Shares in Nighthawk, the US focused shale oil development and production company, fell on Thursday after it said weather problems had kept one of its mines closed.
Its wholly-owned Knoss 6-21 well in the Jolly Ranch Denver-Julesburg Basin in Colorado had to be shut shortly after production began in mid-December due to bad weather.
The firm said after the weather shut-in, very high initial fluid production from the well had exceeded available water disposal capacity in the area.
MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
The problem was exacerbated by the well itself producing with a relatively high water cut.
The company is currently upgrading its water disposal capacity and said the Knoss 6-21 well will be brought back on-line when that work is complete around mid-January.
The John Craig 6-2 well, which also produces significant amounts of water, was shut-in for most of December.
News of the closures pushed shares down 7.8% by 0930 on Thursday.
But there was positive production news with Nighthawk trumpeting average total oil production in December of 276 barrels per day, a record monthly production level for its Smoky Hill and Jolly Ranch projects.
Average total oil production in the fourth quarter of 2012 reached 192 barrels, a record quarterly production level for the projects.
Get the latest financial news, insights and expert analysis from our award-winning MoneyWeek team, to help you understand what really matters when it comes to your finances.
MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.
-
‘Sandwich generation’ carers losing £6,000 a year to support elderly relativesMiddle-aged adults are often caught between caring for children or grandchildren and their elderly parents, leaving them taking time out of the workforce and facing a huge hit to wages while they are still trying to save for retirement. We look at the true cost of caring.
-
Ground rents to be capped at £250 a year – what does it mean for you?The government has published draft legislation which would see ground rents capped at £250 per year for leaseholders. We examine what it means for homeowners and the housing market.
