Attached files

file filename
10-K - FORM 10-K FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010 - GeoMet, Inc.d10k.htm
EX-32 - SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF CEO AND CFO - GeoMet, Inc.dex32.htm
EX-21.1 - LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES OF GEOMET, INC. - GeoMet, Inc.dex211.htm
EX-31.2 - SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF CFO - GeoMet, Inc.dex312.htm
EX-31.1 - SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF CEO - GeoMet, Inc.dex311.htm
EX-23.2 - CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM ENGINEERS DEGOLYER AND MACNAUGHTON. - GeoMet, Inc.dex232.htm
EX-23.1 - CONSENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP. - GeoMet, Inc.dex231.htm

Exhibit 99.1

DeGolyer and MacNaughton

5001 Spring Valley Road

Suite 800 East

Dallas, Texas 75244

February 15, 2011

GeoMet, Inc.

909 Fannin, Suite 1850

Houston, Texas 77010

Gentlemen:

Pursuant to your request, we have prepared estimates of the extent and value of the net proved natural gas reserves, as of December 31, 2010, of certain coal bed methane properties owned by GeoMet, Inc. (GeoMet). This evaluation was completed on February 15, 2011. The properties appraised consist of working and royalty interests located in the states of Alabama, Virginia, and West Virginia. GeoMet has represented that these properties account for 100 percent of proved reserves as of December 31, 2010. The net proved reserves estimates prepared by us have been prepared in accordance with the reserves definitions of Rules 4–10(a) (1)–(32) of Regulation S–X of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the United States.

Reserves included herein are expressed as net reserves. Gross reserves are defined as the total estimated hydrocarbon to be produced from these properties after December 31, 2010. Net reserves are defined as that portion of the gross reserves attributable to the interests owned by GeoMet after deducting all royalties and interests owned by others. Gas volumes shown herein are sales-gas volumes and are expressed at a temperature base of 60 degrees Fahrenheit and at the legal pressure base of the state in which the interest is located.

Values of proved reserves shown herein are expressed in terms of estimated future gross revenue, future net revenue, and present worth of future net revenue. Future gross revenue is that revenue which will accrue to the appraised interests from the production and sale of the estimated net reserves. Future net revenue is calculated by deducting estimated production taxes, ad valorem taxes, and operating expenses, and capital costs from the future gross revenue. Operating expenses include field operating expenses, transportation expenses, compression charges, and an allocation of overhead that directly relates to production activities. Future income tax expenses were not taken into account in the preparation of these estimates. Present worth is defined as future net revenue discounted at 10 percent compounded monthly over the expected period of realization.

Estimates of natural gas reserves and future net revenue should be regarded only as estimates that may change as further production history and additional information become available. Not only are such reserves estimates based on that information which is currently available, but such estimates are also subject to the uncertainties inherent in the application of judgmental factors in interpreting such information.

Data used in this report were obtained from GeoMet, from records on file with the appropriate regulatory agencies, and from public sources. In the preparation of this report we have relied, without independent verification, upon such information furnished by GeoMet with respect to property interests appraised, production from such properties, current costs of operation and development, current prices for production, agreements relating to current and future operations and sale of production, and various other information and data that were accepted as represented. It was not considered necessary to make a field examination of the physical condition and operation of the properties.


DeGolyer and MacNaughton   2

 

Methodology and Procedures

Estimates of reserves were prepared by the use of appropriate geologic, petroleum engineering, and evaluation principals and techniques that are in accordance with practices generally recognized by the petroleum industry as presented in the publication of the Society of Petroleum Engineers entitled “Standards Pertaining to the Estimating and Auditing of Oil and Gas Reserves Information (Revision as of February 19, 2007).” The method or combination of methods used in the analysis of each reservoir was tempered by experience with similar reservoirs, stage of development, quality and completeness of basic data, and production history.

When applicable, the volumetric method was used to estimate the original gas in place (OGIP). Structure and isopach maps were constructed to estimate reservoir volume. Electrical logs, radioactivity logs, core analyses, and other available data were used to prepare these maps as well as to estimate representative values for porosity and water saturation. When adequate data were available and when circumstances justified, material balance and other engineering methods were used to estimate OGIP.

Estimates of ultimate recovery were obtained after applying recovery factors to OGIP. These recovery factors were based on consideration of the type of energy inherent in the reservoirs, analyses of the hydrocarbon, the structural positions of the properties, and the production histories. When applicable, material balance and other engineering methods were used to estimate recovery factors. An analysis of reservoir performance, including production rate, reservoir pressure, and gas-water ratio behavior, was used in the estimation of reserves.

For depletion-type reservoirs or those whose performance disclosed a reliable decline in producing-rate trends or other diagnostic characteristics, reserves were estimated by the application of appropriate decline curves or other performance relationships. In the analyses of production-decline curves, reserves were estimated only to the limits of economic production or to the limit of the production licenses as appropriate.

Definition of Reserves

Petroleum reserves estimated by us included in this report are classified as proved. Only proved reserves have been evaluated for this report. Reserves classifications used by us in this report are in accordance with the reserves definitions of Rules 4–10(a) (1)–(32) of Regulation S–X of the SEC. Reserves are judged to be economically producible in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions and assuming continuation of current regulatory practices using conventional production methods and equipment. In the analyses of production-decline curves, reserves were estimated only to the limit of economic rates of production under existing economic and operating conditions using prices and costs consistent with the effective date of this report, including consideration of changes in existing prices provided only by contractual arrangements but not including escalations based upon future conditions. The petroleum reserves are classified as follows:

Proved oil and gas reserves – Proved oil and gas reserves are those quantities of oil and gas, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated with reasonable certainty to be economically producible—from a given date forward, from known reservoirs, and under existing economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations—prior to the time at which contracts providing the right to operate expire, unless evidence indicates that renewal is reasonably certain, regardless of whether deterministic or probabilistic methods are used for the estimation. The project to extract the hydrocarbons must have commenced or the operator must be reasonably certain that it will commence the project within a reasonable time.

(i) The area of the reservoir considered as proved includes:

(A) The area identified by drilling and limited by fluid contacts, if any, and (B) Adjacent undrilled portions of the reservoir that can, with reasonable certainty, be judged to be continuous with it and to contain economically producible oil or gas on the basis of available geoscience and engineering data.

 


DeGolyer and MacNaughton   3

 

(ii) In the absence of data on fluid contacts, proved quantities in a reservoir are limited by the lowest known hydrocarbons (LKH) as seen in a well penetration unless geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establishes a lower contact with reasonable certainty.

(iii) Where direct observation from well penetrations has defined a highest known oil (HKO) elevation and the potential exists for an associated gas cap, proved oil reserves may be assigned in the structurally higher portions of the reservoir only if geoscience, engineering, or performance data and reliable technology establish the higher contact with reasonable certainty.

(iv) Reserves which can be produced economically through application of improved recovery techniques (including, but not limited to, fluid injection) are included in the proved classification when:

(A) Successful testing by a pilot project in an area of the reservoir with properties no more favorable than in the reservoir as a whole, the operation of an installed program in the reservoir or an analogous reservoir, or other evidence using reliable technology establishes the reasonable certainty of the engineering analysis on which the project or program was based; and (B) The project has been approved for development by all necessary parties and entities, including governmental entities.

(v) Existing economic conditions include prices and costs at which economic producibility from a reservoir is to be determined. The price shall be the average price during the 12-month period prior to the ending date of the period covered by the report, determined as an unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within such period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements, excluding escalations based upon future conditions.

Developed oil and gas reserves – Developed oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category that can be expected to be recovered:

(i) Through existing wells with existing equipment and operating methods or in which the cost of the required equipment is relatively minor compared to the cost of a new well; and

(ii) Through installed extraction equipment and infrastructure operational at the time of the reserves estimate if the extraction is by means not involving a well.

Undeveloped oil and gas reserves – Undeveloped oil and gas reserves are reserves of any category 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.

(i) Reserves on undrilled acreage shall be limited to those directly offsetting development spacing areas that are reasonably certain of production when drilled, unless evidence using reliable technology exists that establishes reasonable certainty of economic producibility at greater distances.

(ii) Undrilled locations can be classified as having undeveloped reserves only if a development plan has been adopted indicating that they are scheduled to be drilled within five years, unless the specific circumstances justify a longer time.

(iii) Under no circumstances shall estimates for undeveloped reserves be attributable to any acreage for which an application of fluid injection or other improved recovery technique is contemplated, unless such techniques have been proved effective by actual projects in the same reservoir or an analogous reservoir, as defined in [section 210.4–10 (a) Definitions], or by other evidence using reliable technology establishing reasonable certainty.

The development status shown herein represents the status applicable on December 31, 2010. In the preparation of this study, data available from wells drilled on the appraised properties through December 31, 2010, were used in estimating gross ultimate recovery. When applicable, gross production estimated to December 31, 2010, was deducted from gross ultimate recovery to arrive at the estimates of gross reserves as of December 31, 2010. Production data through December 2010 were available for most properties.

 


DeGolyer and MacNaughton   4

 

Primary Economic Assumptions

Revenue values in this report were estimated using the initial prices and costs specified by GeoMet. Future prices were estimated using guidelines established by the SEC and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). The prices used in this report are based on SEC guidelines. The assumptions used for estimating future prices and expenses are as follows:

Natural Gas Prices

GeoMet has represented that the natural gas prices were based on a reference price, calculated as the unweighted arithmetic average of the first-day-of-the-month price for each month within the 12-month period prior to the end of the reporting period, unless prices are defined by contractual arrangements. The gas prices were calculated for each field using differentials and British thermal unit factors to the Henry Hub reference price of $4.376 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) furnished by GeoMet and held constant thereafter. The volume weighted average price over the lives of the properties in the White Oak Creek Extension field is $4.492 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf). The volume weighted average price over the lives of the properties in the Gurnee field is $4.465 per Mcf. The volume weighted average price over the lives of the properties in the Pond Creek field is $4.508 per Mcf. The volume weighted average price over the lives of the properties in the Lasher field is $4.486 per Mcf.

Operating Expenses and Capital Costs

Estimates of operating expenses and capital costs based on current costs were used for the lives of the properties with no increases in the future based on inflation. In certain cases, future costs, either higher or lower than current costs, may have been used because of anticipated changes in operating conditions. Future capital expenditures were estimated using expected 2011 values and were not adjusted for inflation.

Summary and Conclusions

The estimates of net proved reserves attributable to GeoMet from the properties appraised, as of December 31, 2010, are summarized as follows, expressed in millions of cubic feet (MMcf):

 

     Net
Sales-Gas
Reserves

(MMcf)
 

Proved

  

Developed Producing

     149,806   

Developed Nonproducing

     13,512   
        

Total Developed

     163,318   

Undeveloped

     52,621   

Total Proved

     215,939   

 


DeGolyer and MacNaughton   5

 

The estimated future revenue to be derived from the production and sale of the net proved reserves, as of December 31, 2010, of the properties appraised, expressed in thousands of dollars (M$), is summarized as follows:

 

     Developed
Producing
     Developed
Nonproducing
     Undeveloped     Total
Proved
 

Future Gross Revenue, M$

     673,062         60,357         236,575        969,994   

Production & Ad Valorem Taxes, M$

     34,378         2,660         10,617        47,655   

Operating Expenses, M$

     316,994         16,150         90,033        423,177   

Capital Costs, M$

     0         12,502         58,372        70,874   

Future Net Revenue*, M$

     321,690         29,045         77,553        428,288   

Present Worth at 10 Percent*, M$

     131,414         627         (5,867     126,174   

 

* Future income taxes have not been taken into account in the preparation of these estimates.

While the oil and gas industry may be subject to regulatory changes from time to time that could affect an industry participant’s ability to recover its oil and gas reserves, we are not aware of any such governmental actions which would restrict the recovery of the December 31, 2010, estimated oil and gas volumes. The reserves estimated in this report can be produced under current regulatory guidelines.

In our opinion, the information relating to estimated proved reserves, estimated future net revenue from proved reserves, and present worth of estimated future net revenue from proved reserves of oil, condensate, natural gas liquids, and gas contained in this report has been prepared in accordance with Paragraphs 932-235-50-4, 932-235-50-6, 932-235-50-7, 932-235-50-9, 932-235-50-30, and 932-235-50-31(a), (b), and (e) of the Accounting Standards Update 932-235-50, Extractive Industries – Oil and Gas (Topic 932): Oil and Gas Reserve Estimation and Disclosures (January 2010) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board and Rules 4–10(a) (1)–(32) of Regulation S–X and Rules 302(b), 1201, 1202(a) (1), (2), (3), (4), (8), and 1203(a) of Regulation S–K of the Securities and Exchange Commission; provided, however, future income tax expenses have not been taken into account in estimating the future net revenue and present worth values set forth herein.

To the extent the above-enumerated rules, regulations, and statements require determinations of an accounting or legal nature, we, as engineers, are necessarily unable to express an opinion as to whether the above-described information is in accordance therewith or sufficient therefor.

DeGolyer and MacNaughton is an independent petroleum engineering consulting firm that has been providing petroleum consulting services throughout the world for over 70 years. DeGolyer and MacNaughton does not have any financial interest, including stock ownership, in GeoMet. Our fees were not contingent on the results of our evaluation. This letter report has been prepared at the request of GeoMet. DeGolyer and MacNaughton has used all assumptions, data, procedures, and methods that it considers necessary and appropriate to prepare this report.

 

Submitted,

DeGOLYER and MacNAUGHTON

Texas Registered Engineering Firm F-716

/s/ Paul J. Szatkowski

Paul J. Szatkowski, P.E.

Senior Vice President

DeGolyer and MacNaughton

 

 


DeGolyer and MacNaughton  

 

CERTIFICATE of QUALIFICATION

I, Paul J. Szatkowski, Petroleum Engineer with DeGolyer and MacNaughton, 5001 Spring Valley Road, Suite 800 East, Dallas, Texas, 75244 U.S.A., hereby certify:

 

  1. That I am a Senior Vice President with DeGolyer and MacNaughton, which company did prepare the letter report addressed to GeoMet, Inc. dated February 15, 2011, and that I, as Senior Vice President, was responsible for the preparation of this letter.

 

  2. That I attended Texas A&M University, and that I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering in the year 1974; that I am a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas; that I am a member of the International Society of Petroleum Engineers and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists; and that I have in excess of 36 years of experience in oil and gas reservoir studies and reserves evaluations.

 

 

/s/ Paul J. Szatkowski

Paul J. Szatkowski, P.E.

Senior Vice President

DeGolyer and MacNaughton