17thNovember 2021
Pantheon Resources plc
Short term draw down facility to secure essential equipment forAlaskadrilling season
Pantheon Resources plc ("Pantheon" or "the Company"), the AIM-quoted oil and gas company with a 100% working interest in a number of oil projects spanning c. 153,000 acres immediately adjacent to transportation and pipeline infrastructure on the Alaska North Slope, announces it has entered into a short term draw down facility ofUS$1.5 millionwith an existing shareholder (the "Short Term Facility").
Background to the Short Term Facility
As announced previously, Pantheon must complete either a farmout or funding in Q4 2021 to have sufficient resources for the anticipated winter 2021/2022 drilling and testing campaign and for ongoing working capital. The Company is actively engaged in negotiations for a potential farmout, as well as other options to ensure Pantheon is funded for these operations. The Company is optimistic about completing its financing objectives this quarter, in line with guidance. Naturally, there can be no guarantees of a successful outcome.
In the interim, to minimise the potential for disruption or delay to the anticipated operations, Pantheon has entered into the Short Term Facility. The facility will enable the Company to make certain prepayments to suppliers and contractors for future equipment, goods and services relating to the intended winter programme on its Alaska North Slope project(s) early enough to minimise the risk of supply chain disruption. The Short Term Facility is for a maximum ofUS$1.5 million, is unsecured, carries an interest rate of 10% per annum on amounts drawn down, and can be repaid in full at any time at the Company's election.
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on global supply chains is a well-documented phenomenon which has affected many industries globally, including the oil and gas sector. As a result, the lead times for the equipment and consumables required for the winter drilling season inAlaskahave lengthened over the last 12 months. It is important that key equipment and materials can be ordered soon to minimise the potential for supply chain disruption to drilling operations.
Upcoming winter drilling campaign
The Company plans, subject to funding, an active work programme to test all untested zones of the Talitha #A well and to drill at least one other well at either Alkaid or Theta West.
The necessary permitting applications have been submitted to the Alaskan authorities in good time and the Company has lined up the contractors and supplies required to complete the operational programme in its entirety. The Board is pleased to confirm that it has, subject to funding, secured the services of the Nordic-Calista No.3 rig and crew, as previously used for the drilling and testing of Talitha #A well.
In parallel, the Company has continued its technical work to further increase our understanding of the assets ahead of the drilling campaign.
Jay Cheatham, CEO ofPantheon Resources, stated:
"In line with our previous guidance, we are working to complete our financing this quarter for our forthcoming winter programme. This Facility is a precaution against short term supply issues by ensuring we are prepared as possible for drilling and testing in the New Year. As always, we must caution that there can be no guarantees until a financing deal is signed.
I would also like to add that this past week, we have entered the MSCI Global Small Cap Index."
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