Proven Reserves - Reserve Evaluations, Valuations and Certifications

Reserve Evaluations, Valuations and Certifications

Oil companies employ specialist reserve valuation consultants - such as Sproule, DeGolyer and MacNaughton, Ryder Scott, Netherland, Sewell & Associates Inc. (NSAI) and others - to provide third party reports as part of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) SEC filings. On December 30 2009, recognising advances in exploration and valuation technology, the SEC allowed 2P probable and 3P possible reserves to be reported, along with 1P proved reserves, though oil companies also have to verify the independence of third party consultants. Since investors view 1P reserves with much greater importance than 2P or 3P reserves, oil companies seek to convert 2P and 3P reserves into 1P reserves.