Petrohawk Energy Corp. closed its previously announced North Louisiana gas properties acquisition and entered into a separate transaction to unload its Gulf of Mexico properties. First announced in December (see Daily GPI, Dec. 15, 2005), the Houston-based junior independent purchased two packages of natural gas reserves in the Elm Grove and Caspiana fields of northern Louisiana in private transactions for $262 million, before working capital and other closing adjustments. As of Dec. 31, 2005, Petrohawk owned 551 Bcfe in proved reserves, of which 76% were natural gas. With the added production from this transaction, Petrohawk’s current estimated production rate is 146 MMcfe/d. The acquired reserves are 98% natural gas and include an estimated 106 Bcfe of proved reserves and 100 Bcfe of probable and possible reserves. The assets include about 27,400 gross acres, with 80% of them operated. They include 11 producing wells and 185 identified drilling locations. Average 2006 projected output is expected to be 20 MMcfe/d; current production is 16 MMcfe/d. Lease operating expenses for 2006 are estimated to be $0.55/MMcfe. Petrohawk also announced Monday it is has entered into a definitive agreement with a private company to sell substantially all of its Gulf of Mexico properties for $52.5 million in cash. Petrohawk said these properties have internally estimated proved reserves of 26 Bcfe, are 70% gas, and are 59% proved developed and 27% operated, with lease operating expenses of $2.35 per Mcfe. Petrohawk estimates current production at 10 MMcfe/d. The transaction is expected to close in March 2006.

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