C>                                            <S>                           <C>
         /s/  GEORGE O. MALLON, JR.            Chairman of the Board,        September 19, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    Director and President
            George O. Mallon, Jr.                (Principal Executive
                                                 Officer)

              /s/  ROY K. ROSS                 Executive Vice President and  September 19, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    Director
                 Roy K. Ross

          /s/  KEVIN M. FITZGERALD             Executive Vice President and  September 19, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    Director
             Kevin M. Fitzgerald

                      *                        Executive Vice President and  September 19, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    Director
              James A. McGowen

            /s/  ALFONSO R. LOPEZ              Treasurer (Principal          September 19, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    Financial Officer)
              Alfonso R. Lopez

          /s/  CAROLENA F. CHAPMAN             Controller (Principal         September 19, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------    Accounting Officer)
             Carolena F. Chapman

                      *                        Director                      September 19, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
               Frank Douglass

                      *                        Director                      September 19, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
              Roger R. Mitchell

                      *                        Director                      September 19, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
          Francis J. Reinhardt, Jr.

         */s/  GEORGE O. MALLON, JR.                                         September 19, 1996
- ---------------------------------------------
           George O. Mallon, Jr.,
             as Attorney-in-Fact
</TABLE>
    
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   81
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      EXHIBIT
       NUMBER                                DOCUMENT DESCRIPTION
      -------                                --------------------                         
<S>                  <C>                                                                   <C>
        +1.1         Form of Underwriting Agreement between the Company and the
                     Underwriters.
        *3.01        Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company.......   (1)
        *3.02        Bylaws of the Company...............................................   (1)
        *3.03        Statement of Designations -- Series A Preferred Stock...............   (2)
        *3.04        Statement of Designations -- Series B Preferred Stock...............   (5)
        +5.1         Opinion of Holme Roberts & Owen LLP as to the legality of issuance
                     of the Company's Common Stock.......................................
MATERIAL CONTRACTS
       *10.58        Bank One -- Loan Agreement dated March 20, 1996.....................   (6)
       *10.63        Bank One -- Amendment One...........................................   (7)
       *10.64        Bank One -- Amendment Two...........................................   (7)
        10.65        Repurchase and Sale Agreement on Series A Preferred Stock...........
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PLANS AND ARRANGEMENTS
       *10.1.3       Equity Participation Plan, amended November 2, 1990.................   (3)
       *10.1.4       Stock Compensation Plan for Outside Directors.......................   (4)
CONSENTS
       +23.1         Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.....................................
       +23.2         Consent of Holme Roberts & Owen LLP (See Exhibit 5.1)
       +23.3         Consent of GeoQuest Reservoir Technologies, Inc.....................
        24.          Powers of Attorney..................................................
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
+  Filed herewith.
 
*  The exhibit numbers are the exhibit numbers assigned in the previous filings
   with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which are identified in the
   notes below.
 
1. Incorporated by reference from Mallon Resources Corporation Exhibits to
   Registration Statement on Form S-4 (SEC File No. 33-23076) filed on August
   15, 1988.
 
2. Incorporated by reference from Mallon Resources Corporation (Commission File
   No. 0-17267) Form 8-K filed on January 8, 1990.
 
3. Incorporated by reference from Mallon Resources Corporation (Commission File
   No. 0-17267) Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 1990.
 
4. Incorporated by reference from Mallon Resources Corporation Exhibits to
   Registration Statement on Form S-8 (SEC File No. 33-39635) filed on March 28,
   1991.
 
5. Incorporated by reference from Mallon Resources Corporation (Commission File
   No. 0-17267) Form 8-K filed on August 24, 1995.
 
6. Incorporated by reference from Mallon Resources Corporation (Commission File
   No. 0-17267) Form 8-K filed on March 20, 1996.
 
7. Incorporated by reference from Mallon Resources Corporation (Commission File
   No. 0-17267) Form 8-K filed on August 15, 1996.

<PAGE>   1


                                ________ Shares

                          MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION

                                  Common Stock

                             UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT


                              September ___, 1996

Rodman & Renshaw, Inc.
Two World Financial Center
225 Liberty St., 30th Floor
New York, New York  10281

On behalf of the Several
Underwriters named in
Schedule I attached hereto.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         Mallon Resources Corporation , a Colorado corporation (the "Company")
proposes to sell to you and the other underwriters named in Schedule I attached
hereto (the "Underwriters"), for whom you are acting as the Representative,
________ shares (the "Firm Shares") of the Company's Common Stock, par value
$0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), to be issued and sold by the Company.  In
addition, the Company proposes to grant to the Underwriters an option to
purchase up to an additional _______ shares (the "Option Shares"), of Common
Stock for the purpose of covering over-allotments in connection with the sale
of the Firm Shares.  The Firm Shares and the Option Shares are together called
the "Shares."

         1.      Sale and Purchase of the Shares.  On the basis of the
representations, warranties and agreements contained in, and subject to the
terms and conditions of, this Agreement:

                 (a)      The Company agrees to issue and sell the Firm Shares
         to the several Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters agrees,
         severally and not jointly, to purchase at the purchase price per share
         of Common Stock of $_____ (the "Initial Price"), the aggregate number
         of Firm Shares set forth opposite such Underwriter's name in Schedule
         I attached hereto.

                 (b)      The Company grants to the several Underwriters an
         option to purchase up to an additional _______ shares at the Initial
         Price.  Pursuant to such option, the Company agrees to issue and sell
         the Option Shares to the several Underwriters, and each of the
<PAGE>   2
         Underwriters agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase at the
         Initial Price the same percentage (adjusted by the Representative to
         eliminate fractions) of the total number of Option Shares to be
         purchased by the Underwriters as such Underwriter is purchasing of the
         Firm Shares.  Such option may be exercised only to cover
         over-allotments in the sales of the Firm Shares by the Underwriters
         and may be exercised in whole or in part at any time on or before
         12:00 noon, New York City time, on the business day before the Firm
         Shares Closing Date (as defined below) and from time-to-time
         thereafter within 30 days after the date of this Agreement, upon
         verbal or telephonic notice by the Representative to the Company
         setting forth the number of Option Shares to be purchased and the time
         and date (if other than the Firm Shares Closing Date) of such
         purchase.

         2.      Delivery and Payment.  Delivery by the Company of the Firm
Shares to the Representative for the respective accounts of the Underwriters,
and payment of the purchase price by certified or official bank check or checks
payable in New York Clearing House (next day) funds to the Company, shall take
place at the offices of Rodman & Renshaw, Inc., at Two World Financial Center,
225 Liberty St., 30th Floor, New York, New York, 10281, at 10:00 a.m., New York
City time, on the third business day following the date on which the public
offering of the Shares commences (unless such date is postponed in accordance
with the provisions of Section 10(b)), or at such time and place on such other
date, not later than 10 business days after the date of this Agreement, as
shall be agreed upon by the Company and the Representative (such time and date
of delivery and payment are called the "Firm Shares Closing Date").  The public
offering of the Shares shall be deemed to have commenced at the time, which is
the earlier of (a) the time, after the Registration Statement (as defined in
Section 4 below) becomes effective, of the release by you for publication of
the first newspaper advertisement which is subsequently published relating to
the Shares or (b) the time, after the Registration Statement becomes effective,
when the Shares are first released by you for offering by the Underwriters or
dealers by letter, facsimile transmission or telegram.

         In the event the option with respect to the Option Shares is
exercised, delivery by the Company of the Option Shares to the Representative
for the respective accounts of the Underwriters, and payment of the purchase
price by certified or official bank check or checks payable in New York,
Clearing House (next day) funds to the Company shall take place at the offices
of Rodman & Renshaw, Inc. specified above at the time and on the date (which
may be the same date as, but in no event shall be earlier than, the Firm Shares
Closing Date) specified in the notice referred to in Section 1(b) (such time
and date of delivery and payment is called the "Option Shares Closing Date").
The Firm Shares Closing Date and the Option Shares Closing Date are called,
individually, a "Closing Date" and, together, the "Closing Dates."

         Certificates evidencing the Shares shall be registered in such names
and shall be in such denominations as the Representative shall request at least
two full business days before the Firm Shares Closing Date or the Option Shares
Closing Date, as the case may be, and shall be made available to the
Representative for checking and packaging, at such place as is designated by
the




                                      2
<PAGE>   3
Representative, on the full business day before the Firm Shares Closing Date or
the Option Shares Closing Date, as the case may be.

         The documents to be delivered at each Closing Date by or on behalf of
the parties hereto, including the cross receipt for the Shares and any
additional documents requested by the Underwriters, will be delivered at the
offices of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., 2300 First City Tower, 1001 Fannin, Houston,
Texas 77002 (the "Closing Location").  A meeting will be held at the Closing
Location at 2:00 p.m., Houston time, on the New York Business Day next
preceding such Time of Delivery, at which meeting the final drafts of the
documents to be delivered pursuant to the preceding sentence will be available
for review by the parties hereto.  "New York Business Day" shall mean each
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which
banking institutions in New York are generally authorized or obligated by law
or executive order to close.

         3.      Public Offering.  The Company understands that the
Underwriters propose to make a public offering of the Shares, as set forth in
and pursuant to the Prospectus (as defined in Section 4 below), as soon after
the effective date of the Registration Statement and the date of this Agreement
as the Representative deems advisable.  The Company hereby confirms that the
Underwriters and dealers have been authorized to distribute or cause to be
distributed each preliminary prospectus and are authorized to distribute the
Prospectus (as from time to time amended or supplemented if the Company
furnishes amendments or supplements thereto to the Underwriters).

         4.      Representations and Warranties of the Company.

                 The Company represents and warrants to, and agrees with, the
         several Underwriters that:

                          (i)     The Company has filed with the Securities and
                 Exchange Commission (the "Commission") a registration
                 statement, and may have filed one or more amendments thereto,
                 on Form S-2 (Registration No. 333-10985), including in such
                 registration statement and each such amendment a related
                 preliminary prospectus (a "Preliminary Prospectus"), for the
                 registration of the Shares and the Option Shares, in
                 conformity with the requirements of the Securities Act of
                 1933, as amended (the "Act").  In addition, the Company has
                 filed or will promptly file a further amendment to such
                 registration statement, in the form heretofore delivered to
                 you.  Other than a registration statement, if any, increasing
                 the size of the offering (a "Rule 462(b) Registration
                 Statement"), filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Act,
                 which became effective upon filing, no other document with
                 respect to the registration statement referred to above has
                 heretofore been filed with the Commission.  As used in this
                 Agreement, the term "Registration Statement" means such
                 registration statement and the Rule 462(b) Registration
                 Statement, if any, as amended, on file with the Commission at
                 the time such registration statement becomes effective
                 (including the prospectus, financial statements, exhibits and
                 all other documents filed as a part





                                       3
<PAGE>   4
                 thereof or incorporated by reference directly or indirectly
                 therein), provided that such Registration Statement, at the
                 time it becomes effective, may omit such information as is
                 permitted to be omitted from the Registration Statement when
                 it becomes effective pursuant to Rule 430A of the General
                 Rules and Regulations promulgated under the Act (the
                 "Regulations"), which information ("Rule 430 Information")
                 shall be deemed to be included in such Registration Statement
                 when a final prospectus is filed with the Commission in
                 accordance with Rules 430A and 424(b)(1) or (4) of the
                 Regulations; the term "Preliminary Prospectus" means each
                 prospectus included in the Registration Statement, or any
                 amendments thereto, before it becomes effective under the Act,
                 the form of prospectus omitting Rule 430A Information included
                 in the Registration Statement when it becomes effective, if
                 applicable (the "Rule 430A Prospectus"), and any prospectus
                 filed by the Company with your consent pursuant to Rule 424(a)
                 of the Regulations; and the term "Prospectus" means the final
                 prospectus included as part of the Registration Statement,
                 except that if the prospectus relating to the securities
                 covered by the Registration Statement in the form first filed
                 on behalf of the Company with the Commission pursuant to Rule
                 424(b) of the Regulations shall differ from such final
                 prospectus, the term "Prospectus" shall mean the prospectus as
                 filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) from and after the date on which
                 it shall have first been used.

                          (ii)    When the Registration Statement becomes
                 effective, and at all times subsequent thereto to and
                 including the Closing Dates and during such longer period as
                 the Prospectus may be required to be delivered in connection
                 with sales by the Underwriters or a dealer, and during such
                 longer period until any post-effective amendment thereto shall
                 become effective, the Registration Statement (and any
                 post-effective amendment thereto) and the Prospectus (as
                 amended or as supplemented if the Company shall have filed
                 with the Commission any amendment or supplement to the
                 Registration Statement or the Prospectus) will contain all
                 statements which are required to be stated therein in
                 accordance with the Act and the Regulations, will comply with
                 the Act and the Regulations, and will not contain any untrue
                 statement of a material fact or omit to state any material
                 fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
                 statements therein not misleading, and no event will have
                 occurred which should have been set forth in an amendment or
                 supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus
                 which has not then been set forth in such an amendment or
                 supplement; if a Rule 430A Prospectus is included in the
                 Registration Statement at the time it becomes effective, the
                 Prospectus filed pursuant to Rules 430A and 424(b)(1) or (4)
                 will contain all Rule 430A Information: and each Preliminary
                 Prospectus, as of the date filed with the Commission, did not
                 include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
                 state any material fact required to be stated therein or
                 necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;
                 except that no representation or warranty is made in this
                 Section 4(a)(ii) with respect to statements or omissions made
                 in reliance upon and in conformity with written information
                 furnished to the Company as stated in Section 7(b) with
                 respect





                                       4
<PAGE>   5
                 to any Underwriter by or on behalf of such Underwriter through
                 the Representative expressly for inclusion in any Preliminary
                 Prospectus, the Registration Statement or the Prospectus, or
                 any amendment or supplement thereto.

                          (iii)   Neither the Commission nor the "blue sky" or
                 securities authority of any jurisdiction have issued an order
                 (a "Stop Order") suspending the effectiveness of the
                 Registration Statement, preventing or suspending the use of
                 any Preliminary Prospectus, the Prospectus, the Registration
                 Statement, or any amendment or supplement thereto, refusing to
                 permit the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or
                 suspending the registration or qualification of the Firm
                 Shares or the Option Shares, nor has any of such authorities
                 instituted or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened to
                 institute any proceedings with respect to a Stop Order.

                          (iv)    Any contract, agreement, instrument, lease or
                 license required to be described in the Registration Statement
                 or the Prospectus has been properly described therein.  Any
                 contract agreement, instrument, lease or license required to
                 be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement has been
                 filed with the Commission as an exhibit to or has been
                 incorporated as an exhibit by reference into the Registration
                 Statement.

                          (v)     The Company has no subsidiary or subsidiaries
                 and does not control, directly or indirectly, any corporation,
                 partnership, joint venture, association or other business
                 organization, except for those set forth on Schedule II hereto
                 (each such corporation singly a "Subsidiary" and collectively
                 the "Subsidiaries").  Each Subsidiary is a corporation duly
                 organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
                 laws of the state of its incorporation, with full corporate
                 power and authority and all necessary consents,
                 authorizations, approvals, orders, licenses, certificates and
                 permits of and from, and declarations and filings with, all
                 federal, state, foreign, local and other governmental
                 authorities and all courts and other tribunals, to own, lease,
                 license and use its properties and assets and to carry on its
                 business as now being conducted and in the manner described in
                 the Prospectus, except where such failure would not have a
                 material adverse effect on the Company and the Subsidiaries.
                 Each Subsidiary has been duly qualified to do business and is
                 in good standing in each jurisdiction in which its respective
                 ownership, leasing, licensing or character, location or use of
                 property and assets or the conduct of its respective business
                 makes such qualification necessary, except where the failure
                 to so qualify would not have a material adverse effect upon
                 the operations, business, properties, assets, stockholder's
                 equity, results of operations or financial condition of the
                 Company or any of the subsidiaries ("Material Adverse
                 Effect").

                          (vi)    The Company has an authorized capitalization
                 as set forth in the Prospectus, and all of the issued shares
                 of capital stock of the Company have been duly and validly
                 authorized and issued, fully paid and nonassessable, without
                 any





                                       5
<PAGE>   6
                 personal liability attaching to the ownership thereof, have
                 not been issued and are not owned or held in violation of any
                 preemptive rights of shareholders, optionholders,
                 warrantholders or other persons.  The Company owns all of the
                 shares of capital stock of the Subsidiaries, free and clear of
                 all liens, claims, security interests, restrictions,
                 stockholders' agreements, voting trusts and any other
                 encumbrances whatsoever, except as described in the
                 Prospectus.  There is no commitment, plan, preemptive right or
                 arrangement to issue, and no outstanding option, warrant or
                 other right calling for the issuance of, shares of capital
                 stock of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries or any
                 security or other instrument which by its terms is convertible
                 into, exercisable for or exchangeable for capital stock of the
                 Company or any of the Subsidiaries, except as described in the
                 Prospectus.  There is outstanding no security or other
                 instrument which by its terms is convertible into or
                 exchangeable for capital stock of the Company or any of the
                 Subsidiaries, except as described in the Prospectus.

                          (vii)   The consolidated financial statements of the
                 Company included in the Registration Statement and the
                 Prospectus fairly present in all material respects, with
                 respect to the Company, the consolidated financial position,
                 the consolidated results of operations and the other
                 information purported to be shown therein at the respective
                 dates and for the respective periods to which they apply.
                 Such financial statements have been prepared in accordance
                 with generally accepted accounting principles consistently
                 applied throughout the periods involved, are correct and
                 complete and are in accordance with the books and records of
                 the Company.  The accountants whose reports on the audited
                 financial statements are filed with the Commission as a part
                 of the Registration Statement are, and during the periods
                 covered by their reports included in the Registration
                 Statement and the Prospectus were, independent certified
                 public accountants with respect to the Company within the
                 meaning of the Act and the Regulations.  No other financial
                 statements are required by Form S-2 or otherwise to be
                 included in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus.
                 There has at no time been a material adverse change in the
                 financial condition, results of operations, business,
                 properties, assets, liabilities, or future prospects of the
                 Company or any of the Subsidiaries from the latest information
                 set forth in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus.

                          (viii)  There is no litigation, arbitration, claim,
                 governmental or other proceeding (formal or informal) or
                 investigation before any court or before any public body or
                 board pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened
                 or in prospect (or any basis therefor) with respect to the
                 Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or any of their respective
                 operations, business, properties or assets, except as may be
                 properly described in the Prospectus or such as individually
                 or in the aggregate do not now have and could not reasonably
                 be expected in the future to have a material adverse effect
                 upon the operations, business, properties, assets or financial
                 condition of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries.  Neither
                 the Company





                                       6
<PAGE>   7
                 nor any of the Subsidiaries is involved in any labor dispute
                 nor, to the knowledge of the Company, is such dispute
                 threatened, which dispute could reasonably be expected to have
                 a Material Adverse Effect.  Neither the Company nor any of the
                 Subsidiaries is in violation of, or in default with respect
                 to, the provisions of its articles of incorporation or by-laws
                 or any law, rule, regulation, order, judgment or decree which
                 could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect
                 on the Company or any of the Subsidiaries; nor is the Company
                 or any of the Subsidiaries required to take any action in
                 order to avoid any such violation or default with respect
                 thereto.

                          (ix)    Except as described in the Prospectus, the
                 Company and each of the Subsidiaries have (1) good and
                 indefeasible title to all its interests in its oil and gas
                 properties, title investigations having been carried out by or
                 on behalf of such person in accordance with good practice in
                 the oil and gas industry in the areas in which the Company and
                 each of the Subsidiaries operate, (2) good and indefeasible
                 title to all other real property and good and marketable title
                 to all other material properties and assets described in the
                 Prospectus as owned by the Company or any of the Subsidiaries
                 and (3) valid, subsisting and enforceable leases for all of
                 the properties and assets, real or personal, described in the
                 Prospectus as leased by them, in each case free and clear of
                 any security interests, mortgages, pledges, liens,
                 encumbrances or charges of any kind, other than those
                 described in the Prospectus and those that could not,
                 individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
                 Effect.

                          (x)     Except as described in the Prospectus, as of
                 the date hereof, (1) all royalties, rentals, deposits and
                 other amounts due on the oil and gas properties of the Company
                 and each of the Subsidiaries have been properly and timely
                 paid, and no proceeds from the sale or production attributable
                 to the oil and gas properties of the Company or any of the
                 Subsidiaries are currently being held in suspense by any
                 purchaser thereof, except where such amounts due could not,
                 singly or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect and
                 (2) there are no claims under take-or-pay contracts pursuant
                 to which natural gas purchasers have any make-up rights
                 affecting the interest of the Company or any of the
                 Subsidiaries in its oil and gas properties, except where such
                 claims could not, singly or in the aggregate, have a Material
                 Adverse Effect.

                          (xi)    As of the date hereof, the aggregate
                 undiscounted monetary liability of the Company and each of the
                 Subsidiaries for natural gas or oil taken or received under
                 any operating or gas balancing and storage agreement relating
                 to its oil and gas properties that permits any person to
                 receive any portion of the interest of the Company or any of
                 the Subsidiaries in any natural gas or oil or to receive cash
                 or other payments to balance any disproportionate allocation
                 of natural gas or oil could not, singly or in the aggregate,
                 have a Material Adverse Effect.





                                       7
<PAGE>   8
                          (xii)   The Company and each of the Subsidiaries, and
                 to the knowledge of the Company, any other party, is not now
                 and is not expected by the Company to be in violation or
                 breach of, or in default with respect to, complying with any
                 term, obligation or provision of any contract, agreement,
                 instrument, lease, license, indenture, mortgage, deed of
                 trust, note, arrangement or understanding which is material to
                 the Company or any of the Subsidiaries and no event has
                 occurred which with notice or lapse of time or both would
                 constitute such a default, and each such contract, agreement,
                 instrument, lease, license, indenture, mortgage, deed of
                 trust, note, arrangement or understanding is in full force and
                 is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the parties
                 thereto and is enforceable as to the Company, each of the
                 Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of the Company, each other
                 party thereto, in accordance with its terms, subject to
                 applicable bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the
                 enforceability of creditor's rights generally and the effects
                 of general principles of equity.  The Company and each of the
                 Subsidiaries enjoys peaceful and undisturbed possession under
                 all property leases and licenses under which it is operating,
                 the loss of any of which would not have a Material Adverse
                 Effect.  Neither the Company nor any of the Subsidiaries is in
                 violation or breach of, or in default with respect to, any
                 term of its certificate of incorporation (or other charter
                 document) or by-laws or of any franchise, license, permit,
                 judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or regulation, which
                 breach or default of such franchise, license, permit,
                 judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or regulation could
                 reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

                          (xiii)  The Company and the Subsidiaries have filed
                 all federal, state, local and foreign tax returns which are
                 required to be filed through the date hereof, or have received
                 extensions thereof, and have paid all taxes shown on such
                 returns and all assessments received by them to the extent
                 that the same are material and have become due.

                          (xiv)   None of the Company, any Subsidiary,
                 director, officer, agent, employee or other person associated
                 with or acting on behalf of the Company and the Subsidiaries
                 has, directly or indirectly: used any corporate funds for
                 unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment or other unlawful
                 expenses relating to political activity; made any unlawful
                 payment to foreign or domestic government officials or
                 employees or to foreign or domestic political parties or
                 campaigns from corporate funds; violated any provision of the
                 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended; or made any
                 bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other
                 unlawful payment.  No transaction has occurred between or
                 among the Company or the Subsidiaries and any officers or
                 directors or any affiliates or affiliates of any such officer
                 or director, except as described in the Prospectus.

                          (xv)    The Company and each of the Subsidiaries (A)
                 are in compliance with any and all applicable federal, state
                 and local laws and regulations relating to the





                                       8
<PAGE>   9
                 protection of human health and safety, the environment or
                 hazardous or toxic substances or waste, pollutants or
                 contaminants ("Environmental Laws"), (B) have received all
                 permits, licenses or other approvals required of it under
                 applicable Environmental Laws to conduct its business and (C)
                 are in compliance with all terms and conditions of any such
                 permit, license or approval, except for such noncompliance
                 with Environmental Laws, failure to receive required permits,
                 licenses or other approvals or failure to comply with the
                 terms and conditions of such permits, licenses or approvals
                 that would not, singly or in the aggregate, have a Material
                 Adverse Effect.  There has been no storage, disposal,
                 generation, transportation, handling or treatment of hazardous
                 substances or solid wastes by the Company or any of the
                 Subsidiaries (or to the knowledge of the Company, any of their
                 predecessors in interest) at, upon or from any of the property
                 now or previously owned or leased by the Company or any of the
                 Subsidiaries in violation of any applicable law, ordinance,
                 rule, regulation, order, judgment, decree or permit or which
                 would require remedial action by the Company or any of the
                 Subsidiaries under any applicable law, ordinance, rule,
                 regulation, order, judgment, decree or permit, except for any
                 violation or remedial action which would not result in, or
                 which would not be reasonably likely to result in, singularly
                 or in the aggregate with all such violations and remedial
                 actions, a Material Adverse Effect; there has been no spill,
                 discharge, leak, emission, injection, escape, dumping or
                 release of any kind onto such property or into the environment
                 surrounding such property of any solid wastes or hazardous
                 substances due to or caused by the Company or any of the
                 Subsidiaries, except for any such spill, discharge, leak,
                 emission, injection, escape, dumping or release which would
                 not result in or would not be reasonably likely to result in,
                 singularly or in the aggregate with all such spills,
                 discharges, leaks, emissions, injections, escapes, dumpings
                 and releases, a Material Adverse Effect; and the terms
                 "hazardous substances" and "solid wastes" shall have the
                 meanings specified in any applicable local, state and federal
                 laws or regulations with respect to environmental protection;

                          (xvi)   The Company and the Subsidiaries have all
                 requisite corporate power and authority to execute, deliver
                 and perform this Agreement.  All necessary corporate
                 proceedings of the Company and the Subsidiaries have been duly
                 taken to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of
                 this Agreement.  This Agreement has been duly authorized,
                 executed and delivered by the Company, is the legal, valid and
                 binding obligation of the Company and is enforceable as to the
                 Company in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable
                 bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the
                 enforceability of creditor's rights generally and the effects
                 of general principles of equity.  No consent, authorization,
                 approval, order, license, certificate or permit of or from, or
                 declaration or filing with, any federal, state, local, foreign
                 or other governmental authority or any court or other tribunal
                 is required by the Company or the Subsidiaries for the
                 execution, delivery or performance by the Company of this
                 Agreement (except filings under the Act which





                                       9
<PAGE>   10
                 have been or will be made before the applicable Closing Date
                 and such consents consisting only of consents under "blue sky"
                 or securities laws which have been obtained at or prior to the
                 date of this Agreement).  No consent of any party to any
                 contract, agreement, instrument, lease, license, indenture,
                 mortgage, deed of trust, note, arrangement or understanding to
                 which the Company or the Subsidiaries is a party, or to which
                 any of their respective properties or assets are subject, is
                 required for the execution, delivery or performance of this
                 Agreement, and the execution, delivery and performance of this
                 Agreement will not violate, result in a breach of, conflict
                 with, accelerate the due date of any payments under, or (with
                 or without the giving of notice or the passage of time or
                 both) entitle any party to terminate or call a default under
                 any such contract, agreement, instrument, lease, license,
                 indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note, arrangement or
                 understanding, or violate or result in a breach of any term of
                 the certificate of incorporation (or other charter document)
                 or by-laws of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or
                 violate, result in a breach of or conflict with any law, rule,
                 regulation, order, judgment or decree binding on the Company
                 or any of the Subsidiaries or to which any of their respective
                 operations, business, properties or assets are subject.

                          (xvii)  The Shares have been duly and validly
                 authorized.  The Firm Shares, when issued and delivered in
                 accordance with this Agreement, and the Option Shares, when
                 issued and delivered in accordance with this Agreement, will
                 be duly and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable,
                 without any personal liability attaching to the ownership
                 thereof, and will not be issued in violation of any preemptive
                 rights of shareholders, optionholders, warrantholders and any
                 other persons and the Underwriters will receive good title to
                 the Firm Shares and the Option Shares purchased by them,
                 respectively, free and clear of all liens, security interests,
                 pledges, charges, encumbrances, shareholders' agreements and
                 voting trusts.

                          (xviii) All types and series of capital stock of the
                 Company, the Firm Shares and the Option Shares conform to all
                 statements relating thereto contained in the Registration
                 Statement or the Prospectus.

                          (xix)   Subsequent to the respective dates as of
                 which information is given in the Registration Statement and
                 the Prospectus, and except as may otherwise be properly
                 described therein, there has not been any material adverse
                 change in the assets or properties, business or results of
                 operations or financial condition of the Company or the
                 Subsidiaries, whether or not arising from transactions in the
                 ordinary course of business; neither the Company nor the
                 Subsidiaries have sustained any material loss or interference
                 with its respective business or properties from fire,
                 explosion, earthquake, flood or other calamity, whether or not
                 covered by insurance; since the date of the latest balance
                 sheet included in the Registration Statement and the
                 Prospectus, except as reflected in the Registration Statement,
                 neither the





                                       10
<PAGE>   11
                 Company nor the Subsidiaries, have undertaken any liability or
                 obligation, direct or contingent, except for liabilities or
                 obligations undertaken in the ordinary course of business; and
                 neither the Company nor the Subsidiaries have (A) issued any
                 securities or incurred any liability or obligation, primary or
                 contingent, for borrowed money, (B) entered into any
                 transaction not in the ordinary course of business or (C)
                 declared or paid any dividend or made any distribution on any
                 of its capital stock or redeemed, purchased or otherwise
                 acquired or agreed to redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire
                 any shares of its capital stock.

                          (xx)    The Company and each Subsidiary maintain
                 insurance covering their properties, operations, personnel and
                 businesses that, in the Company's reasonable judgment, insures
                 against such losses and risks as are adequate in accordance
                 with customary industry practice to protect the Company and
                 the Subsidiaries and their businesses.

                          (xxi)   The Company and each Subsidiary maintain a
                 system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide
                 reasonable assurance that (a) transactions are executed in
                 accordance with management's general or specific
                 authorizations, (b) transactions are recorded as necessary to
                 permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with
                 generally accepted accounting principles and to maintain asset
                 accountability, (c) access to assets is permitted only in
                 accordance with management's general or specific authorization
                 and (d) the recorded accountability for assets is compared
                 with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and
                 appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

                          (xxii)  Neither the Company nor its Subsidiaries or
                 any of their respective officers, directors or affiliates (as
                 defined in the Regulations), have taken or will take, directly
                 or indirectly, prior to the termination of the underwriting
                 syndicate contemplated by this Agreement, any action designed
                 to stabilize or manipulate the price of any security of the
                 Company, or which has caused or resulted in, or which might in
                 the future reasonably be expected to cause or result in,
                 stabilization or manipulation of the price of any security of
                 the Company, to facilitate the sale or resale of any of the
                 Firm Shares or the Option Shares.

                          (xxiii) The Company has obtained from each of its
                 executive officers and directors and principal shareholders,
                 their enforceable written agreement, in form and substance
                 satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters, that for a
                 period of 180 days from the date on which the public offering
                 of the Shares commences they will not, without your prior
                 written consent, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, grant
                 any option for the sale of or otherwise dispose of, directly
                 or indirectly, any shares of Common Stock or other securities
                 of the Company (or any security or other instrument which by
                 its terms is convertible into, exercisable for or exchangeable
                 for shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company,
                 including, without





                                       11
<PAGE>   12
                 limitation, any shares of Common Stock issuable under any
                 employee stock options), beneficially owned by them, except
                 with respect to Shares being sold in connection herewith or
                 their being a beneficial owner of any such Shares.

                          (xxiv)   The Company and Subsidiary are not, and after
                 giving effect to the offering and sale of the shares, will not
                 be an "investment company" or an entity "controlled" by an
                 "investment company," as such terms are defined in the
                 Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment
                 Company Act").

                          (xxv)    Price Waterhouse LLP, who have certified
                 certain financial statements of the Company, are independent
                 public accountants as required by the Act and the rules and
                 regulations of the Commission thereunder.

                          (xxvi)   GeoQuest Reservoir Technologies, Inc. (the
                 "Engineering Consultants") are independent petroleum engineers
                 with respect to the Company.

                          (xxvii)  No person or entity has the right to require
                 registration of shares of Common Stock or other securities of
                 the Company because of the filing or effectiveness of the
                 Registration Statement, other than such rights as described in
                 the Prospectus and which have been duly and effectively
                 waived.

                          (xxviii) Except as may be set forth in the Prospectus,
                 the Company has not incurred any liability for a fee,
                 commission or other compensation on account of the employment
                 of a broker or finder in connection with the transactions
                 contemplated by this Agreement.

                          (xxix)   No transaction has occurred between or among
                 the Company, the Subsidiaries or any of their officers or
                 directors or any affiliates of any such officers or directors
                 that is required to be described in and is not described in
                 the Registration Statement and the Prospectus.
                                   
                          (xxx)    The Common Stock, including the Shares, are
                 authorized for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market.

                          (xxxi)   Neither the Company nor any of the
                 Subsidiaries or any of their respective affiliates is
                 presently doing business with the government of Cuba or with
                 any person or affiliate located in Cuba.  If, at any time
                 after the date that the Registration Statement is declared
                 effective with the Commission or with the Florida Department
                 of Banking and Finance (the "Florida Department"), whichever
                 date is later, and prior to the end of the period referred to
                 in the first clause of Section 4(ii) hereof, the Company
                 commences engaging in business with the government of Cuba or
                 with any person or affiliate located in Cuba, the Company will
                 so inform the Florida Department within ninety days after such
                 commencement of business and





                                       12
<PAGE>   13
                 during the period referred to in Section 4(ii) hereof will
                 inform the Florida Department within ninety days after any
                 change occurs with respect to previously reported information.

         5.      Conditions of the Underwriters' Obligations.  The obligations
of the Underwriters under this Agreement are several and not joint.  The
respective obligations of the Underwriters to purchase the Shares are subject
to each of the following terms and conditions:

                 (a)      The Prospectus shall have been timely filed with the
         Commission in accordance with Section 6(a)(i) of this Agreement.

                 (b)      No order preventing or suspending the use of any
         preliminary prospectus or the Prospectus shall have been or shall be
         in effect and no order suspending the effectiveness of the
         Registration Statement shall be in effect and no proceedings for such
         purpose shall be pending before or threatened by the Commission, and
         any requests for additional information on the part of the Commission
         (to be included in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or
         otherwise) shall have been complied with to the satisfaction of the
         Representative.

                 (c)      The representations and warranties of the Company
         contained in this Agreement and in the certificates delivered pursuant
         to Section 5(d) shall be true and correct when made and on and as of
         each Closing Date as if made on such date and the Company shall have
         performed all covenants and agreements and satisfied all the
         conditions contained in this Agreement required to be performed or
         satisfied by it at or before such Closing Date.

                 (d)      The Representative shall have received on each
         Closing Date a certificate, addressed to the Representative and dated
         such Closing Date, of the chief executive officer and the chief
         financial officer of the Company to the effect that the persons
         executing such certificate have carefully examined the Registration
         Statement, the Prospectus and this Agreement and that the
         representations and warranties of the Company in this Agreement are
         true and correct on and as of such Closing Date with the same effect
         as if made on such Closing Date and the Company has performed all
         covenants and agreements and satisfied all conditions contained in
         this Agreement required to be performed or satisfied by it at or prior
         to such Closing Date.

                 (e)      The Representative shall have received at the time
         this Agreement is executed and on each Closing Date, signed letters
         from Price Waterhouse, LLP, addressed to the Representative and dated,
         respectively, the date of this Agreement and each such Closing Date,
         in the form and scope reasonably satisfactory to the Representative,
         with reproduced copies or signed counterparts thereof for each of the
         Underwriters confirming that they are independent accountants within
         the meaning of the Act and the Regulations, that the response to Item
         10 of the Registration Statement is correct in so far as it relates to
         them and stating in effect that:





                                       13
<PAGE>   14
                          (i)     in their opinion the audited financial
                 statements and financial statement schedules included or
                 incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement and
                 the Prospectus (including the related schedules and notes) and
                 reported on by them comply as to form in all material respects
                 with the applicable accounting requirements of the Act, the
                 Exchange Act and the related published rules and regulations
                 thereunder;

                          (ii)    On the basis of specified procedures as of a
                 specified date not more than five days prior to the date of
                 their letter (which procedures do not constitute an
                 examination made in accordance with generally accepted
                 accounting principles) and which include a reading of the
                 latest available unaudited interim consolidated financial
                 statements of the Company and the Subsidiaries, a reading of
                 the minutes of the meetings of the shareholders and directors
                 of the Company and inquiries of certain officials of the
                 Company and the Subsidiaries who have responsibility for
                 financial and accounting matters of the Company and the
                 Subsidiaries as to transactions and events subsequent to the
                 date of the latest audited financial statements, except as
                 disclosed in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus,
                 nothing came to their attention which caused them to believe
                 that:

                                  (A)      the amounts in "Summary Financial
                          Data," and included or incorporated by reference in
                          the Registration Statement and the Prospectus do not
                          agree with the corresponding amounts in the audited
                          financial statements from which such amounts were
                          derived; or

                                  (B)      there were any decreases in net
                          sales, income before income taxes and net income or
                          any increases in long-term debt of the Company or any
                          decreases in the capital stock, working capital or
                          the shareholders' equity in the Company, as compared
                          with the amounts shown on the Company's audited
                          Balance Sheet for the fiscal year ended December 31,
                          1995 included in the Registration Statement or the
                          audited Statement of Operations, for such year; and

                          (iii)   information of an accounting, financial or
                 statistical nature (which is limited to accounting, financial
                 or statistical information derived from the general accounting
                 records of the Company) set forth in the Registration
                 Statement and the Prospectus and reasonably specified by the
                 Representative agrees with the accounting records of the
                 Company.

         References to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus in this
paragraph (e) are to such documents as amended and supplemented at the date of
such letter.

                 (f)      The Engineering Consultants shall have delivered to
         you on the date of this Agreement a letter (the "Reserve Letter") and
         also on the Closing Date a letter dated the





                                       14
<PAGE>   15
         Closing Date, in each case in form and substance reasonably
         satisfactory to you and substantially in the form heretofore approved
         by you, stating, as of the date of such letter (or, with respect to
         matters involving changes or developments since the respective dates
         as of which specified information with respect to the oil and gas
         reserves is given or incorporated in the Prospectus as of the date not
         more than five days prior to the date of such letter), the conclusions
         and findings of such firm with respect to the Company's oil and gas
         reserves.

                 (g)      The Representative shall have received on each
         Closing Date from Holme, Roberts and Owen, counsel for the Company, an
         opinion, addressed to the Representative and dated such Closing Date,
         and in form and scope satisfactory to counsel for the Underwriters,
         with reproduced copies or signed counterparts thereof for each of the
         Underwriters, to the effect that:

                          (i)     The Company and each of the Subsidiaries is a
                 corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good
                 standing under the laws of the state of its incorporation,
                 with full corporate power and authority to own, lease, license
                 and use its properties and assets and to conduct its business
                 in the manner described in the Prospectus.  The Company and
                 each of the Subsidiaries has all necessary consents,
                 authorizations, approvals, orders, certificates and permits of
                 and from, and declarations and filings with, all federal,
                 state, foreign, local and other governmental authorities and
                 all courts and other tribunals, to own, lease, license and use
                 its properties and assets and to conduct its business in the
                 manner described in the Prospectus.  The Company has no
                 subsidiary or subsidiaries and does not control, directly or
                 indirectly, any corporation, partnership, joint venture,
                 association or other business organization, except for those
                 set forth on Schedule II hereto.

                          (ii)    The Company and each of the Subsidiaries have
                 been duly qualified as a foreign corporation for the
                 transaction of business and is in good standing under the laws
                 of each other jurisdiction in which it owns or leases
                 properties or conducts any business so as to require such
                 qualification or is subject to no material liability or
                 disability by reason of failure to be so qualified in any such
                 jurisdiction (such counsel being entitled to rely in respect
                 of the opinion in this clause upon opinions of local counsel
                 and in respect of matters of fact upon certificates of
                 officers of the Company or the Subsidiaries, provided that
                 such counsel shall state that they believe that both you and
                 they are justified in relying upon such opinions and
                 certificates);

                          (iii)   The Company has authorized, issued and
                 outstanding capital stock as set forth in the "actual" column
                 of the capitalization table under the caption "Capitalization"
                 in the Prospectus.  The certificates evidencing the shares are
                 in due and proper legal form.  Each outstanding share of
                 Common Stock has been duly and validly authorized and issued
                 and is fully paid and nonassessable, without any personal
                 liability attaching to the ownership thereof, and has not been
                 issued and is not owned or held in violation of any preemptive
                 right of shareholders.  The





                                       15
<PAGE>   16
                 Company owns all of the shares of capital stock of the
                 Subsidiaries, except as disclosed in the Prospectus, and to
                 the knowledge of such counsel, such shares have been duly and
                 validly authorized and issued, are fully paid and
                 non-assessable, and (except as set forth in the Prospectus)
                 are owned directly or indirectly by the Company, and are owned
                 by the Company free and clear of all liens, claims, security
                 interests, restrictions, shareholders' agreements, voting
                 trusts and any other encumbrances whatsoever.  There is no
                 commitment, plan or arrangement to issue, and no outstanding
                 option, warrant or other right calling for the issuance of,
                 any share of capital stock of the Company or any security or
                 other instrument which by its terms is convertible into,
                 exercisable for or exchangeable for capital stock of the
                 Company, except as described in the Prospectus.  There is
                 outstanding no security or other instrument which by its terms
                 is convertible into, exercisable for or exchangeable for
                 capital stock of the Company or any of the Subsidiaries,
                 except as described in the Prospectus.

                          (iv)    There is no litigation, arbitration, claim,
                 governmental or other proceeding (formal or informal) or
                 investigation before any court or before any public body or
                 board pending, or to the best of such counsel's knowledge
                 threatened or in prospect (or any basis therefor) with respect
                 to the Company, any of the Subsidiaries or any of their
                 respective operations, businesses, properties, assets or
                 financial condition except as may be properly described in the
                 Prospectus or such as individually or in the aggregate do not
                 now have and could not reasonably be expected in the future to
                 have a Material Adverse Effect.

                          (v)     Neither the Company nor any of the
                 Subsidiaries or any other party is now or is expected by the
                 Company to be in violation or breach of, or in default with
                 respect to, complying with any term, obligation or provision
                 of any contract, agreement, instrument, lease, license,
                 indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note, arrangement or
                 understanding which is material to the Company and known to
                 such counsel, and to the knowledge of such counsel, no event
                 has occurred which with notice or lapse of time or both would
                 constitute such a default.

                          (vi)    Neither the Company nor any of the
                 Subsidiaries is in violation or breach of, or in default with
                 respect to, any term of its certificate of incorporation (or
                 other charter document) or bylaws.

                          (vii)   The Company has all requisite power and
                 authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and
                 to issue and sell the Shares.  All necessary corporate
                 proceedings of the Company have been taken to authorize the
                 execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this
                 Agreement.  This Agreement has been duly authorized, executed
                 and delivered by the Company is the legal, valid and binding
                 obligation of the Company and (subject to applicable
                 bankruptcy, insolvency and other laws affecting the
                 enforceability of creditor's rights generally and the effects





                                       16
<PAGE>   17
                 of general principles of equity) is enforceable as to the
                 Company in accordance with its terms.  No consent,
                 authorization, approval, order, license, certificate or permit
                 of or from, or declaration or filing with, any federal, state,
                 foreign, local or other governmental authority or any court or
                 other tribunal is required by the Company for the execution,
                 delivery or performance by the Company of this Agreement
                 (except filings under the Act which have been made prior to
                 the Closing Date and consents consisting only of consents
                 under "blue sky" or securities laws).  No consent of any party
                 to any contract, agreement, instrument, lease, license,
                 indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, note, arrangement or
                 understanding to which the Company or any of the Subsidiaries
                 is a party, or to which any of their respective properties or
                 assets are subject, is required for the execution, delivery or
                 performance of this Agreement; and the execution, delivery and
                 performance of this Agreement will not violate, result in a
                 breach of, conflict with or (with or without the giving of
                 notice or the passage of time or both) entitle any party to
                 terminate or call a default under any such contract,
                 agreement, instrument, lease, license, indenture, mortgage,
                 deed of trust, note, arrangement or understanding, or violate
                 or result in a breach of any term of the certificate of
                 incorporation (or other charter document) or by-laws of the
                 Company or any of the Subsidiaries, or violate, result in a
                 breach of, or conflict with any law, rule, regulation, order,
                 judgment, or decree binding on the Company or any of the
                 Subsidiaries or to which any of their respective operations,
                 businesses, properties or assets are subject.

                          (viii)  The Shares are duly and validly authorized.
                 Such opinion delivered at each of the Closing Dates shall
                 state that each Share, as the case may be, to be delivered on
                 that date is duly and validly issued, fully paid and
                 non-assessable, with no personal liability attaching to the
                 ownership thereof, and is not issued in violation of any
                 preemptive rights of shareholders, and the Underwriters have
                 received good title to the Shares purchased by them from the
                 Company for the consideration contemplated herein.  The Shares
                 and all series of preferred stock conform to all statements
                 relating thereto contained in the Registration Statement or
                 the Prospectus.

                          (ix)    Any contract, agreement, instrument, lease or
                 license required to be described in the Registration Statement
                 or the Prospectus has been properly described therein.  Any
                 contract, agreement, instrument, lease or license required to
                 be filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement has been
                 filed with the Commission as an exhibit to or has been
                 incorporated as an exhibit by reference into the Registration
                 Statement.

                          (x)     Insofar as statements in the Prospectus
                 purport to summarize the status of litigation or the
                 provisions of laws, rules, regulations, orders, judgments,
                 decrees, contracts agreements, instruments, leases or
                 licenses, such statements have been prepared or reviewed by
                 such counsel and to the knowledge of such counsel,





                                       17
<PAGE>   18
                 accurately reflect the status of such litigation and
                 provisions purported to be summarized and are correct in all
                 material respects.

                          (xi)    Neither the Company nor any of the
                 Subsidiaries is an "investment company" as defined in Section
                 3(a) of the Investment Company Act and, if the Company and the
                 Subsidiaries conduct their businesses as set forth in the
                 Prospectus, will not become an "investment company" and will
                 not be required to be registered under the Investment Company
                 Act.

                          (xii)   No person or entity has the right to require
                 registration of shares of Common Stock or other securities of
                 the Company because of the filing or effectiveness of the
                 Registration Statement.

                          (xiii)  The Registration Statement has become
                 effective under the Act.  No Stop Order has been issued and no
                 proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are
                 threatened, pending or contemplated.

                          (xiv)   The Registration Statement, any Rule 430A
                 Prospectus and the Prospectus, and any amendment or supplement
                 thereto (other than financial statements and other financial
                 data and schedules which are or should be contained in any
                 thereof, as to which such counsel need express no opinion),
                 comply as to form in all material respects with the
                 requirements of the Act and the Regulations.  The conditions
                 for the use of Form S-2 have been satisfied with respect to
                 the Registration Statement.

                          (xv)    Since the effective date of the Registration
                 Statement, no event has occurred which should have been set
                 forth in an amendment or supplement to the Registration
                 Statement or the Prospectus which has not been set forth in
                 such an amendment or supplement.

                 In addition, such counsel shall state that such counsel has
participated in the preparation of the Registration Statement and the
Prospectus and in conferences with officers and other representatives of the
Company, representatives of the Representative and representatives of the
independent accountants of the Company, at which conferences the contents of
the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and related matters were
discussed and, although such counsel has not independently verified and is not
passing upon and does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy,
completeness or fairness of the statements contained in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus (except as specified in the foregoing opinion), on
the basis of the foregoing and relying as to materiality upon the
representations of executive officers of the Company after conferring with such
executive officers, no facts have come to the attention of such counsel which
lead such counsel to believe that the Registration Statement at the time it
became effective contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted
to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading, or that the Prospectus, except for the





                                       18
<PAGE>   19
financial statements and other financial and statistical data included therein
as to which counsel need express no opinion, as amended or supplemented on the
date thereof contained any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to
state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in
light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

                 In rendering their opinion as aforesaid, such counsel may
rely, as to matters of fact, to the extent such counsel deems proper, on
certificates of responsible officers of the Company, provided that executed
copies of such certificates are provided to the Representative.

                 (h)      All proceedings taken in connection with the sale of
         the Firm Shares and the Option Shares as herein contemplated shall be
         satisfactory in form and substance to the Representative and its
         counsel, and the Underwriters shall have received from Vinson & Elkins
         L.L.P., a favorable opinion, addressed to the Representative and dated
         such Closing Date, with respect to such matters as the Representative
         may reasonably request, and the Company shall have furnished to Vinson
         & Elkins L.L.P., such documents as they may reasonably request for the
         purpose of enabling them to pass upon such matters.

                 (i)      The Company shall not have sustained since the date
         of the latest audited financial statements included in the Prospectus
         any loss or interference with its business from fire, explosion, flood
         or other calamity, whether or not covered by insurance, or from any
         labor dispute or court or governmental action, order or decree,
         otherwise than as set forth or contemplated in the Prospectus, and
         (ii) since the respective dates as of which information is given in
         the Prospectus there shall not have been any change in the capital
         stock, short-term debt or long-term debt of the Company or any change,
         or any development involving a prospective change, in or affecting the
         general affairs, management, financial position, stockholders' equity
         or results of operations of the Company, otherwise than as set forth
         or contemplated in the Prospectus, the effect of which, in any such
         case described in Clause (i) or (ii), in the judgment of the
         Representatives, makes it impracticable or inadvisable to proceed with
         the public offering or the delivery of the Shares being delivered at
         such Time of Delivery on the terms and in the manner contemplated in
         the Prospectus.

                 (j)      The Company has obtained and delivered to the
         Underwriters executed copies of an agreement from each of its officers
         and directors, substantially to the effect set forth in Subsection
         6(a)(viii) hereof in form and substance satisfactory to you.

                 (k)      At the Firm Shares Closing Date, the Company shall
         have executed and entered into a Warrant Agreement in substantially
         the form attached hereto granting and issuing to the Representative a
         warrant to purchase pursuant to such Warrant Agreement 144,000 shares
         of Common Stock.





                                       19
<PAGE>   20
         6.      Covenants of the Company.

                 (a)      The Company covenants and agrees as follows:

                          (i)     The Company shall use its best efforts to
                 cause the Registration Statement to become effective as
                 promptly as possible.  If the Registration Statement has
                 become or becomes effective with a form of prospectus omitting
                 Rule 430A information, or filing of the Prospectus is
                 otherwise required under Rule 424(b), the Company will file
                 the Prospectus, properly completed, pursuant to Rule 424(b)
                 within the time period prescribed and will provide evidence
                 satisfactory to you of such timely filing.  The Company shall
                 notify you immediately, and confirm such notice in writing,
                 (A) when the Registration Statement and any post-effective
                 amendment thereto become effective, (B) of the receipt of any
                 comments from the Commission or the "blue sky" or securities
                 authority of any jurisdiction regarding the Registration
                 Statement, any posteffective amendment thereto, the Prospectus
                 or any amendment or supplement thereto and (C) of the receipt
                 of any notification with respect to a Stop Order.  The Company
                 shall not file any amendment of the Registration Statement or
                 supplement to the Prospectus unless the Company has furnished
                 the Representative a copy for their review prior to filing and
                 shall not file any such proposed amendment or supplement to
                 which the Representative reasonably object.  The Company shall
                 use its best efforts to prevent the issuance of any Stop Order
                 and, if issued, to obtain as soon as possible the withdrawal
                 thereof.

                          (ii)    During the time when a prospectus relating to
                 the Shares is required to be delivered hereunder or under the
                 Act or the Regulations, comply so far as it is able with all
                 requirements imposed upon it by the Act, as now existing and
                 as hereafter amended, and by the Regulations, as from time to
                 time in force, so far as necessary to permit the continuance
                 of sales of or dealings in the Shares in accordance with the
                 provisions hereof and the Prospectus.  If, at any time when a
                 prospectus relating to the Shares is required to be delivered
                 under the Act and the Regulations, any event as a result of
                 which the Prospectus as then amended or supplemented would
                 include any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to
                 state any material fact necessary to make the statements
                 therein in the light of the circumstances under which they
                 were made not misleading, or if it shall be necessary to amend
                 or supplement the Prospectus to comply with the Act or the
                 Regulations, the Company promptly shall prepare and file with
                 the Commission, subject to the third sentence of paragraph (i)
                 of this Section 6(a), an amendment or supplement which shall
                 correct such statement or omission or an amendment which shall
                 effect such compliance.

                          (iii)   Prior to 10:00 a.m., New York City Time, on
                 the New York Business Day next succeeding the date of this
                 Agreement and from time to time, to furnish the Underwriters
                 with copies of the Prospectus in New York City in such
                 quantities as





                                       20
<PAGE>   21
                 you may reasonably request.  The Company shall make generally
                 available to its security holders and to the Representative as
                 soon as practicable, but not later than 45 days after the end
                 of the 12-month period beginning at the end of the fiscal
                 quarter of the Company during which the Effective Date (or 90
                 days if such 12-month period coincides with the Company's
                 fiscal year), an earnings statement (which need not be
                 audited) of the Company, covering such 12-month period, which
                 shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Act or
                 Rule 158 of the Regulations.

                          (iv)    If the Company elects to rely upon Rule
                 462(b), the Company shall file a Rule 462(b) Registration
                 Statement with the Commission in compliance with Rule 462(b)
                 by 10:00 p.m., Washington, D.C. time, on the date of this
                 Agreement, and the Company shall at the time of filing either
                 pay to the Commission the filing fee for the Rule 462(b)
                 Registration Statement or give irrevocable instructions for
                 the payment of such fee pursuant to Rule lll(b) under the Act.

                          (v)     The Company shall furnish to the
                 Representative and counsel for the Underwriters, without
                 charge, signed copies of the Registration Statement (including
                 all exhibits and amendments thereto) and to each other
                 Underwriter a copy of the Registration Statement (without
                 exhibits thereto) and all amendments thereof and, so long as
                 delivery of a prospectus by an Underwriter or dealer may be
                 required by the Act or the Regulations, as many copies of any
                 preliminary prospectus and the Prospectus and any amendments
                 thereof and supplements thereto as the Representative may
                 reasonably request.

                          (vi)    The Company shall cooperate with the
                 Representative and their counsel in endeavoring to qualify the
                 Shares for offer and sale under the laws of such jurisdictions
                 as the Representative may designate and shall maintain such
                 qualifications in effect so long as required for the
                 distribution of the Shares; provided, however, that the
                 Company shall not be required in connection therewith, as a
                 condition thereof, to qualify as a foreign corporation or to
                 execute a general consent to service of process in any
                 jurisdiction or subject itself to taxation as doing business
                 in any jurisdiction.

                          (vii)   For a period of five years after the date of
                 this Agreement, the Company shall supply to the
                 Representative, and to each other Underwriter who may so
                 request in writing, copies of such financial statements and
                 other periodic and special reports as the Company may from
                 time to time distribute generally to the holders of any class
                 of its capital stock and to furnish to the Representative a
                 copy of each annual or other report it shall be required to
                 file with the Commission.

                          (viii)  Without the prior written consent of the
                 Representative, for a period of 180 days from the date on
                 which a public offering of the Shares commences, the Company
                 shall not issue, sell or register with the Commission or
                 otherwise dispose





                                       21
<PAGE>   22
                 of, directly or indirectly, any securities of the Company (or
                 any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable
                 for securities of the Company), except for the issuance of the
                 Shares pursuant to the Registration Statement or shares
                 issuable upon exercise of currently outstanding options and
                 warrants issued by the Company as of the date of this
                 Agreement; and that it will deliver to the Representative
                 agreements of the Company's officers and directors to the same
                 effect.

                          (ix)    On or before completion of this offering, the
                 Company shall make all filings required under applicable
                 securities laws and by the Nasdaq National Market.

                          (x)     During a period of five years from the
                 effective date of the Registration Statement, to furnish to
                 you copies of all reports or other communications (financial
                 or other) furnished to stockholders, and to deliver to you (i)
                 as soon as they are available, copies of any reports and
                 financial statements furnished to or filed with the Commission
                 or any national securities exchange on which any class of
                 securities of the Company is listed; and (ii) such additional
                 information concerning the business and financial condition of
                 the Company as you may from time to time reasonably request
                 (such financial statements to be on a consolidated basis to
                 the extent the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries
                 are consolidated in reports furnished to its stockholders
                 generally or to the Commission).

                          (xi)    To use the net proceeds received by it from
                 the sale of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement in the
                 manner specified in the Prospectus under the caption "Use of
                 Proceeds."

                          (xii)   Prior to each Closing Date and for a period
                 of 25 days thereafter, you shall be given reasonable written
                 prior notice of any press release or other direct or indirect
                 communication and of any press conference with respect to the
                 Company, the financial conditions, results of operations,
                 business, properties, assets, liabilities of the Company, or
                 this offering.

                          (xiii)  For a period of three years after the
                 effective date of the Registration Statement, the Company
                 hereby agrees that the Representative, individually and not as
                 representative of the Underwriters, shall have a 30-day right
                 of first refusal to act as the Company's financial advisor or
                 managing underwriter or exclusive placement agent, as the case
                 may be, in connection with any sale of the Company (including
                 the sale of a majority or controlling minority interest in the
                 stock or assets of the Company), an acquisition or merger by
                 the Company, the raising of additional financing through
                 either a public or private offering of securities, or the
                 acquisition of another business in a transaction that requires
                 either additional financing or merger or acquisition advisory
                 services within three years of the closing of this offering of
                 the Shares subject to the approval ofthe Representative's
                 Commitment Committee and the good faith negotiation of
                 customary and mutually agreeable terms provided





                                       22
<PAGE>   23
                 the Company is working with a regional investment banking
                 firm.  If such transaction as is contemplated by this
                 paragraph is instituted by a major bracket investment banking
                 firm, then the Representative will act as a co-manager and
                 receive economics pari passu to all other co-managers,
                 provided that if there are no other co-managers, then the
                 Representative will receive no less than 35% of the applicable
                 revenue.  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this
                 paragraph, the Representative shall have no right of refusal
                 with respect to the Company's sale of shares of Laguna Gold
                 common stock.

                 (b)      The Company agrees to pay, or reimburse if paid by
         the Representative, whether or not the transactions contemplated
         hereby are consummated or this Agreement is terminated, all costs and
         expenses relating to the registration and public offering of the
         Shares including those relating to:  (i) the preparation, printing,
         filing and distribution of the Registration Statement including all
         exhibits thereto, each preliminary prospectus, the Prospectus, all
         amendments and supplements to the Registration Statement and the
         Prospectus, and any documents required to be delivered with any
         Preliminary Prospectus or the Prospectus, and the printing, filing and
         distribution of the Agreement Among Underwriters, this Agreement and
         related documents; (ii) the preparation and delivery of certificates
         for the Shares to the Underwriters; (iii) the registration or
         qualification of the Shares for offer and sale under the securities or
         Blue Sky laws of the various jurisdictions referred to in Section
         6(a)(v), including the fees and disbursements of counsel for the
         Underwriters in connection with such registration and qualification
         and the preparation, printing, distribution and shipment of
         preliminary and supplementary Blue Sky memoranda; (iv) the furnishing
         (including costs of shipping and mailing) to the Representative and to
         the Underwriters of copies of each preliminary prospectus, the
         Prospectus and all amendments or supplements to the Prospectus, and of
         the several documents required by this Section to be so furnished, as
         may be reasonably requested for use in connection with the offering
         and sale of the Shares by the Underwriters or by dealers to whom
         Shares may be sold; (v) the filing fees of the National Association of
         Securities Dealers, Inc. in connection with its review of the terms of
         the public offering; (vi) the furnishing (including costs of shipping
         and mailing) to the Representative and to the Underwriters of copies
         of all reports and information required by Section 6(a)(vi); (vii)
         inclusion of the Shares for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market;
         (viii) the cost and charges of any transfer agent or registration; and
         (ix) all transfer taxes, if any, with respect to the sale and delivery
         of the Shares by the Company to the Underwriters.  In addition, the
         Company will pay the Representative a nonaccountable expense allowance
         in an amount equal to 2.25% of the gross amount of funds raised by the
         offering of the Shares.  Except as otherwise contemplated by Section 9
         hereof, the Underwriters will pay their own counsel fees and expenses
         to the extent not otherwise covered by clause (iii) above, and their
         own travel and travel-related expenses in connection with the
         distribution of the Shares.





                                       23
<PAGE>   24
         7.      Indemnification.

                 (a)      The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
         each Underwriter and each person, if any, who controls any Underwriter
         within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the
         Exchange Act against any and all losses, claims, damages and
         liabilities, joint or several (including any reasonable investigation,
         legal and other expenses incurred in connection with, and any amount
         paid in settlement of, any action, suit or proceeding or any claim
         asserted), to which they, or any of them, may become subject under the
         Act, the Exchange Act or other federal, state or foreign law or
         regulation, at common law or otherwise, insofar as such losses,
         claims, damages or liabilities arise out of or are based upon any
         untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
         contained in any preliminary prospectus, the Registration Statement or
         the Prospectus or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto, or
         arise out of or are based upon any omission or alleged omission to
         state therein such fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
         make such statements therein not misleading.  This indemnity agreement
         will be in addition to any liability which the Company may otherwise
         have.

                 (b)      Each Underwriter agrees, severally and not jointly,
         to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, each person, if any, who
         controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or
         Section 20 of the Exchange Act, each director of the Company, and each
         officer of the Company who signs the Registration Statement, to the
         same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company to each
         Underwriter, but only insofar as such losses, claims, damages or
         liabilities arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or
         omission or alleged untrue statement or omission which was made in any
         Preliminary Prospectus, any Rule 430A Prospectus, the Registration
         Statement or the Prospectus, or any amendment thereof or supplement
         thereto, which were made in reliance upon and in conformity with
         information furnished in writing to the Company by the Representative
         on behalf of any Underwriter for specific use therein; provided,
         however, that the obligation of each Underwriter to indemnify the
         Company (including any controlling person, director or officer
         thereof) shall be limited to the excess of the net proceeds received
         by such Underwriter from the offering of Shares and all expenses,
         penalties and other damages incurred by such Underwriter by reason of
         such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or
         omission.  For all purposes of this Agreement the amounts of the
         selling concession and reallowance set forth in the Prospectus
         constitute the only information furnished in writing by or on behalf
         of any Underwriter expressly for inclusion in any Preliminary
         Prospectus, any Rule 430A Prospectus, the Registration Statement or
         the Prospectus or any amendment or supplement thereto.

                 (c)      Any party that proposes to assert the right to be
         indemnified under this Section will, promptly after receipt of notice
         of commencement of any action, suit or proceeding against such party
         in respect of which a claim is to be made against an indemnifying
         party or parties under this Section, notify each such indemnifying
         party of the commencement of such action, suit or proceeding,
         enclosing a copy of all papers served.  No





                                       24
<PAGE>   25
         indemnification provided for in Section 7(a) or 7(b) shall be
         available to any party who shall fail to give notice as provided in
         this Section 7(c) if the party to whom notice was not given was
         unaware of the proceeding to which such notice would have related and
         was prejudiced by the failure to give such notice but the omission so
         to notify such indemnifying party of any such action, suit or
         proceeding shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have to
         any indemnified party for contribution or otherwise than under this
         Section.  In case any such action, suit or proceeding shall be brought
         against any indemnified party and it shall notify the indemnifying
         party of the commencement thereof, the indemnifying party shall be
         entitled to participate in, and, to the extent that it shall wish,
         jointly with any other indemnifying party similarly notified, to
         assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to
         such indemnified party, and after notice from the indemnifying party
         to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense
         thereof and the approval by the indemnified party of such counsel, the
         indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party for
         any legal or other expenses, except as provided below and except for
         the reasonable costs of investigation subsequently incurred by such
         indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof.  The
         indemnified party shall have the right to employ its counsel in any
         such action, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the
         expense of such indemnified party unless (i) the employment of counsel
         by such indemnified party has been authorized in writing by the
         indemnifying parties, (ii) the indemnified party shall have reasonably
         concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between the
         indemnifying parties and the indemnified party in the conduct of the
         defense of such action (in which case the indemnifying parties shall
         not have the right to direct the defense of such action on behalf of
         the indemnified party) or (iii) the indemnifying parties shall not
         have employed counsel to assume the defense of such action within a
         reasonable time after notice of the commencement thereof, in each of
         which cases the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel shall be at
         the expense of the indemnifying parties.  An indemnifying party shall
         not be liable for any settlement of any action, suit, proceeding or
         claim effected without its written consent.

         8.      Contribution.  In order to provide for just and equitable
contribution in circumstances in which the indemnification provided for in
Sections 7(a) and (b) is due in accordance with its terms but for any reason is
held to be unavailable from the Company or the Underwriters, the Company and
the Underwriters shall contribute to the aggregate losses, claims, damages and
liabilities (including any investigation, legal and other expenses reasonably
incurred in connection with, and any amount paid in settlement of, any action,
suit or proceeding or any claims asserted, but after deducting any contribution
received by the Company from persons other than the Underwriters, such as
persons who control the Company within the meaning of the Act, officers of the
Company who signed the Registration Statement and directors of the Company, who
may also be liable for contribution) to which the Company and one or more of
the Underwriters may be subject in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect
the relative benefits received by the Company on the one hand and the
Underwriters on the other from the offering of the Shares or, if such
allocation is not permitted by applicable law or indemnification is not
available as a result of the indemnifying party not having received notice as
provided in Section 7 hereof, in such proportion as is appropriate to





                                       25
<PAGE>   26
reflect not only the relative benefits referred to above but also the relative
fault of the Company on the one hand and the Underwriters on the other in
connection with the statements or omissions which resulted in such losses,
claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant
equitable considerations.  The relative benefits received by the Company and
the Underwriters shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as (x) the total
proceeds from the Offering (net of underwriting discounts but before deducting
expenses) received by the Company from the sale of the Shares, as set forth in
the table on the cover page of the Prospectus (but not taking into account the
use of the proceeds of such sale of Shares by the Company), bear to (y) the
underwriting discount received by the Underwriters, as set forth in the table
on the cover page of the Prospectus.  The relative fault of the Company and the
Underwriters shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether
the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact related to
information supplied by the Company or the Underwriters and the parties'
relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or
prevent such statement or omission.  The Company and the Underwriters agree
that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this
Section 8 were determined by pro rata allocation (even if the Underwriters were
treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation
which does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to above.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8, no person guilty of
fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Act)
shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such
fraudulent misrepresentation.  For purposes of this Section 8, each person, if
any, who controls an Underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or
Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as
such Underwriter, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the
meaning of the Section 15 of the Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, each
officer of the Company who shall have signed the Registration Statement and
each director of the Company shall have the same rights to contribution as the
Company, subject in each case to clauses (i) and (ii) in the immediately
preceding sentence of this Section 8.  Any party entitled to contribution will,
promptly after receipt of notice of commencement of any action, suit or
proceeding against such party in respect of which a claim for contribution may
be made against another party or parties under this Section, notify such party
or parties from whom contribution may be sought, but the omission so to notify
such party or parties from whom contribution may be sought shall not relieve
the party or parties from whom contribution may be sought from any other
obligation it or they may have hereunder or otherwise than under this Section.
No party shall be liable for contribution with respect to any action, suit,
proceeding or claim settled without its written consent.  The Underwriters'
obligations to contribute pursuant to this Section 8 are several in proportion
to their respective underwriting commitments and not joint.

         9.      Termination.  This Agreement may be terminated with respect to
the Shares to be purchased on any Closing Date by the Representative by
notifying the Company at any time prior to the purchase of the Shares:

                 (a)      in the absolute discretion of the Representative at
         or before any Closing Date:  (i) if on or prior to such date, any
         domestic or international event or act or occurrence has materially
         disrupted, or in the opinion of the Representative will in the future
         materially





                                       26
<PAGE>   27
         disrupt, the securities markets; (ii) if there has occurred any
         outbreak or material escalation of hostilities or other calamity or
         crisis the effect of which on the financial markets of the United
         States is such as to make it, in the judgment of the Representative,
         inadvisable to proceed with the Offering; (iii) if there shall be such
         a material adverse change in, general financial, political or economic
         conditions or the effect of international conditions on the financial
         markets in the United States such as to make it, in the judgment of
         the Representative, inadvisable or impracticable to market the Shares;
         (iv) if trading in the Shares has been suspended by the Commission or
         trading generally on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American
         Stock Exchange, Inc. or the Nasdaq National Market has been suspended
         or limited, or minimum or maximum ranges for prices for securities
         shall have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities
         have been required, by said exchanges or by order of the Commission,
         the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or any other
         governmental or regulatory authority; or (v) if a banking moratorium
         has been declared by any state or federal authority, or

                 (b)      at or before any Closing Date, if any of the
         conditions specified in Section 5 shall not have been fulfilled when
         and as required by this Agreement.

         If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to any of its provisions, the
Company shall not be under any liability to any Underwriter, and no Underwriter
shall be under any liability to the Company, except that (y) if this Agreement
is terminated by the Representative or the Underwriters because of any failure,
refusal or inability on the part of the Company to comply with the terms or to
fulfill any of the conditions of this Agreement, the Company will reimburse the
Underwriters for all out-of-pocket expenses (including the fees and
disbursements of their counsel) incurred by them in connection with the
proposed purchase and sale of the Shares or in contemplation of performing
their obligations hereunder and (z) no Underwriter who shall have failed or
refused to purchase the Shares agreed to be purchased by it under this
Agreement, without some reason sufficient hereunder to justify cancellation or
termination of its obligations under this Agreement, shall be relieved of
liability to the Company or to the other Underwriters for damages occasioned by
its failure or refusal.

         10.     Substitution of Underwriters.  If one or more of the
Underwriters shall fail (other than for a reason sufficient to justify the
cancellation or termination of this Agreement under Section 9) to purchase on
any Closing Date the Shares agreed to be purchased on such Closing Date by such
Underwriter or Underwriters, the Representative may find one or more substitute
underwriters to purchase such Shares or make such other arrangements as the
Representative may deem advisable or one or more of the remaining Underwriters
may agree to purchase such Shares in such proportions as may be approved by the
Representative, in each case upon the terms set forth in this Agreement.  If no
such arrangements have been made by the close of business on the business day
following such Closing Date:

                 (a)      if the number of Shares to be purchased by the
         defaulting Underwriters on such Closing Date shall not exceed 10% of
         the Shares that all the Underwriters are obligated





                                       27
<PAGE>   28
         to purchase on such Closing Date, then each of the nondefaulting
         Underwriters shall be obligated to purchase such Shares on the terms
         herein set forth in proportion to their respective obligations
         hereunder; provided, that in no event shall the maximum number of
         Shares that any Underwriter has agreed to purchase pursuant to Section
         1 be increased pursuant to this Section 10 by more than one-ninth of
         such number of Shares without the written consent of such Underwriter,
         or

                 (b)      if the number of Shares to be purchased by the
         defaulting Underwriters on such Closing Date shall exceed 10% of the
         Shares that all the Underwriters are obligated to purchase on such
         Closing Date, then the Company shall be entitled to an additional
         business day within which it may, but is not obligated to, find one or
         more substitute underwriters reasonably satisfactory to the
         Representative to purchase such Shares upon the terms set forth in
         this Agreement.

         In any such case, either the Representative or the Company shall have
the right to postpone the applicable Closing Date for a period of not more than
five business days in order that necessary changes and arrangements (including
any necessary amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement or
Prospectus) may be effected by the Representative and the Company.  If the
number of Shares to be purchased on such Closing Date by such defaulting
Underwriter or Underwriters shall exceed 10% of the Shares that all the
Underwriters are obligated to purchase on such Closing Date, and none of the
nondefaulting Underwriters or the Company shall make arrangements pursuant to
this Section within the period stated for the purchase of the Shares that the
defaulting Underwriters agreed to purchase, this Agreement shall terminate with
respect to the Shares to be purchased on such Closing Date without liability on
the part of any nondefaulting Underwriter to the Company and without liability
on the part of the Company, except in both cases as provided in Sections 6(b),
7, 8 and 9.  The provisions of this Section shall not in any way affect the
liability of any defaulting Underwriter to the Company or the nondefaulting
Underwriters arising out of such default.  A substitute underwriter hereunder
shall become an Underwriter for all purposes of this Agreement.

         11.     Miscellaneous.  The respective agreements, representations,
warranties, indemnities and other statements of the Company or its officers and
of the Underwriters set forth in or made pursuant to this Agreement shall
remain in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on
behalf of any Underwriter or the Company or any of the officers, directors or
controlling persons referred to in Sections 7 and 8 hereof, and shall survive
delivery of and payment for the Shares.  The provisions of Sections 6(b), 7, 8
and 9 shall survive the termination or cancellation of this Agreement.

         This Agreement has been and is made for the benefit of the
Underwriters and the Company and their respective successors and assigns and,
to the extent expressed herein, for the benefit of persons controlling any of
the Underwriters, or the Company, and directors and officers of the Company,
and their respective successors and assigns, and no other person shall acquire
or have any





                                       28
<PAGE>   29
right under or by virtue of this Agreement.  The term "successors and assigns"
shall not include any purchaser of Shares from any Underwriter merely because
of such purchase.

         All notices and communications hereunder shall be in writing and
mailed or delivered, or by telefax or telegraph if subsequently confirmed by
letter, (a) if to the Representative, to Rodman & Renshaw, Inc., Two World
Financial Center, 225 Liberty Street, 30th Floor, New York, New York 10281,
Attention: Peter Blum, Managing Director, telecopy:  (212) 416-7439 and (b) if
to the Company, to the Company's agent for service as such agent's address
appears on the cover page of the Registration Statement.

         This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
the laws of the State of New York without regard to principles of conflict of
laws.

         This Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of
which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto
and hereto were upon the same instrument.

         All pronouns and any variations thereof shall be deemed to refer to
the masculine, feminine, or neuter, singular or plural, as the identity of the
person or persons or entity or entities require.

         All section headings herein are for convenience of reference only and
are not part of this Agreement, and no construction or inference shall be
derived therefrom.

         Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets forth the agreement
among us.

                                           Very truly yours,

                                           MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION


                                           By:
                                              ----------------------------------
                                                  George O. Mallon, Jr.


Confirmed on behalf of itself and as the
Representative of the several Underwriters
named in Schedule I annexed hereto:

RODMAN & RENSHAW, INC.


By:
   ------------------------------------
   Name:   Peter H. Blum
   Title:  Managing Director





                                       29
<PAGE>   30
                                  SCHEDULE I
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         Number of Firm
                                                                                          Shares to be
 NAME OF UNDERWRITER                                                                        Purchased     
 -------------------                                                                    ------------------
 <S>                                                                                       <C>
 Rodman & Renshaw, Inc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 Total   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .             __________

</TABLE>

                                       30
<PAGE>   31
                                  SCHEDULE II


SUBSIDIARIES

Mallon Oil Company, a Colorado corporation
Laguna Gold Company, a Colorado corporation





                                       31
<PAGE>   32





         THE WARRANTS REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE SHARES ISSUABLE
         UPON EXERCISE HEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT
         OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT"), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES
         LAWS AND, UNLESS SO REGISTERED, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT
         PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE
         REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE
         SECURITIES LAWS.

                        THE TRANSFER OF THIS WARRANT IS
                        RESTRICTED AS DESCRIBED HEREIN.


                          MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION

              Warrant for the Purchase of Shares of Common Stock,
                           par value $0.01 per share


No. 1                                                 [__________] Shares

                 THIS CERTIFIES that, for receipt in hand of [$______] [$0.001
per share of underlying Common Stock] and other value received, RODMAN &
RENSHAW, INC. (the "Holder"), is entitled to subscribe for and purchase from
MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION, a Colorado corporation (the "Company"), upon the
terms and conditions set forth herein, at any time or from time to time after
[one year after the effective date], and before 5:00 P.M. on [three years after
the effective date], New York time (the "Exercise Period"), [________] shares
of the Company's Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share ("Common Stock"), at a
price of $_____ per share [120% of the offering price] (the "Exercise Price").
This Warrant is the warrant or one of the warrants (collectively, including any
warrants issued upon the exercise or transfer of any such warrants in whole or
in part, the "Warrants") issued pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement, dated
__________, between Rodman & Renshaw, Inc., as representative of the several
Underwriters named therein, and the Company.  As used herein the term "this
Warrant" shall mean and include this Warrant and any Warrant or Warrants
hereafter issued as a consequence of the exercise or transfer of this Warrant
in whole or in part.  This Warrant may not be sold, transferred, assigned or
hypothecated until [one year after the effective date] except that it may be
transferred, in whole or in part, to (i) one or more officers or partners of
the Holder (or the officers or partners of any such partner); (ii) any other
underwriting firm or member of the selling group which participated in the
public offering of Common Stock (the "Offering") which commenced on [effective
date] (or the officers or partners of any such firm); (iii) a successor to the
Holder, or the officers or
<PAGE>   33
partners of such successor; (iv) a purchaser of substantially all of the assets
of the Holder; or (v) by operation of law; and the term the "Holder" as used
herein shall include any transferee to whom this Warrant has been transferred
in accordance with the above.

                 The number of shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of
the Warrants (the "Warrant Shares") and the Exercise Price may be adjusted from
time to time as hereinafter set forth.

                 1.  This Warrant may be exercised during the Exercise Period,
as to the whole or any lesser number of whole Warrant Shares, by the surrender
of this Warrant (with the election at the end hereof duly executed) to the
Company at its office at 999 18th Street, Suite 1700, Denver, Colorado  80202,
or at such other place as is designated in writing by the Company, together
with a certified or bank cashier's check payable to the order of the Company in
an amount equal to the Exercise Price multiplied by the number of Warrant
Shares for which this Warrant is being exercised (the "Stock Purchase Price").

                 2.  (a)   In lieu of the payment of the Stock Purchase Price,
the Holder shall have the right (but not the obligation), to require the
Company to convert this Warrant, in whole or in part, into shares of Common
Stock (the "Conversion Right") as provided for in this Section 2.  Upon
exercise of the Conversion Right, the Company shall deliver to the Holder
(without payment by the Holder of any of the Stock Purchase Price) that number
of shares of Common Stock (the "Conversion Shares") equal to the quotient
obtained by dividing (x) the value of this Warrant (or portion thereof as to
which the Conversion Right is being exercised if the Conversion Right is being
exercised in part) at the time the Conversion Right is exercised (determined by
subtracting the aggregate Stock Purchase Price of the shares of Common Stock as
to which the Conversion Right is being exercised in effect immediately prior to
the exercise of the Conversion Right from the aggregate Current Market Price
(as defined in Section 6(e) hereof) of the shares of Common Stock as to which
the Conversion Right is being exercised immediately prior to the exercise of
the Conversion Right) by (y) the Current Market Price of one share of Common
Stock immediately prior to the exercise of the Conversion Right.

                          (b)  The Conversion Rights provided under this
Section 2 may be exercised in whole or in part and at any time and from time to
time while any Warrants remain outstanding.  In order to exercise the
Conversion Right, the Holder shall surrender to the Company, at its offices,
this Warrant with the Notice of Conversion at the end hereof duly executed.
The presentation and surrender shall be deemed a waiver of the Holder's
obligation to pay all or any portion of the aggregate purchase price payable
for the shares of Common Stock as to which such Conversion Right is being
exercised.  This Warrant (or so much thereof as shall have been surrendered for
conversion) shall be deemed to have been converted immediately prior to the
close of business on the day of surrender of such Warrant for conversion in
accordance with the foregoing provisions.

                 3.  Upon each exercise of the Holder's rights to purchase
Warrant Shares or Conversion Shares, the Holder shall be deemed to be the
holder of record of the Warrant Shares or Conversion Shares issuable upon such
exercise or conversion, notwithstanding that the transfer books of the Company
shall then be closed or certificates representing such Warrant Shares or





                                      -2-
<PAGE>   34
Conversion Shares shall not then have been actually delivered to the Holder.
As soon as practicable after each such exercise or conversion of this Warrant,
the Company shall issue and deliver to the Holder a certificate or certificates
for the Warrant Shares or Conversion Shares issuable upon such exercise or
conversion, registered in the name of the Holder or its designee.  If this
Warrant should be exercised or converted in part only, the Company shall, upon
surrender of this Warrant for cancellation, execute and deliver a new Warrant
evidencing the right of the Holder to purchase the balance of the Warrant
Shares (or portions thereof) subject to purchase hereunder.

                 4.  Any Warrants issued upon the transfer or exercise or
conversion in part of this Warrant shall be numbered and shall be registered in
a Warrant Register as they are issued.  The Company shall be entitled to treat
the registered holder of any Warrant on the Warrant Register as the owner in
fact thereof for all purposes and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable
or other claim to or interest in such Warrant on the part of any other person,
and shall not be liable for any registration or transfer of Warrants which are
registered or to be registered in the name of a fiduciary or the nominee of a
fiduciary unless made with the actual knowledge that a fiduciary or nominee is
committing a breach of trust in requesting such registration or transfer, or
with the knowledge of such facts that its participation therein amounts to bad
faith.  This Warrant shall be transferable only on the books of the Company
upon delivery thereof duly endorsed by the Holder or by his duly authorized
attorney or representative, or accompanied by proper evidence of succession,
assignment, or authority to transfer.  In all cases of transfer by an attorney,
executor, administrator, guardian, or other legal representative, duly
authenticated evidence of his or its authority shall be produced.  Upon any
registration of transfer, the Company shall deliver a new Warrant or Warrants
to the person entitled thereto.  This Warrant may be exchanged, at the option
of the Holder thereof, for another Warrant, or other Warrants of different
denominations, of like tenor and representing in the aggregate the right to
purchase a like number of Warrant Shares (or portions thereof), upon surrender
to the Company or its duly authorized agent.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Company shall have no obligation to cause Warrants to be transferred on its
books to any person if, in the opinion of counsel to the Company, such transfer
does not comply with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Act"), and the rules and regulations thereunder.

                 5.  The Company shall at all times reserve and keep available
out of its authorized and unissued Common Stock, solely for the purpose of
providing for the exercise of the rights to purchase all Warrant Shares and/or
Conversion Shares granted pursuant to the Warrants, such number of shares of
Common Stock as shall, from time to time, be sufficient therefor.  The Company
covenants that all shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of this
Warrant, upon receipt by the Company of the full Exercise Price therefor, and
all shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of this Warrant, shall be
validly issued, fully paid, and nonassessable, without any personal liability
attaching to the ownership thereof, and will not be issued in violation of any
preemptive rights of stockholders, optionholders, warrantholders and any other
persons and the Holders will receive good title to the securities purchased by
them, respectively, free and clear of all liens, security interests, pledges,
charges, encumbrances, stockholders' agreements and voting trusts which might
be created by acts or omissions to act of the Company.

                 6. (a)  In case the Company shall at any time after the date
the Warrants were first issued (i) declare a dividend on the outstanding Common
Stock payable in shares of its capital stock,





                                      -3-
<PAGE>   35
(ii) subdivide the outstanding Common Stock, (iii) combine the outstanding
Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, or (iv) issue any shares of its
capital stock by reclassification of the Common Stock (including any such
reclassification in connection with a consolidation or merger in which the
Company is the continuing corporation), then, in each case, the Exercise Price,
and the number and kind of securities issuable upon exercise or conversion of
this Warrant, in effect at the time of the record date for such dividend or of
the effective date of such subdivision, combination, or reclassification, shall
be proportionately adjusted so that the Holder after such time shall be
entitled to receive the aggregate number and kind of shares which, if such
Warrant had been exercised or converted immediately prior to such time, he
would have owned upon such exercise or conversion and been entitled to receive
by virtue of such dividend, subdivision, combination, or reclassification.
Such adjustment shall be made successively whenever any event listed above
shall occur.

                 (b) In case the Company shall distribute to all holders of
Common Stock (including any such distribution made to the stockholders of the
Company in connection with a consolidation or merger in which the Company is
the continuing corporation) evidences of its indebtedness, cash (other than any
cash dividend which, together with any cash dividends paid within the 12 months
prior to the record date for such distribution, does not exceed 5% of the
Current Market Price at the record date for such distribution) or assets (other
than distributions and dividends payable in shares of Common Stock), or rights,
options, or warrants to subscribe for or purchase Common Stock, or securities
convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock, then, in each
case, the Exercise Price shall be adjusted by multiplying the Exercise Price in
effect immediately prior to the record date for the determination of
stockholders entitled to receive such distribution by a fraction, the numerator
of which shall be the Current Market Price per share of Common Stock on such
record date, less the fair market value (as determined in good faith by the
board of directors of the Company, whose determination shall be conclusive
absent manifest error) of the portion of the evidences of indebtedness or
assets so to be distributed, or of such rights, options, or warrants or
convertible or exchangeable securities, or the amount of such cash, applicable
to one share, and the denominator of which shall be such Current Market Price
per share of Common Stock.  Such adjustment shall be made whenever any such
distribution is made, and shall become effective on the record date for the
determination of stockholders entitled to receive such distribution.

                 (c)  For the purpose of any computation under this Section 6,
the Current Market Price per share of Common Stock on any date shall be deemed
to be the average of the daily closing prices for the 30 consecutive trading
days immediately preceding the date in question.  The closing price for each
day shall be the last reported sales price regular way or, in case no such
reported sale takes place on such day, the closing bid price regular way, in
either case on the principal national securities exchange (including, for
purposes hereof, the Nasdaq National Market) on which the Common Stock is
listed or admitted to trading or, if the Common Stock is not listed or admitted
to trading on any national securities exchange, the highest reported bid price
for the Common Stock as furnished by the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. through NASDAQ or a similar organization if NASDAQ is no longer
reporting such information.  If on any such date the Common Stock is not listed
or admitted to trading on any national securities exchange and is not quoted by
NASDAQ or any similar organization, the fair  value of a share of Common Stock
on such date, as





                                      -4-
<PAGE>   36
determined in good faith by the board of directors of the Company, whose
determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error, shall be used.

                 (d)  No adjustment in the Exercise Price shall be required if
such adjustment is less than $.05; provided, however, that any adjustments
which by reason of this Section 6 are not required to be made shall be carried
forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment.  All calculations
under this Section 6 shall be made to the nearest cent or to the nearest
one-thousandth of a share, as the case may be.

                 (e)  In any case in which this Section 6 shall require that an
adjustment in the Exercise Price be made effective as of a record date for a
specified event, the Company may elect to defer, until the occurrence of such
event, issuing to the Holder, if the Holder exercised or converted this Warrant
after such record date, the shares of Common Stock, if any, issuable upon such
exercise or conversion over and above the shares of Common Stock, if any,
issuable upon such exercise or conversion on the basis of the Exercise Price in
effect prior to such adjustment; provided, however, that the Company shall
deliver to the Holder a due bill or other appropriate instrument evidencing the
Holder's right to receive such additional shares upon the occurrence of the
event requiring such adjustment.

                 (f)  Upon each adjustment of the Exercise Price as a result of
the calculations made in this Section, this Warrant shall thereafter evidence
the right to purchase, at the adjusted Exercise Price, that number of shares
(calculated to the nearest thousandth) obtained by dividing (i) the product
obtained by multiplying the number of shares purchasable upon exercise of this
Warrant prior to adjustment of the number of shares by the Exercise Price in
effect prior to adjustment of the Exercise Price, by (ii) the Exercise Price in
effect after such adjustment of the Exercise Price.

                 (g)  Whenever there shall be an adjustment as provided in this
Section 6, the Company shall promptly cause written notice thereof to be sent
by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Holder, at its address as it shall
appear in the Warrant Register, which notice shall be accompanied by an
officer's certificate setting forth the number of Warrant Shares purchasable
upon the exercise of this Warrant and the Exercise Price after such adjustment
and setting forth a brief statement of the facts requiring such adjustment and
the computation thereof, which officer's certificate shall be conclusive
evidence of the correctness of any such adjustment absent manifest error.

                 (h)  The Company shall not be required to issue fractions of
shares of Common Stock or other capital stock of the Company upon the exercise
or conversion of this Warrant.  If any fraction of a share would be issuable on
the exercise or conversion of this Warrant (or specified portions thereof), the
Company shall purchase such fraction for an amount in cash equal to the same
fraction of the Current Market Price of such share of Common Stock on the date
of exercise or conversion of this Warrant.

                 7. (a)  In case of any consolidation with or merger of the
Company with or into another corporation (other than a merger or consolidation
in which the Company is the surviving or continuing corporation), or in case of
any sale, lease, or conveyance to another corporation of the property and
assets of any nature of the Company as an entirety or substantially as an
entirety, such successor, leasing, or purchasing corporation, as the case may
be, shall (i) execute with the Holder





                                      -5-
<PAGE>   37
an agreement providing that the Holder shall have the right thereafter to
receive upon exercise or conversion of this Warrant solely the kind and amount
of shares of stock and other securities, property, cash, or any combination
thereof receivable upon such consolidation, merger, sale, lease, or conveyance
by a holder of the number of shares of Common Stock for which this Warrant
might have been exercised or converted immediately prior to such consolidation,
merger, sale, lease, or conveyance, and (ii) make effective provision in its
certificate of incorporation or otherwise, if necessary, to effect such
agreement.  Such agreement shall provide for adjustments which shall be as
nearly equivalent as practicable to the adjustments in Section 6.

                 (b)  In case of any reclassification or change of the shares
of Common Stock issuable upon exercise or conversion of this Warrant (other
than a change in par value or from no par value to a specified par value, or as
a result of a subdivision or combination, but including any change in the
shares into two or more classes or series of shares), or in case of any
consolidation or merger of another corporation into the Company in which the
Company is the continuing corporation and in which there is a reclassification
or change (including a change to the right to receive cash or other property)
of the shares of Common Stock (other than a change in par value, or from no par
value to a specified par value, or as a result of a subdivision or combination,
but including any change in the shares into two or more classes or series of
shares), the Holder shall have the right thereafter to receive upon exercise or
conversion of this Warrant solely the kind and amount of shares of stock and
other securities, property, cash, or any combination thereof receivable upon
such reclassification, change, consolidation, or merger by a holder of the
number of shares of Common Stock for which this Warrant might have been
exercised or converted immediately prior to such reclassification, change,
consolidation, or merger.  Thereafter, appropriate provision shall be made for
adjustments which shall be as nearly equivalent as practicable to the
adjustments in Section 6.

                 (c)  The above provisions of this Section 7 shall similarly
apply to successive reclassifications and changes of shares of Common Stock and
to successive consolidations, mergers, sales, leases, or conveyances.

                 8.  In case at any time the Company shall propose

                          (a)  to pay any dividend or make any distribution on
         shares of Common Stock in shares of Common Stock or make any other
         distribution (other than regularly scheduled cash dividends which are
         not in a greater amount per share than the most recent such cash
         dividend) to all holders of Common Stock; or

                          (b)   to issue any rights, warrants, or other
         securities to all holders of Common Stock entitling them to purchase
         any additional shares of Common Stock or any other rights, warrants,
         or other securities; or

                          (c)   to effect any reclassification or change of
         outstanding shares of Common Stock, or any consolidation, merger,
         sale, lease, or conveyance of property, described in Section 7; or

                          (d)   to effect any liquidation, dissolution, or
         winding-up of the Company; or





                                      -6-
<PAGE>   38
                          (e)   to take any other action which would cause an
         adjustment to the Exercise Price;

then, and in any one or more of such cases, the Company shall give written
notice thereof, by registered mail, postage prepaid, to the Holder at the
Holder's address as it shall appear in the Warrant Register, mailed at least 15
days prior to (i) the date as of which the holders of record of shares of
Common Stock to be entitled to receive any such dividend, distribution, rights,
warrants, or other securities are to be determined, (ii) the date on which any
such reclassification, change of outstanding shares of Common Stock,
consolidation, merger, sale, lease, conveyance of property, liquidation,
dissolution, or winding-up is expected to become effective, and the date as of
which it is expected that holders of record of shares of Common Stock shall be
entitled to exchange their shares for securities or other property, if any,
deliverable upon such reclassification, change of outstanding shares,
consolidation, merger, sale, lease, conveyance of property, liquidation,
dissolution, or winding-up, or (iii) the date of such action which would
require an adjustment to the Exercise Price.

                 9.  The issuance of any shares or other securities upon the
exercise or conversion of this Warrant, and the delivery of certificates or
other instruments representing such shares or other securities, shall be made
without charge to the Holder for any tax or other charge in respect of such
issuance.  The Company shall not, however, be required to pay any tax which may
be payable in respect of any transfer involved in the issue and delivery of any
certificate in a name other than that of the Holder and the Company shall not
be required to issue or deliver any such certificate unless and until the
person or persons requesting the issue thereof shall have paid to the Company
the amount of such tax or shall have established to the satisfaction of the
Company that such tax has been paid.

                 10. (a)  If, at any time during the three-year period
commencing upon the effective date of the Offering, the Company shall file a
registration statement (other than on Form S-8 or any successor form) with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") while any Underwriters'
Securities (as hereinafter defined) are outstanding, the Company shall give all
the then holders of any Underwriters' Securities (the "Eligible Holders") at
least 30 days prior written notice of the filing of such registration
statement.  If requested by any Eligible Holder in writing within 20 days after
receipt of any such notice, the Company shall, at the Company's sole expense
(other than the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Eligible Holders and
the underwriting discounts, if any, payable in respect of the Underwriters'
Securities sold by any Eligible Holder), register or qualify all or, at each
Eligible Holder's option, any portion of the Underwriters' Securities of any
Eligible Holders who shall have made such request, concurrently with the
registration of such other securities, all to the extent requisite to permit
the public offering and sale of the Underwriters' Securities through the
facilities of all appropriate securities exchanges and the over-the-counter
market, and will use its best efforts through its officers, directors,
auditors, and counsel to cause such registration statement to become effective
as promptly as  practicable.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the managing
underwriter of any such offering shall advise the Company in writing that, in
its opinion, the distribution of all or a portion of the Underwriters'
Securities requested to be included in the registration concurrently with the
securities being registered by the Company would materially adversely affect
the distribution of such securities by the Company for its own account, then
any Eligible Holder who shall have requested registration of his or its
Underwriters' Securities





                                      -7-
<PAGE>   39
shall delay the offering and sale of such Underwriters' Securities (or the
portions thereof so designated by such managing underwriter) for such period,
not to exceed 90 days (the "Delay Period"), as the managing underwriter shall
request, provided that no such delay shall be required as to any Underwriters'
Securities if any securities of the Company are included in such registration
statement and eligible for sale during the Delay Period for the account of any
person other than the Company and any Eligible Holder unless the securities
included in such registration statement and eligible for sale during the Delay
Period for such other person shall have been reduced pro rata to the reduction
of the Underwriters' Securities which were requested to be included and
eligible for sale during the Delay Period in such registration.  As used
herein, "Underwriters' Securities" shall mean the Warrants and the Warrant
Shares and the Conversion Shares which, in each case, have not been previously
sold pursuant to a registration statement or Rule 144 promulgated under the
Act.

                 (b)  If, at any time during the two-year period commencing
[one year after the effective date], the Company shall receive a written
request, from Eligible Holders who in the aggregate own (or upon exercise of
all Warrants then outstanding would own) a majority of the total number of
shares of Common Stock then included (or upon such exercise would be included)
in the Underwriters' Securities (the "Majority Holders"), to register the sale
of all or part of such Underwriters' Securities, the Company shall, as promptly
as practicable, prepare and file with the Commission a registration statement
sufficient to permit the public offering and sale of the Underwriters'
Securities through the facilities of all appropriate securities exchanges and
the over-the-counter market, and will use its best efforts through its
officers, directors, auditors, and counsel to cause such registration statement
to become effective as promptly as practicable; provided, however, that the
Company shall only be obligated to file one such registration statement for
which all expenses incurred in connection with such registration (other than
the fees and disbursements of counsel for the Eligible Holders and underwriting
discounts, if any, payable in respect of the Underwriters' Securities sold by
the Eligible Holders) shall be borne by the Company and one additional such
registration statement for which all such expenses shall  be paid by the
Eligible Holders.  Within three business days after receiving any request
contemplated by this Section 10(b), the Company shall give written notice to
all the other Eligible Holders, advising each of them that the Company is
proceeding with such registration and offering to include therein all or any
portion of any such other Eligible Holder's Underwriters' Securities, provided
that the Company receives a written request to do so from such Eligible Holder
within 20 days after receipt by him or it of the Company's notice.

                 (c)  In the event of a registration pursuant to the provisions
of this Section 10, the Company shall use its best efforts to cause the
Underwriters' Securities so registered to be registered or qualified for sale
under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Holder or
such holders may reasonably request; provided, however, that the Company shall
not for any such purpose be required to (A) qualify generally to do business as
a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction wherein it is not otherwise required
to be so qualified, (B) subject itself to taxation in any jurisdiction wherein
it is not so subject or (C) consent to general service of process in any such
jurisdiction or otherwise take action that would subject it to the general
jurisdiction of the courts of any jurisdiction to which it is not so subject.

                 (d)  The Company shall keep effective any registration or
qualification contemplated by this Section 10 and shall from time to time amend
or supplement each applicable registration





                                      -8-
<PAGE>   40
statement, preliminary prospectus, final prospectus, application, document, and
communication for such period of time as shall be required to permit the
Eligible Holders to complete the offer and sale of the Underwriters' Securities
covered thereby.  The Company shall in no event be required to keep any such
registration or qualification in effect for a period in excess of nine months
from the date on which the Eligible Holders are first free to sell such
Underwriters' Securities.

                 (e)  In the event of a registration pursuant to the provisions
of this Section 10, the Company shall furnish to each Eligible Holder such
number of copies of the registration statement and of each amendment and
supplement thereto (in each case, including all exhibits), such  reasonable
number of copies of each prospectus contained in such registration statement
and each supplement or amendment thereto (including each preliminary
prospectus), all of which shall conform to the requirements of the Act and the
rules and regulations thereunder, and such other documents, as any Eligible
Holder may reasonably request to facilitate the disposition of the
Underwriters' Securities included in such registration.

                 (f)  In the event of a registration pursuant to the provisions
of this Section 10, the Company shall furnish each Eligible Holder of any
Underwriters' Securities so registered with an opinion of its counsel
(reasonably acceptable to the Eligible Holders) to the effect that (i) the
registration statement has become effective under the Act and no order
suspending the effectiveness of the registration statement, preventing or
suspending the use of the registration statement, any preliminary prospectus,
any final prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto has been issued,
nor has the Commission or any securities or blue sky authority of any
jurisdiction instituted or threatened to institute any proceedings with respect
to such an order, (ii) the registration statement and each prospectus forming a
part thereof (including each preliminary prospectus), and any amendment or
supplement thereto, complies as to form with the Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder, and (iii) such counsel has no knowledge of any material
misstatement or omission in such registration statement or any prospectus, as
amended or supplemented.  Such opinion shall also state the jurisdictions in
which the Underwriters' Securities have been registered or qualified for sale
pursuant to the provisions of Section 10(c).

                 (g)  In the event of a registration pursuant to the provision
of this Section 10, the Company shall enter into a cross-indemnity agreement
and a contribution agreement, each in customary form, with each underwriter, if
any, and, if requested, enter into an underwriting agreement containing
conventional representations, warranties, allocation of expenses, and customary
closing conditions, including, but not limited to, opinions of counsel and
accountants' cold comfort letters, with any underwriter who acquires any
Underwriters' Securities.

                 (h)  The Company agrees that until all the Underwriters'
Securities have been sold under a registration statement or pursuant to Rule
144 under the Act, it shall keep current in filing all reports, statements and
other materials required to be filed with the Commission to permit  holders of
the Underwriters' Securities to sell such securities under Rule 144.

                 11.  (a) Subject to the conditions set forth below, the
Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each Eligible Holder, its
officers, directors, partners, employees, agents, and counsel, and each person,
if any, who controls any such person within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Act or Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
"Exchange Act"),





                                      -9-
<PAGE>   41
from and against any and all loss, liability, charge, claim, damage, and
expense whatsoever (which shall include, for all purposes of this Section 11,
but not be limited to, reasonable attorneys' fees and any and all reasonable
expense whatsoever incurred in investigating, preparing, or defending against
any litigation, commenced or threatened, or any claim whatsoever, and any and
all amounts paid in settlement of any claim or litigation), as and when
incurred, arising out of, based upon, or in connection with (i) any untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained (A) in any
registration statement, preliminary prospectus, or final prospectus (as from
time to time amended and supplemented), or any amendment or supplement thereto,
relating to the sale of any of the Underwriters' Securities, or (B) in any
application or other document or communication (in this Section 11 collectively
called an "application") executed by or on behalf of the Company or based upon
written information furnished by or on behalf of the Company filed in any
jurisdiction in order to register or qualify any of the Underwriters'
Securities under the securities or blue sky laws thereof or filed with the
Commission or any securities exchange; or any omission or alleged omission to
state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein not misleading, unless such statement or omission was made
in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
Company with respect to such Eligible Holder by or on behalf of such person
expressly for inclusion in any registration statement, preliminary prospectus,
or final prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or in any
application, as the case may be, or (ii) any breach of any representation,
warranty, covenant, or agreement of the Company contained in this Warrant.  The
foregoing agreement to indemnify shall be in addition to any liability the
Company may otherwise have, including liabilities arising under this Warrant.

                 If any action is brought against any Eligible Holder or any of
its officers, directors, partners, employees, agents, or counsel, or any
controlling persons of such person (an "indemnified party") in respect of which
indemnity may be sought against the Company pursuant to the foregoing
paragraph, such indemnified party or parties shall promptly notify the Company
in writing of the institution of such action (but the failure so to notify
shall not relieve the Company from any liability pursuant to this Section 11(a)
and the Company shall promptly assume the defense of such action, including the
employment of counsel (reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party or
parties) and payment of expenses.  Such indemnified party or parties shall have
the right to employ its or their own counsel in any such case, but the fees and
expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified party or
parties unless the employment of such counsel shall have been authorized in
writing by the Company in connection with the defense of such action or the
Company shall not have promptly employed counsel reasonably satisfactory to
such indemnified party or parties to have charge of the defense of such action
or such indemnified party or parties shall have reasonably concluded that there
may be a conflict of interest between the indemnified party or parties and the
Company in the conduct of the defense of such action in any of which events
such fees and expenses shall be borne by the Company and the Company shall not
have the right to direct the defense of such action on behalf of the
indemnified party or parties.  Anything in this Section 11 to the contrary
notwithstanding, the Company shall not be liable for any settlement of any such
claim or action effected without its written consent, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld.  The Company shall not, without the prior written
consent of each indemnified party that is not released as described in this
sentence, settle or compromise any action, or permit a default or consent to
the entry of judgment in or otherwise seek to terminate any pending or
threatened action, in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder
(whether or not any indemnified party is a party thereto), unless such
settlement, compromise, consent, or termination includes an unconditional
release of





                                      -10-
<PAGE>   42
each indemnified party from all liability in respect of such action.  The
Company agrees promptly to notify the Eligible Holders of the commencement of
any litigation or proceedings against the Company or any of its officers or
directors in connection with the sale of any Underwriters' Securities or any
preliminary prospectus, prospectus, registration statement, or amendment or
supplement thereto, or any application relating to any sale of any
Underwriters' Securities.


                 (b)  The Holder agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the
Company, each director of the Company, each officer of the Company who shall
have signed any registration statement covering Underwriters' Securities held
by the Holder, each other person, if any, who controls the Company within the
meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, and its
or their respective counsel, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from
the Company to the Holder in Section 11(a), but only with respect to statements
or omissions, if any, made in any registration statement, preliminary
prospectus, or final prospectus (as from time to time amended and
supplemented), or any amendment or supplement thereto, or in any application,
in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the
Company with respect to the Holder by or on behalf of the Holder expressly for
inclusion in any such registration statement, preliminary prospectus, or final
prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or in any application, as
the case may be.  If any action shall be brought against the Company or any
other person so indemnified based on any such registration statement,
preliminary prospectus, or final prospectus, or any amendment or supplement
thereto, or in any application, and in respect of which indemnity may be sought
against the Holder pursuant to this Section 11(b), the Holder shall have the
rights and duties given to the Company, and the Company and each other person
so indemnified shall have the rights and duties given to the indemnified
parties, by the provisions of Section 11(a).

                 (c)  To provide for just and equitable contribution, if (i) an
indemnified party makes a claim for indemnification pursuant to Section 11(a)
or 11(b) (subject to the limitations thereof) but it is found in a final
judicial determination, not subject to further appeal, that such
indemnification may not be enforced in such case, even though this Agreement
expressly provides for indemnification in such case, or (ii) any indemnified or
indemnifying party seeks contribution under the Act, the Exchange Act or
otherwise, then the Company (including for this purpose any contribution made
by or on behalf of any director of the Company, any  officer of the Company who
signed any such registration statement, any controlling person of the Company,
and its or their respective counsel), as one entity, and the Eligible Holders
of the Underwriters' Securities included in such registration in the aggregate
(including for this purpose any contribution by or on behalf of an indemnified
party), as a second entity, shall contribute to the losses, liabilities,
claims, damages, and expenses whatsoever to which any of them may be subject,
on the basis of relevant equitable considerations such as the relative fault of
the Company and such Eligible Holders in connection with the facts which
resulted in such losses, liabilities, claims, damages, and expenses.  The
relative fault, in the case of an untrue statement, alleged untrue statement,
omission, or alleged omission, shall be determined by, among other things,
whether such statement, alleged statement, omission, or alleged omission
relates to information supplied by the Company or by such Eligible Holders, and
the parties' relative intent, knowledge, access to information, and opportunity
to correct or prevent such statement, alleged statement, omission, or alleged
omission.  The Company and the Holder agree that it would be unjust and
inequitable if the respective obligations of the Company and the Eligible
Holders for contribution were determined by pro rata or per capita allocation
of the aggregate losses, liabilities, claims, damages, and expenses (even if
the Holder and the other indemnified parties were





                                      -11-
<PAGE>   43
treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of allocation
that does not reflect the equitable considerations referred to in this Section
11(c).  In no case shall any Eligible Holder be responsible for a portion of
the contribution obligation imposed on all Eligible Holders in excess of its
pro rata share based on the number of shares of Common Stock owned (or which
would be owned upon exercise of all Underwriters' Securities) by it and
included in such registration as compared to the number of shares of Common
Stock owned (or which would be owned upon exercise of all Underwriters'
Securities) by all Eligible Holders and included in such registration.  No
person guilty of a fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section
11(f) of the Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who is not
guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.  For purposes of this Section
11(c), each person, if any, who controls any Eligible Holder within the meaning
of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act and each officer,
director, partner, employee, agent, and counsel of each such Eligible Holder or
control person shall have the same rights to contribution as such Eligible
Holder or control person and each person, if any, who controls the Company
within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange
Act, each officer of the  Company who shall have signed any such registration
statement, each director of the Company, and its or their respective counsel
shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company, subject in each case
to the provisions of this Section 11(c).  Anything in this Section 11(c) to the
contrary notwithstanding, no party shall be liable for contribution with
respect to the settlement of any claim or action effected without its written
consent.  This Section 11(c) is intended to supersede any right to contribution
under the Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise.

                 12.  Unless registered pursuant to the provisions of Section
10 hereof, the Warrant Shares or Conversion Shares issued upon exercise or
conversion of the Warrants shall be subject to a stop transfer order and the
certificate or certificates evidencing such Warrant Shares shall bear the
following legend:

                 "THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN
         REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE
         "SECURITIES ACT"), OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS AND, UNLESS SO
         REGISTERED, MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION
         FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION
         REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT AND APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES
         LAWS."

                 13.  Upon receipt of evidence satisfactory to the Company of
the loss, theft, destruction, or mutilation of any Warrant (and upon surrender
of any Warrant if mutilated), and upon reimbursement of the Company's
reasonable incidental expenses, the Company shall execute and deliver to the
Holder thereof a new Warrant of like date, tenor, and denomination.

                 14.  The Holder of any Warrant shall not have, solely on
account of such status, any rights of a stockholder of the Company, either at
law or in equity, or to any notice of meetings of stockholders or of any other
proceedings of the Company, except as provided in this Warrant.

                 15.  This Warrant shall be construed in accordance with the
laws of the State of New York applicable to contracts made and performed within
such State, without regard to principles of conflicts of law.





                                      -12-
<PAGE>   44
Dated:           , 1996
                                        MALLON RESOURCES CORPORATION


                                        By:  
                                             -------------------------------
                                                   George O. Mallon, Jr.


[Seal]



- ------------------------------
Secretary





                                      -13-
<PAGE>   45
                               FORM OF ASSIGNMENT


(To be executed by the registered holder if such holder desires to transfer the
attached Warrant.)

                 FOR VALUE RECEIVED, _________________________________________
hereby sells, assigns, and transfers unto __________________ a Warrant to
purchase __________ shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of
Mallon Resources Corporation (the "Company"), together with all right, title,
and interest therein, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint
______________________________________ attorney to transfer such Warrant on the
books of the Company, with full power of substitution.

Dated: 
       ---------------------------


                                  Signature
                                           ---------------------------



                                     NOTICE


         The signature on the foregoing Assignment must correspond to the name
as written upon the face of this Warrant in every particular, without
alteration or enlargement or any change whatsoever.





                                      -14-
<PAGE>   46
To:      Mallon Resources Corporation
         999 18th Street, Suite 1700
         Denver, Colorado  80202

                              ELECTION TO EXERCISE


         The undersigned hereby exercises his or its rights to purchase _______
Warrant Shares covered by the within Warrant and tenders payment herewith in
the amount of $_________ in accordance with the terms thereof, and requests
that certificates for such securities be issued in the name of, and delivered
to:

- --------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------
                    (Print Name, Address and Social Security
                         or Tax Identification Number)

and, if such number of Warrant Shares shall not be all the Warrant Shares
covered by the within Warrant, that a new Warrant for the balance of the
Warrant Shares covered by the within Warrant be registered in the name of, and
delivered to, the undersigned at the address stated below.


Dated:                                     Name                         
       ---------------------------             ------------------------
                                                      (Print)

Address:
        --------------------------



                                        ---------------------------
                                                (Signature)





                                      -15-
<PAGE>   47
To:      Mallon Resources Corporation
         999 18th Street, Suite 1700
         Denver, Colorado  80202





                             CASHLESS EXERCISE FORM
            (To be executed upon conversion of the attached Warrant)


         The undersigned hereby irrevocably elects to surrender its Warrant for
the number of shares of Common Stock as shall be issuable pursuant to the
cashless exercise provisions of the within Warrant, in respect of _____ shares
of Common Stock underlying the within Warrant, and requests that certificates
for such securities be issued in the name of and delivered to:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          (Print Name, Address and Social Security
                                 or Tax Identification Number)

and, if such number of shares shall not be all the shares exchangeable or
purchasable under the within Warrant, that a new Warrant for the balance of the
Warrant Shares covered by the within Warrant be registered in the name of, and
delivered to, the undersigned at the addressed stated below.

Dated:                                     Name                         
       ---------------------------             ------------------------
                                                      (Print)

Address:
        -----------------------------------------------------



                                        ---------------------------
                                                (Signature)





                                      -16-

<PAGE>   1
 
                                  EXHIBIT 5.1
 
   
                               September 17, 1996
    
 
Mallon Resources Corporation
999 18th Street, Suite 1700
Denver, CO 80202
 
     Re: Form S-2 Registration Statement
 
Gentlemen:
 
     This firm has acted as counsel to Mallon Resources Corporation (the
"Company") in connection with the preparation and filing of its registration
statement on Form S-2 (the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, covering the sale of an aggregate of 2,070,000 shares of the
Company's common stock, $.01 par value (the "Common Stock").
 
     We have examined the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation and
Bylaws and the record of its corporate proceedings with respect to the
Registration Statement and have made such other investigations as we have deemed
necessary in order to express the following opinion.
 
     Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Common Stock, when
sold and delivered as contemplated by the Registration Statement, will be
legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
 
     We hereby consent to all references to this firm in the Registration
Statement and all amendments to the Registration Statement. We further consent
to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.
 
                                            Very truly yours,
 
   
                                            HOLME ROBERTS & OWEN LLP
    
 
                                            By  /s/  THOMAS A. RICHARDSON
                                            ------------------------------------
   
                                                    Thomas A. Richardson
    

<PAGE>   1
 
                                  EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
     We hereby consent to the use in the Prospectus constituting part of this
Registration Statement on Form S-2 of our report dated April 12, 1996, except as
to the reverse stock split described in Note 1 which is as of September 9, 1996,
relating to the financial statements of Mallon Resources Corporation, which
appears in such Prospectus. We also consent to the reference to us under the
heading "Experts" in such Prospectus.
    
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
   
September 19, 1996
    

<PAGE>   1
 
                                  EXHIBIT 23.3
 
                             [GEOQUEST LETTERHEAD]
 
                                    CONSENT
 
     We hereby consent to all references to this Company in the Registration
Statement on Form S-2 covering the sale of Mallon Resources Corporation common
stock and all amendments to the Registration Statement.
 
                                          GEOQUEST RESERVOIR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
 
   
                                          By /s/ DANIEL D. DOMERACKI
    
                                             ---------------------------------
   
                                             Name: Daniel D. Domeracki
    
   
                                            Title: Vice President,
                                             Operations -- The Americas
    
   
                                            Reservoir Technologies
    
 
   
September 17, 1996
    


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