Mineral rights are often less-risky investments than drilling wells,
which can carry large operational, labor and environmental concerns.
Continental, controlled by billionaire wildcatter Harold Hamm, will as part of the deal receive $220-million from Franco-Nevada, which manages gold and commodity royalties around the globe.
The companies will fund the subsidiary with $125-million each year
for the next three years to buy mineral rights in the SCOOP and STACK
oil plays of Oklahoma, near where Continental already has operating
wells.
Continental will only be required to fund 20% of that amount but will
be entitled to between 25% to 50% of the subsidiary`s revenue,
according to a press release.
With mineral rights, investors typically agree to pay for a cost of a
well`s development in exchange for a percentage of future revenues. By
forming the subsidiary with Franco-Nevada, Continental is effectively
gaining access to a less-risky revenue stream. The company will also
have access to data from wells in which the subsidiary invests, a key
source of market information.
Continental plans to use proceeds from the subsidiary to cull its
$6.16-billion debt load. The company is slated to post quarterly results
on Tuesday.
"We are pleased to announce yet another growth vehicle to Continental within our core business," Hamm said in the press release.
http://www.miningnewspro.com/en/News/233061/Continental Resources inks deal with mineral royalty manager