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Po Valley Energy Limited

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FY2010 Annual Report · Po Valley Energy Limited
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Po Valley Energy Limited
ABN 33 087 741 571

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PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED
ABN 33 087 741 571

Registered Office
Level 28, 140 St. Georges Terrace
Perth WA 6000
Tel: (08) 9278 2533

2010
Annual Report

CORPORATE DIRECTORY

Directors
Graham Bradley, Chairman
Michael Masterman, Deputy Chairman
David McEvoy, Non Executive Director
Byron Pirola, Non Executive Director
Gregory Short, Non Executive Director

Chief Executive Officer
Giovanni Catalano

Company Secretary
Lisa Jones

Registered Office
Level 28, 140 St George’s Tce
Perth, WA Australia 6000
Tel: +61 8 92782533

Rome Office
Via Boncompagni, 47
00187 Rome, Italy
Tel: +39 06 42014968

Share Registry
Link Market Services Limited
178 St Georges Terrace
Perth, WA Australia 6000
Tel: +61 2 82807111

Solicitors
Steinepreis Paganin
Level 4, 16 Milligan St
Perth, WA Australia 6000

DLA Piper
Via Gabrio Casati, 1
20123 Milan, Italy

Auditor
KPMG
235 St George’s Tce
Perth, WA Australia 6000

Banks
Bankwest
108 St George’s Tce
Perth, WA Australia 6000

Bank of Scotland
155 Bishopsgate
London, UK EC2M 3YB

Stock Exchange Listing
Po Valley Energy Limited shares
are listed on the Australian Stock
Exchange under the code PVE.
The Company is limited by shares,
incorporated and domiciled
in Australia.

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders
Chief Executive Officer’s Report
Production, Development, Exploration
Corporate Governance Statement
Directors’ Report
Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration
Statement of Financial Position
Statement of Comprehensive Income
Statement of Changes in Equity
Statements of Cash Flow
Notes to the Financial Statements
Directors’ Declaration
Independent Auditor’s Report
Shareholder Information 2010/2011
Reserves & Resources Statement

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64
66
68

Highlights

26.8 million cubic metres
(0.9 bcf)
Total gas production

€4.3m (AUD 5.6m)
Reduction in Bank of Scotland 
borrowing base

85,000 cubic metres 
(3 million cubic feet)
Daily gas production

2,000 sq kilometers
(494,200 acres)
100% licences area in Italy
2 producing gas fields
2 development fields
2 development projects
5 gas discoveries for appraisal

11 gas exploration prospects

2 oil exploration opportunities

€7.1m (AUD 9.2m)
Operating revenue

29.35 €cent/scm
Average ENI gas release 
price for 2010

Strengthened Company’s
Board and Senior
Management team 

44,000 man/hours
With no incidents

€2.2m (AUD 2.8m)
Positive EBITDA

11.8 bcf 2P
Total Proven Reserves

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

1

CHAIRMAN’S LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

On  behalf   of   the  Board  of   Directors,  I  am  pleased  to
present the Annual Report for the Company for 2010.  

During the past year, the Company achieved a number of
significant operational and financial milestones, together
with a transition of  executive leadership.  

Gas production from the Company’s two wells in the Sillaro
field commenced in mid-2010 and the combined production
from our Sillaro and Castello fields totalled 26.8 million
cubic  metres  (0.9  bcf)  during  the  2010  calendar  year.
Production from Sillaro was maintained at a consistent level
above  80,000  cubic  metres  per  day  during  the  last  six
months to December and continued at that rate in the first
quarter of  2011. 

Sillaro’s good production was offset, however, by the need to
significantly reduce production from our Castello field due
to water influx and poor gas flows. Geological analysis has
confirmed that it will be necessary to drill a deviated well
(Vitalba-1dirA) to exploit the remaining Castello reserves,
and plans are underway for this new well to be drilled in
mid-2011.

Despite the setback at Castello, the Company’s operating
revenues  for  the  year  were  €7.1  million  (AUD  9.2m).
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation
(EBITDA) in 2010 were €2.2 million, the first year in which
the  Company  has  generated  positive  EBITDA.
Furthermore the Company reduced its debt facility with
Bank  of   Scotland  by  €4.3  million  during  the  year  to  a
balance of  €6.0 million at year end.  

The Company continued to grow its portfolio of  exploration
licences  in  2010  with  the  preliminary  grant  of   our  first

offshore licence, located in the Adriatic Sea.  Since year-end,
we also received final award of  two promising exploration
licences  at  Cadelbosco  di  Sopra  and  Grattasasso  in  the 
Po Valley region.

During the year the Company engaged external experts to
review comprehensively its reserves and resources, and the
results of  those reviews have been progressively reported to
shareholders and are summarised in this annual report.

In  mid-2010,  we  were  pleased  to  secure  the  services  of
Giovanni Catalano, a 30-year professional in the oil and gas
industry,  as  our  Chief   Operating  Officer.    In  October,
following  the  decision  by  our  founding  Chief   Executive,
Michael Masterman, to retire from his executive role with
the Company, Giovanni was appointed as Chief  Executive
Officer.    He  has  brought  to  the  Company  the  valuable
expertise and experience acquired during his long career in
the  industry,  including,  most  recently,  his  role  as  Chief
Executive  for  the  AIM  listed,  Italian-based  company,
Mediterranean Oil & Gas Plc.  

We thank sincerely our founding Chief  Executive, Michael
Masterman for his pivotal contribution to the Company.  As
a major shareholder, Michael remains actively engaged with
the  Company  as  a  Non  Executive  Director  and  Deputy
Chairman.  

During 2010, we also welcomed Greg Short to the Board.
Greg is another veteran of  the oil and gas industry with a
long  career  in  gas  exploration  and  development  with
Exxon in a number of  countries around the world. Greg’s
expertise  further  strengthens  the  Board’s  technical
knowledge,  particularly  in  geological  and  geophysical
analysis. 

Your Directors share the disappointment of  all shareholders
in  the  poor  performance  of   the  Company’s  share  price
during 2010 and the setbacks underlying that performance.
We believe, however, that our executive team is now well
placed to realise full value from the Company’s assets and I
look  forward  to  reporting  more  fully  on  our  plans  and
progress during 2011.

On behalf  of  shareholders, I would like to thank our small
but hardworking management team for their efforts during
2010.  I also thank my Board colleagues for their continued
dedication and commitment.

Graham Bradley
Chairman

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

2

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT

As the recently appointed Chief  Executive Officer, I am
pleased to report that in 2010 Po Valley Energy achieved its
first full year of  gas production and positive EBITDA from
our 100% owned Sillaro and Castello gas fields in northern
Italy. The Sillaro reservoirs are performing well, in line with
expectations, and this has partially offset the unexpected
decline in production from the Castello field. 

Key operational priorities for 2011 include to maintain steady
production at the Sillaro gas field, drill Vitalba-1dirA with the
aim of  bringing the Castello field back into production, farm-
out and drill the Fantuzza-1 well, progress an application for
production concession for the Sant’ Alberto gas field, apply
for authority to drill the Zini prospect (Correggio) and secure
the Bezzecca production concession.

As part of  Po Valley’s commitment to sound growth, key
appointments  were  made  in  2010  to  strengthen  the
Company’s senior management team consisting of  Franco
Benelli, Chairman Technical, Pierluigi Vecchia, Program
Manager  and  Mariyam  Musrepova,  Corporate  &  Legal
Officer.  Sara  Edmonson  became  our  Finance  Manager,
Diego Balistreri was appointed Production & Development
Manager,  Giorgio  Bertuzzi  has  taken  the  place  of
Exploration & New Projects Manager and Cristian Masini
joined  the  Company  as  Petroleum  Engineer.  These
additions bring valuable experience and a solid skill set to
our established team in Rome.

Looking forward, I believe the Company is now in a position
to build on its success in bringing new fields into production
with  a  new  phase  of   growth  involving  already  identified
projects like Bezzecca, Sant’Alberto, Fantuzza, Correggio,
offshore Adriatic and other medium-long term projects within
our well-diversified exploration portfolio. We remain very
focused on realising value from our existing Italian assets.

On a personal note, I thank the Po Valley team for their
remarkable  efforts  during  this  milestone  year  and  look
forward to a new phase of  consolidation and growth which
will  allow  the  Company  to  deliver  future  value  to
shareholders.

Giovanni Catalano
Chief Executive Officer

Total gas production for 2010 was 26.8 million cubic metres
(0.9 bcf) generating annual revenues amounting to €7.1 million
(AUD 9.2m). Castello and Sillaro continue to be the only new
gas  production  fields  in  the  Po  Valley  region  to  commence
production since the end of  the ENI-AGIP’s energy monopoly
and the liberalisation of  the Italian gas market in 1998. 

I  am  also  pleased  to  report  that  the  Company’s  strong
commitment to safety helped us to record zero lost time
injuries during 2010.

Following Castello’s pressure and production decline, our
analysis  confirmed  that  the  Castello  field  has  remaining
probable gas reserves of  100.7 million cubic metres (3.6 bcf).
Accordingly, we plan to drill a new Vitalba-1dirA well from
the  Castello  plant  location  in  mid-2011.  If   drilling  is
successful, production would restart without delay. 

During the past year the Company commissioned a thorough,
independent review of  its reserves and resources by Dedicated
Reservoir Engineering and Management (DREAM) and UK-
based  RPS  Group  Plc,  resulting  in  some  adjustments  to
previously  estimated  reserves.  Importantly,  the  review
confirmed the Company’s solid resource and reserve base
upon which to develop future production.  

The review results will also support our development strategy
for the Bezzecca and Fantuzza gas fields. An application for
a production concession in respect of  the Bezzecca field has
now been submitted to the Italian authorities. 

In parallel, the Company has continued to grow and analyse
its exploration portfolio during 2010 and to confirm its best
prospects for future drilling to unlock the upside potential
of   the  Company’s  extensive  exploration  assets.  Some
important  milestones  were  achieved  over  the  past  12
months, including: a positive resolution of  the AR168PY
Adriatic offshore application, the award of  Cadelbosco di
Sopra  and  the  adjacent  Grattasasso  exploration  permits
with their near term development potential involving the
already identified Zini and Canolo prospects, the acquisition
of   2D  seismic  on  the  Cembalina  and  Sant’Alberto
structures, drilling preparation in respect of  the Gradizza
gas prospect and the purchase of  124 kilometres of  new
seismic data in Castello and Cadelbosco/Grattasasso.

Additionally, the Company is continuing to seek farm-out
opportunities for certain assets in order to optimise the risk
profile of  future capital investments.

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements   Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

3

PRODUCTION, DEVELOPMENT, EXPLORATION

Overview

ITALIAN GAS MARKET
Italy is the 4th most populated European country and the 3rd
largest European gas market after the UK and Germany.
Despite its gas supply needs, in 2009 Italy produced only
8 billion cubic metres of gas (282 billion cubic feet) against
a total consumption of 76 billion cubic metres (2.6 trillion
cubic feet): these figures clearly show how Italy is deeply
dependent on foreign energy sources, including Libya and
Russia. In 2009 imports accounted for around 67 billion
cubic metres of gas (2.3 trillion cubic feet).
Demand for natural gas in Italy has grown rapidly over the
last decades, increasing by 359% between 1973 and 2009,
growing from just 17 billion cubic metres in 1973 to over 70
billion cubic metres in recent years.

Italian gas prices are high by world standards, capital costs
and transportation costs are very low resulting in highly
attractive development economics. Po Valley gas production
is contracted under formula based contracts with the pricing
based on the ENI gas release formula, driven by diesel, fuel oil
and crude oil prices. Prices under the formula averaged €0.29
per cubic metre through 2010, rising to approximately €0.31
in the first quarter 2011. The national transportation grid is
more than 29,000 km long and the distribution network is
well developed, covering 90% of the north of Italy where the
Company operates. Sillaro is a good example of the extension
and proximity to the pipeline grid: the production plant is
only 200 metres away from to the national entry point,
reducing time and costs to develop gas discoveries.

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders Chief Executive Officer’s Report Production, Development, Exploration Corporate Governance Statement Directors’ Report Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration Statement of Financial Position

4

PO VALLEY ENERGY • ANNUAL REPORT 2010

ENI GAS RELEASE 
(€ CENT/M3)

TOTAL MAN-HOURS WORKED IN 2009-2010: 44,000
TOTAL LOST HOURS IN 2009-2010: 0

45

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SILLARO
INSTALLATION

VITALBA O&M

200 man hours

SILLARO
INSTALLATION

VITALBA O&M

4,300
man hours

6,500 
man hours

14,100 
man hours

6,300 
man hours

12,100 
man hours

VITALBA
INSTALLATION

SILLARO O&M

Forecast provided by Alba Soluzioni

2009

2010

The  Po  Valley  region,  between  the  Alps  and  the
Apennines,  is  the  main  gas  production  zone  in  Italy.
Having  operated  in  Italy  for  the  past  10  years,  the
Company is experienced in Italy’s regulatory process and
has successfully managed each stage of  the exploration
and production business. 
The  Company  and 
local  management  team’s
experience  in  Italy  represent  a  significant  competitive
advantage to successfully exploit the Italian gas market
potential.

its 

SUSTAINABILITY
Po  Valley  Energy  strives  to  maintain  and  continuously
improve high standards of  health, safety and environmental
(HS&E) practice through its operations. 

Safety was a priority in 2010, during the buildup of  our
second gas production plant as well as during the Operation
and Maintenance activities. In the last two years both of  our
production surface facilities have been constructed, installed
and managed with a cumulative total of  circa 44,000 man
hours on site without a single lost time incident and strong
safety controls: only two minor accidents were recorded,
with no consequences.

As the Company entered into permanent activities, one of
the goals became the establishment of  a simple but clear
and defined set of  procedures to be easily used by everybody
if  an emergency occurs. 

When  the  Company  plans  an  operation  its  choice  of
Contractors  is  strongly  influenced  by  the  objective  of
minimizing any possible interference and/or disturbance
to local communities.

We  believe  in  the  importance  of   a  clear,  open  and
continuous relationship with the local communities: this has
been the success key for the most of  our operations.
We established commencing with our activities in 2004, a
solid communications network with all the local authorities
involved in the areas of  operations, achieving a positive and
supportive response from the national, regional and local
authorities.

to  HS&E  objectives  shared  by
The  committment 
Company’s  staff   and  contractors  is  a  key  priority  for 
Po  Valley.  The  Company  encourages  and  promotes  a
proactive  communication  environment 
to  develop,
implement and monitor its HS&E systems.

PROJECT PIPELINE & OPERATIONS 
MARCH 2011

EXPLORATION

APPRAISAL/DEVELOPMENT

PRODUCTION

LICENCE
APPLICATION

(cid:129) La Risorta
- Ariano
- Corcrevà
- D. Delle Anime

(cid:129) GR27NS

(cid:129) Tozzona

LICENCE
GRANTED

(cid:129) Opera

- Donnino

(cid:129) P. Gallina

- Cembalina
- F. Perino
- C. Rossa

(cid:129) La Prospera
- Gradizza
- Pioppette
- Capitello

(cid:129) Terra del sole

LICENCE
APPLICATION

(cid:129) AR168PY
- Carola
- Irma
- Azzurra
- Ginevra

LICENCE
GRANTED

(cid:129) Crocetta
- Fantuzza

(cid:129) Cadelbosco/
Grattasasso
- Canolo
- Zini
- Correggio
- Bagnolo (Oil)
- Ravizza (Oil)

LICENCE
APPLICATION

LICENCE
GRANTED

(cid:129) S. Vincenzo

- Sant’Alberto

(cid:129) C. Castello
- Vitalba

(cid:129) C.S. Pietro
- Bezzecca

(cid:129) Sillaro
- Sillaro

Undiscovered Prospective Resources

Discovered Contingent Resources

Reserves

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements   Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

5

PRODUCTION

Sillaro

The  Sillaro  gas  field,  located  30  km  east  of   Bologna,  was
originally explored by ENI (former Budrio field) in its upper
Miocene sequence with six wells between 1955 and 1982.
During 2005 the Company drilled the Sillaro-1dir well into
the Pliocene sequence and in July 2009 a second production
well (Sillaro-2dir) was designed and drilled to produce from
multiple levels to increase overall flow rates and optimise total
field recovery. Testing at Sillaro-2dir well confirmed a total of
six gas-bearing levels.
In September 2009, the Company received authorisation to
install the surface plant to develop the discovered field. 

2010  WORK: In  May  2010,  the  field  commenced
production from levels A and E of  Sillaro-2dir. Later, in June
2010, the Sillaro-1dir well was connected to produce from
levels C1+C2. 
In  June/July  2010,  the  Company  engaged  Dedicated
Reservoir  Engineering  and  Management  (DREAM),  a
technical consultancy firm associated with the Polytechnic of

KEY INFORMATION 
Production Concession

Interest:

100%

Wells:

Location:

Bologna, Emilia Romagna

Production:

Production start:  

Q2 2010

Remaining Reserves:

2 in place

2.9 mmcf/day

1P 7.5 bcf
2P 8.2 bcf

Invested capital €16.1 m

Turin, to conduct a static and dynamic
reservoir  study  to  re-assess  the  field
recoverable  reserves.  The  resulting
assessment indicated Sillaro proven (1P)
reserves of  230 million cubic metres (8.1
bcf)  and  proven  plus  probable  (2P)
reserves are estimated to be 248 million
cubic metres (8.8 bcf).
During  2010  Sillaro  achieved  a  total
production of  18.5 million cubic metres
(0.65 bcf) and from the 1st of  October
2010 its production is set at an average
rate of  83,000 cubic metres/day (2.9
mmcf/day). The field is producing with
and  pressure
flow 
stable 
performance, 
the
in 
Company’s production plan.

line  with 

gas 

DEVELOPMENT  PLAN:  The
Company will continue the production
of   natural  gas,  carefully  monitoring
performance  and  in  accordance  with
the contracted gas rates for the 2010-
2011  Gas  Thermal  Year  of   83,000
cubic metres/day (2.9 mmcf/day).

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

6

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

PRODUCTION

Cascina Castello 

The Vitalba-1dir well, located east of
Milan, was drilled by the Company in
2005  at  a  structural  location  updip
from the former ENI Agnadello-1 gas
well, which produced  from 1980 to
1989 about 358 million cubic metres
(12.6  bcf).  The  Vitalba-1dir  was
completed to commingle over two gas
bearing levels.
After receiving a 20-year production
concession award in November 2008,
the  Company  started  surface  plant
construction. 
installation
approval 
the  Ministry  of
Economic Development was granted
in  December  2009  and  Vitalba  gas
production  commenced  on  17th
December 2009. 

Final 

from 

Interest: 

Location:

Production start:  

2010  WORK: The  plant  started
gas production smoothly, ramping up
to  around  60,000  cubic  metres  per
day  (2.1  mmcf/day)  through  to  the
period of  April 2010, after which the
well  experienced  an  unexpected
decline  in  wellhead  pressure  and
subsequent water incursion. During
May and June 2010, three rounds of
down-hole  test  and  interventions
were completed.
The  first  test  identified  that  water
influx occurred in the deepest level
and this level was consequently shut off, leaving only the
shallower level open. The second test, completed late in
June,  indicated  that  the  performance  problem  of   the
shallow  level  was  due  to  the  low  permeability  of   the
reservoir. 
An  extensive  in-house  geological  and  geophysical  re-
evaluation of  the field including incorporation of  13 km
of  2D seismic data recently purchased from ENI, was
carried out.  Also a static and dynamic reservoir study
by DREAM was performed in July 2010.

DEVELOPMENT PLAN: The Company’s plan is to side-
track  the  existing  well  with  the  aim  to  recover  the

KEY INFORMATION 
Production Concession

100%

Wells:

1 in place
to be sidetracked

Milan, Lombardia

Production: 2.3 mmcf/day post side strack

Q4 2009

Remaining Reserves:

1P 0.1 bcf
2P 3.6 bcf

Invested capital €9.5 m

remaining  attic  gas,  estimated  to  be  100  million  cubic
metres (3.5  bcf). 
Starting from the current Vitalba-1dir location, the bottom
hole of  the new side-track was identified using the recent
geological, geophysical and engineering studies. The side-
track will then be connected to the existing Vitalba gas
treatment plant to allow production re-start.
The estimated cost of  the side-track is approximately €2.5
million (dry-hole basis) and €3.5 million completed over two
gas bearing zones in single selective mode. Authorisation to
drill  was  granted  in  March  2011.  Production  currently
continues at Vitalba-1dir at around 3,500 cubic metres per
day (0.12 mmcf/day).

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements   Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

7

DEVELOPMENT

San Vincenzo

Sant’Alberto

The  Sant’Alberto  gas  field,  40  Km
north  of   Bologna,  was  drilled  and
discovered 
the  Santa
through 
Maddalena-1dir  well  in  2004.  The
drilling  target  was  the  western  side
(Block 5) of  the former ENI San Pietro
in  Casale  gas  field  with  an  historic
production from 4 wells of  178 million
cubic  metres  (6.2  bcf).  Edison,  the
former 
operator,
submitted  a  production  concession
application  in  July  2006.  In  March
2008,  Po  Valley  gained  100%
ownership of  the licence from Edison
and 
the
Ministry confirmed that the Company
was the sole operator/owner.

following  February 

partner 

and 

the 

Following 

2010  WORK:
the
Ministry’s approval of  the revised work
program, the Company completed an
initial  reservoir  study  on  Block  5.  In
February  2011,  31  line-kilometer  of
2D  seismic  survey  were  acquired.
Preliminary results from the processing
of  
lines  are
promising,  with  direct  hydrocarbon

these  new 

seismic 

KEY INFORMATION 
Application for Production Concession

Interest:

100%

Wells:

1 in place +1 development

Location:

Bologna, Emilia Romagna

Expected production: 0.9/1.8 mmcf/day

Production start:  

Q4 2012

Contingent Resources:

1C 3.9 bcf
2C 8.9 bcf

Invested capital €1.3 m

indicators 
accumulation being present.

related 

to 

the  gas

DEVELOPMENT  PLAN:  The
structural  interpretation  of   the  new
2011 seismic data, integrated with ENI’s
pre-existing seismic, together with the
recently  completed  field’s  review  by
RPS, will allow the Company to define
a  viable  development  plan  to  be
submitted 
the  Ministry.  The
Company is committed to commencing
commercial production from this field
in the shortest timeframe.

to 

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

8

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

DEVELOPMENT

Cascina S.Pietro

Bezzecca 

The Bezzecca gas field (former ENI
Pandino  gas  field)  is  located  35km
east  of   Milan.  The 
field  was
originally brought into production in
the  1950’s  by  ENI;  historic
production  from  8  wells  was  148
million cubic metres (5.2 bcf) of  gas.  
Bezzecca-1  well  was  drilled  by  the
Company in March-May 2009 to a
depth  of   2,010  metres  and  it  was
tested across three gas bearing levels
of  lower Pliocene and upper Miocene
in age. The tests did flow at stabilized
rates and exhibited rapid full pressure
recovery.  The  well  was 
then
completed  in  single  selective  mode
over three gas bearing levels.

KEY INFORMATION 
Application for Production Concession 

Interest:

Location:

100%

Wells:

1 in place + 1 development

Milan, Lombardia

Expected Production: 0.5-1.2 mmcf/day

Production start:  

Q1 2013

Contingent Resources:

1C 0.7 bcf
2C 3.1 bcf

Invested capital €4.5 m

2010  WORK: The  results  of
Bezzecca-1 well have been the basis
for an integrated re-evaluation of  the
field, including petrophysics, seismic
re-mapping and reservoir simulation.
The  evaluation  was  completed  in-
house  with  the  support  of   external
consultancy  with  results  that  have
identified  a  more  complex  geology
than  originally 
interpreted  with
variable petrophysical characteristics.

to 

DEVELOPMENT  PLAN:  According
to the evaluation results supported by the
recent  field’s  review  by  RPS,  the
Company’s  current  plan  is  to  connect
Bezzecca  1  well 
the  Vitalba
production plant by way of  an 8 km gas
gathering  line.  A  subsequent  second
development well (Bezzecca-2) to drain
the area of  the field structurally updip of
Bezzecca-1 well, is planned as part of  a
two-stage development programme. The
application  for  the  production  licence
was lodged with the Ministry in January
2011  as  an  extension  of   the  nearby
Cascina Castello Production Concession. 

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements   Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

9

DEVELOPMENT

Fantuzza 

KEY INFORMATION 
Exploration Licence 

Interest:

100%

Wells: 1 appraisal/development + 1 development

Location:

Bologna, Emilia Romagna

Expected production: 1.6/4.2 mmcf/day

Production start:  

Q1 2013

Remaining Contingent Resources:

1C 1.5 bcf
2C 5.4 bcf

Invested capital: €0.2 m

Crocetta

After  the  discovery  of   the  Sillaro  gas
field, the Crocetta Exploration Licence is
now under a three years extension. The
drilling program for the Fantuzza-1 well
(estimated total depth of  2,600 metres) is
waiting  for  final  authorisation.  The
programme  is  designed  to  test  the  gas
the  upper  Miocene
potential  of  
reservoirs  successfully  drilled  in  the
1950’s by ENI with the Budrio wells.

to 

study 

re-assess 

2010  WORK: A  static  and  dynamic
reservoir 
the
recoverable reserves from the Fantuzza
structure was carried out by DREAM in
June-July 2010. 
From the general geological settings of
the area, from correlations of  well logs
and from seismic maps of  the main gas
levels,  a  static  model  was
bearing 
generated. Based on this work, a dynamic
model was then created and calibrated
with the interpretation of  production tests
from the existing wells in the area. The
calibration was also based on the short
production history of  the Budrio field that
produced around 10 million cubic metres
(0.35 bcf) of  gas over few months.

The  resulting  estimated  original  resources  were:  proven
contingent  recoverable  resources  (1C)  of   53  million  cubic
metres  (1.9  bcf)  and  proven  plus  probable  contingent
recoverable resources (2C) of  163 million cubic metres (5.8 bcf).

DEVELOPMENT PLAN: The Fantuzza-1 drilling program
has received environmental clearance and the final drilling
approval from the Ministry is expected shortly. Anticipated
production from 2 wells is estimated to be in the order of
120,000 cubic metres per day (4.2 mmcf/day) for a period of
more  than  three  years.  Assuming  exploration  success,  the
wells,  when  successfully  completed,  will  be  connected  to
existing Sillaro production facility via approximately 2 km of
gas gathering line.
The Company is considering a farm-out campaign to fund
the cost of  Fantuzza-1 well (€4.5 million, dry hole basis). 

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PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

DEVELOPMENT

Cadelbosco di Sopra/
Grattasasso 

Correggio

LICENCE STATUS: The contiguous exploration permits
Cadelbosco di Sopra and Grattasasso, containing the former
Correggio gas field, were both awarded to the Company in
February 2011. 

carried out by DREAM. The first results have identified two
promising Quaternary prospects, named Canolo (2C 1.2 bcf)
and Zini (2C 3.0 bcf) as possible near term drilling candidates,
while the evaluation work continuing for the Pliocene targets.

UPDATE: A preliminary exploration assessment in 2009 of
the former ENI Correggio gas field (gas produced: 7.1 billion
cubic meters – 253 bcf), confirmed the presence of  remaining
gas potential in this area. The interpretation of  a recently
purchased package of  111 km of  ENI 2D seismic lines, is
being integrated with production history from 41 wells drilled
by ENI in the past. A static and dynamic reservoir study to
assess the remaining Quaternary and Pliocene recoverable
reserves of  the area of  the former Correggio gas field is being

KEY INFORMATION 
Exploration Licence

The  two  licence  areas  also  include  the  Ravizza  and
Bagnolo  in  Piano  oil  discoveries  (previous  estimates
indicate potential recoverable volumes in order of  the 5
mmbbls  each).  An  evaluation  to  determine  potential
viability of   both
disco ve ries 
is
underway.

Interest:

100%

Wells:

1+1 appraisal/development

Location: Reggio Emilia, Emilia Romagna

Expected Production:

1.8 mmcf/day

Production start:  

Q3 2013

Contingent Resources (Quaternary): 

1C 1.2 bcf
2C 4.2 bcf

Invested capital €0.4 m

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements   Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

11

EXPLORATION

New Projects

The  Company  worked  relentlessly
during  the  past  year  to  progress  the
development of  the numerous projects
within its portfolio.
The most advanced project developed in
2010 has been La Prospera, located in
the Ferrara province, north of  Bologna. 
The Exploration Permit was awarded
in September 2008 and a subsequent
seismic  interpretation  of   68  km  of
ENI  seismic 
identified
whithin the Quaternary sequence the
Gradizza prospect  with  predicted
target  depth  of   1,000  metres  and
prospective best estimates resources
of  265 million cubic metres (9.0 bcf).

lines  has 

The drilling program was lodged to the
Ministry during January 2010 and the
project is presently waiting for Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA)  clearance. 
Interpretation work on the licence is
continuing in order to better define the
exploration gas potential of  the permit.

Assessment of  the Cembalina shallow gas prospect (predicted
total depth of  1,200 metres) in the Podere Gallina exploration
permit was advanced. The prospect carries prospective best
estimate resources of  280 million cubic metres (9.8 bcf). 
In order to confirm Cembalina structural framework and
assist in selecting the best location for an exploration well, an
infill 2D seismic survey of  15 line-kilometers was completed
at the beginning of  March 2011 and will be incorporated
into the ongoing evaluation.
On the same licence, additional geological and geophysical
interpretation work is planned for the Casa Rossa structure.

AR168PY: The AR168PY offshore exploration licence
application covers an area of  526 km2 in the northern
Adriatic Sea (water depth: 30/50 m) and includes four gas
discoveries: Irma/Carola, Adele, Azzurra and Ginevra.
During  2009,  a  preliminary  evaluation  was  completed
highlighting the potential of  the discoveries, in particular
the  Irma-Carola  structure.  The  Company  expects  full
grant  in  late  2011.  The  working  plan  is  to  purchase

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration Corporate Governance Statement   Directors Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

12

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

the  Company 

On  the  La  Risorta exploration
granted),
(preliminary 
permit 
located in the north east of  Ferrara
province, 
is
progressing  studies  for  promising
gas  prospects (Dosso delle Anime,
Ariano  and  Corcrevà)  with  target
depths  ranging  from  1,200  and
2,100 
Preliminary
evaluation  of   total  prospective
resources  amount  to  43.7  bcf
(unrisked).  Purchase  of   existing
seismic  is  planned  in  order  to
finalize the prospects gas potential
and select drilling locations.

metres. 

A new application, called Tozzona,
was 
June  2010.  The
application borders the existing ENI

filed 

in 

already existing 3D seismic data from ENI and carry out
a reservoir study for the final assessment of  resources that
should lead to a timely appraisal of  the gas discoveries.

gas  production  licence  Santerno,  which  produced  905
million cubic metres (32 bcf) to date. The main gas targets
are  represented  by  Mio-Pliocene  reservoirs  within
structural traps. The Hydrocarbon Committee ruled in
PVE’s favour against a competing bidder in February 2011
therefore, the Company expects to receive a preliminary
award in the near future.

The Reserves & Resources statement summary table can be found on page 68.

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements   Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

13

 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE STATEMENT

PO VALLEY  ENERGY  (“the  Company”  or
“PVE”)  and  its  Board  of   Directors  are  committed  to
achieving the highest standards of  corporate governance
and  acknowledge  that  this  is  essential  in  creating  and
building  sustainable  value 
for  shareholders.  The
Directors  aim  to  meet  the  standards  of   corporate
governance  for  listed  companies  as  set  out  in  the
Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations
of   the  ASX  Corporate  Governance  Council  (ASX
for  the
Recommendations),  appropriately  adapted 
Company’s size and stage of  development. A description
of  the Company’s main corporate governance practices
is set out below.

BOARD & MANAGEMENT

The  Board  and  management  believe  their  primary
responsibility is to maintain and grow the value of  the
Company  for  its  shareholders,  while  respecting  the
legitimate  interests  and  expectations  of   employees,
customers,  creditors,  the  communities  in  which  PVE
operates and other stakeholders. The Board accepts that
it has the responsibility for establishing a culture of  high
ethical, environmental, health and safety standards and
internal control procedures within the Company. 

The Board has a formal charter and has established the
functions reserved to the Board and those delegated to
senior management.

The  key  responsibilities  of   the  Board  are  to  review,
advance  and  approve  PVE’s  objectives  and  strategies,
business  plan  and  annual  budget,  exploration  and
development  programs  and  capital  management.  The
Board monitors PVE’s businesses, financial performance
and corporate governance, oversees the financial position
of  PVE and reports to shareholders, ensuring effective
management processes and control systems are in place.

The Board is responsible for appointing and appraising
the CEO and oversees the senior management team in
terms of  performance evaluation, succession planning and
remuneration.

it 

for 

to  undertake 

Structure of the Board
The Board comprises five Non Executive Directors. The
Board has been structured to provide a team of  Directors
with  a  range  of   skills,  expertise  and  experience
its  duties  and
appropriate 
responsibilities for the proper and effective management
of  the Company’s business and affairs. In particular the
composition  of   skills,  expertise  and  experience  of   the
Directors span the areas of  oil and gas exploration and
development, resources and mining, finance, management
consulting,  public  company  affairs  and  corporate
governance. Please refer to the Directors Report on page
19 for details of  the skills and experience of  each Director
and their term of  office.

Independence
The  Company  currently  has  three  independent  Non
Executive Directors being Graham Bradley (Chairman),
David  McEvoy  and  Gregory  Short  and  two  Non
Executive Directors who are not considered independent,
Byron Pirola and Michael Masterman. Dr. Pirola is not
considered  to  be  independent  as  he  currently  controls
slightly  more  than  5%  of   the  Company’s  shares. 
Mr. Masterman is not considered to be independent as he
was,  until  October  2010,  employed  as  the  Company’s
Chief   Executive  Officer  and  is  also  a  substantial
shareholder. The Board assesses the independence of  its
Directors annually and in doing so has careful regard for,
amongst  other  things,  the  ASX  Recommendations  on
independence  of   Directors.  Under  the  Company’s
Constitution,  one-third  of   the  Board  is  subject  to 
re-election at each annual general meeting.

In  determining  whether  an  interest  or  relationship  is

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

14

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

considered to interfere with a Director’s independence,
the Board has regard to the materiality of  the interest or
relationship. PVE considers the relationship to be material
when:
• Where  the  Director  is  a  professional  adviser  or
consultant  to  PVE  or  its  affiliates  (or  officer  of   or
associated with such person) the payments from PVE to
such adviser or consultant exceed 10% of  PVE’s annual
expenditure to all advisers and consultants or where such
payments exceed 10% of  the recipient’s annual revenue
for advisory or consulting services;

• Where the Director is a supplier or customer to PVE or
its affiliates (or officer of  or associated with such person)
the Company considers the relationship to be material
where  the  payments  from  PVE  to  that  supplier  or
customer exceed 10% of  the annual consolidated gross
revenue of  either PVE or the customer or supplier.

Independent Advice
Directors have the right, in connection with their duties
and  responsibilities  as  Directors,  to  seek  independent
professional advice at the Company’s reasonable expense.
Prior approval of  the Chairman is required which will not
be unreasonably withheld.

EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE 
OF SENIOR EXECUTIVES

to 

The  Remuneration  &  Nominations  Committee 
is
responsible for reviewing the ongoing performance of  the
CEO  and  ensuring  there  is  an  appropriate  process  to
review  the  performance  of   Senior  Executives  and  for
the  performance  objectives  of   Senior
approving 
their  performance-based
Executives  applicable 
remuneration.  Each  year, 
the  Remuneration  &
Nominations  Committee  approves  Company  and
individual performance targets for the CEO and Senior
the  coming  year  and  evaluates
Executives 
performance  and  approves  any  performance  based
remuneration  for  the  CEO,  Senior  Executives  and
management  in  respect  of   the  preceding  12  month
period.  Performance  targets  are  a  combination  of
company and individual objectives. The Remuneration
& Nominations Committee evaluated the performance
of  the CEO and Senior Executives in accordance with
this process in December 2010.

for 

REMUNERATION & NOMINATIONS
COMMITTEE

The  Company  has  a  Remuneration  &  Nominations
Committee which provides recommendations to the Board
on matters including:
• Appointment and evaluation of  the CEO and process

for evaluation of  senior executives.

• Composition of  the Board and competencies of  Board

members to add value to the Company.

• Succession  planning  for  Board  members  and  senior

management.

• Processes for the evaluation of  the performance of  the

Directors.

The  current  members  of   this  committee  are  Graham
Bradley (Chairman), Byron Pirola and Michael Masterman,
appointed  1  January  2011.  Details  of   attendance  of
committee meetings during 2010 can be found on page 20
of  the Directors Report.
The Remuneration & Nominations Committee reviews
Board performance annually, as set out in the Company’s
Board Charter. As part of  the annual Board review, all
Directors  must 
a  Board  Evaluation
Questionnaire, the results of  which are then analysed and
considered by the Board.
The last such review was conducted in January 2011.

complete 

The Board regularly reviews its composition to determine
whether it has the right mix of  skills and experience. This
process led in 2010 to the appointment of  Mr. Gregory
Short, an experienced oil and gas executive, to expand
the Board’s technical and geophysical expertise.
The  Remuneration  &  Nomination  Committee  has  a
formal charter published on the Company’s website.

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE

The  Company  has  established  an  Audit  &  Risk
Committee to provide advice and assistance to the Board
in  discharging  its  corporate  governance  and  oversight
responsibilities in relation to the Company’s financial and
market  reporting,  internal  accounting  and  financial
control  systems,  internal  audit,  external  audit,  risk
management system and such other matters as the Board
may request from time to time.

The Committee has adopted a formal charter which is
published on the Company’s website. 
In discharging its obligations, the Committee has direct
the  auditors  or  any  other
access 
independent experts and advisers it considers appropriate
to carry out its duties.

to  employees, 

The  current  members  of   the  committee  are  Byron  Pirola
(Chairman),  David  McEvoy  and  Gregory  Short.  The
Committee has been structured so that it:
• Comprises only Non Executive Directors;
• Has a majority of  independent Directors;
• Has a chairman who is not the chairman of  the Board; and
• Comprises members with the appropriate financial and
business expertise to act effectively as a member of  the
Audit Committee.

• The Company’s remuneration policies and practices and
the remuneration of  the CEO, senior executives, and
Non Executive Directors.

The qualifications of  the members of  the Audit Committee,
the number of  meetings and attendance at those meetings
is set out in the Directors Report on page 20.

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements   Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

15

RISK MANAGEMENT

reviewed and updated as necessary to ensure it reflects the
highest standards of  behavior and professionalism.

Risk recognition and management are viewed as integral
to the Company’s objectives of  creating and maintaining
shareholder  value,  and  the  successful  execution  of   the
Company’s strategies in gas exploration and development.
The Board as a whole is responsible for oversight of  the
processes  by  which  risk  is  considered  for  both  ongoing
operations and prospective actions. In specific areas, it is
assisted by the Audit and Risk Committee.

Management has been required to design and implement
a risk management and internal control system to manage
material business risk and reported to the Board during
the  year  on  whether  those  risks  are  being  managed
effectively.

The CEO has provided written statements to the Board
for each reporting period confirming that the Company’s
system of  risk management and internal compliance and
control complies with the recommendations set out in the
ASX Corporate Governance Recommendations.

STANDARDS AND CODES 
OF CONDUCT

All executives and employees are required to abide by all
applicable laws and regulations, to respect confidentiality
and the proper handling of  information and act with the
highest  standards  of   honesty,  integrity,  objectivity  and
ethics  in  all  dealings  with  each  other,  the  Company,
customers, suppliers, regulators and the community. The
Company has adopted a code of  conduct, which will be

CONTINUOUS DISCLOSURE

The  Company  is  committed  to  complying  with  its
continuous disclosure obligations as set out in the ASX
Listing  Rules  and  the  ASX  Recommendations.  The
Company  has  adopted  a  Continuous  Disclosure  Policy
designed  to  ensure  that  investors  can  readily  have
sufficient  information  to  ascribe  to  a  fair  value  to  the
the  Company’s
Company’s 
objectives  and  strategies  and  examine  the  Company’s
financial position and growth prospects. In this context,
the legitimate information needs of  investors are balanced
with  the  Company’s  need  to  retain  confidentiality  of
commercially sensitive of  proprietary information.

securities,  understand 

SECURITIES TRADING

The Company has adopted a Securities Trading Policy
which provides guidance to Directors and employees on
the law relating to insider trading, and provides them with
practical guidance for avoiding unlawful transactions in
Company securities. This policy was revised and amended
in late 2010 in order to comply with recent amendments
to the ASX Listing Rules applicable to securities trading
policies.
Specifically, Directors and employees are not permitted to
engage in short term trading of  the Company’s securities
and  are  generally  prohibited  from  trading  in  securities
during “black-out” periods being the periods from the end

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

16

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

of  the full or half  year reporting period (31 December and
30 June) until the next trading day after announcement
of  the full or half  year results as applicable. In any event,
any  trading  in  securities  by  Directors  or  employees  is
subject to the prior approval of  the Chairman (in the case
of  Directors), the Chairman of  the Audit Committee (in
the  case  of   the  Chairman)  or  the  CEO  or  Company
Secretary (in the case of  other employees).

RELATED PARTY MATTERS

Directors and senior management are required to advise
the Chairman of  any related party contract or potential
contract. The Chairman will inform the Board and the
reporting party will be required to remove himself/herself
from all discussions and decisions involving the matter.
The Board may, when appropriate, take further steps to
avoid conflicts of  interest in related party matters.

SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS

The Company aims to ensure that shareholders, on behalf  of
whom they act, and the financial market have timely access
to material information concerning the Company.
The Company’s shareholder communications policy sets
out  the  communication  guidelines  established  by  the
Company. The Company uses its website to complement
the official release of  material information and periodic

reports to the market including ensuring that all press
releases,  ASX  announcements  and  notices  of   and
presentations made at general meetings for at least the
past three years are available on the Company’s website.

is  committed  to  ensuring  that  all
The  Company 
shareholders have the opportunity to participate in the
Company’s annual general meetings. In order to facilitate
this, from 2010 the Company has provided shareholders
for
the  opportunity 
consideration by the Board at the annual general meeting. 

to  submit  written  questions 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
POLICIES AND CHARTERS

Information  on  PVE’s  corporate  governance  practices
and  policies  is  available  on  the  Company’s  web  site,
www.povalley.com. In particular, copies of  the following
documents  are  available  in  the  corporate  governance
section of  the Company’s website:
• Board & Governance Charter;
• Code of  Conduct;
• Continuous disclosure Policy;
• Securities Trading Policy;
• Risk Management Policy;
• Audit & Risk Committee Charter;
• Remuneration & Nominations Committee Charter;
• Risk Management Policy;
• Shareholder Communication Policy.

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements   Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

17

DIRECTORS’ REPORT

The Directors present their report together
with the financial report 
of Po Valley Energy Limited

(“the Company” or “PVE”) and of the Group,
being the Company and its controlled entities,
for the year ended 31 December 2010. 

1. Directors

DIRECTORS

M Masterman

B Pirola

G Bradley

D McEvoy

G Short

THE DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
at any time during or since the end of the financial year are:

DATE OF APPOINTMENT

22 June 1999 (Managing Director) 11 October 2010 (Non Executive Director)

10 May 2002

30 September 2004

30 September 2004

5 July 2010

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

18

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Information on Directors
The  Board  is  composed  of   a  majority  of   Non  Executive

Directors, including the Chairman. The Chairman of  the
Board is elected by the Board and is an independent Director.

Byron Pirola  
Non Executive Director
BSc, PhD
Age 50 

Gregory Short   
Non Executive Director
BSc
Age 60 

Byron is a co-founder of
PVE and is based in
Sydney. He is currently
a Director of Port
Jackson Partners
Limited, a Sydney
based strategy
management consulting
firm. Prior to joining
Port Jackson Partners in
1992, Byron spent six
years with McKinsey &
Company working out
of the Sydney, New
York and London
Offices and across the
Asian Region. He has
extensive experience in
advising CEOs and
boards of both large
public and small
developing companies
across a wide range of
industries and
geographies. Byron is
Chairman of the Audit
and Risk Committee
and member of the
Remuneration and
Nominations
Committee.

Greg Short was
appointed Non
Executive Director in
July 2010. Greg is a
geologist who worked
with Exxon in
exploration,
development and
production geosciences
and management for 33
years in Australia,
Malaysia, USA, Europe
and Angola. During his
time in Europe, Greg
was actively involved in
Exxon's activities in the
Netherlands and
Germany. Greg was
Geoscience Director of
Exxon's successful
development of its
Angola offshore
operations. Greg
retired from Exxon in
2006 and is a Non
Executive director of
ASX listed MEO
Australia and Pryme Oil
and Gas Limited.

Graham Bradley
Chairman
BA, LLB (Hons), LLM,
FAICD
Age 62

Graham joined PVE as a
director and Chairman
in September 2004 and
is based in Sydney. He
is an experienced Chief
Executive Officer and
listed public company
director. Graham
previously served as
Chief Executive Officer
of one of Australia’s
major listed funds
management and
financial services
groups, Perpetual
Limited. He was
formerly Managing
Partner of a national
law firm, Blake Dawson
Waldron and was a
senior Partner of
McKinsey & Company.
Mr Bradley is currently
a director of Singapore
Telecommunications
Limited.  He is currently
Chairman of Stockland
Corporation Limited,
HSBC Bank Australia
Limited and Anglo
American Australia
Limited.  Graham is
Chairman of the
Remuneration and
Nomination Committee
and was a member of
the Audit and Risk
Committee until
December 2010.

Michael Masterman
Non Executive Director
BEcHon
Age 48

Michael is a co-founder
of PVE. Michael took up
the position of
Executive Chairman and
CEO of PVE and
Northsun Italia S.p.A. in
2002 and resigned in
October 2010 to take
on an Executive role
with Fortescue Metals
Group Limited. Prior to
joining PVE he was CFO
and Executive Director
of Anaconda Nickel
(now Minara Resources).
Michael oversaw the
financing of the US$1
billion Murrin Murrin
Nickel and Cobalt
project in Western
Australia, involving the
negotiation of a
US$220m joint venture
agreement with
Glencore International
and the raising of
US$420m in project
finance from a US
capital markets issue –
the first of its kind for a
green fields mining
project. Prior to joining
Anaconda Nickel, he
spent 8 years at
McKinsey & Company
serving major
international resources
companies principally in
the area of strategy and
development. He is also
Executive Chairman of
Caspian Holdings Plc,
an AIM listed company
with oil interests in the
US.  Mr. Masterman
became a member of
the Remuneration &
Nomination Committee
from 1 January 2011.

David McEvoy 
Non Executive Director
BSc, Grad Diploma 
(Appl. Geophysics)
Age 64

David joined PVE as a
Director in September
2004 and is based in
Sydney. He has over 37
years experience in the
oil and gas industry
since joining Esso
Australia Limited in
1969. Key positions
held within Exxon
affiliates included Esso
Australia Limited’s
Exploration General
Manager, Exploration
and Development Vice
President for Esso
Resources Canada and
Regional Vice President
of Exxon Exploration
Company responsible
for Exxon’s exploration
activities in the Far
East, USA, Canada and
South America. He was
recently the Business
Development Vice
President and member
of the Management
Committee of Exxon
(subsequently
ExxonMobil)
Exploration Company,
responsible for new
exploration and
development
opportunities
worldwide. He is
currently a Non
Executive Director of
Woodside Petroleum
Limited, Australian
Worldwide Exploration
and Innamincka
Petroleum Limited.
David is a member of
the Audit and Risk
Committee. 

2. Company Secretary 
Lisa Jones Company Secretary LLB

Lisa was appointed to the position of  Company Secretary in
October 2009. She is a corporate lawyer with over 16 years
experience in commercial law and corporate affairs, working

with  large  public  companies  and  emerging  companies  in
Australia and in Europe. She was a senior associate in the
corporate & commercial practice of  Allen Allen & Hemsley
and  spent  several  years  working  in  Italy,  including  as
international legal counsel at Pirelli Cavi and as an associate in
the Rome office of  a national Italian firm.

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements   Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

19

3. Directors Meetings
The number of  formal meetings of  the
Board  of   Directors  held  during  the
financial  year  and  the  number  of
meetings  attended  by  each  Director  is
provided in the adjacent table:

4. Principal Activities
The principal continuing activities of  the
Group in the course of  the year were:
• The exploration for gas and oil in the 
Po Valley region in Italy
• Appraisal and development of  gas and oil fields 
• Production and sale of  gas from the Group’s production wells.

5. Earnings per Share
The basic and diluted loss per share for the Company was 2.11€
cents (2009: 6.99 € cents). 

6. Operating and Financial Review  
During the year, the Company continued production from the
Castello gas field and commenced production from the Sillaro
gas  field  in  May  2010.  The  Company’s  2010  full  year
production was 26.8 million cubic metres of  gas (946 million
cubic feet).

Castello, which started on 17 December 2009, produced 8.3
million cubic metres during the full year. The newly installed
plant ramped up smoothly to around 60,000 cubic metres per
day  through  the  period  to  April  2010.  At  this  point  the
Company became concerned with the rate of  pressure decline
and the field was stopped for testing. Following evaluation work
the ensuing three month period, the Company concluded that
future production from the Vitalba -1dir well would be limited
and that a new deviated well Vitalba -1dirA would be required
to access the original reserves updip of  the older Agnadello 1
well 400m to the South of  Vitalba-1dir. 

The planned Vitalba-1dirA well will be deviated from the current
Castello  plant  location  and  connected  to  the  existing  Castello
production plant. Subject to drilling success, production is planned
to recommence in the second half  of  2011.

The development plan has been modified to incorporate the
new well and submitted to the responsible Italian regulatory
authorities. The final authorisation was issued in the 1st Quarter
of  2011. In the interim, Vitalba-1 dir has been operating at
limited rates and is currently producing at approximately 3,000
cubic metres per day.

No. of board 
meetings held
No. of board meetings 
attended
No. of Audit Committee 
meetings held
No. of Audit Committee 
meetings attended
No. of Remuneration 
Committee meetings held
No. of Remuneration 
Committee meetings 
attended

G Bradley M Masterman D McEvoy B Pirola G Short*

11

11

2

2

3

3

11

11

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

11

11

2

2

n/a

n/a

11

11

2

2

3

3

5

5

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

* Appointed 5 July 2010 - was elegible to attend 5 meetings

1 October 2010. In 2010, Sillaro produced 18.5 million cubic
meters  following  May  start  up  and  is  currently  running  at
approximately 83,000 cubic metres per day (2.9 million cubic
feet per day) in accordance with the contracted gas rates for the
2010 – 2011 Gas Thermal Year.

Progress was also made on the development front with plans
and applications for Bezzecca and Sant’Alberto gas fields.  New
seismic will be shot on the Sant’Alberto field in the first quarter
of  2011.  As reported in detail in the 2010 March quarterly,
the  3.1  bcf   of   2P  gas  reserves  of   the  Bezzecca  field  were
significantly decreased compared to the pre-drilling reserve
estimates  of   44  bcf.  Detailed  field  reservoir  modelling  and
production forecast simulations on the Bezzecca gas field were
carried out by independent experts during 2010 (based on the
appraisal well drilled and tested in April 2009). The Company
has finalised a phased development plan for the field which was
submitted to the relevant authorities in January 2011.

Geological, exploration and appraisal work advanced on a number
of the company’s prospects. Based on this work our forward drilling
program for the next 24 months is expected to cover the appraisal
of the Fantuzza gas field, the appraisal of Quaternary gas prospects
in Correggio and the drilling of  the exploration gas prospects of
Gradizza and Cembalina, subject to ongoing technical assessment,
regulatory approvals and available finance.

In 2010, with the production from the Castello and Sillaro gas
fields,  the  Company  generated  €7,157,331  in  revenues.
Operating efficiencies were also achieved and evidenced by the
improvement in operating margin during the last six months of
the  year.  Earnings  before  interest,  tax,  depreciations  and
amortisation amounted to €2,218,895 for the full year 2010.

The consolidated loss after income tax amounted to €2,323,598
(2009: €7,202,805). Included in the results is an amount totalling
€1,075,168 
(2009:  €5,108,595)  relating  to  production,
exploration and evaluation expenditure impaired. 

Sillaro  commenced  production  initially  from  Sillaro-2dir
(Pliocene PL2-A and PL2-E levels ) on 18 May 2010, followed by
Sillaro-1 (PL2 C1/C2 levels) on 14 June 2010. The Sillaro gas
field demonstrated stable plant and pressure performance during
the balance of  2010. The rate of  production from the Sillaro
field was gradually increased during the commissioning period
and subsequently stabilised at the start of  the Gas Thermal Year,

During  the  period,  repayments  of   borrowings  totalled
€4,279,269 effectively reducing the Company’s drawings on the
Bank of  Scotland facility from €10,279,269 to €6,000,000 at 31
December 2010. Share issues during the period were limited to
employee bonuses. A total of  368,980 shares were issued at a
price  of   €0.16  (A$0.21)  (156,338  shares  issued)  and  €0.22
(A$0.33) (212,642 shares issued). The share price was calculated

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

20

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

All senior executives except the company secretary are based in
Rome and when setting their remuneration the Board must have
regard to remuneration levels and benefit arrangements that
prevail in the European oil and gas industry which remains
highly competitive. 

After reviewing external market benchmarks and considering the
company’s  financial  position,  the  board  has  determined  an
appropriate remuneration package for the new Chief  Executive
Officer, Giovanni Catalano comprising base pay, benefits and
bonus incentives based on agreed performance objectives and
payable, if  earned, in cash or shares at the Company’s direction.

Since listing in 2004, the Company has largely based its long-
term incentive plans on issues of  shares and options vesting over
3 year periods rather than cash payments to minimise calls on the
company’s cash reserves. In 2010, employees were given the
choice  to  receive  their  short-term  bonus  in  shares  or  cash.
Depending on the Company’s cash reserves, on an annual basis
the Board will review the method of  payment (i.e. cash compared
to share-based payments) for employee short-term bonuses.

Consequences of performance on shareholder wealth
In  considering  the  consolidated  entity’s  performance  and
benefits for shareholders wealth the Board has regard to the
indices presented in the table below in respect of  the current
financial year and the previous financial period.

In establishing performance measures and benchmarks to ensure
incentive plans are appropriately structured to align corporate
behaviour with the long term creation of  shareholder wealth, the
Board  has  had  regard  for  the  stage  of   development  of   the
Company’s  business  and  given  consideration  to  each  of   the
indices  outlined  above  and  other  operational  and  business
development achievements of  future benefit to the Company but
not reflected in those financial measures. 

Senior executives
The remuneration of  PVE senior executives is based on a
combination  of   fixed  salary,  a  short  term  incentive  bonus
which is based on performance and, in some cases, a long term
incentive payable in cash or shares.  Other benefits include
employment insurances and superannuation contributions. In
relation to the payment of  annual bonuses, the Board assesses
the  performance  and  contribution  of   executives  against  a
series of  objectives defined at the beginning of  the year. These
objectives  are  a  combination  of   strategic  and  operational
Company targets which are considered critical to shareholder
value  creation  and  objectives  which  are  specific  to  the
individual executive. The Board exercises its discretion when

as the weighted average price for the first 15 days of  the month
in which the shares were issued. 

7. Dividends
No dividends have been paid or declared by the Company
during the year ended 31 December 2010.

8. Events Subsequent to Reporting Date 
There were no events between the end of  the financial year and
the date of  this report that, in the opinion of  the Directors, affect
significantly the operations of  the Group, the results of  those
operations, or the state of  affairs of  the Group.

9. Likely Developments
The Company plans to invest €700,000 – 800,000 in geological
and geophysical studies in 2011 including a reserve audit by
RPS,  the  purchase  and  acquisition  of   seismic  data  for
Sant’Alberto, Cembalina and Gradizza. The Vitalba-1dirA well
is planned to be drilled in 2011 and, subject to identification of
a suitable partner, the Company also plans to drill the Fantuzza-
1 well in 2011.

10. Environmental Regulation
The  Company’s  operations  are  subject  to  environmental
regulations  under  both  National  and  local  municipality
legislation in relation to its mining exploration and development
activities in Italy. Company management monitor compliance
with the relevant environmental legislation. The Directors are
not  aware  of   any  breaches  of   legislation  during  the  period
covered by this report.

11. Remuneration Report - Audited 
The  Remuneration  Report  outlines 
the  remuneration
arrangements which were in place during the year, and remain in
place as at the date of  this report, for the Directors and Executives
of  the Company.

Remuneration Policy
The Nominations & Remuneration Committee (Committee) is
responsible  for  reviewing  and  recommending  compensation
arrangements for the Directors, the Chief  Executive Officer and
the  executive  senior  team.  The  Committee  assesses  the
appropriateness of  the size and structure of  remuneration of
those  officers  on  a  periodic  basis,  with  reference  to  relevant
employment market conditions, with the overall objective of
ensuring  maximum  stakeholder  benefit
from the retention of  a high quality board
and executive team.

The  Company  aims  to  ensure  that  the
level and composition of  remuneration of
its Directors and executives is sufficient
and  reasonable  in  the  context  of   the
internationally  competitive  industry  in
which the Company operates.  

Indices
Profit / Loss attributable 
to owners 
of the company (€'000s) *
Earning / (loss) per share
(€ cents per share) *
Dividends paid
Share Price at year end - AU$

2010

2009

2008

2007

2006

(2,324)

(7,203)

(4,172)

(1,572)

(1,614)

(2.11)

(6.99)

(4.54)

(1.78)

(1.95)

NIL
0.21

NIL
1.68 

NIL
1.10 

NIL
1.50 

NIL
1.66 

* 2008, 2007, 2006 are restated to Euro

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements   Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

21

determining awards and exercises discretion having regard to
the overall performance and achievements of  the Company
and of  the relevant executive during the year. 

In past years, long-term performance benefits were in the
form  of   employee  share  options  granted  to  senior
executives. Vesting of  the options was subject to service
vesting and price hurdles must be met before the options
can  be  exercised.  The  Company  has  not  awarded  any
options since April 2008 and has no plans to issue options
in the immediate future. 

Non Executive Directors
The remuneration of  PVE Non Executive Directors comprises
cash fees and superannuation contributions. There is no current
scheme to provide performance based bonuses or retirement
benefits to Non Executive Directors. Given the size of  PVE, and
the focussed nature of  its business and shareholdings structure,
issues  of   share  options  to  Non  Executive  Directors  have
previously been made, and may in the future be made subject
to approval by shareholders, to enhance overall shareholder
wealth creation. The Board of  Directors and shareholders last
approved the maximum agreed remuneration pool for Non
Executive Directors at a meeting of  the Company in late 2004
at $200,000 per annum (€152,860 as at 31 December 2010).
This pool which has not varied since listing in 2004. 

The  total  salary  and  fees  paid  in  2010  to  Non  Executive
Directors was €104,900 (2009 € 70,000).

Service contracts
The major provisions of  the service contracts held with the
specified  directors  and  executives,  in  addition  to  any
performance related bonuses and/or options are as follows

Directors:
Graham Bradley, Chairman 
• Commencement Date: 19 May 2010 
• Term of  Appointment: 3 years 
• Fixed remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2010: €36,000
• No termination benefits 

David McEvoy, Non Executive Director
• Commencement Date: 19 May 2010 
• Term of  Appointment: 3 years
• Fixed remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2010: €24,000
• No termination benefits 

Byron Pirola, Non Executive Director
• Commencement Date: 30 May 2008 
• Term of  Appointment: 3 years 
• Fixed remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2010: €24,000 
• No termination benefits 

Gregory Short, Non Executive Director
• Commencement Date: 5 July 2010
• Term of  Appointment: 3 years until AGM in May when Mr. Short
intends to stand for re-election.
• Fixed remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2010: €24,000
• No termination benefits

Michael Masterman, Non Executive Director (previously
Chief  Executive Officer)
• Commencement Date: 11 October 2010 
• Term of  Agreement: until AGM in May when Mr. Masterman
intends to stand for re-election.
• Fixed remuneration as a non-executive director: €24,000
• No termination benefits 

Executives: 
Michael Masterman, Chief  Executive Officer (resigned
10 October 2010).
• Commencement Date: 14 December 2008
• Term of Agreement: Indefinite terms subject to termination by either party. 
• Fixed remuneration for the year ended 31 December 2010: €200,000
(inclusive of  non-monetary benefits). Remuneration was paid on a pro
rata basis in light of Mr. Masterman’s resignation effective October 2010.
• Annual performance based fee of up to 100% of his contracted service fee
subject to the achievement of performance criteria agreed with the Board.
• Payment of  termination benefit on termination by the employer (other
than for gross misconduct) equal to one year total fixed remuneration. 

Giovanni Catalano, Chief  Executive Officer (previously
Deputy Chief  Executive Officer and Chief  Operating Officer)
• Commencement Date: 1 July 2010 as Chief Operating Officer (COO);
as of 11 October 2010 as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
• Term of Agreement: The services of  Mr. Catalano were originally
provided through a service contract with a management company
for 2 years with a further 1 year extension at the option of  either the
Company or the service company. A new agreement for services as
the CEO provide for an indefinite term subject to termination by
either party on three month’s notice.
• Fixed  service  contract  fee  of   €180,000  per  annum  plus
accommodation costs and other non-monetary benefits.
• Sign on bonus for a total of  €100,000 payable in four quarterly
installments, 50% of  which is to be paid through the issue of  shares
and 50% in cash. The first two installments were settled in 2010
through  the  issue  of   shares.  Mr.  Catalano  retains  the  sign-on
entitlements under his new CEO agreement.
• Annual performance based fee of up to 70% of his contracted service fee
subject to the achievement of performance criteria agreed with the Board.
• Payment of  termination benefit on termination by the Company
(other than for gross misconduct) equal to three months’ service fee.

Doug Colkin, Chief  Operating Officer (resigned 31 July 2010)
• Commencement Date: 1 April 2008
• Term of  Agreement: The services of  Mr. Colkin were provided
through a service contract with a management company which
terminated on 31 July 2010. 
• Fixed service contract fee of  €14,583 per calendar month plus
accommodation costs.
• No termination benefit

Lisa Jones, Company Secretary
• Commencement Date: 21 October 2009
• Term of  Agreement: Indefinite but terminable by either party on
one month’s notice.
• Contracted on a fixed monthly retainer (A$2,250 to the end of  31
December  2010)  to  provide  company  secretarial  and  corporate
governance services.
• No termination benefit

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

22

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Directors and executive officers’ remuneration -
Consolidated
The  remuneration  details  of   each  Director  and  specified

executives during the year is presented in the table below.
There  are  no  executive  officers  of   the  Group  other  than
those listed. 

Short-term

Post-
Employment

Share-based
payments

Salary
& fees
€

Accommo
-dation
€

Car
€

Other
€

Total 
base
€

STI
cash
€

Superannuation
benefits
€

Short 
term
incentive
bonus 
Shares
€

Options
€

Total
€

Proportion 
of remuneration
performance
related 
%

Value 
of options 
as proportion
of 
remuneration
%

DIRECTORS

G Bradley, Chairman

Non Executive

D McEvoy Non Executive

B Pirola Non Executive

G Short Non Executive 

Appointed 21 July 2010

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

36,000

30,000

24,000

20,000

24,000

20,000

12,500

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

36,000

30,000

24,000

20,000

24,000

20,000

12,500

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

M Masterman Non Executive

2010

132,000

26,717

518

5,106

*
164,341 140,000

2009

144,000

31,312

10,203

14,485

200,000

-

2010

2009

228,500

26,717

518

5,106

260,841 140,000

214,000

31,312

10,203

14,485

270,000

Up to 11 October 2010 

as Chief Executive Officer

Total for Directors

SPECIFIED EXECUTIVES

G Catalano 

Chief Executive Officer

Appointed 1 July 2010

From 11 October 2010 as CEO**

D Colkin 

Chief Operating Officer

Resigned 31 July 2010

Lisa Jones 

Company Secretary

D Del Borrello

Resigned 21 Oct 2009

Total for Specified 

Executives

TOTAL DIRECTORS

AND EXECUTIVES

2010

96,750

15,781

2009

-

-

2010

94,789

13,236

2009

174,996

26,736

19,204

3,155

-

119,875

210,743

298,026

439,243

-

-

-

-

29,017

26,736

55,734

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

2010

2009

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

112,531

-

771

108,796

43,750

1,593

203,325

-

-

-

19,204

3,155

-

4,000

123,875

-

-

-

771

240,531

43,750

5,593

330,355

-

518

5,877

501,372 183,750

512,026

58,048

10,203

20,078

600,355

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

13,801

51,288

13,801

51,288

13,801

51,288

-

-

49,801

81,288

37,801

71,288

37,801

71,288

12,500

-

23,001

327,342

59,600

85,481

345,081

-

64,404

465,245

59,600

239,345

568,945

43,327

-

-

-

-

155,858

-

4,601

157,147

37,251

17,096

257,672

-

-

-

-

-

-

19.204

3,155

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

50%

42%

28%

-

28%

21%

-

-

-

62,581

18,298

204,754

40%

43,327

4,601

332,209

99,832

35,394

465,581

43,327

69,005

797,454

159,432

274,739 1,034,526

28%

63%

37%

72%

37%

72%

-

-

6%

25%

-

-

3%

7%

-

-

-

9%

*  Paid in respect of 2009 calendar year performance.  No bonus was paid for the 2010 calendar year
** Mr Catalano received a share-based performance bonus for the equivalent of Euro 10,000 relative to the 2010 calendar year

Notes in relation to the table of directors’ and
executive officers’ remuneration 
A. Short term incentive bonuses awarded as remuneration
to  specified  executives  is  related  to  performance  hurdles
the  Remuneration  Committee.  The
established  by 
performance hurdles are a combination of  company targets
and objectives specific to the executive.
B. The fair value of  the options is calculated at the date of
grant  using  a  binomial  option-pricing  model  (for  options
granted  in  2008)  and  Black-Scholes  formula  (for  options
granted in 2006 and 2009) and allocated to each reporting

period evenly over the period from grant date to vesting date.
The value disclosed is the portion of  the fair value of  the
options  recognised  in  this  reporting  period.  Market
conditions have been taken into account within the valuation
model including share price hurdles.

The following factors and assumptions below were used in
determining the fair value of  options on grant date.  The
fair value, exercise price and price on grant date have been
translated into Euro and rate on the day of  transition from
Australian dollars to Euro functional currency.

Grant Date

30 April 2009

31 May 2008

Option 
life

Fair value 
per option

Exercise 
price

Price of shares 
on grant date

Expected 
volatility

Risk free 
interest rate

2.08 years

€0.18 (A$0.32)

€1.00(A$1.75)

€0.91 (A$1.60)

3.00 years

€0.28 (A$0.49)

€1.00(A$1.75)

€0.98 (A$1.73)

40%

40%

5.45%

6.75%

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements   Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

23

SHORT TERM INCENTIVE BONUS

Directors 
and specified 
executives

M Masterman*

D Colkin

G Catalano

D Del Borrello

Cash
bonus

140,000

43,750

-

-

2010

Bonus 
paid by issue 
of shares €

-

-

43,327

-

% vested
in year

Cash
bonus €

70%

100%

100%

100%

-

-

-

-

*  Paid in respect of 2009 calendar year performance.  No bonus was paid for the 2010 calendar year

2009

Bonus  
paid by issue 
of shares €

59,600

37,251

-

62,581

% vested
in year

100%

100%

-

100%

Analysis of bonuses included in remuneration
Details of  the vesting profile of  the short-term incentive
bonus  awarded  as  remuneration  are  detailed  above.
Bonuses paid by issue of  shares and included in share
based payments to each Director and specified executive. 

Amounts included in remuneration for the financial year
represent the amount that vested in the financial year based
on  achievement  of   personal  goals  and  satisfaction  of
specified performance criteria. No amounts vest in future
financial years in respect of  the bonus schemes for the 2009
and 2010 financial years.

Equity instruments 
All options refer to options over ordinary shares of  Po Valley
Energy Limited, which are exercisable on a one-for-one basis.

or  key  management  personnel  during  the  reporting
period. (2009: 150,000) 

The table below shows options vested in the period.

Modification of terms of equity-settled share-
based payment transactions 
No  terms  of   equity-settled  share-based  payment
transactions  (including  options  and  rights  granted  as
compensation to a key management person) have been
altered  or  modified  by  the  issuing  entity  during  the
reporting period or the prior period.

Exercise and lapse of options granted as
compensation 
No  options  granted  as  compensation  were  exercised
during 2010.

Options over equity instruments granted as
compensation 
No options were granted as compensation to Directors

75,000 options granted as compensation in prior periods
lapsed on expiration date of  1 December 2010. 

No. of options vested 
during 2010

No. of options vested 
during 2009

DIRECTORS

G Bradley

D McEvoy

B Pirola

M Masterman

EXECUTIVES

D Colkin (Resigned 31 July 2010)

D Del Borrello (Resigned 21 Oct 2009)

OPTIONS GRANTED IN 2009:

EXECUTIVES

D Del Borrello(a)
Resigned 21 Oct 2009

200,000

200,000

200,000

333,333

66,666

-

No of 
options 
granted 
during 
2009

Grant 
date

200,000

200,000

200,000

333,333

66,666

100,000

Fair 

value per  Exercise

option 
at grant  per option 
date €

price

€

Expiry
date

150,000

30 Apr 2009

0.18

1.00

31 May 2011

(a) The options were provided at no cost. 100,000 Options vested during the year, 50,000 options granted in the year were forfeited as they had not vested on
termination of employment. The vested options will only become exercisable once the Company’s closing share price has been equal to or greater than A$2.25 for
30 consecutive trading days. The fair value of the options vested granted as compensation in 2009 was determined as €18,298.

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

24

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Analysis of options over equity instruments
granted as compensation 
Details of  vesting profiles of  the options granted as

remuneration to each Director of  the Company and key
management personnel are detailed below:

Number

Date granted

% vested 

% forfeited in year

Financial year 
in which grant vests

DIRECTORS:

G Bradley

200,000

30 May 2008

200,000

30 May 2008

200,000

30 May 2008

200,000

30 May 2008

D McEvoy

200,000

30 May 2008

200,000

30 May 2008

200,000

30 May 2008

B Pirola

200,000

30 May 2008

200,000

30 May 2008

333,333

30 May 2008

M Masterman

333,333

30 May 2008

333,334

30 May 2008

SPECIFIED EXECUTIVES

D Colkin

66,666

30 May 2008

Resigned 31 July 2010

66,666

30 May 2008

66,667

30 May 2008

D Del Borrello

75,000

30 Nov 2006

Resigned 21 October 2009

75,000

30 Nov 2006

100,000

30 April 2009

50,000

30 April 2009

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

31 Dec 2008

31 Dec 2009

31 Dec 2010

31 Dec 2008

31 Dec 2009

31 Dec 2010

31 Dec 2008

31 Dec 2009

31 Dec 2010

31 Dec 2008

31 Dec 2009

31 Dec 2010

31 Dec 2008

31 Dec 2009

31 Dec 2010

31 Dec 2008

31 Dec 2010

31 Dec 2009

-

Analysis of movements in options
The movement during the reporting period, by value, of
options over ordinary shares in the Company held by each
key  management  person  and  each  of   the  specified
executives is detailed below:

(A) The value of  the options that lapsed during the year
represents the benefit foregone and is calculated at the
date  the  option  lapsed  using  Black-Scholes  formula
assuming the performance criteria had been achieved.
75,000 options lapsed in the year.

Granted in year 
€

Value of options exercised in year
€

Lapsed in year
€(A)

DIRECTORS

G Bradley

D McEvoy

B Pirola

G Short

M Masterman

SPECIFIED EXECUTIVES

G Catalano

L Jones

D Colkin (Resigned 31 July 2010)

D Del Borrello (Resigned 21 Oct 2009)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

294

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements   Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

25

12. Directors’ interests 
At the date of  this report, the direct and
indirect interests of  the Directors in the
shares and options of  the Company, as
notified by the Directors to the ASX in
accordance  with  S205G(1)  of   the
Corporations Act 2001, at the date of
this report is provided in the adjacent
table:

G Bradley

M Masterman

D McEvoy

B Pirola

G Short

Ordinary
Shares

1,123,880

26,222,569

314,210

7,112,782

-

Options over Ordinary 
Shares $1.75 
expiring 31 May 2011

600,000

1,000,000

600,000

600,000

-

13. Share Options 
Options granted to directors and executives of the
Company
The Company has not granted any options over unissued
ordinary shares in the Company to any directors or specified
executive during or since the end of  the financial year.

Unissued shares under option
At the date of  this report unissued ordinary shares of  the

in  connection  with  any  legal  proceeding  involving  the
Company or entities within the Group which is brought
against the Director as a result of  his capacity as an officer.
During the financial year the Company paid premiums to
insure the Directors against certain liabilities arising out of
the conduct while acting on behalf  of  the Company. Under
the  terms  and  conditions  of   the  insurance  contract,  the
nature of  liabilities insured against and the premium paid
cannot be disclosed. 

Expiry 
Date

Exercise 
price

31 May 2011

€1.00 (A$1.75)

Number 
of shares

3,100,000

Company under option are:
All  options  expire  on  the  earlier  of   their  expiry  or
termination  of   employee’s  employment  (at  the  Boards’s
discretion). 
These options do not entitle the holder to participate in any
share issue of  the Company or any other body corporate.

Shares issued on exercise of options
The Company has not issued any shares as a result of  the
exercise of  options during or since the end of  the financial
year end.

14. Corporate Governance
In  recognising  the  need  for  the  highest  standards  of
corporate behaviour and accountability, the Directors of
PVE support and have adhered to the principles of  sound
corporate  governance.  The  Board  recognises 
the
recommendations  of   the  ASX  Corporate  Governance
Council and considers that PVE is in compliance with
those  guidelines  which  are  of   importance  to  the
commercial operation of  a junior listed gas exploration
and production company. 

The Company’s Corporate Governance Statement and
disclosures are contained elsewhere in the annual report
and  are  also  available  on  the  Company’s  website  at
www.povalley.com

15. Indemnification and insurance of

officers 

The Company has agreed to indemnify current Directors
against any liability or legal costs incurred by a Director as
an officer of  the Company or entities within the Group or

16. Non audit services
During  the  year  KPMG  has  not  performed  any  other
services in addition to their statutory duties as auditors to
the Company. Refer to note 6 of  the financial report for
details of  auditor’s remuneration.

17. Proceedings on behalf of the

Company

No person has applied for leave of  Court, pursuant to section
237 of  the Corporations Act 2001, to bring proceedings on
behalf  of  the Company or intervene in any proceedings to
which the Company is a party for the purpose of  taking
responsibility on behalf  of  the Company for all or any part
of  those proceedings.

18. Lead Auditor’s independence

declaration

The lead auditor’s independence declaration is set out on
page  27  and  forms  part  of   the  Directors’  report  for  the
financial year ended 31 December 2010.

This report has been made in accordance with a resolution
of  Directors.

Graham Bradley  Chairman
Sydney, NSW Australia
14 March 2011

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration  Statement of Financial Position 

26

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

LEAD AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION 

under Section 307C of the Corporations Act 2001

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements   Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

27

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2010

CONSOLIDATED

CURRENT ASSETS: 

Cash and cash equivalents

10 (a)

NOTES

Trade and other receivables

Inventory

Total Current Assets

NON-CURRENT ASSETS:

Receivables

Other assets

Property, plant & equipment

Resource property costs

Total Non-Current Assets

Total Assets

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Trade and other payables

Provisions

Unearned revenue

Total Current Liabilities

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Provisions

Interest bearing loans

Total Non-Current Liabilities

Total Liabilities

Net Assets

EQUITY:

Issued capital

Reserves

Accumulated losses

Total Equity

12

11

12

13

14

16

17

17

18

19

19

2010
€

969,352

2,443,955

897,134

4,310,441

1,478,819

39,661

7,015,905

25,995,048

34,529,433

38,839,874

2,206,138

75,994

-

2009
€

6,622,329

2,348,206

810,749

9,781,824

1,953,326

23,062

5,831,885

28,911,578

36,719,851

46,501,135

3,090,601

184,285

841,004

2,282,132

4,115,890

2,846,186

5,519,347

8,365,533

10,647,665

28,192,209

44,659,630

2,080,996

(18,548,417)

28,192,209

2,361,575

9,637,183

11,998,758

16,114,649

30,386,486

44,599,315

2,011,990

(16,224,819)

30,386,486

The above consolidated statement of financial position should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes to
the financial statements. 

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

28

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010

Revenue

Operating costs

Depreciation and amortisation expense

Gross Profit

Other income

Employee benefit expense

Share based payments

Depreciation expense

Corporate overheads 

Resource property costs impairment losses

Results from operating activities

Finance income

Finance expenses

Net finance income / (expenses)

(Loss) / Profit before income tax expense

Income tax benefit / (expense)

NOTES

3

4

4

5

7

8

CONSOLIDATED

2010
€

7,157,331

(1,726,944)

(2,821,596)

2,608,791

2009
€

-

-

-

-

60,658

38,607

(1,784,129)

(1,375,594)

(130,390)

(18,603)

(1,398,582)

(544,792)

(12,573)

(973,604)

(1,075,168)

(5,108,595)

(1,737,423)

(7,976,551)

283,841

(803,315)

(519,474)

1,001,603

(227,857)

773,746

(2,256,897)

(7,202,805)

(66,701)

-

(Loss) / Profit for the period

(2,323,598)

(7,202,805)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:

Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations

Other comprehensive income for the period

-

-

(4,858,090)

(4,858,090)

Total comprehensive income for the period

(2,323,598)

(12,060,895)

LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO:

Owners of the company

Loss for the period

(2,323,598)

(7,202,805)

(2,323,598)

(7,202,805)

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO:

Owners of the Company

(2,323,598)

(12,060,895)

Total comprehensive income for the period

(2,323,598)

(12,060,895)

Basic and Diluted loss per share   

9

(2.11) cents

(6.99) cents

The consolidated statement of comprehensive income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes to
the financial statements. 

Statement of Comprehensive Income Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements   Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

29

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010

Consolidated
Consolidated

ATTRIBUTABLE TO EQUITY HOLDERS OF THE COMPANY

Share 
capital
€

Translation 
reserve
€

Option Accumulated  
reserve
€

losses
€

Total
€

Balance at 1 January 2009

32,736,250

6,050,359

544,982

(9,022,014)

30,309,577

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE 
INCOME FOR THE PERIOD:

Loss for the period

Other comprehensive income:

Foreign currency translation differences

Total comprehensive income for the period

TRANSACTIONS WITH OWNERS 
RECORDED DIRECTLY IN EQUITY:
Contributions by and distributions 
to owners

Shares issued

Share issue costs

Share based payments 

-

-

-

-

(4,858,090)

(4,858,090)

12,097,050

(504,038)

270,053

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

274,739

(7,202,805)

(7,202,805)

-

(4,858,090)

(7,202,805)

(12,060,895)

-

-

-

12,097,050

(504,038)

544,792

Balance at 31 December 2009

44,599,315

1,192,269

819,721

(16,224,819)

30,386,486

Balance at 1 January 2010

44,599,315

1,192,269

819,721

(16,224,819)

30,386,486

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 
FOR THE PERIOD:

Loss for the period

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the period

TRANSACTIONS WITH OWNERS 
RECORDED DIRECTLY IN EQUITY:
Contributions by and distributions 
to owners

Share issue costs

Share based payments 

-

-

-

(1,069)

61,384

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

69,006

(2,323,598)

(2,323,598)

-

-

(2,323,598)

(2,323,598)

-

-

(1,069)

130,390

Balance at 31 December 2010

44,659,630

1,192,269

888,727

(18,548,417)

(28,192,209)

The above consolidated statement of changes in equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes to
the financial statements.

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

30

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010

CONSOLIDATED

NOTES

2010
€

2009
€

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

Receipts from customers

6,533,658

-

Payments to suppliers and employees

(4,959,381)

(2,020,656)

Interest received

Interest paid

49,558

(345,604)

129,502

(400,708)

Net cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities

10 (b)

1,278,231

(2,291,862)

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Payments for non-current assets

Payments on security deposits

(44,339)

(16,600)

(8,442)

-

Payments for resource property costs

(2,678,680)

(12,043,902)

Revenues received during commissioning phase

Proceeds from sale of financial assets

-

-

981,321

630,000

Net cash outflow from investing activities

(2,739,619)

(10,441,023)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Proceeds from the issues of shares

Payments for share issue costs

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayments of borrowings

-

(1,069)

-

12,097,050

(499,615)

5,279,269

(4,279,269)

-

Payments for borrowing costs

(150,752)

(297,637)

Net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activities

(4,431,090)

16,579,067

Net increase / (decrease) in cash held

Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 2010

Effects of exchange rate fluctuations on cash held

Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2010

10 (a)

(5,892,478)

6,622,329

239,501

969,352

3,846,182

2,948,689

(172,542)

6,622,329

The above consolidated statement of cash flow should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes to the
financial statements.

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow Notes to the Financial Statements   Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

31

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2010

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

1.1 REPORTING ENTITY

Po Valley Energy Limited (“the Company” or “PVE”) is a company domiciled in Australia. The address of  the Company’s
registered office is Level 28, 140 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000. The consolidated financial statements of  the
Company for the year ended 31 December 2010 comprises the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the
“Group” and individually as “Group entities”) and the Group’s interest in associated and jointly controlled entities. 
The Group primarily is involved in the exploration for gas in the Po Valley region in Italy and appraisal, development and
production of  gas properties.

1.2 BASIS OF PREPARATION

(a) STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
The  financial  report  is  a  general  purpose  financial  report  which  has  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  Australian
Accounting Standards (AASB’s) (including Australian Interpretations) adopted by the Australian Accounting Standards
Board (AASB) and the Corporations Act 2001. The consolidated financial report of  the Group and the financial report
of  the Company comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and interpretations adopted by the
International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
The financial statements were approved by the Board of  Directors on 14 March 2011.

(b) BASIS OF MEASUREMENT
These consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of  historical cost, except for financial assets,
liabilities and share based payments recognised at fair value.

Where necessary, comparative information has been reclassified to achieve consistency in disclosure with the current
financial year amounts and other disclosures.

(c) FUNCTIONAL AND PRESENTATION CURRENCY
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Euro, which is the Company’s and each of  the entities in the Group’s
functional currency.

(d) USE OF ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS
The preparation of  the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that
affect the application of  accounting policies and the reported amounts of  assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual
results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to
accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised and in any future periods affected.
The estimates and judgements that have a significant risk of  causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of  assets
and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

Impairment of  non-current assets 
The ultimate recoupment of  the value of  resource property costs and property plant and equipment is dependent on
successful development and commercial exploitation, or alternatively, sale, of  the underlying properties. The Group
undertakes at least on an annual basis, a comprehensive review for indicators of  impairment of  these assets. Should an
impairment indicator exist, the area of  interest is tested for impairment. There is significant estimation and judgment in
determining the inputs and assumptions used in determining the recoverability amounts. 

The key areas of  estimation and judgement in determining recoverable amounts include:
• Recent drilling results and reserves and resources estimates
• Environmental issues that may impact the underlying licences
• The estimated market value of  assets at the review date
• Independent valuations of  underlying assets at the review date
• Fundamental economic factors such as the gas price and current and anticipated operating costs in the industry 

Rehabilitation provisions
The value of  these provisions represents the discounted value of  the present obligations to restore, dismantle and rehabilitate
each well site. Significant judgment is required in determining the provisions for rehabilitation and closure as there are many

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

32

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued

transactions and other factors that will affect ultimate costs necessary to rehabilitate the sites. The discounted value reflects
a combination of  management’s best estimate of  the cost of  performing the work required, the timing of  the cash flows
and the discount rate.
A change in any, or a combination of, the key assumptions used to determine the provisions could have a material
impact on the carrying value of  the provisions. The provision recognised for each site is reviewed at each reporting date
and updated based on the facts and circumstances available at that time. Changes to the estimated figure costs for
operating sites are recognised in the balance sheet by adjusting both the restoration and rehabilitation asset and
provision.

Reserve estimates
Estimation of  reported recoverable quantities of  Proven and Probable reserves include judgemental assumptions
regarding commodity prices, exchange rates, discount rates, and production and transportation costs for future cash
flows. It also requires interpretation of  complex geological and geophysical models in order to make an assessment of
the size, shape, depth and quality of  reservoirs, and their anticipated recoveries. The economic, geological and technical
factors used to estimate reserves may change from period to period.

1.3 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in the consolidated financial
statements, and have been applied consistently by Group entities. 

(a) PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION 
(i) Subsidiaries
Subsidiaries are entities controlled by the Group. Control exists when the Group has the power, directly or indirectly, to
govern the financial and operating policies of  an entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities. In assessing control,
potential voting rights that presently are exercisable or convertible are taken into account. The financial statements of
subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statements from the date that control commences until the date that
control ceases. The accounting policies of  subsidiaries have been changed when necessary to align them with the policies
adopted by the Group.
In the Company’s financial statements, investments in subsidiaries are carried at cost. 

(ii) Joint controlled operations and assets
The  interest  of   the  Group  in  unincorporated  joint  ventures  and  jointly  controlled  assets  are  brought  to  account  by
recognising in its financial statements the assets it controls, the liabilities that it incurs, the expenses it incurs and its share
of  income that it earns from the sale of  goods or services by the joint venture.

(iii) Transactions eliminated on consolidation
Intra-group balances, and any unrealised income and expenses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in
preparing the consolidated financial statements. 

(b) TAXATION 
Income tax expense comprises current and deferred tax. Income tax expense is recognised in profit or loss except to the
extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity, in which case it is recognised in equity or in comprehensive
income.

Current tax is the expected tax payable on the taxable income for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantially enacted
at the balance sheet date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of  previous years. 

Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet liability method, providing for temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of  assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for taxation purposes.
The following temporary differences are not provided for: the initial recognition of  assets or liabilities that affect
neither accounting nor taxable profit; and differences relating to investments in subsidiaries to the extent that they
will probably not reverse in the foreseeable future. The amount of  deferred tax provided is based on the expected
manner of  realisation or settlement of  the carrying amount of  assets and liabilities using tax rates enacted at the
balance sheet date.

A deferred tax asset is recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profits will be available against
which the asset can be utilised. Deferred tax assets are reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that the related
tax benefit will be realised.

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

33

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued

(c) IMPAIRMENT 
(i) Financial assets (including receivables)
A financial asset is assessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any objective evidence that it is impaired.
A financial assets is considered to be impaired if  objective evidence indicates that one or more events have had a negative
effect on the estimated future cash flows of  that asset.

An impairment loss in respect of  a financial asset measured at amortised cost is calculated as the difference between its
carrying amount, and the present value of  the estimated future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate.
An impairment loss in respect of  an available-for-sale financial asset is calculated by reference to its fair value.

Individually significant financial assets are tested for impairment on an individual basis. The remaining financial assets are
assessed in groups that share similar credit risk characteristics.

All impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss. Any cumulative loss in respect of  an available-for-sale financial asset
recognised previously in equity is transferred to profit or loss.

An impairment loss is reversed if  the reversal can be related objectively to an event occurring after the impairment loss was
recognised. For financial assets measured at amortised cost and available-for-sale financial assets that are debt securities,
the reversal is recognised in profit or loss. For available-for-sale financial assets that are equity securities, the reversal is
recognised in equity.

(ii) Non-financial assets
The carrying amounts of  the Group’s non-financial assets, other than deferred tax assets and inventories, are reviewed at
each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication of  impairment. If  any such indication exists then the asset’s
recoverable amount is estimated. 

The recoverable amount of  an asset or cash-generating unit is the greater of  its value in use and its fair value less costs
to sell. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax
discount rate that reflects current market assessments of  the time value of  money and the risks specific to the asset.
For the purpose of  impairment testing, assets are grouped together into the smallest group of  assets that generates
cash inflows from continuing use that are largely independent of  the cash inflows of  other assets or cash-generating
units. 

An impairment loss is recognised if  the carrying amount of  an asset or its cash-generating unit exceeds its recoverable
amount. Impairment losses are recognised in profit or loss. Impairment losses recognised in respect of  cash-generating
units are allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of  any goodwill allocated to the units and them to reduce the carrying
amount of  the other assets in the unit on a pro rata basis.

An impairment loss in respect of  goodwill is not reversed. In respect of  other assets, impairment losses recognised in
prior periods are assessed at each reporting date for any indications that the loss has decreased or no longer exists.
An impairment loss is reversed if  there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount.
An impairment loss is reversed only to the extent that the asset’s carrying amount does not exceed the carrying
amount that would have been determined, net of  depreciation or amortisation, if  no impairment loss had been
recognised.

(d) PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 
(i) Recognition and measurement
Items of  property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation, accumulated impairment losses
and pre-commissioning revenue and expenses. 

The cost of  plant and equipment used in the process of  gas extraction are accounted for separately and are stated at cost
less accumulated depreciation and impairment costs. 

Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to acquisition of  the asset. 

Gains and losses on disposal of  an item of  property, plant and equipment are determined by comparing the proceeds from
disposal with the carrying amount of  property, plant and equipment and are recognised within “other income” in profit or
loss. 

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

34

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued

(ii) Depreciation
Gas producing assets
When the gas plant and equipment is installed ready for use, cost carried forward will be depreciated on a unit-of-production
basis over the life of  the economically recoverable reserve. 
The depreciation rate of  gas plant and equipment incurred in the period for each project in production phase is as follows:

Castello
Sillaro

8.67%
8.08%

Changes in factors such as estimates of  economically recoverable reserves that affect the depreciation do not give rise to
prior period financial period adjustments and are dealt with on a prospective basis. 

Other property, plant and equipment
Depreciation is recognised in profit or loss on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of  each part of  an item
of  property, plant and equipment. The depreciation will commence when the asset is installed ready for use.

The estimated useful lives of  each class of  asset fall within the following ranges:

Office furniture & equipment

2010

3 – 5 years

2009

3 – 5 years

The residual value, the useful life and the depreciation method applied to an asset are reviewed at each reporting date. 

(e) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
(i) Non-derivative financial instruments
Non-derivative financial instruments comprise investments in equity and debt securities, trade and other receivables, cash
and cash equivalents, loans and borrowings and trade and other payables.

Non-derivative financial instruments are recognised initially as fair value plus, for instruments not at fair value through profit
and loss, any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition non-derivative financial instruments
are measured as described below.

A financial instrument is recognised if  the Group becomes a party to the contractual provisions of  the instrument. Financial
assets are derecognised if  the Group’s contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial assets expire or if  the Group
transfers the financial asset to another party without retaining control or substantially all risks and rewards of  the asset.
Regular way purchases and sales of  financial assets are accounted for at trade date, i.e. the date the Group commits itself
to purchase or sell the asset. Financial liabilities are derecognised if  the Group’s obligation specified in the contract expire
or are discharged or cancelled.

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances and call deposits. Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and
form an integral part of  the Group’s cash management are included as a component of  cash and cash equivalents for the
purpose of  the statement of  cash flows.

Accounting for finance income and expense is discussed in note (i).

Held-to-maturity investments
If  the Group has the positive intent and ability to hold debt securities to maturity, then they are classified as held-to-
maturity.  Held-to-maturity  investments  are  measured  at  amortised  cost  using  the  effective  interest  method,  less  any
impairment losses.

Available-for-sale financial assets
The Group’s investments in equity securities and certain debt securities are classified as available-for-sale financial assets.
Subsequent to initial recognition, they are measured at fair value and changes therein, other than impairment losses, and
foreign exchange gains and losses on available-for-sale monetary items, are recognised directly in a separate component
of  equity. When an investment is derecognised, the cumulative gain or loss in equity is transferred to profit or loss as finance
income or expense.

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

35

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued

Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss
An instrument is classified as at fair value through profit or loss if  it is held for trading or is designated as such upon initial
recognition. Financial instruments are designated at fair value through profit or loss if  the Group manages such investments
and  makes  purchase  and  sale  decisions  based  on  their  fair  value  in  accordance  with  the  Group’s  documented  risk
management or investment strategy. Upon initial recognition attributable transaction costs are recognised in profit or loss
when incurred. Financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss are measured at fair value, and changes therein
are recognised in profit and loss as finance income or expense.

Other
Other non-derivative financial instruments are measured at amortised costs using the effective interest method, less any
impairment losses.

(ii) Derivative financial instruments
Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value; attributable costs are recognised in profit or loss when incurred. Subsequent
to initial recognition, derivatives are measured at fair value and changes therein are accounted for in the profit and loss as
finance income or expense.

(iii) Share Capital
Ordinary Shares
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to issue of  ordinary shares and share options
are recognised as a deduction from equity, net of  any tax effects.

Dividends
Dividends are recognised as a liability in the period in which they are declared.

(f) INVENTORIES
Inventories are measured at the lower of  cost and net realisable value and includes expenditure incurred in acquiring the
inventories and other costs incurred in bringing them to their existing location and condition.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price and selling expenses.

(g) RESOURCE PROPERTIES
Resource property costs are accumulated in respect of  each separate area of  interest. 

Exploration properties
Exploration properties are carried at balance sheet date at cost and accumulated impairment losses. Exploration properties include
the cost of  acquiring resource properties, mineral rights and exploration, evaluation expenditure relating to an area of  interest. 

Exploration properties are carried forward where right of  tenure of  the area of  interest is current and they are expected
to be recouped through sale or successful development and exploitation of  the area of  interest, or, where exploration and
evaluation activities in the area of  interest have not yet reached a stage that permits reasonable assessment of  the existence
of  economically recoverable reserves.

Cumulative exploration and evaluation expenditure which no longer satisfies the above policy is no longer carried forward
as an asset, but is charged against, and shown as a deduction from profit.

Development properties
Development properties are carried at balance sheet date at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Development
properties represent the accumulation of  all exploration, evaluation and acquisition costs in relation to areas where the
technical feasibility and commercial viability of  the extraction of  gas resources in the area of  interest are demonstrable and
all key project permits, approvals and financing are in place. 

When there is low likelihood of  the development property being exploited, or the value of  the exploitable development
property has diminished below cost, the asset is written down to its recoverable amount.

Production properties
Production properties are carried at balance sheet date at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.
Production properties represent the accumulation of  all exploration, evaluation and development and acquisition costs in relation
to areas of  interest in which production licences have been granted and the related project moving to the production phase.

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

36

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued

Amortisation of  costs is provided on the unit-of-production basis, separate calculations being performed for each
area of  interest. The unit-of-production base results in an amortisation charge proportional to the depletion of
economically recoverable reserves. The amortisation rate incurred in the period for each project in production phase
is as follows:

Castello
Sillaro

8.67%
8.08%

Amortisation of  resource properties commences from the date when commercial production commences. 

When the value of  the exploitable production property has diminished below cost, the asset is written down to its recoverable
amount.

The Group reviews the recoverable amount of  resource property costs at each reporting date to determine whether there
is any indication of  impairment. If  any such indication exists then the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated (refer Note
1.3 (c) (ii)).

(h) PROVISIONS
Rehabilitation costs
Long term environmental obligations are based on the Group’s environmental and rehabilitation plans, in compliance
with current environmental and regulatory requirements.

Full provision is made based on the net present value of  the estimated cost of  restoring the environmental disturbances that
has occurred up to the balance sheet date and abandonment of  the well site and production fields. Increases due to
additional environmental disturbances, relating to the development of  an asset, are capitalised and amortised over the
remaining useful lives of  the areas of  interest.

Annual increases in the provision relating to the change in net present value of  the provision are accounted for in the
income statement as finance expense.

The estimated costs of  rehabilitation are reviewed annually and adjusted against the relevant rehabilitation asset, as
appropriate for changes in legislation, technology or other circumstances including drilling activity and are accounted for
an a prospective basis. Cost estimates are not reduced by potential proceeds from the sale of  assets.

(i) FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSES
Finance income comprises interest income on funds invested and foreign currency gains. Interest income is recognised as
it accrues in profit or loss, using the effective interest method. 

Finance expenses comprise interest expense on borrowings or other payables and unwinding of  the discount of  provisions
and changes in the fair value of  financial assets through profit and loss. Borrowing costs that are not directly attributable
to the acquisition, construction or production of  qualifying assets are recognised in profit or loss using the effective interest
method.

Foreign currency gains and losses are reported as net amounts.

(j) EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
(i) Long-term service benefits
The Group’s net obligation in respect of  long-term service benefits is the amount of  future benefit that employees have
earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods. The obligation is calculated using expected future
increases in wage and salary rates including on-costs and expected settlement dates, and is discounted using the rates
attached to the Government bonds at the balance sheet date which have maturity dates approximating to the terms of  the
Group’s obligations.

(ii) Wages, salaries, annual leave, sick leave and non-monetary benefits
Liabilities for employee benefits for wages, salaries, annual leave and sick leave that are expected to be settled within 12
months of  the reporting date represent present obligations resulting from employees services provided to reporting date,
are calculated at undiscounted amounts based on remuneration wage and salary rates that the Group expects to pay as at
reporting date including related on-costs, such as workers compensation insurance and payroll tax.

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

37

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued

(iii) Superannuation
The Group contributes to defined contribution superannuation plans. Contributions are recognised as an expense as they
are due. 

(iv) Share-based payments
The executive and employee share option plan grants options to employees as part of  their remuneration. The fair value of
options granted is recognised as an employee expense with a corresponding increase in reserves. The fair value is measured
at grant date and spread over the period during which the employees become unconditionally entitled to the options. The
fair value of  the options granted is measured, using an options pricing model; taking into account the market related vesting
conditions upon which the options were granted. The amount recognised as an expense is adjusted to reflect the actual
number of  share options that vest except where forfeiture is only due to share prices not achieving the threshold for vesting.

When a Company grants options over its shares to employees of  subsidiaries, the fair value at the grant date is recognised
as an increase in investment in subsidiaries, with a corresponding increase in equity over the vesting period of  the grant. 

(k) FOREIGN CURRENCY
(i) Functional and presentation currency
Items included in the financial statements of  each of  the Group’s entities are measured using the currency of  the primary
economic environment in which the entity operates (“the functional currency”). The consolidated financial statements are
presented in Euro, which is Po Valley Energy Limited’s functional and presentation currency (refer note 1.2 (c) above).

(ii) Foreign currency transactions
Foreign currency transactions are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rates prevailing at the dates
of  the transactions. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of  such transactions and from the
translation at year-end exchange rates of  monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are recognised
in profit or loss as finance income or expense.

Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the date of  transaction or the date
fair value was determined, if  these assets and liabilities are measured at fair value. Foreign currency differences arising on
retranslation are recognised in profit and loss, except for differences arising on the retranslation of  available-for-sale equity
instruments, a financial liability designated as a hedge of  the net investment in a foreign operation, or qualifying cash flow
hedges, which are recognised directly in equity.

(iii) Foreign operations
The assets and liabilities of  foreign operations, including goodwill and fair value adjustments arising on consolidation are
translated to Euro at foreign exchange rates ruling at the balance sheet date. The revenues and expenses of  foreign
operations are translated to Euro at rates approximating the foreign exchange rates ruling at the dates of  the transactions.
Foreign exchange differences arising on retranslation are recognised directly in a separate component of  equity.

Foreign exchange gains and losses arising from monetary item receivable from or payable to a foreign operation, the
settlement of  which is neither planned nor likely in the foreseeable future, are considered to form part of  a net investment
in a foreign operation and are recognised directly in equity in the foreign currency translation reserve.

(l) EARNINGS/LOSS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to members of  the parent entity for
the reporting period, after excluding any costs of  servicing equity (other than ordinary shares and converting preference
shares classified as ordinary shares for EPS calculation purposes), by the weighted average number of  ordinary shares of
the Company, adjusted for any bonus issue.

Diluted EPS is calculated by dividing the basic EPS earnings, adjusted by the after tax effect of  financing costs associated
with dilutive potential ordinary shares and the effect on revenues and expenses of  conversion to ordinary shares associated
with dilutive potential ordinary shares, by the weighted average number of  ordinary shares and dilutive potential ordinary
shares adjusted for any bonus issue.

(m) OTHER INDIRECT TAXES
Revenue, expenses and assets are recognised net of  the amount of  goods and services tax (GST) and value added tax (VAT)
except where the amount of  GST or VAT incurred is not recoverable from the taxation authority. In these circumstances, the
GST or VAT is recognised as part of  the cost of  acquisition of  the asset or as part of  the expense.

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

38

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued

Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of  GST or VAT included. The net amount of   GST or VAT recoverable
from, or payable to, the relevant taxation authority is included as a current asset or liability in the balance sheet.

Cash flows are included in the statement of  cash flows on a net basis. The GST and VAT components  of   cash 
flows
arising from investing and financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to, the relevant taxation authority
are classified as operating cash flows.

(n) SEGMENT REPORTING
Determination and presentation of  operating statements

The Group determines and presents operating segments based on the information that internally is provided to the CEO,
who is the Group’s chief  operating decision maker. 

An operating segment is a component of  the Group that engages in business activities from which it may earn revenues
and incur expenses, including revenues and expenses that relate to transactions with any of  the Group’s other components.
An operating segment’s operating results are reviewed regularly by the CEO to make decisions about resources to be
allocated to the segment and assess its performance, and for which discrete financial information is available.

Segment results that are reported to the CEO include items directly attributable to a segment as well as those that can be
allocated on a reasonable basis. Unallocated items comprise mainly corporate assets and income tax assets and liabilities.
Segment capital expenditure is the total cost incurred during the period to acquire property, plant and equipment and
resource property costs.

(o) REVENUE
Revenues is measured at fair value of  the consideration received or receivable, net of  the amount of  value added tax
(“VAT”) payable to the taxation authority. Revenue is recognised when the significant risks and rewards of  ownership have
been transferred to the buyer, recovery of  the consideration is probable, and the associated costs can be estimated reliably
there is no continuing management involved with the goods, and the amount of  revenue can be measured reliably. 

Sale of  gas
Gas sales revenue is recognised when control of  the gas passes at the delivery point. 
Proceeds received in advance of  control passing are recognised as unearned revenue. 

(p) LEASED ASSETS

Leases in terms of  which the Group assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of  ownership are classified as finance
leases. Upon initial recognition the leased asset is measured at an amount equal to the lower of  its fair value and the present
value of  the minimum lease payments. Subsequent to initial recognition, the asset is accounted for in accordance with the
accounting policy applicable to that asset. 

Other leases are operating leases and the leased assets are not recognised on the Group`s balance sheet.

(q) NEW STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS NOT YET ADOPTED

The following standards, amendments to standards and interpretations have been identified as those which may impact the
entity in the period of  initial application. They are available for early adoption at 31 December 2010, but have not been
applied in preparing this financial report.

• AASB 9 Financial Instruments includes requirements for the classification and measurement of  financial assets resulting
from  the  first  part  of   Phase  1  of   the  project  to  replace  AASB  139 Financial  Instruments:  Recognition  and  Measurement. 
AASB 9 will become mandatory for the Group’s 31 December 2013 financial statements. Retrospective application is
generally required, although there are exceptions, particularly if  the entity adopts the standard for the year ended 31
December 2012 or earlier. The Group has not yet determined the potential effect of  the standard.

• AASB 124 Related Party Disclosures (revised December 2009) simplifies and clarifies the intended meaning of  the definition
of  a related party and provides a partial exemption from the disclosure requirements for government-related entities.
The amendments, which will become mandatory for Group’s 31 December 2011 financial statements, are not expected
to have any impact on the financial statements. 

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

39

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued

• IFRIC 19 Extinguishing Financial Liabilities with Equity Instruments addresses the accounting by an entity when the terms of
a financial liability are renegotiated and result in the entity issuing equity instruments to a creditor of  the entity to
extinguish all or part of  the financial liability. IFRIC 19 will become mandatory for the Group’s 31 December 2011
financial statements, with retrospective application required. The Group has not yet determined the potential effect of
the interpretation. 

• AASB 2010-7 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB9 make amendments to a number of  statements as a
consequence of  issuance of  AASB 9 Financial Instruments in December 2010. The amendments will become mandatory for the
Group’s 31 December 2013 financial statements. The Group has not yet determined the potential effect of  these amendments.

NOTE 2: FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

Exposure to credit, market and liquidity risks arise in the normal course of  the Group’s business. 

This note presents information about the Company’s and Group’s exposure to each of  the above risks, their objectives,
policies and processes for measuring and managing risk, and the management of  capital. Further quantitative disclosures
are included throughout this financial report.

Risk  recognition  and  management  are  viewed  as  integral  to  the  Company's  objectives  of   creating  and  maintaining
shareholder value, and the successful execution of  the Company's strategies in gas exploration and development. The
Board as a whole is responsible for oversight of  the processes by which risk is considered for both ongoing operations and
prospective actions. In specific areas, it is assisted by the Audit and Risk Committee. Management is responsible for
establishing  procedures  which  provide  assurance  that  major  business  risks  are  identified,  consistently  assessed  and
appropriately addressed.

(i) Credit Risk 
The Group invests in short term deposits and trades with recognised, creditworthy third parties. There is a concentration
of  credit risk in relation to receivables due to indirect tax from the Italian tax authorities (see note 12).

Cash and short term deposits are made with institutions that have a credit rating of  at least A1 from Standard & Poors and
A from Moody's.

Management has a credit policy in place whereby credit evaluations are performed on all customers and parties the
Company and its subsidiaries deal with. The exposure to credit risk is monitored on an ongoing basis. 

The maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of  each financial asset. 

(ii) Market Risk
Interest rate risk 
The Group is primarily exposed to interest rate risk arising from its cash and cash equivalents and borrowings.

Currency risk 
The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk on purchases that are denominated in a currency other than the respective
functional currencies of  consolidated entities. The currency giving rise to this risk is primarily Australian Dollars. 

In respect to monetary assets held in currencies other than Euro, the Group ensures that the net exposure is kept to an
acceptable level by minimising their holdings in the foreign currency where possible by buying or selling foreign currencies
at spot rates where necessary to address short term imbalances. 

(iii) Capital Management
The Board’s policy is to maintain a strong capital base so as to maintain investor, creditor and market confidence and to
sustain future development of  the business. 
The Board seeks to encourage all employees of  the Group to hold ordinary shares. Both management and employees
participate in the Group’s employee share scheme and to date the Company has enocuraged employees to opt for shares
in lieu of  cash for earned bonuses. 
The Board seeks to maintain a balance between the higher returns that might be possible with higher levels of  borrowings
and the advantages and security afforded by a sound capital position. 

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

40

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

NOTE 2: FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT continued

The Group does not have a defined share buy-back plan and there were no changes in the Group’s approach to capital
management during the year.
There are no externally imposed restrictions on capital management.

(iv) Liquidity Risk 
The Group’s approach to managing liquidity is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will always have sufficient liquidity to
meet its liabilities when due. Management prepares monthly cash flow forecasts taking into consideration debt facility
obligations. Capital expenditures are planned around cash flow availability.

NOTE 3: REVENUE

Gas sales

NOTE 4: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT EXPENSES

Wages and salaries

Equity settled share-based payment transactions
(cid:129) Shares issued in lieu of salaries and bonus

(cid:129) Options vested during the period

NOTE 5: CORPORATE OVERHEADS

Corporate overheads comprises:

Company administration and compliance

Professional fees

Office costs

Travel and entertainment 

Other expenses

CONSOLIDATED

2010
€

7,157,331

2009
€

-

CONSOLIDATED

2009
€

1,375,594

270,053

274,739

544,792

1,920,386

CONSOLIDATED

2009
€

136,389

411,652

199,222

184,318

42,023

973,604

2010
€

1,784,129

61,384

69,006

130,390

1,914,519

2010
€

179,377

541,756

328,428

180,470

168,551

1,398,582

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

41

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 6: AUDITORS’ REMUNERATION

Remuneration for audit or review of  the financial reports of  the subsidiary NSI and the Group:

AUDITORS OF THE COMPANY – KPMG AUSTRALIA:
Audit and review services

Under-accrued from prior year

The auditors received no other benefits.

NOTE 7: FINANCE INCOME AND EXPENSE

RECOGNISED IN PROFIT AND LOSS:
Interest income

Foreign exchange gains

Finance income

Interest expense

Amortisation of borrowing costs

Unwind of discount on site restoration provision

Fair value movement on financial assets

Finance expense

Net finance income / (expense)

CONSOLIDATED

2009
€

39,961

-

39,961

CONSOLIDATED

2009
€

129,521

872,082

1,001,603

6,038

-

249,315

(27,496)

227,857

773,746

2010
€

67,809

10,132

77,941

2010
€

40,951

242,890

283,841

380,301

212,185

210,829

-

803,315

(519,474)

RECOGNISED IN OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
Foreign currency translation differences for foreign operations

-

(4,858,090)

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

42

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

NOTE 8: INCOME TAX EXPENSE 

CURRENT TAX:

Current period

DEFERRED TAX:

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Changes in unrecognised deductible temporary differences

Deferred tax benefit

Total income tax expense

CONSOLIDATED

2010
€

66,701

(3,931)

3,931

-

(66,701)

2009
€

-

725

(725)

-

-

NUMERICAL RECONCILIATION BETWEEN TAX EXPENSE 

AND PRE-TAX ACCOUNTING PROFIT / (LOSS):

Loss for the period before tax

(2,256,897)

(7,202,805)

Income tax (benefit) / expense using the Company’s 

domestic tax rate of 30 per cent (2009: 30%)

(677,069)

(2,160,842)

Non-deductible expenses:

Share based payments

Impairment losses

Other

Foreign exchange differences

Effect of tax rates in foreign jurisdictions

Current year losses for which no deferred tax asset was recognised

Tax losses utilised in current year

Change in unrecognised temporary differences

Tax effect of regional taxes in Italy - current

Income tax expense

32,138

322,550

(34,448)

-

(6,287)

367,301

(69,150)

(3,931)

66,701

(66,701)

163,438

1,532,586

218,098

(261,762)

33,037

474,720

-

725

-

-

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

43

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 9: LOSS PER SHARE

Basic loss per share (€ cents)

CONSOLIDATED

2010
€

(2.11)

2009
€

(6.99)

The calculation of basic loss per share was based on the loss attributable to shareholders of €2,323,598 (2009: €7,202,805) and
a weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year of 110,240,942 (2009: 102,990,833). 

Diluted loss per share is the same as basic loss per share.

The number of weighted average shares is calculated as follows:

Number of shares on issue at beginning of the year

212,642 issued on 19 September 2010

156,338 issued on 31 December 2010

7,004,167 issued on 26 February 2009

495,833 issued on 3 March 2009

294,729 issued on 6 May 2009

833,333 issued on 16 September 2009

5,500,000 issued on 6 October 2009

1,283,768 issued on 18 November 2009

No. 

of days

365

104

1

309

302

240

106

86

43

2010

Weighted 

average no.

2009

Weighted 

average no.

110,179,926

94,768,096

60,588

428

5,929,555

410,251

193,794

242,009

1,295,890

151,238

110,240,942

102,990,833

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

44

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

NOTE 10: (a) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

CONSOLIDATED

2010
€

2009
€

(a) Cash and cash equivalents

969,352

6,622,329

The Group’s exposure to interest rate risk and a sensitivity 
analysis for financial assets and liabilities are disclosed in note 22.

(b) Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities

-

-

Loss for the period

(2,323,598)

(7,202,805)

ADJUSTMENT FOR NON-CASH ITEMS:

Unrealised net foreign exchange (gains) / loss

Share-based payments

Depreciation and amortisation

Resource property costs impairments

Fair value movement on financial assets

Unwind of discount on site restoration provision

Amortisation of borrowing costs

Capitalised interest

CHANGE IN OPERATING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES:

(Increase) decrease in receivables

Decrease (increase) in other assets

Increase (decrease) in trade and other payables

Increase in provisions and accruals

(239,501)

130,390

2,840,198

1,075,168

-

210,829

212,185

(935,681)

544,792

12,573

5,108,595

(27,496)

249,314

-

-

(394,670)

378,758

-

(897,907)

(108,291)

80,012

(6,391)

275,133

4,762

Net cash outflow from operating activities

1,278,231

(2,291,862)

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

45

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 11: INVENTORY

Well equipment – at cost

CONSOLIDATED

2010
€

897,134

2009
€

810,749

NOTE 12: TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Accrued gas sales revenue

Sundry debtors

Indirect taxes receivable (a)

CONSOLIDATED

2010
€

376,638

75,080

1,992,237

1,866,838

2009
€

-

236,071

2,112,135

2,348,206

The Group’s exposure to credit and currency risks and impairment losses related to trade and other receivables are disclosed in
note 22.

(a) Included in receivables are Italian indirect taxes recoverable as follows:

Current

Non-current

1,985,308

1,478,819

2,078,848

1,953,326

The indirect taxes relate to Italian Value Added Tax (“VAT”), which is typically 20% of invoiced amounts (with certain
exceptions). The extent of VAT that has not been recovered from the Italian authorities is recognised on the balance
sheet as a receivable. Po Valley expects to recover this receivable through reducing VAT remitted on sales, reducing
the group’s obligation to pay employee taxes to the authorities and/or applying for an annual refund (capped at the
lowest amount of VAT credits generated in any of the past 3 years). The current portion receivable is estimated to be
recoverable in the next twelve months. We note that VAT remitted on oil and gas sales in Italy is 10%.

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

46

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

NOTE 13: PROPERTY PLANT & EQUIPMENT

CONSOLIDATED

OFFICE FURNITURE & EQUIPMENT:
At cost

Accumulated depreciation

PLANT & EQUIPMENT UNDER CONSTRUCTION:
At cost

Accumulated depreciation

GAS PRODUCING PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:
At cost

Accumulated depreciation

RECONCILIATIONS:
Reconciliation of the carrying amounts for each class 
of Plant & equipment are set out below:

OFFICE FURNITURE & EQUIPMENT: 
Carrying amount at beginning of year

Additions

Depreciation expense

Foreign exchange difference 

Carrying amount at end of year

PLANT & EQUIPMENT UNDER CONSTRUCTION:
Carrying amount at beginning of year

Additions

Transfer to gas producing assets

Carrying amount at end of year

GAS PRODUCING ASSETS:
Carrying amount at beginning of period

2010
€

163,168

(98,878)

64,290

-

-

-

7,557,376

(605,761)

6,951,615

7,015,905

38,554

44,339

(18,603)

-

64,290

5,793,331

1,078,081

(6,871,412)

-

-

Transferred from exploration and development assets

685,964

Transferred from plant and equipment under construction

6,871,412

Additions

Depreciation expense

Carrying amount at end of period

-

(605,761)

6,951,615

7,015,905

2009
€

118,829

(80,275)

38,554

5,793,331

-

5,793,331

-

-

-

5,831,885

42,971

8,442

(12,573)

(286)

38,554

-

5,793,331

-

5,793,331

-

-

-

-

-

-

5,831,885

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

47

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 14: RESOURCE PROPERTY COSTS 

CONSOLIDATED

RESOURCE PROPERTY COSTS:

Exploration phase

Development phase

Production phase

RECONCILIATION OF CARRYING AMOUNT 
OF RESOURCE PROPERTIES:
Exploration Phase

Carrying amount at beginning of period

Foreign exchange difference 

Exploration expenditure

Change in estimate of rehabilitation assets

Impairment losses

Carrying amount at end of period

2010
€

5,923,127

-

20,071,921

25,995,048

6,139,221

-

323,077

(265,357)

(273,814)

5,923,127

2009
€

6,139,221

22,772,357

-

28,911,578

7,689,974

(1,060,034)

4,617,876

-

(5,108,595)

6,139,221

Resource property costs in the exploration and evaluation phase have not yet reached a stage which permits a reasonable
assessment of the existence of or otherwise of economically recoverable reserves. The ultimate recoupment of resource property
costs in the exploration phase is dependent upon the successful development and exploitation, or alternatively sale, of the
respective areas of interest at an amount greater than or equal to the carrying value. 

Development Phase

Carrying amount at beginning of period

Foreign exchange difference

Development expenditure

Commissioning revenue received (i)

Reclassed as Plant & Equipment 

Transfer to production assets

Carrying amount at end of period

Production Phase

Carrying amount at beginning of period

Reclassed from development expenditure (ii)

Additions

Change in estimate of rehabilitation assets

Amortisation of producing assets

Impairment loss

Carrying amount at end of period

22,772,357

-

200,704

-

(685,964)

(22,287,097)

-

-

22,287,097

262,873

539,139

(2,215,834)

(801,354)

20,071,921

22,366,345

(3,151,065)

9,490,725

(140,317)

(5,793,331)

-

22,772,357

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Commercial production on the Castello well began on 12 January 2010. An impairment trigger was identified with regard to Castello
during the second quarter of 2010 as a result of decline in pressure and the field was stopped for testing. Accordingly, the associated
resource property costs and related plant and equipment (as a cash generating unit) have been tested for impairment. The recoverable
amount has been determined by reference to a discounted cashflow forecast model. The key assumptions adopted in that model,
based on a two well development, include gas pricing, expected gas production, operating and capital expenditure and a discount
rate. The expected production and reserves have been independently reviewed. The recoverable amount is most sensitive to the gas
production, gas price assumption and the discount rate. As result of the impairment test, the recoverable amount for Castello has been
determined to be €9.1million resulting in an impairment expense of €801,354. 

Commercial production from the Sillaro well commenced on 18 May 2010.

(i) Relates to gas sales generated prior to commercial production having occurred.
(ii) Reclassification from development expenditure relates to capitalised costs for gas fields classified as production assets in 2010.

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

48

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

NOTE 15: DEFERRED TAX ASSETS AND LIABILITIES 

CONSOLIDATED

2010
€

2009
€

UNRECOGNISED DEFERRED TAX ASSETS:

Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of the following items:

Losses available for offset against future taxable income

3,795,144

3,269,073

Share issue expenses

Capitalised borrowing costs

Accrued expenses and liabilities

101,821

117,389

22,230

144,869

185,143

8,163

Unrecognised deferred tax assets

4,036,584

3,607,248

UNRECOGNISED DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES:

Deferred tax liabilities have not been recognised in respect of the following items:

Interest receivable

Unrecognised deferred tax liabilities

-

-

(2,754)

(2,754)

Net deferred tax asset not recognised

4,036,584

3,604,494

Deferred tax benefit will only be obtained if:
(i) The relevant company derives future assessable income of a nature and of an amount sufficient to enable the benefit from the deductions for the losses to be
realised;
(ii) The relevant company continues to comply with the conditions for deductibility imposed by tax legislation; and
(iii) No changes in tax legislation adversely affect the relevant company in realising the benefit from the deductions for the losses. 

Movement 
in temporary
differences during
the year

CONSOLIDATED:

Losses available 
for offset against 
future taxable income

Balance
1 January 
2009

Profit
and loss

Equity

31 December  Profit
or loss

2009

Equity

Balance 

Balance  
31 December
2010

2,566,860

642,845

59,368 

3,269,073

481,376

44,696

3,795,145

Share issue expenses

54,351

- 

90,518

144,869

-

(43,048)

101,821

Capitalised 
borrowing costs

Accrued expenses 
and liabilities

Income receivable

Total unrecognised 
deferred tax asset

148,169

36,974

7,433

(2,748)

730

(6)

- 

- 

- 

185,143

(67,754)

8,163

14,067

(2,754)

2,754

-

-

-

117,389

22,230

-

2,774,065

680,543

149,886

3,604,494

430,442

1,648

4,036,585

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

49

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 16: TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade payables and accruals

Other payables

CONSOLIDATED

2010
€

2,136,289

69,849

2,206,138

2009
€

3,079,103

11,498

3,090,601

The Group’s exposure to currency and liquidity risks related to trade and other payables are disclosed in note 22.

NOTE 17: PROVISIONS

CURRENT:
Provision for legal claim

Employee leave entitlements

NON CURRENT:
Restoration provision

RECONCILIATION OF RESTORATION PROVISION:
Opening balance

Increase in provision due to revised estimates

Increase in provision from unwind of discount rate

Closing balance 

CONSOLIDATED

2010
€

-

75,994

75,994

2009
€

125,000

59,285

184,285

2,846,186

2,361,575

2,361,575

273,782

210,829

2,846,186

1,239,301

872,959

249,315

2,361,575

Provision has been made based on the net present value of the estimated cost of restoring the environmental disturbances
that has occurred up to the balance sheet date and abandonment of the well site and production fields.

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

50

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

NOTE 18: INTEREST BEARING LOANS

This note provides information about the contractual terms of  the Company’s and Group’s interest-bearing loans and
borrowings, which are measured at amortised cost. For more information about the Company’s and Group’s exposure to
interest rate, foreign currency and liquidity risk, see note 22.

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Bank of Scotland finance facility

CONSOLIDATED

2010
€

2009
€

5,519,347

9,637,183

The Group’s exposure to currency, interest rate and liquidity risks related to loans are disclosed in note 22.

TERMS AND DEBT REPAYMENT SCHEDULE:

Terms and conditions of outstanding loans were as follows:

31 December 2010

31 December 2009

Currency

Nominal 
Interest 
rate

Year 
of 
maturity

Face 
value
$

Carrying 
amount
$

Face 
value
$

Carrying
amount
$

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

Secured bank loan

Euro

Euribor + 1.8%

2013

5,519,347

5,519,347

9,637,183

9,637,183

The amount presented is disclosed net of  borrowing costs of  €480,653 (2009: €642,085).

Bank of  Scotland have provided a €25,000,000 finance facility which provided an initial borrowing base of  €5,000,000 to
the Group to finance the construction program of  the Castello and Sillaro fields and a senior facility of  €20,000,000. 

The senior facility became available on 19 June 2009 when the Company received its formal production concessions and
final development approval for the Castello and Sillaro fields. This senior debt replaced the initial tranche of  €5,000,000
and matures on 15 November 2013. 

The current borrowing limit for the six months to 30 June 2011 is set to €9,110,000 and incorporates the semi annual
borrowing base review during December 2010. Interest is currently payable at Euribor plus 180 basis points. 

In 2010, the Company repaid €4,279,269 of  the senior facility.

The facility is secured over the assets of  Northsun Italia SpA and Po Valley Operations Pty Ltd.

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

51

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 19: CAPITAL AND RESERVES

SHARE CAPITAL:

Opening balance - 1 January

Shares issued during the year:

ORDINARY SHARES

2010
number

2009
number

110,179,926

94,768,096

Share issue at € 0.24 ($0.33) each on 19 September 2010

Share issue at € 0.16 ($0.21) each on 31 December 2010

212,642

156,338

Share issue at € 0.69 ($1.20) each on 26 February 2009

Share issue at € 0.69 ($1.20) each on 3 March 2009

Share issue at € 0.91 ($1.60) each on 6 May 2009

Share issue at € 0.69 ($1.20) each on 16 September 2009

Share issue at € 0.93 ($1.55) each on 6 October 2009

Share issue at € 0.97 ($1.55) each on 18 November 2009

-

-

-

-

-

-

7,004,167

495,833

294,729

833,333

5,500,000

1,283,768

Closing balance – 31 December 

110,548,906

110,179,926

All ordinary shares are fully paid and carry one vote per share and the right to dividends. In the event of  winding up the
Company, ordinary shareholders rank after creditors. Ordinary shares have no par value.

The Company issued 368,980 shares to employees pursuant to the employees share purchase plan. These shares were
issued at a price as detailed in the table below:

Date issued

No of shares

19 September 2010

31 December 2010

212,642

156,338

Issue price

€ 0.24  (A$0.33)

€ 0.16  (A$0.21)

Translation Reserve
The translation reserve comprises all foreign currency differences arising from the translation of  the financial statements
of  foreign operations.

Options Reserve
The option reserve is used to record the value of  equity benefits provided to employees and directors as part of  their
remuneration. Refer to note 20 for further details of  these plans.

Dividends 
No dividends were paid or declared during the current year (2009: NIL).

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

52

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

NOTE 20: SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

Employee Incentive Option Scheme
The issue of  Employee Incentive Option Scheme (“EIOS”) was approved by the Board of  the Company on 15 October 2004.
The opportunity for a number of  employees to acquire options over ordinary shares in the Company was offered to
employees and consultants. 
Each option is convertible to one ordinary share. The exercise price of  the options, determined in accordance with the rules
of  the plan, must not be less than the market price on the date the options are granted. The terms and conditions with
respect to expiry, exercise and vesting provisions are at the discretion of  the Board of  the Company. The vesting provisions
issued during 2009 and 2008 have included share price hurdles and continued employment with the Group. 
There are no voting or dividend rights attached to the options. Voting and dividend rights will only be attached once an
option is exercised into ordinary shares.
The total number of  shares which are the subject of  options issued under the EIOS immediately following an issue of
options under the EIOS must not exceed 5% of  the then issued share capital of  the Company on a diluted basis.
The number and weighted average exercise prices of  share options is as follows:

2010

2009

Number 
of options

Weighted average
exercise price

Number  Weighted average 
of options

exercise price

Balance at beginning of year

3,175,000

Granted

Exercised

Lapsed

Balance at end of year          

Exercisable at end of year

-

-

(75,000)

3,100,000

3,100,000

€1.00

-

-

€1.11

€1.00

3,150,000

150,000

-

(125,000)

3,175,000

2,175,000

€1.00

€1.00

-

€1.07

€1.00

The options outstanding at 31 December 2010 have an exercise of  A$1.75 (€1.00) and a weighted average contractual life
of  3 years.

OPTIONS GRANTED DURING THE REPORTING 
PERIOD PURSUANT TO EIOS:
No options were granted in the reporting period.
Number granted

Grant date

Vesting period

Expiry date

Exercise price

2010

2009

-

-

-

-

-

150,000

30 April 2009

2.08 years

31 May 2011

€1.00 (A$1.75)

The fair value of  services received in return for share options granted is based on the fair value of  share options granted,
measured using a Black-Scholes model, with the following inputs:

Fair value of share options and assumptions

2010

Fair value at grant date

Share price at grant date

Exercise price

Expected volatility

Option life

Risk-free interest rate 

-

-

-

-

-

-

2009

€0.18

€0.91 (A$1.60)

€1.00 (A$1.75)

40%

2.08 years

5.45%

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

53

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 20: SHARE BASED PAYMENTS continued

Options held at the end of  the reporting period pursuant to EIOS.

Number of options

Grant date

Vesting date

Expiry date

Exercise price 

3,000,000

31 May 2008

33% 1 June 2009

31 May 2011

€1.00 (A$1.75)

34% 1 June 2010

33% 1 June 2008

100,000

30 April 2009

1 June 2009

31 May 2011

€1.00 (A$1.75)   

NOTE 21: FINANCIAL REPORTING BY SEGMENTS

The Group reportable segments as described below are the Group’s strategic business units. The strategic business units
are classified according to field licence areas which are managed separately. All strategic business units are in Italy. For
each strategic business unit, the CEO reviews internal management reports on a monthly basis. Exploration, Development
and Production gas and oil are the operating segments identified for the Group. The individual exploration, development
and production operations have been aggregated.

In euro

Exploration

Development & Production

Total

2010
€

2009
€

2010
€

2009
€

2010
€

2009
€

External revenues

-

-

7,157,331

Segment (loss) / 

profit before tax

Depreciation 

and amortisation

Impairment 

on resource 

property costs

REPORTABLE 

SEGMENT ASSETS:

(273,814)

(5,108,595)

1,087,438

-

-

(2,821,595)

(273,814)

(5,108,595)

(801,354)

-

-

-

-

7,157,331

-

1,533,624

(5,108,595)

(2,821,595)

-

(1,075,168)

(5,108,595)

Resource property costs

5,923,127

6,139,221

20,071,921

22,772,357

25,995,048

28,911,578

Plant & Equipment

Receivables

Inventory

-

-

-

-

-

-

6,951,614

5,793,330

6,951,614

5,793,330

376,638

-

376,638

-

897,134

810,749

897,134

810,749

Capital expenditure

323,077

4,617,876

463,577

9,624,733

786,654

14,242,609

Movement in 

rehabilitation assets

Reportable 

segment liabilities

(265,357)

-

539,139

-

273,782

-

(1,466,206)

(1,755,316)

(2,908,420)

(3,878,186)

(4,374,626)

(5,633,502)

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

54

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

NOTE 21:FINANCIAL REPORTING BY SEGMENTS continued

Reconciliation of reportable segment profit
or loss, assets and liabilities

PROFIT OR LOSS:
Total profit / (loss) for reportable segments

2010
€

2009
€

1,533,624

(5,108,595)

UNALLOCATED AMOUNTS:
Net finance income / (expense)

Other corporate expenses

Consolidated loss before income tax

ASSETS:
Total assets for reportable segments

Other assets

Consolidated total assets

LIABILITIES:
Total liabilities for reportable segments

Other liabilities

Consolidated total liabilities

(519,474)

(3,271,047)

(2,256,897)

34,220,434

4,619,439

38,839,873

(4,374,626)

(6,273,039)

(10,647,665)

773,746

(2,867,956)

(7,202,805)

35,515,657

10,985,478

46,501,135

(5,633,502)

(10,481,146)

(16,114,648)

Other Segment Information
All of  the Group’s revenue is currently attributed to gas sales in Italy with two customers.

NOTE 22: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

(A) INTEREST RATE RISK EXPOSURES
Profile
At the reporting date the interest rate profile of  the Group’s interest-bearing financial instruments was:

VARIABLE RATE INSTRUMENTS:
Financial assets

Financial liabilities

CONSOLIDATED

2010
€

969,352

(5,519,347)

(4,549,995)

2009
€

6,622,329

(9,637,183)

(3,014,854)

Fair value sensitivity analysis for fixed rate instruments
The Group does not account for any fixed rate financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit and loss. Therefore
a change in interest rates at the reporting date would not affect the profit or loss or equity.

Cash flow sensitivity analysis for variable rate instruments
A strengthing of  100 basis points in interest rates at the reporting date would have increased / (decreased) equity and profit
and loss by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular foreign currency rates,
remain constant. The analysis is performed on the same basis for 2009.

Effect in €’s

Profit or loss

Equity

2010

2009

2010

2009

31 December 
Variable rate instruments

(50,306)

66,623

(50,306)

(35,569)

A decrease of  100 basis points would have an equal and opposite effect on profit or loss.

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

55

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 22: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT continued

(B) CREDIT RISK 
Exposure to credit risk
The Group is not exposed to significant credit risk. Credit risk with respect to cash is held with recognised financial
intermediaries with acceptable credit ratings. 

The Company has limited its credit risk with current gas customers by requiring each customer to either (i) make a
prepayment on gas sales; or (ii) issue a bank guarantee on the Company’s behalf  in the event of  no payment or late
payments.

The Group has a concentration of  credit risk exposure to the Italian Government for VAT receivable (see note 12.)

The carrying amount of  the Group’s financial assets represents the maximum credit exposure and is shown in the table
below.

Cash and cash equivalents

Receivables – Current

Receivables – Non-current

Other assets

CONSOLIDATED
Carrying Amount

Note

10

12

12

2010
€

969,352

2,443,955

1,478,819

39,661

4,931,787

2009
€

6,622,329

2,348,206

1,953,326

23,062

10,946,923

No receivables are considered past due nor were any impairment losses recognised during the period.

(C) LIQUIDITY RISK
The following are the contractual maturities of  financial liabilities, including estimated interest payments:

Consolidated 
31 December 2010 
in €

Carrying
amount

Contractual
cash flows

6 moths 
or less

6 to 12
months

1-2
years

2-5
years

Trade and other payables

(2,206,138)

(2,206,138)

(2,206,138)

-

-

-

Secured bank loan

(5,519,347)

(6,462,033)

(78,090)

(78,090)

(156,180)

(6,305,853)

(7,725,485)

(8,668,171)

(2,284,228)

(78,090)

(156,180)

(6,305,853)

Consolidated 
31 December 2009 
in €

Carrying
amount

Contractual
cash flows

6 moths 
or less

6 to 12
months

1-2
years

2-5
years

Trade and other payables

(3,090,601)

(3,090,601)

(3,090,601)

-

-

-

Secured bank loan

(9,637,183)

(11,677,516)

(178,500)

(178,500)

(713,998)

(10,606,518)

(12,627,784)

(14,768,117)

(3,269,101)

(178,500)

(713,998) (10,606,518)

D) NET FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
The carrying amounts of  financial assets and liabilities (excluding borrowing costs) as disclosed in the balance sheet equate
to their estimated net fair value.

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

56

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

NOTE 22: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENT continued

(E) FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK
The Group is exposed to foreign currency risk on purchases and borrowings that are denominated in a currency other than
Euro. The currency giving rise to this risk is primarily Australian Dollars.

AMOUNTS RECEIVABLE/(PAYABLE) IN FOREIGN
CURRENCY OTHER THAN FUNCTIONAL CURRENCY:

Cash

Current – Payables

Net Exposure

CONSOLIDATED

2010
€

73,852

(45,591)

28,261

2009
€

4,647,220

(104,713)

4,542,507

The following significant exchange rates applied during the year:

Australian Dollar ($)

Average rate

Reporting date spot rate

2010

0.6939

2009

0.5631

2010

0.7669

2009

0.6231

Sensitivity Analysis
A 10 percent strengthening of  the Australian dollar against the Euro (€) at 31 December would have increased (decreased)
equity and profit and loss by the amounts shown below. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular interest
rates, remain constant. The analysis is performed on the same basis for 2009.

31 December 2010
Australian Dollar to Euro (€)

31 December 2009
Australian Dollar to Euro (€)

CONSOLIDATED

Profit or loss
€

2,826

454,251

Equity
€

2,826

454,251

A 10 percent weakening of  the Australian dollar against the Euro (€) at 31 December would have the equal but opposite
effect on the above currencies to the amounts shown above, on the basis that all other variables remain constant.

NOTE 23: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS

There are no material commitments or contingent liabilities not provided for in the financial statements of  the Company
or the Group as at 31 December 2010. 

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

57

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 24: RELATED PARTIES

KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL COMPENSATION

The key management personnel compensation included in employee benefit expense (see note 4) is as follows:

Short-term employee benefits

Other long term benefits

Post-employment benefits

Share-based payments

CONSOLIDATED

2010
€

676,578

-

-

112,332

788,910

2009
€

597,200

-

-

434,171

1,031,371

Individual Directors and Executives compensation disclosures
Information regarding individual Directors and Executives’ compensation and some equity instruments disclosures as
permitted by Corporations Regulation 2M.3.03 is provided in the remuneration report section of  the Directors’ report. Lisa
Jones, Company Secretary, is not a key management personnel (“KMP”) but is a specified executive, and her remuneration
is included in the tables in the remuneration report.

Apart from details disclosed in this note, no Director has entered into a material contract with the Group or the Company
since the year end of  the previous financial year end and there were no material contracts involving Directors’ interests
existing at year-end.

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

58

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

NOTE 24: RELATED PARTIES continued

Options over equity instruments
The movement during the reporting period in the number of  options over ordinary shares in the Company held directly
or indirectly by each key management person, including their personally-related parties, is as follows:

Held at 

Held at

31 Dec 2009

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

31 Dec 2010 (i)

DIRECTORS:

G Bradley

M Masterman

D McEvoy

B Pirola

G Short

EXECUTIVES:

G Catalano

D Colkin 

(resigned 31 July 2010)

DIRECTORS:

G Bradley

M Masterman

D McEvoy

B Pirola

EXECUTIVES:

D Colkin

D Del Borrello 

(resigned 21 October 2009)

(i) Or the date of ceasing to be a KMP

600,000

1,000,000

600,000

600,000

-

2,800,000

-

200,000

200,000

Held at 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

600,000

1,000,000

600,000

600,000

-

2,800,000

-

200,000

200,000

Held at

31 Dec 2008

Granted

Exercised

Forfeited

31 Dec 2009 (i)

600,000

1,000,000

600,000

600,000

2,800,000

200,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

150,000

150,000

350,000

150,000

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

600,000

1,000,000

600,000

600,000

2,800,000

200,000

(125,000)

175,000

(125,000)

375,000

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

59

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 24: RELATED PARTIES continued

The details of  the number of  options held by key management personnel at 31 December 2010 are as follows:

$1.75 Exercise price, 
expiring 31 May 2011

Total - 2010

Total - 2009

DIRECTORS:
G Bradley

M Masterman

D McEvoy

B Pirola

G Short

EXECUTIVES:
G Catalano

D Colkin (resigned 31 July 2010)

600,000

1,000,000

600,000

600,000

-

-

200,000

3,000,000

600,000

1,000,000

600,000

600,000

-

-

200,000

3,000,000

600,000

1,000,000

600,000

600,000

-

-

200,000

3,000,000

Equity holdings and transactions
The movement during the reporting period in the number of  ordinary shares of  the Company, held directly and indirectly
by each specified director and specified executive, including their personally-related entities is as follows:

Held at 
31 Dec 2009

Purchased

Share based 
payments

Options
exercised

Held at 31

Sold Dec 2010 (iii)

DIRECTORS:
G Bradley

1,123,880

M Masterman (i)

23,972,569

3,750,000

D McEvoy

B Pirola (i) 

G Short

314,270

7,112,782

-

-

-

-

32,523,501

3,750,000

EXECUTIVES:
G. Catalano

D Colkin (resigned 31 July 2010)

-

40,935

40,935

Held at 
31 Dec 2008

Purchased

DIRECTORS:
G Bradley

1,133,981

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

268,255

-

268,255

1,123,880

(1,500,000)

26,222,569

-

-

-

314,270

7,112,782

-

(1,500,000) 34,773,501

-

-

-

268,255

40,935

309,190

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Share based 
payments

Options
exercised

Held at 31

Sold Dec 2009 (iii)

-

M Masterman (i)

23,447,064

898,905

59,600

D McEvoy

B Pirola (ii) 

EXECUTIVES:
D Colkin

D Del Borrello (ii)
(resigned 21 October 2009)

304,593

7,112,782

9,677

-

-

-

31,998,420

908,582

59,600

-

3,684

37,251

114,796

114,796

6,189

9,873

62,581

99,832

(i) Does not include shares held by related parties which amount to 1,040,000 shares
(ii) Included above are shares held by related parties
(iii) Or the date ceasing to be a KMP

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(10,101)

1,123,880

(433,000)

23,972,569

-

-

314,270

7,112,782

(443,101) 32,523,501

-

40,935

(118,769)

64,797

(118,769)

105,732

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

60

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

NOTE 24: RELATED PARTIES continued

Other related party disclosures
The Company has a replated party relationship with its controlled entities.

Transactions between the Company and its controlled entities consisted of:
a) Loans advanced by the Company to its controlled entities. These loans are interest free, unsecured and repayable at

call. As at 31 December 2010, loans to controlled entities amounted to €37,012,016 (2009: €37,881,346)

b) Technical services provided to controlled entities by consultants and contractors. Technical service recharges to controlled
entities is included in other income of  the Company. During the year the Company recharged to its controlled entites
€150,255 for technical services.

c) Expenses incurred by the Company are on-charged to controlled entities at cost.

NOTE 25: PARENT ENTITY DISCLOSURES

Financial Position

ASSETS:
Current assets

Non-current assets

Total assets

LIABILITIES:

Current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net Assets

EQUITY:

Issued capital

Reserves

Accumulated losses

Total equity 

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE:

Loss for the year

Other comprehensive income

2010
€

743,905

48,203,947

2009
€

6,437,740

48,021,776

48,947,852

54,459,516

246,858

5,519,347

5,766,205

442,923

9,637,183

10,080,106

43,181,647

44,379,410

44,659,630

44,599,315

888,727

819,721

(2,366,710)

(1,039,626)

43,181,647

44,379,410

(1,327,084)

(4,134,941)

-

-

Total comprehensive income

(1,327,084)

(4,134,941)

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES OF THE PARENT ENTITY:

For details on contingent liabilities, refer note 23.

COMMITMENTS OF THE PARENT ENTITY:

For details on commitments, see note 23.

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

61

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 26: GROUP ENTITIES

The parent and ultimate controlling party of  the Group is Po Valley Energy Limited. The investments held in controlled
entities are included in the financial statements of  the parent at cost at 31 December 2010 and 2009 and are as follows:

Name:

incorporation

shares

investment € investment €

Holding %

Country of 

Class of 

2010

2009

Northsun Italia S.p.A (“NSI”)

Italy

Ordinary

9,570,433

9,535,924

Po Valley Operations 

Pty Limited (“PVO”)

PVE USA Inc.

Australia

Ordinary

597,870

594,259

United States 
of America

Ordinary

806

806

10,169,109

10,130,989

100

100

100

NOTE 27: SUBSEQUENT EVENT

There were no events between the end of  the financial year and the date of  this report that, in the opinion of  the Directors,
affect significantly the operations of  the Group, the results of  those operations, or the state of  affairs of  the Group.

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

62

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION

1. In the opinion of  the Directors of  Po Valley Energy Ltd (“the Company”):

i) The financial statements and notes, as set out on pages 28 to 62, and the remuneration disclosures
that  are  contained  in  the  Remuneration  report  in  the  Directors’  report,  are  in  accordance  with  the
Corporations Act 2001, including:

a. Giving  a  true  and  fair  view  of   the  Company  and  the  Group’s  financial  position  as  at  31
December 2010 and of  their performance, for the financial year ended on that date; and

b. Complying  with  Australian  Accounting  Standards  (including  the  Australian  Accounting

Interpretations) and the Cooperations Regulations 2001;

ii) There are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and

when they become due and payable.

2. The Directors have been given the declarations required by 295A of  the Corporations Act 2001 by the
chief  executive officer and chief  financial officer for the financial year ended 31 December 2010 pursuant
to Section.

Dated at Sydney this 14th day of  March 2011.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of  the Directors:

Graham Bradley
Chairman

Byron Pirola
Non Executive Director

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements Directors Declaration  Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

63

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 

TO THE MEMBERS OF PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED
REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL REPORT

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

64

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements   Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information   Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

65

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION 2010/2011

Additional information required by the Australian Stock Exchange Limited Listing Rules and not disclosed elsewhere in
this report is set out below.  The information was prepared based on share registry information processed up to 28 February,
2011.

SHAREHOLDINGS

SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS

Name

Michael Masterman

Hunter Hall Investment Management Pty Ltd 

Beronia Investments Pty Ltd1

Joan Masterman

1 Interests associated with Non Executive Director, Byron Pirola

Number of ordinary 
shares held

Percentage 
of capital held %

26,222,569

15,884,751

7,112,782

4,788,444

23.72%

14.37%

6.43%

4.33%

DISTRIBUTION OF SHARE AND OPTION HOLDINGS

Size of Holdings

1

- 1,000

1,001

- 5,000

5,001

- 10,000

10,001

- 100,000

100,001 - over

Ordinary Shares

Options

Number 
of holders

Number 
of shares

Number 
of holders

Number 
of options

189

300

188

483

116

59,081

914,459

1,475,130

16,529,367

91,570,869

1,276

110,548,906

0

0

0

1

5

6

0

0

0

100,000

3,000,000

3,100,000

Number of ordinary shareholders 
with less than a marketable parcel

260

166,062

VOTING RIGHTS OF SHARES AND OPTIONS
Refer to Note 19 and Note 20.

ON-MARKET BUY-BACK
There is no current on-market buy-back.

Chairman’s Letter to Shareholders   Chief Executive Officer’s Report   Production, Development, Exploration   Corporate Governance Statement   Directors’ Report   Lead Auditor’s Independence Declaration   Statement of Financial Position 

66

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

TWENTY LARGEST SHAREHOLDERS

Name

1 Michael Masterman

2 Cogent Nominees Pty Limited 

3 Joan Masterman

4 Symmall Pty Ltd

5 HSBC Custody Nominees

6 Mr Gary Douglas Roser+Mrs Tania Louise Roser

7 Michael George Masterman

8 Dr Byron Pirola

9 Beronia FS Pty Ltd

10 Beronia FS Pty Ltd

11 Mr Ming Lov+Mrs Chiu Lov

12 Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

13 Tucabia Investments Pty Ltd

14 Beronia Investments Pty Ltd

15 Beronia Investments Pty Ltd 

16 William Taylor Nominees Pty Ltd

17 Mr Terry Bailey+Mrs Deanne Bailey

18 Mcindoe Superannuation Fund Pty Ltd

19 Mr Chris Carr+Mrs Betsy Carr

20 Fuiloro Pty Ltd

OPTION HOLDERS – UNQUOTED

Name

1 Michael Masterman 

2 Graham Bradley 

3 David McEvoy

4 Byron Pirola

5 Douglas Colkin (Resigned 31 July 2010)

6 Dom Del Borrello (Resigned 21 October 2009)

The total number of  option holders is 6.

Number of ordinary 
shares held

Percentage 
of capital held %

21,163,632

15,939,344

4,788,444

3,358,937

3,251,820

1,838,674

1,700,000

1,700,000

1,680,000

1,600,240

1,500,000

1,278,230

1,271,035

1,171,721

1,076,202

1,050,000

1,000,000

978,592

700,000

679,677

19.14%

14.42%

4.33%

3.04%

2.94%

1.66%

1.54%

1.54%

1.52%

1.45%

1.36%

1.16%

1.15%

1.06%

0.97%

0.95%

0.90%

0.89%

0.63%

0.61%

67,726,548

61.26%

Number of ordinary 
options held

Percentage 
of options held %

1,000,000 

600,000 

600,000

600,000

200,000 

100,000 

32.26%

19.35%

19.35%

19.35%

6.45%

3.23%

3,100,000

100.00%

Statement of Comprehensive Income   Statement of Changes in Equity   Statements of Cash Flow   Notes to the Financial Statements   Directors Declaration   Independent Auditor’s Report   Shareholder Information Reserves & Resources Statement

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

67

RESERVES & RESOURCES STATEMENT

LICENCE

PROJECT

PVE INTEREST

C. Castello

Sillaro

Vitalba(2)

Sillaro(2)

San Vincenzo

Sant’Alberto(1) (5)

C. San Pietro

Bezzecca(1)

Crocetta

Fantuzza(2)

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Cadelbosco/
Grattasasso

Canolo + Zini(4) (5)

Correggio Pliocene

100% 

Ravizza

Bagnolo in Piano

AR168PY

Carola, Irma

Azzurra

Ginevra

Adele

La Prospera

Gradizza(3)

Pioppette

Capitello

Podere Gallina Cembalina(*) 

Fondo Perino

La Risorta

Ariano(3)

Opera

Corcrevà(3)

D. delle Anime(3)

Barona

Donnino

GR27NS

Sicily offshore

100%

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100%

100%

100%

100% 

100% 

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

RESOURCES (bcf)

CONTINGENT
3C
2C
1C

PROSPECTIVE (UNRISKED)

LOW BEST

HIGH 

RESERVES (bcf)

3P

1P

0.1

7.5

2P

3.6

8.2

3.9 

0.7 

1.5 

1.2

8.9  18.5 

3.1 

5.4 

4.2

5.8 

8.0 

6.9

UNDER REVIEW

4.5

9.0

16.0

UNDER REVIEW

3.6

9.8

19.7

UNDER REVIEW

10.6

16.6

7.0

8.8

13.8

18.3

24.7 

11.3 

24.4 

UNDER REVIEW

These figures are based upon independent evaluations in accordance with 2007 SPE/WPC/AAPG/SPEE Petroleum Resource Management System.
(1) RPS; (2) DREAM; (3) Internal evaluation (Information in this figures relates to Hydrocarbon Reserves and or Resources based on information compiled by Mr Giovanni
Catalano, CEO of Po Valley Energy who has consented to the inclusion of that information in the form and context in which it appears. Mr Catalano has over 32 years
experience in Exploration and Development in the Oil and Gas Industry. He is member of SEAPEX and AAPG and holds a Masters Degree in Geology from the University of
Ferrara); (4) The 1C value is from RPS, the 2C and 3C values are from DREAM; (5) The RPS values quoted are the arithmetic sum of the values from two separate reservoirs.
(*) Under re-evaluation

RESERVES are those quantities of hydrocarbon anticipated to be commercially recoverable by application of development
projects to known accumulations from a given date forward under defined conditions.
Proved Reserves are those quantities of hydrocarbon, which, by analysis of geoscience and engineering data, can be estimated
with reasonable certainty to be commercially recoverable, from a given date forward, from known reservoirs and under defined
economic conditions, operating methods, and government regulations (1P).
Probable Reserves are those additional Reserves which analysis of geoscience and engineering data indicate are less likely to be
recovered than Proved Reserves but more certain to be recovered than Possible Reserves. It is equally likely that actual remaining
quantities recovered will be greater than or less than the sum of the estimated Proved plus Probable Reserves (2P).
Possible Reserves are those additional reserves which analysis of geoscience and engineering data suggest are less likely to be
recoverable than Probable Reserves. The total quantities ultimately recovered from the project have a low probability to exceed
the sum of Proved plus Probable plus Possible (3P) Reserves, which is equivalent to the high estimate scenario.
CONTINGENT RESOURCES are those quantities of hydrocarbon estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from
known accumulations, but the applied project(s) are not yet considered mature enough for commercial development due to one
or more contingencies.
PROSPECTIVE RESOURCES are those quantities of hydrocarbon estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from
undiscovered accumulations by application of future development projects.
For Contingent Resources, the general cumulative terms low/best/high estimates are denoted as 1C/2C/3C respectively. For
Prospective Resources, the general cumulative terms low/best/high estimates still apply. No specific terms are defined for
incremental quantities within Contingent and Prospective Resources.

68

PO VALLEY ENERGY (cid:129) ANNUAL REPORT 2010

Po Valley Energy Limited
ABN 33 087 741 571

0
1
0
2
T
R
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PO VALLEY ENERGY LIMITED
ABN 33 087 741 571

Registered Office
Level 28, 140 St. Georges Terrace
Perth WA 6000
Tel: (08) 9278 2533

2010
Annual Report