News

Primeline Extends PETROLEUM CONTRACT

February 21st, 2008
View PDF

Primeline Energy Holdings Inc. (“Primeline” or the “Company”) (TSXV: PEH) today announced the execution of an agreement to extend the first exploration phase under the Petroleum Contract. An update on exploration and development is also provided.

Petroleum Contract Extension

The Petroleum Contract for Block 25/34 provides for an exploration period of seven years from the date of commencement, which was May 1st, 2005. The exploration period is divided into three separate phases of three, two, and two years respectively. The provisions relating to the minimum exploration work provide that during the first phase of the exploration period the contractors are required to complete the acquisition of 200 sq km of 3D seismic and drill one well of 2,500 m with a minimum exploration expenditure of US$6 million. During the first phase Primeline has acquired a total of 550 sq km of 3D seismic and has spent in excess of US$10 million but, due to the lack of availability of drilling rigs, has been unable to drill the required well. Accordingly, in view of current rig market conditions, China National Offshore Oil Corporation (“CNOOC”, www.CNOOC.com.cn, NYSE: CEO) has agreed to extend the first phase of the exploration period by an additional period of twelve months.

By an Amendment Agreement dated February 18th 2008 between CNOOC, Primeline and Primeline Petroleum Corporation, the parties have agreed that the Petroleum Contract be amended to provide that the first exploration period shall be for a period of four years from the date of commencement on May 1st, 2005 provided that one of the two subsequent two-year exploration periods will be reduced by a corresponding period of one year unless it is agreed that subsequent events justify continued exploration of the Block. The minimum exploration requirement for each of phases 2 and 3 is the drilling of one well to 2,500m and an expenditure of US$5m.

Dr. Ming Wang, CEO of Primeline, commented, “This Contract Extension demonstrates the cooperative understanding and goodwill between the parties who all continue to support the development of this project.”

Exploration Update

As previously announced, Primeline has completed the site survey of the proposed exploration well locations in the Lishui gas play in December 2007 and all other preparatory work required before drilling the identified prospects. Primeline is ready to drill immediately once a rig is available on acceptable terms and is continuing its discussions with CNOOC and drilling contractors in order to secure a rig for the selected exploration well locations.

Development Update

Also as previously announced, Primeline and CNOOC have completed the detailed engineering and costing element of the feasibility study for the stand-alone development of the existing Lishui 36-1 gas discovery but are still continuing their discussions with the Wenzhou Municipality Authority and the Zhejiang Provincial Government with regard to a take-or-pay gas sale contract. The negotiations with Wenzhou commenced formally in September 2007. In the event that a memorandum of understanding for such contract is entered into on terms that would justify the commercial development of the existing discovery on a stand-alone basis then it is the current intention of Primeline, subject to adequate funding, and CNOOC to proceed with the work required to complete an Overall Development Plan.


ON BEHALF OF PRIMELINE ENERGY HOLDINGS INC.


Ming Wang
Chief Executive Officer



CONTACT:

PRIMELINE ENERGY HOLDINGS INC.

Dr. Ming Wang
CEO
Phone: +44 207.499.8888
Fax: +44 207.499.2288
Toll Free: 1.877.818.0688
Email: IR@pehi.com

CHF INVESTOR RELATIONS

Michael Borovec
Associate Account Manager
Phone: +1 416.868.1079 ext. 229
Fax: +1 416.868.6198
Email: michael@chfir.com

Cathy Hume
CEO
Phone: +1 416.868.1079 ext. 231
Fax: +1 416.868.6198
Email: cathy@chfir.com


Please visit the Company’s website at www.pehi.com. Should you wish to receive Company news via email, please email michael@chfir.com and specify “Primeline Energy” in the subject line.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this news release contain forward-looking information, which involves inherent risk and uncertainty affecting the business of Primeline. These statements included statements related to the results of exploration, the anticipated development of the Chinese natural gas market, and the negotiation of contracts for sale of natural gas.. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in discovery of economic resources on any of the Company’s properties. Natural gas markets in China may not develop in the manner the Company anticipates. Contracts for sale of natural gas may not be negotiated on the terms anticipated, or at all. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

The TSX Venture Exchange has neither reviewed nor approved and takes no responsibility for the contents of this release.