Far East declared the results of an independent report by Netherland, Sewell & Associates (NSAI) evaluating, as of December 31, 2010, the contingent gas resources and Net Present Value at 10% Discount (NPV10) of the net contingent cash flow for the three target coal seams in Far East Energy's 485,000 acre (1960 square kilometers) Shouyang Block, situated in Shanxi Province, China.

The report gives a Best Estimate of NPV10 of $738.3 million, and a High Estimate of $1.46 billion, net to Far East.

"Obviously, this is a very strong report, and one with which we are well pleased," said Michael R. McElwrath, CEO and President of Far East. "These estimates highlight the robust economic potential of the Block. And, it is important to note that we hope and believe that these numbers are just the beginning, as meaningful improvements in well-by-well gas rates and sustainability – which we certainly expect as we further develop, dewater, and optimize production – should have the impact of increasing these estimates, as well as reclassifying some of these resources as reserves."

McElwrath continued, "This report includes only our interest in the Contingent Resources and, of course, does not constitute a reserves report. While, under the terms of our gas sales agreement, we received payment for gas at year-end 2010, we did not flow gas through the system until mid-January, and even then that was frequently interrupted as we worked out the bugs in the gathering system during the testing and commissioning process. That lack of gas flow at year-end and our anticipation of frequent interruptions as testing and commissioning occurred, led us to decide that under the applicable rules we did not have a sufficiently completed gas sales system functioning as of year-end to recognize proven gas reserves in our December 31, 2010 financials. We will recognize proved gas reserves as appropriate in 2011, and will also provide a report indicating the probable and possible gas reserves at that time."

McElwrath continued, "With our current cash balance of $34 million, we will again accelerate the pace of our drilling program, and drilling should be funded until approximately the end of 2011. Additionally, we are also targeting a total of 200 to 250 wells in 2012, and 300 to 400 in 2013. Of course, the costs of these accelerated outyear drilling programs will be partially offset by growing revenues from gas sales, and discussions are underway with several international banks and other institutions for debt financing. Shouyang's potential becomes more apparent with each successive independent analysis that we receive, and we will proceed apace to realize the value of the underlying resource."

Tags: Far East Energy Corporation