Core Insights - Finder Energy has reported significant increases in gross rock volume (GRV) at the Krill and Squilla oil discoveries in the Timor Sea, following the interpretation of reprocessed Ikan 3D seismic data, which improved image quality and resolved previous geological complexities [1][5] Exploration Well Data - The latest interpretations indicate that the original Krill-1 exploration well has an updip appraisal potential of approximately 90 meters within the Krill structure, enhancing the prospects for further exploration [3] - The Squilla exploration well, drilled in a down-dip position, intersected a fault that affected reservoir quality; however, new data suggests potential appraisal locations away from these faults [4] Contingent Resource Estimates - Seismic reprocessing has led to a GRV increase of over 60% at Krill and more than 243% at Squilla, prompting Finder to revise its contingent resource estimates and reassess appraisal well locations [5] - Each field will require an appraisal well to confirm the commercial viability of resources for potential tie-back to existing developments or to establish a new production hub in the southern section of PSC 19-11 [5] Future Steps - Finder plans to integrate new interpretations with geological analyses of well data to enhance understanding of reservoir parameters at Krill and Squilla, including detailed petrophysical studies and oil property reviews [6]

Core Viewpoint - Exxon Mobil has signed an agreement with the government of Gabon to explore for oil and gas off the coast of Gabon [1] Group 1 - The agreement signifies Exxon Mobil's commitment to expanding its exploration activities in Africa [1] - This move is part of Exxon Mobil's broader strategy to enhance its oil and gas portfolio in emerging markets [1]

UK-based bp has confirmed an oil and gas discovery at the Volans-1X exploration well in Namibia's Orange Basin, operated by Rhino Resources. BP holds a 50% interest in Azule Energy, which is a co-venturer in the Orange basin, alongside Namibian national oil company NAMCOR and Korres Investments. The exploration well, drilled under Petroleum Exploration Licence 85 (PEL85), reached a true vertical depth subsea of 4,497.5m. It penetrated the Upper Cretaceous target and encountered 26m of net pay in gas con ...

BP confirmed on Monday an oil and gas discovery in the Orange basin offshore Namibia, where supermajors have made several major discoveries in recent years.   The UK-based energy giant, which is a co-venturer in the exploration license via its 50/50 company with Italy’s Eni, Azule Energy, can confirm the preliminary results of the Volans-1X exploration well, as reported by operator Rhino Resources earlier this month. Petroleum Exploration License 85 (PEL85), where the well was drilled, is operated by Rh ...

Core Insights - Some of the worst mining stocks have recently become significant market winners, with The Metals Company experiencing a 10x surge in stock price and a 25x increase in its warrants since January 2025 [1] - Zion Oil & Gas, a company focused on oil and gas exploration in Israel, has seen its stock price increase by up to 9x from its all-time low of 3 cents in autumn 2024, despite a 22% decline in oil prices [6][10] Company Overview - Zion Oil & Gas was founded in the early 1980s based on the belief that biblical references indicated the presence of oil in Israel [3][4] - The company has faced significant challenges, including a 95% loss in stock value by late 2024 and a history of unsuccessful exploration efforts [4][6] - Despite its controversial background, Zion Oil & Gas has conducted geological and geophysical studies similar to other exploration companies [10][11] Recent Developments - The company signed an agreement with the Israeli government in 2023 to explore a new area, the Megiddo Valleys License 434, covering 302 square kilometers [11] - Drilling commenced in October 2024, coinciding with the lowest share price, and the company reported gas flowing to the surface during drilling, indicating potential for a productive reservoir [12][13] Market Performance - Zion Oil & Gas has a current market valuation of USD 190 million, despite a history of frequent share issuances and high management overhead [16] - The company lost its Nasdaq listing in 2020 and operates in the OTC market, which has not deterred its stock price recovery [14][15] Investor Sentiment - The company continues to attract interest from faith-based investors due to its unique backstory, although there are concerns about its long-term viability and the potential for significant discoveries [18]

Group 1 - nLight (LASR) has seen a 50% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Photronics (PLAB) has experienced an 8% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Weatherford International (WFRD) has seen a 6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - California Resources (CRC) has experienced a 5.8% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Dycom Industries (DY) has seen a 5.3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3]

Core Insights - Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has entered a strategic partnership with Turkish Petroleum Overseas Company (TPOC) to advance the farm-out process for Eastern Offshore Indus Block-C, driven by intergovernmental discussions to enhance energy sector collaboration and attract foreign direct investment into Pakistan's offshore exploration industry [1][2] Group 1: Partnership Details - The collaboration involves PPL transferring the operatorship of the block to TPOC, pending regulatory approval [1] - PPL has also engaged Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and Mari Energies in the farm-out process, leading to a comprehensive due diligence and the execution of a farm-out agreement among PPL, TPOC, OGDCL, and MariEnergies [2] Group 2: Financial and Operational Structure - Under the farm-out agreement, PPL will retain a 35% participating interest (PI), while TPOC will receive a 25% PI, and both OGDCL and MariEnergies will each obtain a 20% PI [3] - This partnership is seen as a crucial step towards unlocking Pakistan's offshore hydrocarbon resources and establishing long-term strategic energy relations between Türkiye and Pakistan [3] Group 3: Broader Context - In April 2025, TPAO collaborated with three Pakistani national energy companies to engage in Pakistan's offshore oil and gas exploration tender, formalized during a visit by Türkiye's Energy Minister [4] - Türkiye has also secured exclusive rights to explore and produce hydrocarbons in three blocks in Somalia, covering an area of 5,000 km² [4]

Core Viewpoint - Innovation Beverage Group Ltd (IBG) has entered into a definitive agreement for a reverse triangular merger with BlockFuel Energy Inc (BFE), aiming to leverage BFE's energy innovation and Bitcoin mining capabilities, with the transaction expected to close in Q4 2025 and the combined entity to trade on Nasdaq under the ticker "FUEL" [1][2][5] Group 1: Transaction Details - The merger will result in BFE becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of IBG, with BFE's owners expected to hold 90% of the post-transaction ordinary shares of IBG [2] - The post-transaction combined entity is projected to have an equity valuation between US$220 million and US$343 million, significantly increasing IBG's implied post-transaction equity value from US$2.9 million to US$6.3 million to a range of US$22 million to US$34.3 million [2][5] Group 2: Leadership Changes - Upon closing, Daniel Lanskey, the current President and CEO of BFE, will become the Chairman and CEO of the new combined entity, while Sahil Beri, the current CEO of IBG, will transition to President of a newly formed beverage subsidiary [4] Group 3: Strategic Importance - The merger is seen as a pivotal milestone for IBG, providing a public vehicle for BFE to access capital markets and enhancing IBG's growth potential as a subsidiary of BlockFuel [5][6] - The integration of IBG's market presence with BFE's energy and Bitcoin mining technologies is expected to create long-term value and opportunities in the digital asset and energy sectors [6]

Core Insights - Staatsolie, the state-owned oil and gas company of Suriname, announced that Chevron Suriname Exploration will begin drilling the Korikori-1 exploration well this month, located approximately 78km offshore at a water depth of 40m [1] - Chevron operates Block 5 with a 40% interest, alongside Paradise Oil Company (POC) with 40% and Qatar Energy with 20% [1] - The drilling operations are expected to last around 90 days to assess the presence of hydrocarbons in the subsurface [2] Summary by Sections Drilling Operations - Chevron received a permit from Suriname's National Environmental Authority for drilling operations at the end of July 2025 [2] - The Noble Regina Allen rig will conduct the drilling, arriving in the first half of this month [2] - The operations aim to determine the presence of hydrocarbons and will be launched from port facilities in Suriname [3] Economic Impact - The initiative provides opportunities for local entrepreneurs and suppliers to engage in Suriname's offshore oil and gas sector [3] - Block 5 covers approximately 2,200km² in the Suriname-Guyana Basin, with water depths ranging from 30m to 60m [4] - Staatsolie sought $1.5 billion (Sr$53.47 billion) in bank financing for the Gran Morgu energy project in 2025 [4]

Core Viewpoint - Civitas Resources is in discussions for a potential merger with SM Energy, aiming for a merger of equals without a takeover premium [1][2] Group 1: Merger Discussions - The talks are not public, and no agreement has been reached, with other parties also interested in Civitas [2] - If the merger is completed, the combined enterprise value would be at least $14 billion, making it one of the largest oil and gas transactions of the year [2] Group 2: Industry Context - The Permian Basin has seen significant consolidation as smaller producers seek scale and larger operators aim to establish a presence [3] - Recently, Crescent Energy announced an acquisition of Vital Energy for $3.1 billion, indicating ongoing consolidation trends in the region [3] Group 3: Company Profiles - Civitas holds approximately 140,000 net acres in the Permian Basin with a market capitalization of around $3.2 billion, while SM Energy has about 109,000 acres in the Midland Basin and a market capitalization of approximately $2.9 billion [4] - SM's enterprise value is estimated at $5.5 billion, and Civitas' at roughly $8.5 billion, including debt [4] Group 4: Additional Assets - Both companies possess assets outside the Permian Basin, with SM having positions in the Eagle Ford shale and Uinta Basin, while Civitas has acreage in the Denver-Julesburg Basin [5]