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Gold/Mining/Energy : KERM'S KORNER -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 3:24:00 PM
From: Herb Duncan  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 15196
 
FIELD ACTIVITIES / Peregrine Spuds Arkansas Exploration Well

ASE SYMBOL: PGG

FEBRUARY 12, 1998


CALGARY, ALBERTA--Peregrine Oil and Gas Ltd. - ASE - PGG along
with its partners in the Arkoma Joint Venture project (Hampton
Court Resources Inc. - ASE-HCR, Invader Exploration Inc. - ASE-INX
and Plexus Energy Ltd. - ASE-PGG) are pleased to announce that
drilling commenced today on the Company's Crystal Springs Prospect
located in western Arkansas, U.S.A. Peregrine has a 25 percent
working interest in this well and in over 5,000 acres of
associated lands. This 10,000 foot exploration well will target
large reserve potential carbonate reservoirs within the
Mississippian, Hunton and Arbuckle Formations and has multiple
potential pay zones present within the overlying sandstone
reservoirs of the Pennsylvanian Formation. Unrisked reserve
potential for the Crystal Springs prospect is over 100 billion
cubic feet of gas. The well is expected to take between 30 and 60
days to drill to total depth.

Completion operations and evaluation testing is proceeding on the
Joint Venture's Alpine (formerly called Checotah East) and
Brightstar (formerly called Keota #3) exploration wells located in
Oklahoma, U.S.A. Final results are expected to be announced
within the next two weeks.

The Arkoma Joint Venture is continuing with the development of
additional prospects from its offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma. An
additional 6 to 12 high potential exploration prospects will be
drilled by the partners during the balance of 1998.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 3:26:00 PM
From: Herb Duncan  Respond to of 15196
 
FIELD ACTIVITIES / Invader Spuds Arkansas Exploration Well

ASE SYMBOL: INX

FEBRUARY 12, 1998



CALGARY, ALBERTA--Invader Exploration Inc. (ASE - INX) along with
its partners in the Arkoma Joint Venture project (Hampton Court
Resources Inc. - ASE-HCR, Plexus Energy Ltd. - ASE-PXU and
Peregrine Oil and Gas Ltd. - ASE-PGG) are pleased to announce that
drilling commenced today on the Company's Crystal Springs Prospect
located in western Arkansas, U.S.A. Invader has a 25 percent
working interest in this well and in over 5,000 acres of
associated lands. This 10,000 foot exploration well will target
large reserve potential carbonate reservoirs within the
Mississippian, Hunton and Arbuckle Formations and has multiple
potential pay zones present within the overlying sandstone
reservoirs of the Pennsylvanian Formation. Unrisked reserve
potential for the Crystal Springs prospect is over 100 billion
cubic feet of gas. The well is expected to take between 30 and 60
days to drill to total depth.

Completion operations and evaluation testing is proceeding on the
Company's Alpine (formerly called Checotah East) and Brightstar
(formerly called Keota #3) exploration wells located in Oklahoma,
U.S.A. Final results are expected to be announced within the next
two weeks.

The Arkoma Joint Venture is continuing with the development of
additional prospects from its offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma. An
additional 6 to 12 high potential exploration prospects will be
drilled by the partners during the balance of 1998.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 3:38:00 PM
From: Herb Duncan  Respond to of 15196
 
FIELD ACTIVITIES / TransGlobe Announces Terms of Joint Venture
in S-1 Block, Republic of Yemen

ASE, TSE SYMBOL: TGL
ASE SYMBOL: TGL.S
NASDAQ SYMBOL: TGLEF

FEBRUARY 12, 1998



CALGARY, ALBERTA--TRANSGLOBE ENERGY CORPORATION (ASE, symbols
"TGL" and "TGL.S", TSE symbol "TGL", NASDAQ symbol "TGLEF")
announced that it has signed a farm out agreement with a large
U.S. independent exploration and production company to finance
TransGlobe's exploration commitments on the S-1 Damis Block in the
Republic of Yemen. The agreement will allow the farminee to earn a
75 percent working interest in the S-1 Block by funding all of the
initial work commitments under the Production Sharing Agreement
("PSA") consisting of 150 square kilometers of 3-D seismic and the
drilling of three exploration wells over the 2.5 year First
Exploration Period. TransGlobe will pay 25 percent of the
signature bonus, agents fees and finders fees required to be paid
and the farminee will pay 75 percent. The identity of the
farminee will be released after disclosure to the Ministry of Oil
and Mineral Resources ("MOMR") of the Republic of Yemen.

TransGlobe has forwarded a US$2.0 million letter of credit to the
Yemen MOMR as the signature bonus under the PSA. The letter of
credit will be drawn down by MOMR upon ratification of the PSA by
the Yemen Parliament. The PSA has been forwarded to the Yemen
Parliament for ratification which is expected to take ninety days.


TransGlobe completed two private placements to arms' length
investors yesterday to fund a portion of the letter of credit.
One is a private placement of 92,819 units at CDN$1.45 per unit
(each unit consists of one common share and a warrant to purchase
three-quarters of an additional share for CDN$1.70 expiring in two
years), the other is a private placement of a CDN$700,000
debenture, due September 1, 1998 at Canadian prime rate plus 1
percent (presently 7.5 percent) and warrants to purchase 257,350
additional shares for CDN$1.70 expiring in two years. The
remainder of the letter of credit was funded from working capital.
The securities have not been registered under the US Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the
United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from
registration requirements.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

TRANSGLOBE ENERGY CORPORATION

"Ross G. Clarkson"

President & CEO



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 3:49:00 PM
From: Herb Duncan  Respond to of 15196
 
CORP / OGY Petroleums - Corporate Update

TSE SYMBOL: OGY

FEBRUARY 12, 1998



CALGARY, ALBERTA--OGY Petroleums Ltd. ("OGY") is pleased to
provide a preliminary summary of its comparative 1997 year end
results and an update of the Company's first quarter 1998
activity.

/T/

HIGHLIGHTS Percent
Year ended December 31 1997 1996 Change
--------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL (thousands)(x) Preliminary
Oil and Gas Revenue $9,970 $3,104 +221
Cash Flow 5,270 1,711 +210

Capital Expenditures 17,843 3,862 +362

PER SHARE
Cash Flow 0.27 0.11 +173

OPERATING
Average Daily Production
Oil (bbls) 627 65 +864
Gas (mcf) 4,816 4,100 + 17
--------------------------------------------------------------
Average Selling Price
Oil ($/bbl) (xx) $22.71 $27.44 - 17
Gas ($/mcf) 1.99 1.66 + 20
--------------------------------------------------------------
Average Number of Common Shares
Outstanding (thousands) 19,508 15,943 + 22
--------------------------------------------------------------

/T/

(xx) After hedging 350 BOPD at U.S. $22.02

OGY posted solid gains in all areas of corporate performance in
1997. Growth through exploration accounted for the majority of
OGY's 1997 success. Production volume growth through exploration
and development drilling accounted for an increase of over 1000
barrels of oil equivalent (BOE) per day during 1997. Combined
with the growth in production from the producing properties
purchased, OGY took its production from approximately 300 BOE per
day to over 1800 BOE per day by year end 1997.

The majority of this production growth resulted from two new pool
discoveries made by OGY in 1997. A Lloydminster oil pool in
Edgerton is presently producing about 225 BOPD net to OGY (50
percent) and in the Provost area, the Company's Fleeinghorse oil
pool has had ten successful oil wells drilled into it and these
wells are producing between 50 and 150 BOPD. OGY's net share of
production from this pool (66 2/3 percent) will be over 600 BOPD
by month's end. Future development plans for this property will
be timed to the construction and installation of a battery and
related facilities, expected to be completed by mid-year.

To date in 1998, OGY has drilled seven wells, resulting in six oil
wells and one water injection well. An additional 15 wells will
be drilled during the first half of this year with an expanded
program planned for the remainder of 1998. Current production is
expected to average over 2200 BOE per day by the end of this month
(February) and continued growth will be realized on a quarterly
basis throughout the rest of this year.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 3:52:00 PM
From: Herb Duncan  Respond to of 15196
 
EARNINGS / Peak Energy Services Ltd. Announces Record Fourth
Quarter and Year End Results for 1997

TSE SYMBOL: PES

FEBRUARY 12, 1998



CALGARY, ALBERTA--Peak Energy Services Ltd. ("Peak") is pleased to
announce its record fourth quarter and year end results for the
year ended December 31, 1997.

/T/

Consolidated Statement of Income & Retained Earnings(Deficit)
-------------------------------------------------------------

Three months 12 months 15 months
ended ended ended

Dec. 31/97 Dec. 31/96 Dec. 31/97 Dec. 31/96

Revenue
Operating $15,142,607 $ 1,166,257 $30,225,026 $ 1,811,047
Other 119,170 14,693 822,430 19,441
--------------------------------------------------------------
15,261,777 1,180,950 31,047,456 1,830,488
Expenses
Operating 4,803,309 489,102 11,151,012 872,314
General and
administration 2,740,316 292,257 5,495,853 508,062
Depreciation 855,092 196,881 2,874,949 349,114
Amortization of
goodwill 236,278 8,652 432,364 20,188
Interest on
long-term debt 298,447 12,007 419,495 31,761
-------------------------------------------------------------
8,933,442 $998,899 20,373,673 1,781,439
-------------------------------------------------------------
Income before
income taxes 6,328,335 182,051 10,673,783 49,049
Income taxes:
Current 426,847 - 426,847 -
Deferred 2,530,859 14,300 3,733,066 -
-------------------------------------------------------------
2,957,706 14,300 4,159,913 -
-------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income 3,370,629 167,751 6,513,870 49,049
Retained earnings
(deficit), beginning
of period 197,910 (3,113,082) (2,945,331) (2,994,380)
Reduction of
deficit against
stated share
capital 2,596,862 2,596,862 2,596,862 2,596,862
-------------------------------------------------------------
Retained earnings
(deficit) end
of period $ 6,165,401 $ (348,469)$ 6,165,401 $ (348,469)
--------------------------------------------------------------
Basic earnings
per share $ 0.13 $ 0.02 $ 0.32 $ 0.01
Fully diluted
earnings per
share $ 0.13 $ 0.01 $ 0.31 $ -
Fully diluted
cash flow
per share $ 0.30 $ 0.03 $ 0.63 $ 0.02
Fully diluted
EBITDA per
share $ 0.33 $ 0.04 $ 0.67 $ 0.03
-------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Balance Sheet

December 31 December 31
1997 1996
------------------------------------------------------------

Assets
Current Assets $17,123,841 $11,306,274
Capital Assets 71,968,151 6,149,660
Goodwill 20,540,291 325,891
-------------------------------------------------------------
Total Assets $109,632,283 $17,781,825
--------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities & Shareholders Equity
Current liabilities $ 6,577,246 $ 771,479
Long-term debt 5,162,963 1,118,655
Deferred income taxes 3,383,910 -
Shareholders' equity
94,508,164 15,891,691
------------------------------------------------------------
Total Liabilities &
Shareholders Equity $109,632,283 $17,781,825
------------------------------------------------------------

/T/

The Company has shown significant growth in the fourth quarter of
1997, generating approximately the same revenue that it achieved
in the first three quarters of 1997 combined. Peak also generated
more Net Income, Cash Flow from Operations, and EBITDA (Earnings
before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) in the
fourth quarter of 1997 than the first three quarters combined.
This growth is attributable to the full impact of the acquisition
of Lykal Sales and Oilfield Rentals Ltd. ("Lykal") and the on
going capital expenditure program within Peak's subsidiaries. In
addition, the Company completed three acquisitions in the fourth
quarter totaling $11 million that were complimentary to Peak's
existing business.

Peak increased its revenues in the fourth quarter of 1997 by 1192
percent as compared to the same quarter in 1996 ($15.3 million
vs.$1.2 million) while expenses increased by 794 percent for the
same period. This resulted in significant growth in Net Income of
1909 percent for the fourth quarter of 1997 as compared with the
same quarter in 1996 ($3.4 million vs. $0.2 million). Fully
diluted EPS grew by 1200 percent for the same period ($0.13 vs.
$0.01). Total assets as at December 31, 1997 increased by 517
percent from December 31, 1996, and shareholders equity increased
by 495 percent for the same period. Peak's revenue for the year
ended December 31, 1997 was $31 million consisting of 40 percent
from well-site accommodations, 24 percent from drilling
instrumentation, 19 percent from solids control, 10 percent from
tension anchoring and 7 percent other.

The exponential growth experienced by Peak during 1997,
especially in the fourth quarter, reflects the success of
management's strategy to increase shareholder value through
strategic acquisitions, internal growth of its subsidiaries and by
generating superior returns on its invested capital . Peak
successfully completed nine acquisitions throughout 1997 totaling
approximately $62 million of which the acquisition of Lykal on
August 7, 1997 was the largest at $43 million. As well, in 1997
Peak invested approximately $12 million on capital expansion in
its subsidiaries of which $8 million was invested in the fourth
quarter. Of the $12 million invested in capital expansion in
1997, $3.4 million was in well-site accommodation, $3.2 million
was in solids control, $3.8 million in drilling instrumentation,
$0.9 million in tension anchoring and $0.7 million in other items.

The majority of the growth was financed through equity issues of
$69 million and the use of $10 million cash on hand at December
31, 1996. This has resulted in a very strong balance sheet with
shareholders' equity of $95 million and a debt to equity ratio of
0.07 to 1.

Entering 1998 with a strong financial position and the ability to
leverage off of our existing infrastructure will enable Peak to
continue to generate significant shareholder value. Peak will
continue to seek out strategic acquisitions that compliment its
existing businesses, pursue an aggressive internal growth strategy
and evaluate opportunities to diversify the company's operations.
Peak's capital expenditure budget for 1998 is $21 million, of
which $20 million will be utilized for expanding its subsidiaries
and $1 million will be used for sustaining capital reinvestment
purposes. These expenditures will be financed from cash flows
from operations.

Peak will continue to be an opportunistic acquirer in the oil and
gas service sector. The recent weakness in the equity market will
result in reduced price expectations for potential acquisition
targets. The company will take advantage of the current
environment by using its strong financial position and a
normalized level of debt to finance its acquisitions in 1998.

During 1997, Peak's management undertook several initiatives to
streamline the operations of its businesses. The Company will
continue to focus on realizing opportunities to increase
efficiency and profitability within all of its operations.

Peak remains optimistic on the long-term industry fundamentals,
however it anticipates a decline to 13,000 to 14,000 wells drilled
in 1998 as compared to the record levels achieved in 1997. In
spite of the slight decline, this level of drilling activity will
continue to generate high utilization rates within the Company due
to its dominance in its business segments, its high quality
equipment and experienced personnel.

Peak Energy Services Ltd. is a diversified energy services company
providing oilfield rental equipment and related services to the
energy industry in Western Canada. Peak's shares are listed on
The Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "PES".



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 3:57:00 PM
From: Herb Duncan  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 15196
 
CORP / Rapidfire Resources Increases Production and Extends
Warrant Term

ASE SYMBOL: RPF

FEBRUARY 12, 1998



CALGARY, ALBERTA--Rapidfire Resources Ltd. (RPF-ASE) announces
that it has conditional approval from the Alberta Stock Exchange
to extend the term of its warrants for twelve months, from
February 27, 1998 to February 26, 1999. As a requirement for this
extension, the warrants will not be publicly traded after February
27, 1998.

Rapidfire has commenced gas sales from its Kirkpatrick Lake
property. Six wells are producing; however, it is too early to
determine the rate at which these wells will stabilize. The
Company has entered into a five-year gas purchase contract at an
initial rate of 2.0 mmcf per day. Additional wells in the project
will be brought on-stream in the near future.

The Company also announces that it has regretfully accepted the
resignation of Clive Llewellyn from its Board of Directors. Due
to the time constraints of other commitments, Clive did not feel
he could devote as much time as necessary to Rapidfire.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 3:59:00 PM
From: Herb Duncan  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 15196
 
FIELD ACTIVITIES / Cubacan Exploration Commencement of Drilling
- Farola North #1 Well

ASE SYMBOL: CCX

FEBRUARY 12, 1998



CALGARY, ALBERTA--Cubacan Exploration Inc. (Cubacan), is pleased
to announce that at 9:30 am (MST) today the drilling of its first
exploration well known as Farola North #1 commenced. The well is
located onshore Block 17 in the Republic of Cuba and is
approximately 10 km. from the town of Puerto Padre in the Province
of Las Tunas.

Farola North #1 is an exploration well being drilled in Block 17
to test two target reservoirs. The primary target is Cretaceous
carbonates within an extensional wrench anticline. These
carbonates are anticipated to be either folded platform
carbonates, with both primary and secondary porosity, or a paleo
reef build-up with mouldic and fracture porosity (as identified
from local outcrop samples obtained and analyzed by independent
consultants). The secondary target reservoir is the erosional,
reworked, detrital volcano-clastic sediments within the
Cretaceous.

The location has been selected on the crest of the wrench
anticline away from the bounding faults that define the limit of
the structure. Numerous oil seeps located near the drilling
location are likely the result of leaking of subsurface
hydrocarbon accumulations up along the bounding faults to the
surface. It is anticipated that the drilling of the well to the
target depth of 2000 metres will take 30 to 45 days.

Cubacan has a 100 percent interest in each of Blocks 16 and 17
located in the Republic of Cuba which originally contained 6,900
km2 of exploration lands, and, through its investments in
MacDonald Oil Exploration Ltd. (CDN - "MACO"), has an interest in
an additional 9,900 km2 of exploration lands located in Block 22.
Farola North #1 is the first of a number of prospects and leads
identified by Cubacan following an extensive seismic program
completed in 1997 which the Company plans to develop.

Cubacan is a Calgary based junior oil and gas exploration company
with interests solely in Cuba. Cubacan is listed on the Alberta
Stock Exchange (ASE) with shares trading under the symbol "CCX"



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 4:02:00 PM
From: Herb Duncan  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 15196
 
EARNINGS / Epic Energy Inc. Announces Changes to Board and
Management, Drilling Results and Unaudited Financial
Results

ASE SYMBOL: EPI

FEBRUARY 12, 1998



CALGARY, ALBERTA--EPIC ENERGY INC. announces that it has received
the following resignations: Mr. Gerald Maier as Chairman and
Director, Mr. John Beddome as Interim President and Director, Mr.
Laurence Decore, Q.C. as Vice-Chairman and Director, and Mr. John
Zaozirny, Q.C. and Mr. Edward Sampson as directors. The
resignations were tendered as a result of differing views with the
founding board member and due to competing time commitments.

The company wishes to thank each of the departing board members
for their dedicated and valuable contribution during their tenure
on the board.

The company announces that Mr. Dennis H. Sundgaard P.Eng. and Dr.
F. Brent Thomas, both of Calgary, and Mr. Ty Tice of Seattle,
Washington have been appointed to join Mr. Ronald Cormick on the
board of directors. Mr. Sundgaard is a Mechanical Engineer with a
Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Calgary. He has
30 years of domestic and international experience in the oil and
gas industry, with particular expertise in the management of gas
field development and operations. Dr. Thomas received a Doctorate
in Chemical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis,
MO and has extensive experience in the oil and gas industry. He
is a principal and Vice-President of Hycal Energy Research
Laboratories Ltd. who are specialists in oil field technologies
and technical services to the international oil industry. Mr.
Tice has an AB degree in Government from Harvard College and a
Masters degree in Forestry Sciences from Yale. He past experience
includes co-founding of Econometrics, Inc. of Connecticut, merger
and acquisition specialist with Niederhoffer, Cross & Zeckhauser
of New York, and most recently as an independent mediator, on
behalf of corporations and all levels of government, specializing
in managing conflict involving environmental and natural resource
issues. These appointments are subject to regulatory approval.

The company also announces that drilling has been completed on its
commitment well at the Preozornoye Field. Casing has been set and
it is expected that the well should be perforated and tested
before the end of February.

The company also releases its unaudited financial results for the
six month period ended December 31, 1997. The statements report a
loss for the period of US$2,734,527 or US$0.04 per share as
compared to a loss of US$1,545,248 or US$0.04 per share for the
same period in the previous year. The loss for the six month
period includes US$1,266,652 in oil property expenditures incurred
to satisfy obligations and commitments of the shallow oil program.
As at December 31, 1997, the company had net working capital of
US$2,143,361.

Epic Energy Inc. is a Canadian company listed on The Alberta Stock
Exchange trading under the symbol EPI. Epic conducts exploration,
drilling and production under licenses and agreements covering
most of the Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine, an area of 7 million
acres.

Epic's head office is in Calgary, Canada with its Ukrainian
subsidiary's office located in Simferopol, Crimea, Ukraine.
Operations in Ukraine are conducted by Epic's 60 percent owned
subsidiary, KrymTexasNafta. The other 40 percent is held by
Krymgeologia, a State Geological Enterprise, a designate of the
Ukrainian State Property Fund.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 9:12:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
FIELD ACTIVITIES / Niko Resources to Start Drilling

1998-02-12
CALGARY, ALBERTA

Niko Resources Ltd. (ASE - NKO) is pleased to announce that mobilization and
construction of the Land Based Drilling Platform for the Hazira project in
India has begun. This will allow drilling on the platform to commence
immediately following monsoon, which typically ends in early September.

In addition, the Company is pleased to announce the spudding of on-shore well
Hazira #6 to be followed immediately by Hazira #7, Matar #2, and Hazira #8.
The Company will be using enhanced completion techniques at Hazira that have
resulted in production in similar reservoirs of up to 20 million cubic feet
per day per well. A second rig is being mobilized to immediately drill 3
wells in Cambay.

For further information please contact:

Niko Resources Ltd. (403) 262-1020
Edward Sampson, Executive Chairman or Paul Wright, Vice President Finance.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 9:14:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
FIELD ACTIVITIES / Carpatsky Petroleum announces Spudding of Well

CARPATSKY PETROLEUM INC. (KPY-ASE) ("Carpatsky"), is pleased to announce the
spudding of their sixth development well in the Rudovsko Krasnozavodsky gas
condensate field in Ukraine. Well #1OOK, is drilling ahead 1,219 meters
toward a proposed Total Depth of 5,500 meters. Three other wells in the same
field are simultaneously being drilled as follows:

Well Number Current Depth Proposed Total Depth
104 5,252 meters 5,820 meters
109 4,599 meters 5,200 meters
111 4,552 meters 5,200 meters

Two wells in the field, #102 & #106 have already been drilled to a total
depth of 5,792 meters and 5,150 meters respectively. Production casing has
been set in these two wells and they are awaiting completion. Electric logs
indicate 114 feet (34.8 meters) of net effective pay in well # 102 and 115
feet (35.06 meters) in well # 106.

Torch Energy Advisors, Inc., which provides Carpatsky with technical,
financial and management services on a contractual basis, is preparing the
completion procedures for these two wells. The aim is to have them on
production by the end of the second quarter. A 15,000 pound/sq. inch
wellhead is now being assembled under Torch's direction in Houston and will
be airlifted to Ukraine to be used in the completion of the deeper well,
#102. Other equipment, including perforating guns and charges will follow.

Leslie C. Texas, President and CEO of Carpatsky, stated that: "The
strengthening of our technical, financial and management capabilities by the
addition of Torch Energy Advisors, Inc., to our team; and our progress in the
development of the Rudovsko Krasnozavodsky field, gives me the confidence
that Carpatsky will now realize the underlying net asset values and cash flow
potentials from our Ukrainian projects. It also gives us the green light to
pursue additional large Ukrainian projects, two of which are currently being
reviewed and evaluated. For further information please contact Dan Patience,
Investor Relations.

-30-

"The information contained herein has neither been approved nor disapproved
by the Alberta Stock Exchange."

TRADING SYMBOL: KPY:ASE

Investor Relations:
Noble House Investments
Suite 2010,
444 - 5th Avenue S.W.
Calgary, Alberta T2P-2T8

Toll Free: 1-800-499-2388
Phone: (403)-262-7111
Fax: (403)-266-5732
Email: noble@cal.cybersurf.net

Shares Issued: 40,696,253

Trading Float: 7.5 million shares

Management Ownership: 36%

UKRANIAN BASED OIL & GAS PROJECTS:

Rudovsko-Krasnozavodsky
50% Working Interest
Total proven and probable reserves net to Carpatsky 2.66 mmbbl of condensate
349.7 bcf of associated gas.
Production license area of 127.5 sq. km.

Bitkov-Babchensky
56% revenue interest for the first 10 years & 45% interest thereafter.
Total probable reserves first stage of operations 1.56 mmbbl of oil and 17.4
bcf of associated gas.
Production license area of 180 sq. km.

Other developments:
5 wells to be drilled this year.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 9:17:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
FIELD ACTIVITIES / Hampton Court Resources updates

1998-02-12
CALGARY, ALBERTA

Hampton Court Resources Inc. ("HCR") is pleased to provide this update on our
two major resource projects.

PRIMERA FORTUNA PLACER GOLD PROJECT - Ecuador, South America

In our press release of January 12, 1998, the Company advised it was awaiting
a report from the independent consulting firm of Prudden Geoscience Services
("PGS") of Salt Lake City, Utah. PGS was engaged by Hampton Court for their
expertise in evaluating placer gold properties. The report will assess the
first three of Hampton's six Ecuadorian mineral concessions. The report,
which will include gold assay results of over 500 samples, was delayed until
assay results were verified by a second independent assay lab. PGS is now in
possession of this information and Hampton expects to receive their final
report in the near future. The Company will press release the results as
soon as they become available.

Independent work continues on all six currently held concessions to further
evaluate the potential of our properties. Hampton Court is also pleased to
announce we have made application for a seventh mineral concession adjacent
to our existing lands.

HCR owns 100% of the Primera Fortuna Project.

ARKOMA NATURAL GAS PROJECT-Arkoma Basin, Oklahoma/Arkansas

Crystal Springs Prospect: Hampton Court Resources Inc., along with its
partners in the Arkoma Joint Venture Project (Invader Exploration Inc -
ASE:INX, Peregrine Oil and Gas Ltd. - ASE:PGG and Plexus Energy Ltd. -
ASE:PXU), is pleased to announce that drilling commenced today on the
Company's Crystal Springs Prospect located in western Arkansas, U.S.A.
Hampton Court has a 25% working interest in this well and in over 5,000 acres
of associated lands. This 10,000 foot exploration well will target large
reserve potential carbonate reservoirs within the Mississippian, Hunton and
Arbuckle Formations and has multiple potential pay zones present within the
overlying sandstone reservoirs of the Pennsylvanian Formation. Unrisked
reserve potential for the Crystal Springs prospect is over 100 billion cubic
feet of gas. The well is expected to take between 30 and 60 days to drill to
total depth.

Alpine and Brightstar Exploration Wells: Completion operations and
evaluation testing is proceeding on the Company's Alpine (formerly called
Checotah East) and Brightstar (formerly called Keota #3) exploration wells
located in Oklahoma, U.S.A. Final results are expected to be announced
within the next two weeks.

The Arkoma Joint Venture is continuing with the development of additional
prospects from its offices in Tulsa, Oklahoma. An additional 6 to 12 high
potential exploration prospects will be drilled by the partners during the
balance of 1998.

Hampton Court holds a 25% interest in the Arkoma Project.

Approved on behalf of the Board: Donna M. Rud, Vice President

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT INVESTOR RELATIONS
Derek T. Lamb Deborah D. Pratt
Ph: (403) 777-9229 Ph: (403) 254-9675
Fax: (403) 777-9228 Fax: (403) 256-9473
e-mail: lambd@cadvision.com e-mail: pratt@shaw.wave.ca

Website: www.hamptoncourt.com
E-mail: hamptoncourt@shaw.wave.ca

The Alberta Stock Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the
information contained herein.

325, 259 Midpark Way SE Web: www.hamptoncourt.com
Calgary, Alberta T2X 1M2 e-mail: hamptoncourt@shaw.wave.ca
Phone: (403) 254-9675
Fax: (403) 256-9473



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 9:19:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
CORP. / Cantex Energy announces New Appointments

Cantex Energy Inc. (CTXE-OTC; CXEGF-BB) wishes to announce two appointments
in CT Oil Inc., its wholly owned operating subsidiary in Houston, Texas.

Mr. Robert W. Fisher, President of CT Oil Inc. has appointed Mr. Ronald T.
Wefelmeyer as the Company's Professional Engineer and Mr. Glen G. Allred as
its Geologist.

Mr. Wefelmeyer received his Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum
Engineering from the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1978. His experience,
gained over 20 years, includes senior positions in several well known US
companies. He has an extensive reservoir background and has been involved in
evaluation of reserves and economic projections with strength in formation
evaluation, prospect review and generation. Most recently Mr. Wefelmeyer
operated his own consultancy, working with Howard Exploration, General
Petroleum and Sonterra Oil & Gas amongst others.

Mr. Allred's Bachelor of Science degree was received from the Steven F.
Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas in 1981. He also studied
Environmental Technology at North Harris College, Houston, Texas. His 17
years of experience includes a range of positions from Unit Manager, Apex
Mudlogging Services in the early 80's to Wellsite Consultant with Saudi
Aramco in Saudi Arabia to the present time. From 1985-1990 Mr. Allred
operated his own Company, working with such clients as Mitchell Energy,
Phillips Petroleum and Patterson Petroleum. His career includes work on over
120 wellsites.

Both Mr. Wefelmeyer and Mr. Allred have multiple Professional Affiliations.

Mr. James Lee, President of Cantex Energy Inc. said, "These appointments
reflect the necessity to staff appropriately for the planned drilling program
which is scheduled to commence in April, 1998. Independent evaluations of
initial prospects are extremely encouraging."

Cantex Energy Inc. is involved in a Joint Venture development, exploration
and production program on-shore in Texas and Louisiana. Recently Cantex
purchased significant production with revenue retroactive to December, 1997.

For further information, please contact Mr. James Lee, President, or Mr.
Colin Halanen, Investor Relations Representative, at Cantex at (416) 363-1570
or visit Cantex's website at web.licity.com.cantex.

Total shares issued and outstanding: 11,037,724



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 9:21:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
FIELD ACTIVITIES / GHP Exploration completing Gulf of Mexico Well


1998-02-12
HOUSTON, TEXAS

GHP Exploration Corporation (CDN:GHPX.U) announced today that completion
operations are underway on its West Delta 78 #1 well (News-August 11, 1997).
GRP has a 10% working interest (7.87% net revenue interest) in the well,
which was drilled to a true vertical depth of 16,925 feet and encountered
multiple potential pay sands.

The design of the production facilities is dependent on the results of
upcoming production testing. The actual results will be made available when
testing is completed, however, based on the evaluation of wireline logs,
rates on the order of 15 million cubic feet of gas per day and 1,000
barrels of condensate per day are a reasonable estimate for expected
performance.

The Company also announced that production casing has been successfully run
to total depth in its Sud Nefta NF-1 well in Tunisia as part of ongoing
completion operations (News-September 8, 1997). Additionally, GHP has been
notified that a drilling rig is currently being moved in on its South Fort
Stockton prospect (News-July 9, 1997) in West Texas and should spud by the
end of February.

GHP engages in the exploration for and development and production of crude
oil and natural gas in the United States and Internationally with operations
and interests in acreage in the Gulf of Mexico, West Texas, Egypt and
Tunisia. The Company currently has 17.7 million common shares outstanding.

(NO STOCK EXCHANGE, SECURITIES COMMISSION OR OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS
APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN.)

Contacts:
George H. Plewes - (604) 669-2525
Barry D. Lasker - (713) 626-9373
Internet: ghpexploration.com

-End-



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 9:27:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
SERVICE SECTOR / Airgen Corp. to Purchase Geo-Ray Oilfield

CALGARY, Feb. 12 /CNW/ - Airgen Corporation is pleased to announce that
it has entered into an Option Agreement to purchase Geo-Ray Oilfield
Inspections Ltd. The option agreement allows Airgen to acquire, on or before
March 21, 1998, all of the shares of Geo-Ray. The purchase price of
$4,000,000 plus adjustments, will be made up of cash in the amount of
$2,000,000 and Airgen Class A common shares valued at $2,000,000 at a deemed
price determined on the basis of the lower of (i) the average trading price of
the Class A common shares on the ten days trading immediately prior to the
closing of the transactions and (ii) $0.85. Airgen plans to complete the
acquisition of Geo-Ray, subject to due diligence and obtaining regulatory and
other approvals, through debt and equity financing to be obtained on or before
March 21, 1998. This transaction, scheduled to close at the same time as the
recently announced acquisition of Commercial Sandblasting and Painting Ltd.
(''Commercial''), completes Airgen's current expansion in the area of asset
integrity services. The method for determining the deemed share price for the
issuance of Class A common shares with respect to the acquisition of
Commercial will be on the same basis as for Geo-Ray.

Geo-Ray Oilfield Inspections Ltd. is a major provider of tubular
inspection and repair services for both production tubing and drillpipe.
Geo-Ray's central inspection facility is located in Red Deer, Alberta with a
satellite operation in Nisku, Alberta. Geo-Ray provides a comprehensive range
of tubular inspection, repair, storage and inventory management services for
both petroleum production companies and drilling contractors. In addition to
the plant facilities, Geo-Ray operates a fleet of mobile tubular inspection
units and drillpipe straightening units for wellsite or off-site service. The
acquisition of Geo-Ray extends Airgen's offering in the area of asset
integrity services, which currently includes pipeline testing and protective
coatings.

Airgen is a diversified oil and gas service company that provides the oil
and gas industry with (1) underbalanced drilling services, (2) heavy oil
thermal recovery services, and (3) asset integrity services. Airgen's goal is
to become a leading provider of oilfield services by acquiring and developing
successful private oilfield service companies, and investing in certain in
certain promising technologies.

Airgen Corporation is listed on the Alberta Stock Exchange and trades
under the symbol AIR.A.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 9:38:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
SERVICE SECTOR / Dynafrac Well Services helps BelAir Energy

CALGARY, Feb. 12 /CNW/ - Calgary-based Dynafrac Well Services Inc. today
announced it had successfully completed its first fracture stimulation
treatment. The frac job was performed in central Alberta last week for BelAir
Energy Corporation, also of Calgary.

Brent Bullen, President of Dynafrac said ''The gelled hydrocarbon frac,
using Dynafrac's state-of-the-art equipment, was successful both from
operational and well production standpoints. We are very pleased with how our
new personnel and equipment performed the job.''

''The frac job was also a first for us,'' said Vic Luhowy, President of
BelAir Energy, ''and the initial swabbing results indicate that the treatment
will result in increased production from our well.''

Dynafrac Well Services Inc. is a newly-formed energy services company
with its head office in Calgary and field station in Red Deer, Alberta.
Services provided by the company are primarily associated with high pressure
treatments on oil and gas wells to increase their productivity. These
treatments include fracturing, acidizing, chemical squeezes, nitrogen and coil
tubing, using proprietary blends of chemicals and large, mobile high pressure
pumping equipment.

BelAir Energy Corporation is based in Calgary and is involved in the
exploration and exploitation of petroleum reserves in Western Canada. BelAir
is listed on The Alberta Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol ''BGY''.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 9:41:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
FIELD ACTIVITIES / MMRL announces Record Production & Reserve Growth

TORONTO, Feb. 12 /CNW/ - MMRL is pleased to announce that it achieved
record production in 1997 accompanied by a 64% increase in total oil and gas
reserves.

The Company is also pleased to report another exploration success onshore
in the UK. It has made an oil discovery on its Keddington prospect with
initial production of 200 barrels per day.

Crude oil and natural gas liquids production in 1997 averaged 6,514
barrels per day, a 21% increase over the previous year. Natural gas production
averaged 14.1 mmcf per day representing an increase of 38% over 1996.

Reserves increased on a proven and probable basis by 64% to 45 million
BOE as of December 31, 1997. On a proven and half probable basis, reserves
increased by 43% and on a proven basis reserves increased by 14%. This is the
largest increase in total reserves by volume for the company in its history
and represents a reserve replacement ratio of 4.5 times on a proven and half
probable basis.

<<
Crude Oil Natural Future Net Cash Flow
(as at December & NGLs Gas ($000's, discounted)
31, 1997) (mbbls) (mmcf) BOE(x) 0% 10% 15%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proven 15,486 49,834 21,855 254,023 164,643 140,919
Probable 13,364 61,961 23,140 268,623 132,913 102,165
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 28,850 111,795 44,995 522,646 297,556 243,084
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proven & Half
Probable 22,168 80,814 33,425 388,334 231,099 192,002
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
(x) The Company has adopted the international practice of reporting
barrels of oil equivalent for its activities outside Canada using a
6:1 conversion ratio for gas to oil. For Canadian activities, a 10:1
conversion ratio continues to be used.

In the past year, MMRL's UK exploration drilling program got well
underway resulting in the discovery of two new major oil pools and a doubling
of reserves at its Saltfleetby discovery. This onshore success, along with its
new initiatives offshore in the UK sector of the North Sea, led to the
considerable growth in reserves as well as contributing to a finding and
development cost of $4.76 per BOE on a proven plus half probable basis.

The Company's drilling results are summarized as follows:

<<
1997

Gross Net
---------- ----------
Oil Wells 29 18
Gas Wells 19 6
Dry and Abandoned Wells 23 13
Injector Wells 1 0
---------- ----------
Total Wells 72 37
---------- ----------
---------- ----------
Success Ratio 68% 65%
>>

The Company expanded its UK onshore undeveloped land base substantially
in 1997 and an application for exploration licences totaling a further three
quarters of a million acres was submitted late in the year. An announcement of
the results of this licence application is expected shortly. These onshore
interests along with its 1997 offshore UK acquisitions provide a wide range of
exploration and development opportunities for MMRL.

MMRL invested heavily in 1997 in projects which are expected to
contribute to its long term growth. A large inventory of exploration and
development projects was assembled during the year and exploitation of these
opportunities will be aggressively pursued in 1998.

Audited financial results for 1997 are expected to be available in late
March. The Company's shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the
symbol MM.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 9:45:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
DIVIDEND / Occidental Petroleum

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12 /CNW/ -- Occidental Petroleum Corporation's
(NYSE: OXY) board of directors today declared a regular quarterly dividend of
$.25 per share of common stock payable April 15, 1998 to stockholders of
record on March 10, 1998.

The board also declared a regular quarterly dividend of $.75 per share on
Occidental's $3.00 Cumulative CXY-Indexed Convertible Preferred Stock payable
April 1, 1998 to stockholders of record on March 10, 1998.

Occidental previously announced the redemption of all of the outstanding
shares of its $3.875 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock. Thus no dividend
will be declared or paid on this security.

Occidental also announced that its 1998 annual meeting of stockholders
will be held on May 1, 1998, at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time at the Santa Monica
Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main Street, Santa Monica, California.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (8986)2/12/1998 9:51:00 PM
From: Arnie  Read Replies (5) | Respond to of 15196
 
FIELD ACTIVITIES / Intercap Resource Management updates Operations

HOUSTON, Feb. 12 /CNW/ - INTERCAP RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
Vancouver Stock Exchange Trading Symbol: ''IRC''
Intercap Resource Management Corp. (Vancouver: IRC) reports today that
gross production from the East Shabwa Development Block in Yemen, for the
month of January was approximately 524,000 barrels of oil. Production
commenced in December and has increased to nearly 20,000 barrels of oil per
day from six wells.

Intercap through its 41.25% shareholding in COMECO Petroleum, Inc. owns
an indirect 11.78% interest in East Shabwa. Upon obtaining funding, Intercap
intends to acquire an additional 8.75% interest in COMECO for U.S. $4.4
million increasing its indirect interest in East Shabwa to 14.28% The other
majority shareholder is COMECO, SOCO International plc. is also acquiring an
additional 8.75% interest such that both Intercap and SOCO will hold a 50%
interest in COMECO. The acquisition of the additional interest by Intercap is
subject to funding and regulatory approval.

Jim D. Ford, Intercap's Chairman and President said ''Based on better
than anticipated production performance and the existence of numerous high
quality exploration opportunities on the 948 square kilometer (1.9 million
acre) East Shabwa Block, we believe increasing our interest is very
attractive.''

''1998 plans at East Shabwa include two development wells which are
underway and upon completion should result in an increase in production before
mid-year. In addition, a 178 kilometer seismic program is planned for this
year and geological and engineering studies will continue on the three
existing fields for the refinement of phase II of the development plan,''
stated Ford.

The other interest owners in the East Shabwa Development Area are Total
Yemen, the operator, with 28.57%, Unical Yemen Limited with 28.57% and Kuwait
Foreign Petroleum Exploration Co. with 14.29%.

Intercap Resource Management Corp. is an independent oil and gas
exploration and production company with offices in Houston and Vancouver.
Intercap's common stock trades on the Vancouver Exchange under the symbol
''IRC''.

On behalf of the Board
INTERCAP RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION

G.W. Norman Wareham
Secretary/Treasurer