Range advises that it has been informed by the Operator (Aceh Timur Kawai Energi) of an incident at
the Perlak oilfield in Indonesia. From initial reports, the incident was caused by illegal drilling operations
of a new well undertaken by local residents which has caused a blowout and fire and sadly resulted in
multiple fatalities and injuries.
Various local and national agencies (including Pertamina, local government and fire service) have been
working to extinguish the fire and to assist the local community. The incident highlights the risks
associated with illegal drilling and a full investigation will be undertaken by the appropriate authorities.
Through its equity shareholding in PT Hengtai Weiye Oil & Gas, Range has a 23% indirect non-operated
interest in the Perlak field. Range confirms that neither the Company nor the Operator had any
involvement with operations at the affected well. The Operator was intending to commence well
reopening work during the current quarter however this was still pending final approvals and as yet, the
Operator has not undertaken any on-site operational activity at the field. The initial well scheduled for
reopening is located approximately 5km away from the location of this affected well. At this stage Range
cannot definitively confirm if its planned operations at the Perlak field will be affected by this event.
Range is deeply saddened by the incident and expresses condolences to the families of those who have
been affected by this tragic incident. Range and the Operator are fully cooperating with Pertamina on
this matter, and will continue to provide further updates to the shareholders as appropriate.
RRS Price at posting:
0.4¢ Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held
