See where Apache Corp. says it found billions of barrels of oil | Peak Oil News and Message Boards
Apache Corp. said it found “Alpine High” in west Texas’ Delaware Basin, estimating about 3 billion barrels of oil and 75 trillion cubic feet of natural gas in 300,000+ contiguous acres. The company raised 2016 capex by $200 million to $2 billion. Citigroup valued the discovery at ~$3.7 billion; Credit Suisse lifted its target to $67.
The reserve/resource estimate and development capex update are a direct catalyst for Apache’s near-to-medium term value perception, especially for Permian gas-rich upside.
Apache disclosed an “immense” Alpine High discovery in west Texas, estimating ~3B barrels and 75 Tcf, lifting shares ~7% and driving analyst PT changes.
Bullish bias with potential follow-through as analysts model development economics and timing (field not ready until 2018).
Background
The piece frames Alpine High as a newly emphasized play within the Delaware Basin (a sub-basin of the Permian) and contrasts it with prior industry skepticism about hydraulic fracturing there.
Why it matters
Apache’s disclosed resource scale and incremental capex provide fresh inputs for valuation models, prompting multiple investment banks to raise price targets; the market reaction suggests traders are repricing the acreage’s potential value.
Market relevance
A single-company discovery with quantified resources and development spend is a tradable catalyst for APA and a sentiment read-through for Permian E&Ps.
Market effects
Reinforces Permian/Delaware Basin resource potential and may support sentiment toward other Permian operators with underdeveloped acreage.
Highlights west Texas (Delaware Basin) as a growing focus area for drilling and development capital.
Marginal global supply impact in the near term, but contributes to the narrative of continued US shale resource depth.
Alternative perspectives
Large resource estimates may not translate into near-term production or returns; development timing (not ready until 2018) and commodity price volatility can dilute the initial enthusiasm.
The article notes earthquake activity concerns tied to wastewater disposal in Oklahoma; while not directly about Alpine High, regulatory/social risk around basin operations could affect development pace and costs.
Key entities
- companyApache Corp.
Announced the Alpine High discovery and provided resource estimates plus incremental 2016 capex guidance.
- assetAlpine High
Apache’s newly identified field in the Delaware Basin, estimated at ~3B barrels of oil and 75 Tcf of natural gas.
- geographyDelaware Basin / Permian Basin
West Texas shale region where the discovery is located; broader context for US oil production and development focus.
