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


To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (9983)4/7/1998 7:21:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
FIELD ACTIVITIES / Calvalley Petroleum updates Malik Block in Yemen

Calvalley Petroleum Inc. is pleased to announce today the results of an
independent engineering evaluation of its Yemen assets performed by Fekete
Associates Inc., a highly respected Calgary based petroleum engineering firm.

Calvalley has interest under a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA) with
respect to the Malik Block (9) consisting of 1.2 million contiguous acres in
central Yemen. Fekete states: "We have reviewed the relevant geophysical,
geological and engineering data, and have concluded that the Qishn of Block
9 is geologically similar to CanOxy's Block 14 (Masila Field). CanOxy is
presently producing 192,000 Barrels per day of oil. The bulk of this
production is from twelve (12) Qishn pools. This makes Calvelley's Block 9
highly prospective."

In their evaluation, Fekete grouped the prospects on the Malik Block (9) into
"Group 1 Prospects" and higher risk "Other Potential". The "Group 1
Prospects" were assigned potential original oil in place of 950 million
Barrels, and potential recoverable oil of 285 million Barrels. The total
Block, comprised of the "Group 1 Prospects" plus the "Other Potential", was
assigned potential original oil in place of 2.15 billion Barrels and
potential recoverable oil of 647 million Barrels.

Calvalley intends to drill its first of four appraisal wells on the Malik
Block (9) during the fourth quarter of 1998 with the intention of immediately
proceeding with the development of the Block and initiating production at
between 35,000 and 75,000 barrels of oil per day in the year 2000.

Calvalley Petroleum Inc. is a Calgary-based oil and gas exploration and
development company whose shares are traded on the Montreal Exchange.
Calvalley operates in Yemen through its wholly owned subsidiary Calvalley
Petroleum (International) Inc.

Ticker symbol: CVI.A
Newspaper Abbreviation: Calvalley

Source: Edmund Shimoon, P. Eng.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Calvalley Petroleum Inc.
Ph (403) 297-0490
Fax (403) 297-0499



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (9983)4/7/1998 7:23:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
ACQUISITION / Ridel Resources reports Major Property Transaction

The Vancouver Stock Exchange has accepted for filing documentation pertaining
to a Letter Agreement dated August 21, 1997 and amended January 28, 1998,
pursuant to which the Company will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding
shares of Asia Pacific Energy Co. Ltd. (IAPECI). APEC has been awarded a
performance compensation contract with the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise
relating to the development of the Htaukshabin and Kanni oil fields, and the
Peppi gas field in Myanmar. In consideration, the Company will fund
US$3,000,000 in work commitments for the properties, and issue 15 million
common shares to APEC at a deemed price of $1.00.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (9983)4/7/1998 7:37:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
ENERGY TRUSTS / Taylor Gas Liquids Fund Announcement

CALGARY, April 7 /CNW/ - The Taylor Gas Liquids Fund (the Fund) announced
today that Novagas Canada Ltd. (Novagas) has completed the purchase of a 43.3%
interest in the processing capacity of the Younger natural gas facility at
Taylor, B.C. from the Fund and PanCanadian Petroleum Limited (PanCanadian).
The Fund's share of the proceeds will be used to repay bank debt incurred
expanding the process capacity of the Younger facility and to construct
additional natural gas liquids handling facilities not part of the Novagas
transaction.

The Fund, PanCanadian and Novagas are proceeding with the completion of
the expansion of the inlet capacity of the Younger facility from 400 mmscfpd
to 750 mmscfpd. Following the completion of its expansion to 750 mmscfpd, the
Younger facility will be the largest gas processing plant in British Columbia.
Natural gas liquids production capacity will exceed 17,000 barrels per day of
propane, butane and condensate and 16,000 bpd of ethane.

After taking into account Novagas' participation in the Younger facility
and the expanded inlet capacity, the Fund will enjoy the benefits of:

- reduced bank debt;
- reduced per barrel operating costs;
- 9,000 bpd of ethane capacity; and
- a 10% increase in the Fund's gas processing capacity to 425 mmscfpd.

These benefits will assist in offsetting the current reduced natural gas
liquids pricing environment. The Fund will continue to maximize plant
profitability by optimizing plant product recoveries at reduced incremental
costs.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (9983)4/7/1998 7:40:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
EARNINGS / Torex Resources reports 1997 Results

CALGARY, April 7 /CNW/ - Torex Resources Inc. reports financial results
for the year ended December 31, 1997.

Revenues increased by 27% to reach $5.63 million in 1997 compared to
$4.43 million in 1996. Cash flow jumped to $1.65 million in 1997, a 41%
increase over the $1.17 million generated in 1996. On a per share basis, cash
flow increased from $0.21 per share in 1996 to $0.25 in 1997. Net income
declined from $25,036 ($.004 per share) in 1996 to $2,843 ($0.00 per share) in
1997.

Average production for the year increased by 21% to 717 boepd, which
consisted of 4.1 mmcfd of natural gas and 305 bopd of oil and NGL. In 1996,
production averaged 594 bopd consisting of 2.9 mmcfd of natural gas and 303
bopd of oil and NGL. The corporation's light to medium gravity crude oil
averaged $25.14 per barrel compared to $24.87 in the previous year. Natural
gas sales averaged $1.88 per mcf versus $1.58 mcf in 1996.

Capital expenditures on land, drilling and seismic totaled $4.4 million
for the year while the corporation also disposed of $2.25 million of mature,
low working interest, non-core properties. The net capital expenditures of
$2.14 million for 1997 represent a 37% increase over the $1.6 million spent
in 1996. A total of 7 (5.1 net) wells were drilled during the year resulting
in 4 (2.6 net) oil, 2 (2 net) gas, and 1 (0.5 net) dry and abandoned well for
an overall drilling success rate of 86%.

In December of 1997, Torex concluded a special warrant financing for
gross proceeds of $5.6 million. Final receipts, for the prospectus dated March
3, 1998 were received which qualified the common shares issued from the
exercise of 4,310,714 special warrants (3,100,000 basic and 1,210,714 flow
through) previously issued by the corporation. The corporation currently has
11.5 million shares outstanding.

Torex ended the year with no debt and $2.2 million of working capital.
Torex will use its existing working capital, cash flow and credit facilities
to pursue the most aggressive capital program in the company's history, which
is expected to be 7 to 10 million dollars.

During the first quarter of the year, the company drilled 4 operated
wells resulting in 2 oil (1.5 net), 1 (0.5 net) natural gas, and 1 (0.5 net)
dry and abandoned wells. The two oil wells were drilled at the Neptune,
Saskatchewan core area and are currently being flow lined to company operated
facilities. The natural gas well was drilled at the Alderson, Alberta core
area and is currently being evaluated.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (9983)4/7/1998 7:42:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
JOINT VENTURE / Compton Petroleum and Mobil Oil Canada

CALGARY, April 7 /CNW/ - Mobil Oil Canada (''Mobil'') and Compton
Petroleum Corporation (''Compton'') announce that they have entered into an 11
township (250,000 acre) Area of Mutual Interest (''AMI'') and Joint Venture to
explore for and produce natural gas in the High River / Mazeppa / Nanton area
of southern Alberta. The resulting production from the AMI will be processed
at Compton's Mazeppa area gas plants.

''The joint venture with Compton will accelerate development of Mobil's
significant acreage holdings south of High River, and will contribute to
Mobil's overall growth in western Canada'' noted Mark Ward, Mobil's Vice
President of Western Canadian Development and Production. ''This alliance with
Compton will add to the assets available for exploration and result in highly
efficient area development. The processing arrangements will enhance revenue
for both parties and facilitate production growth in the region.''

''This agreement further expands Compton's existing large land and
seismic base in its core Mazeppa / Nanton area'' stated Ernie Sapieha,
President of Compton. ''The Mobil Agreement provides Compton with a strong and
aggressive partner in Mobil and immediate access to 155 sections of high
quality lands and drilling opportunities. Combined with our existing lands and
the recently announced 14 township PanCanadian Exploration Agreement, Compton
has accumulated a land position covering 32 townships and providing immediate
access to 650 sections of land in southern Alberta. The Company plans an
extensive long-term drilling program in the area which is characterized by
multi-zone, liquids rich gas reserves.'' Sapieha further commented that the
dedication of land and production under the Mobil and PanCanadian agreements
significantly enhances the importance of Compton's natural gas processing
facilities in the Mazeppa area. Engineering has commenced to expand the
capacity of these facilities from 90 to 125 mmcf per day. ''The combination of
such a large land and seismic base, strong industry partners, a modern
processing infrastructure and a skilled professional team positions Compton
for significant growth'', said Sapieha.

Mobil Oil Canada is one of the nation's largest and most successful oil
and gas exploration and production companies. Mobil has operated in Canada for
more than 55 years and has become a major contributor to Canada's energy
self-sufficiency. Mobil's headquarters are located in Calgary, Alberta with
field operations in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Mobil Oil
Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mobil Corporation of Fairfax, Virginia.

Compton Petroleum Corporation is a Calgary based company with natural gas
and liquids reserves in excess of 200 BCF equivalent. It is actively engaged
in the exploration, development and production of natural gas, natural gas
liquids and crude oil in western Canada. Compton's common shares trade on The
Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol ''CMT''.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (9983)4/7/1998 7:44:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
EARNINGS / Wolverine Energy reports 1997 Results

CALGARY, April 7 /CNW/ - Wolverine Energy Corp. (WVE-ASE) posted record
numbers in 1997. The attached table outlines the highlights for 1997 that saw
the Company drill 22 wells (20.8 net) and added a new core area at year-end.
The
Company completed a very aggressive capital program that saw reserves nearly
triple as Wolverine Energy completed its first full cycle exploration project
during 1997.

The Company continued to use the acquisition and development strategy as
its main source of growth as a third core area (100% working interest) in
southern Alberta was added at year end which adds both crude oil and natural
gas reserves. The new property has existing production and comes with
significant development drilling potential and operated infrastructure. In
addition, Wolverine Energy also completed the acquisition of another 100%
owned and operated producing property in the Alliance area in the fourth
quarter. Both of these acquisitions are key to the Company's development
strategies and provide not only producing reserves, but also facility
infrastructure and undeveloped reserve potential.

The full effect of the 1997 capital program will not be seen until 1998
as the Company inventoried land and seismic data to step up its full cycle
exploration efforts. In addition, much of the new production from the fourth
quarter drilling program came on stream just at the year ended. The Company
began directing its capital spending towards natural gas at the end of 1997,
and expects a significant portion of the 1998 budget to be spent on acquiring
and developing natural gas reserves.

During the first quarter of 1998, Wolverine Energy successfully drilled
its first horizontal well on the West Ghost River project. Production testing
has just been completed and results will be released later in April when the
Company has analyzed the test data and a new independent engineering report is
completed to determine the full reserve potential in the West Ghost River and
South Ghost River areas.

For additional information on the Company, visit us at our website
www.wolverine-energy.com

<<

HIGHLIGHTS

1997 1996
End of December End of December % Change
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL

Revenue before Royalties $ 3,938,848 $ 1,507,018 161%

Funds Flow from Operations $ 1,170,348 $ 290,512 303%
Per Share (Basic) $ 0.11 $ 0.09 22%

Net Earnings $ 279,579 $ 120,867 131%
Per Share (Basic) $ 0.03 $ 0.04 -25%

Capital Expenditures $12,288,504 $ 4,351,341 182%

Long Term Debt $(4,237,266) $ -

Shareholders Equity $ 8,616,638 $ 4,518,411 91%

Common Shares Issued and
Outstanding 11,761,986 10,223,300 15%

Weighted Average Shares
Outstanding 10,494,575 3,343,447 214%

------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING

Crude Oil Production (BOPD) 392 142 176%
Price ($/BBL) $ 21.06 $ 25.56 -18%

Natural Gas (Mcf/d) $ 1,440 853 69%
Price ($/Mcf) $ 2.04 $ 1.86 10%

Average Production (BOEPD) 536 227 136%
Average Production (BOEPD)
including Badger/Montag
Acquisition 591 227 160%

Exit Production (BOEPD) 1,250 400 215%

Proven Reserves (MBOE) 2,820 1,027 175%

Proven and Risked Probable
Reserves (MBOE) 3,678 1,092 237%

Present Value of Reserves
(at 10% Disc.) $26,084,000 $ 7,841,000 233%
(at 15% Disc.) $21,109,000 $ 7,151,000 195%

Finding and Onstream Costs
Per BOE (proven reserves) $ 6.18 $ 4.24 46%
Per BOE (proven + probable
reserves) $ 4.42 $ 3.99 11%

------------------------------------------------------------------------

EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT

Wells Drilled
Gross 22.0 2.0 1000%
Net 20.8 2.0 940%

Success Rate 100% 100%

Producing Land (Hectares)
Gross 25,640 21,400 20%
Net 7,377 3,329 122%

Undeveloped Land (Hectares)
Gross 11,072 5,760 92%
Net 9,712 5,360 81%



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (9983)4/7/1998 7:47:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
EARNINGS / Brittany Energy reports 1997 Results

CALGARY, April 7 /CNW/ - Brittany Energy Inc. today reported that as a
result of a production purchase and successful development drilling during the
last quarter of 1997, that its exit production rate reached 291 boepd,
comprised of 193 bopd and 977 mcfpd.

The Company's production growth during 1997 averaged:

<<
1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Exit '97
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- --------
Oil-bopd 66 57 79 135 193
Gas - mcfpd -- -- 624 929 977
>>

At year end Brittany's proven reserves totaled 308,700 barrels of oil and
2.6 bcf of gas, with proven and probable reserves reported at 575,400 barrels
and 5.6 bcf of gas.

Capital expenditures incurred during 1997 amounted to $3.5 million,
including $2.6 million on acquisitions and $0.9 million exploration and
development. Finding and development costs averaged $6.44 per boe on a proven
basis and $3.24 per boe on a proven plus probable basis.

Higher production in 1997 increased total revenues to $1.0 million,
compared with $881,000 in 1996, however, higher overhead costs resulted in a
slight decrease in cash flow to $362,000 in 1997, compared with $374,000 for
the prior year.

<<
Summary of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 1997

1997 1996
Total Revenue $1,018,203 $881,375
Cash flow from Operations $362,453 $374,522
Cash flow per Common Share $0.04 $0.05
Net Earnings (Loss) ($20,476) $67,610
Net Earnings per Common Share (Loss) ($0.00) $0.01
Production: Oil & Ngls - bopd 78 88
Gas - mcfpd 443 --
Common Shares Outstanding 10,807,213 8,701,001
>>



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (9983)4/7/1998 7:48:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
CORP. / Harken Energy Corp. adopts Stockholder Rights Plan

DALLAS, April 7 /CNW/ -- Harken Energy Corporation
(Amex: HEC)("Harken") announced today that its Board of Directors adopted a
Stockholder Rights Plan in which Rights will be distributed as a dividend at
the rate of one Right for each share of common stock, par value $0.01 per
share, of the Company held by stockholders of record, as of the close of
business on April 17, 1998. The Rights will then trade in tandem with the
common stock unless there is an event which triggers the Rights Plan making
them exercisable. Once becoming exercisable, the Rights will trade separate
front the common stock and may be exchanged under the terms of the Rights Plan
for preferred stock or other Securities as may be determined by the Board at
that time. The Rights Plan is designed to deter certain types of unfair
takeover tactics and to prevent an acquirer from gaining control of the
Company without offering a fair price to all of the Company's stockholders.
The Rights will expire on April 6, 2008.

The Rights will be exercisable only if a person or group acquires
beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the Company's common stock or commences
a tender or exchange offer to acquire a total of 15% or more of the Company's
common stock. Details of the Stockholder Rights Plan are outlined in the
Company's current report on Form 8-K filed today, as well as a letter to be
mailed to all stockholders following the record date.

Harken's Chairman, Mikel D. Faulkner, stated, "The adoption of this
Stockholder Rights Plan is an important move in protecting the true value of
the Company for its stockholders."

Harken Energy Corporation explores for, develops and produces oil and gas
reserves domestically and internationally. Certain statements in this news
release regarding future expectations and plans for international oil and gas
exploration and development may be regarded as "forward looking statements"
within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. They are subject
to various risks, such as the inherent uncertainties in interpreting
engineering data related to underground accumulations of oil and gas, timing
and capital availability, discussed in detail in the Company's SEC filings,
including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997.
Actual results may vary materially.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (9983)4/7/1998 7:52:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
ACQUISITION / Enercap Corp. acquires Gas Processing Facilities

CALGARY, April 7 /CNW/ - Enercap Corporation announces that it has
recently completed a $15 million acquisition of gas processing and
transportation facilities from an intermediate oil and gas producer. After 12
years the producer has an option to repurchase the facilities which it will
continue to manage together with other owners.

Enercap operates as a specialist financier of oil and gas processing
and transportation facilities. Its acquisitions are structured to allow oil
and gas producers to monetize their facility investments without sacrificing
upside potential or disrupting existing operating arrangements. The
transactions are typically off-balance sheet for a facility vendor. Enercap
has now invested almost $30 million in facilities acquired from several oil
and gas producers.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (9983)4/7/1998 7:54:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
ENERGY TRUSTS / Pembina Pipeline Income Fund condensate expansion done

CALGARY, April 7 /CNW/ - Pembina Pipeline Income Fund reports completion
of the expansion of the Pembina condensate gathering system. This important
addition to throughput capacity on the Pembina pipeline system, located in
central Alberta, went into operation on April 2, 1998. The $3.2 million
capital program will provide 10,000 barrels per day of additional pipeline
capacity to meet growing demand for condensate transportation. Continuing
developments in the Brazeau area and increasing nominations of light crude
into the condensate stream will increase the condensate transported on Pembina
from 15,000 barrels per day in 1997 to an estimated 21,000 barrels per day in
1998, a projected average increase of 40%.

Pembina Pipeline Income Fund is a Canadian income trust fund engaged,
through its wholly-owned subsidiary Pembina Pipeline Corporation, in the
transportation of crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids in Western
Canada. The Fund's units trade as instalment receipts on the Toronto Stock
Exchange under the symbol PIF.IR. The final instalment of $4.00 per unit is
due October 23, 1998.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (9983)4/7/1998 7:55:00 PM
From: Arnie  Respond to of 15196
 
GENERAL INTEREST / Pembina Pipeline Income Fund & Northstar Energy....

CALGARY, April 7 /CNW/ - Pembina Pipeline Income Fund and Northstar
Energy Corporation announce the commissioning of Northstar's new eight inch
diameter pipeline from Taylor, British Columbia to Dawson Creek, B.C. The
Northstar Pipeline, with a capacity of 19,000 barrels per day, connects the
major crude oil gathering systems in northeastern B.C. to Pembina's pipeline
system at Dawson Creek and provides pipeline access to markets in Edmonton,
Alberta. This connection is a major development, giving Northstar and Pembina
the opportunity to provide pipeline transportation service to the rapidly
expanding crude oil and condensate producing fields in northeastern B.C.

Pembina Pipeline Income Fund is a Canadian income trust fund engaged,
through its wholly-owned subsidiary Pembina Pipeline Corporation, in the
transportation of crude oil, condensate and natural gas liquids in Western
Canada. The Fund's units trade as instalment receipts on the Toronto Stock
Exchange under the symbol PIF.IR. The final instalment of $4.00 per unit is
due October 23, 1998.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (9983)4/7/1998 8:01:00 PM
From: Arnie  Read Replies (3) | Respond to of 15196
 
SERVICE SECTOR / Canadian Fracmaster achieves NYSE Listing

CALGARY, April 8 /CNW/ - Canadian Fracmaster Ltd. announces that its
common shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange today under the
symbol FMA. Listing of the common shares on the New York Stock Exchange does
not include listing of the instalment receipts of the Corporation at this
time. Upon payment of the final instalment on or before September 9, 1998,
holders of such instalment receipts will receive a common share for each fully
paid instalment receipt. Those common shares will then be permitted to trade
on the New York Stock Exchange.

''The Company's shareholder base has changed such that there is now a
significant holding of U.S. shareholders. Furthermore, international focus
makes listing on this exchange a natural fit with the potential to increase
the investor base and provide greater liquidity in our shares. We are proud
to be a part of the New York Stock Exchange.'' said Mr. Les Margetak,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian Fracmaster Ltd.

''Canadian Fracmaster represents the type of high-quality company that we
like to attract to the NYSE,'' said Richard A. Grasso chairman and chief
executive officer of the Exchange. ''Canadian Fracmaster, as a leader in
providing highly reliable and innovative services and technologies to the oil
and gas industry, will join the more than 3,000 NYSE-listed companies that
meet our high listing standards.''

New Trading Symbol is ''FMA''
-----------------------------
Effective as of today, the trading symbol for the common shares and
instalment receipts of Canadian Fracmaster Ltd. on the Toronto and Montreal
Stock Exchanges will change from CFC and CFC.IR respectively to FMA and
FMA.IR. As a result, the same trading symbols will be used for all stock
exchanges on which the common shares and instalment receipts of the
Corporation are listed.

Canadian Fracmaster Ltd. is an international oil and gas service and
production company, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the
Toronto Stock Exchange and the Montreal Exchange and trades under the symbol
''FMA''. For further information on the Company please visit our web site at
fracmaster.com.



To: Kerm Yerman who wrote (9983)4/7/1998 8:03:00 PM
From: Arnie  Read Replies (5) | Respond to of 15196
 
PIPELINES / Nova & TransCanada merger clears 2 Hurdles

CALGARY, April 7 /CNW/ -- NOVA Corporation and TransCanada PipeLines
Limited report their merger regulatory process has passed two critical hurdles
necessary for completion of their proposed merger. The U.S. Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued an order on April 6, 1998 granting its
approval of the companies' application.

A joint TransCanada and NOVA application was filed with the FERC on
February 11, 1998. The approval was required as a result of indirect interests
held by the companies in electric public utilities and power marketers in the
United States.

On March 6, 1998 the companies filed an application with the U.S. Federal
Trade Commission and the Department of Justice under the Hart-Scott-Rodino
Anti-trust Improvements Act of 1976. The 30-day waiting period, required
under that legislation, expired on April 5 allowing NOVA and TransCanada to
proceed with the merger without further review under that legislation.

''Essential additional approvals are still required,'' said George
Watson, president and chief executive officer of TransCanada. ''Nonetheless,
we are delighted to see these initial approvals being put into place. This
keeps us on track in our target of finalizing the merger transaction around
the end of the second quarter, 1998.''