CEB Resources plc, the AIM listed investing company, is pleased to announce that it has agreed with PT Akar Golindo (PTAG) to assess the technical and commercial opportunities for monetising gas in and around the Tuba Obi East oil and gas concession in the South Sumatran Basin.

Under the terms of the agreement CEB and PTAG will undertake a technical evaluation of the gas production potential of the Tuba Obi East Technical Assistance Contract (TAC), along with surrounding undeveloped gas discoveries to provide a detailed assessment of potential opportunities in the region.

Key features of the TAC identified during the initial screening and evaluation process include:

• Multiple oil and gas discoveries within the block;
• Ongoing oil production via existing facilities;
• Gas productivity tested, yet undeveloped, in two different reservoir zones;
• Exploration prospects and leads within the TAC; and
• Additional undeveloped gas tested in multiple discoveries adjacent to the TAC.

Crucially the studies will investigate both the potential to sell the gas directly to the Singapore market, the Duri steam-flood project, or other buyers via the major transmission gas pipeline, about 12 kilometres away.  Alternatively there is the opportunity to monetise the gas via the construction and operation of an independent power plant, selling electricity into the Sumatran power grid.

CEB sees the gas and power market in Indonesia as an opportunity that should form part of its long-term balanced asset portfolio.  Importantly the gas price is independent of the oil price. This was demonstrated in January this year when a Sumatran gas project secured a long-term gas sales contract at US$ 9.45 per Million British Thermal Units (MMBTU), which is amongst the highest gas prices in the world.  Similarly, the demand for electricity continues to rise sharply with the country’s electricity provider PLN setting the ambitious goal of increasing supply by some 35,000 MW over the next 4 years.  With only 9,000 MW having been firmed up thus far, CEB believes that investment in this sector is particularly attractive.

CEB’s CEO, David Whitby, said: “At present we are operating in a target-rich environment and fully intend to utilise our experience and in-country presence to take advantage of opportunities that have the potential to generate cash flow and enduring value for our shareholders.  The signing of the Tuba Obi East study agreement is instrumental in the realisation of our long-term strategy, representing a beach head into the attractive Indonesian gas and power markets.  This initiative complements our oil studies which are progressing very well.”

For further information, please contact:

David Whitby	CEB Resources plc	Tel: +62 21 2783 2316
Cameron Pearce	CEB Resources plc	Tel: +44 (0) 1624 681250
Lindsay Mair James Thomas	Sanlam Securities UK Limited (Nomad and Joint Broker)	Tel: +44 (0) 207 628 2200
Lucy Williams Charles Goodfellow	Peterhouse Corporate Finance Limited (Joint Broker)	Tel: +44 (0) 207 469 0930
Colin Rowbury	Cornhill Capital (Joint Broker)	Tel: +44 (0) 207 710 9610
Frank Buhagiar	St Brides Partners Limited	Tel: +44 (0) 207 236 1177