Overview of Recent Discoveries and Play Openers

Andrew Latham
Upstream Consultancy, Wood Mackenzie, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

This presentation will analyse:

• The regional distribution of recent oil and gas discoveries worldwide. Overall volumes have been falling since the super-giant discoveries of 2000 in Australia and the Caspian. Key trends in activity, investment and reserve replacement.
• The relative importance of new plays versus established plays. Which are the most attractive for explorers in terms of adding reserves, finding costs and overall returns?
• Examples of key new discoveries and play openers. How did the companies identify, capture and progress the opportunities?
• Strategies for successful exploration in new basins. Examples of approaches that have worked in the recent past and some thoughts on possible future business models for exploration new ventures.