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Santos Ltd

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FY2000 Annual Report · Santos Ltd
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annual report2000

Santos

CONTENTS 

Port Bonython Liquids
Processing Plant

Cover

The year 2000 was
an outstanding one
for Santos. One of
the many achievments
was that the Company
delivered record gas
from south-west
Queensland.  

Santos’ people are the drivers of technological
innovation in developing the Company’s
resources. Through the efforts of Rod McArdle
and his team in Queensland, coal bed methane
in the Scotia field is now being developed to
supply up to 120 PJ of gas to CS Energy’s
new gas fired power station at Swanbank,
west of Brisbane.

John Ellice-Flint
Managing Director

Pictured on the cover are Ray Johnson, Team
Leader Petroleum Engineering, Brett Doherty,
Area Superintendent Eastern Queensland and
Pipelines, Bonnie Lowe-Young, Exploration
Supervisor, Queensland and Northern Territory
Business Unit and the Ballera Gas Plant in
south-west Queensland.

United States

Stag Production Facility

Cooper Basin

Company Overview 

Chairman’s Review 

Managing Director’s Review 

1 

2 

4 

Financial Highlights & Overview  7

Business Unit Operations

12 

Review of Performance 

Exploration 
Development
Reserves 
Australian Gas 
Production 
Environment & Safety 
Community

Board of Directors

Corporarte Governance 

Group Interests 

Glossary 

Santos’ Areas of Operation

10 Year Summary 

Directors Statutory Report

Financial Report

Stock Exchange and 
Shareholder Information

14 
16 
18 
19 
20 
22 
23 

26 

28 

30 

32 

34

36

38

42

72

United States
Exploration Acreage
> Offshore – Gulf of Mexico 
> Onshore – Texas and Louisiana
Gulf Coast and Arkoma Basin in
Oklahoma

Production
> Texas Gulf Coast 
> Gulf of Mexico 

Heytesbury Gas Plant

Visit the Santos website
www.santos.com.au

Santos Ltd ABN 80 007 550 923
Incorporated in Adelaide, South Australia
on 18 March 1954. Quoted on the
official list of the Australian Stock
Exchange Ltd and the New Zealand
Exchange. Santos American Depository
Receipts issued by Morgan Guaranty in
the USA are sponsored and are quoted
on the NASDAQ system in the USA.

Bentu

Korinci-Baru

Indonesia

Sampang

Irian Jaya

Warim

Papua New Guinea
Exploration Acreage
> SE Gobe field

Production
> SE Gobe field

Papua New
Guinea

Indonesia
Exploration Acreage
> Warim
> Bentu
> Korinci-Baru
> Sampang

Offshore Australia
Exploration Acreage
> Carnarvon Basin
> Browse Basin
> Timor Sea

Production
> Carnarvon Basin – 

Oil (Stag, Chervil, and
Barrow and Thevenard
Islands’ fields) and sales
gas and condensate
(East Spar field) 

Carnarvon

> Timor Sea – 

Oil (Elang/Kakatua/Kakatua
North fields (Timor Gap);
Jabiru and Challis
(Timor Sea) 

Moomba Plant

East Spar

Timor Sea

Browse

Amadeus

South Australia 
Exploration Acreage
> Cooper/Eromanga Basins

(South Australia)

Production
> Moomba Gas, Oil and
Liquids Processing 
> Port Bonython Oil and
Liquids Processing 

Queensland and Northern Territory 
Exploration Acreage
> Cooper/Eromanga Basins (south-west Queensland)
> Surat/Bowen Basins
> Amadeus Basin

Production
> Ballera Gas Processing
> Jackson Oil Processing
> Amadeus Oil & Gas Processing
> Surat/Bowen Oil & Gas Processing

Surat/Bowen

Ballera and Jackson

Moomba

Victoria 
Exploration Acreage
> Onshore and Offshore 

Otway Basins

> Offshore Bass Basin
> Offshore Gippsland Basin

Production
> Heytesbury Gas Processing

Port Bonython

Otway

Gippsland

Bass

Barrow Island

SE Gobe Production Facility

2

CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW

A New Era Begins for Santos

Chairman John Uhrig reports to shareholders

Dear Shareholder,

There have been many important
developments at Santos over the
past year. 

Santos delivered higher levels of
production and earnings than at
any time in its history.

Gearing fell to its lowest level
in 20 years.

Santos’ share price increased 
by 45%. 

The Company’s long-standing
investment in coal was sold.

The South Australian Government
commenced a review of the
Company’s shareholding
restriction.

A new Managing Director, Mr
John Ellice-Flint, was appointed.

This marks the start of a new
era for the Company.

Santos was not unusual among
oil and gas companies in
achieving record earnings in
2000. However, with record
production of oil and liquids, the
Company was well positioned 
to benefit from high oil prices.
Gas production also continued 
to grow by a further 6.4%.
Altogether, 30% of the increase in
revenue came from higher
production.

With significantly increased
production, Santos should be
able to achieve higher earnings
than it has in the past, even 
if oil prices return to more 
normal levels. 

Workplace safety and good
environmental management
are priorities for the Board. I
am pleased to report that, in the
context of increased production,
the Company achieved a 20%
improvement in its safety
performance during 2000.
Furthermore, there were no
significant environmental incidents. 

During the year, the Board formed
the view that the Company’s
investment in QCT Resources
Limited was no longer a core
interest. This holding was
subsequently sold in October,
realising a small profit. This
investment had been held for over
a decade and its disposal marks
a major change.

In another development, the
South Australian Government
announced that it was reviewing
the legislation restricting
shareholdings in Santos to a
maximum of 15%. At the Annual
General Meeting in May 2000, the
Board stated its view that this
restriction is not in the long-term
interest of Santos shareholders.
While the Government’s review
will inevitably involve broader
considerations than those
relevant to Santos shareholders,
the Board and Company are
planning on the assumption that,
sooner or later, the restriction will
be removed. As at the time of
writing, the Government had not
yet announced the outcome of
the review. 

3

I would also like to pay tribute 
to the former Managing Director, 
Mr Ross Adler, who, over 16
years, built Santos up to become
the major Company it is today.

The Board has great confidence
in the future of the Company
under the leadership of Mr Ellice-
Flint and I thank shareholders 
for your support over my period
as Chairman.

J A Uhrig, Chairman 

9 March 2001

The appointment of Mr John
Ellice-Flint to succeed the
previous Managing Director,
Mr Ross Adler, ensures that
Santos continues to have strong
management and leadership
going forward.

Mr Ellice-Flint joined Santos in
December, bringing impressive
international credentials in the
oil and gas industry, plus other
qualities that the Board rates
highly. Among them are his
leadership capacity, ability
to motivate people, a strong
focus on performance, and
a commitment to building
shareholder value.

He returns to Australia after a
successful career around the
world with the American oil
company, Unocal, where he
was Senior Vice President Global
Exploration and Technology. His
mandate at Santos is for growth
in shareholder returns.

A strategic review of Santos’
activities is underway, the main
purpose of which is to put in
place a plan for further growth
under the new Managing Director.

The review includes an
assessment of the Company’s
ongoing capital management,
taking into account funding
requirements for the growth
program, changes to taxation
law affecting shareholders and
the Company’s current surplus
of franking credits.

Directors have declared a final
dividend of 15 cents per share,
increasing the total ordinary
dividend to 30 cents for the year.
This is a three-cent increase over
the total 1999 dividend payment.
The dividend continues to be 
fully franked. 

In view of the record profit result
Directors have also decided to
pay a fully franked special
dividend of 10 cents per share.

Historically Santos has been
relatively late to report its
results and to make its dividend
payments. From the 2001 Interim
Result, Santos intends to both
report its results and pay its
dividends earlier than in the past. 

The Company expects to
announce its 2001 Interim Result
on 22 August 2001 (previously
5 September in 2000) and to 
pay its interim dividend on
28 September 2001 (previously
17 November in 2000).

I will be retiring at the conclusion
of the forthcoming Annual
General Meeting. The present
Deputy Chairman, Mr Stephen
Gerlach, who has served on the
Santos Board for over 11 years,
will succeed me. Santos is well
positioned to continue growing. 
It has good acreage, a strong
balance sheet and a dynamic
new Managing Director. 

As you can see as you read
through this report, Santos’
employees made a great
contribution during the year
and, on behalf of the Board,
I wish to record our appreciation
to all employees for their efforts.
In particular I would like to
record our appreciation of the
contribution made over many
years by Mr John McArdle,
Executive General Manager
Commercial, who acted as
Managing Director prior to John
Ellice-Flint’s appointment and
who has announced his intention
to retire in mid-2001.

MANAGING DIRECTOR’S 
REVIEW 2000

4

John Ellice-Flint sums up 2000 and talks about his first
impressions of Santos

A Great Result

Among oil and gas companies the
year 2000 will be remembered as
the year of record high oil prices. 

These developments increased
the Company’s production of
oil and liquids from 14.5 million
barrels of oil equivalent (boe) in
1999 to 19 million boe in 2000.

With growing oil production,
Santos was in the right place at
the right time to benefit from this
favourable environment.

However, this was not just
a matter of luck. Santos has
been actively increasing its oil
production in recent years and
four developments in particular
made it possible to substantially
increase oil production in 2000:

> Successful development work

on the Stag oil field;

> Acquisition of interests in the

Barrow and Thevenard Islands
oil fields;

> Successful development work
on the Elang oil fields; and

> Onshore oil exploration

success.

Gas production also grew, from
202 petajoules (PJ) in 1999 to 
215 PJ in 2000. Santos continues
to produce more domestic gas
than any other company in
Australia.

Growing production and high oil
prices came together to produce
record earnings of $487 million or
80 cents per share. This is a
great result.

Return on Average Capital
Employed was 16.7%, well
above the Weighted Average
Cost of Capital.

Importantly too, increased
cash flow and the disposal of
the Company’s interest in QCT
Resources Limited reduced
gearing (net debt to equity)
to 38% by the year’s end.

Santos’ earnings outlook is
currently better than at any
time in the recent past.

While the result in any one
year is sensitive to oil prices,
an average oil price of around
A$45 per barrel in 2001 would
enable Santos to achieve 2001
earnings similar with those
in 2000. 

Looking further forward, baseline
production at around current
levels would deliver earnings
substantially higher than those
prior to 2000, even if oil prices
fall to around the long-term
average level. 

As a new Managing Director,
one can’t have a much better
start than this and I would like
to acknowledge my predecessor,
Mr Ross Adler, and his contribution
to building this strong platform.

My brief from the Board is to drive
the Company forward in seeking
further growth and I am very
excited about this.

5

In this overview I would like
to share my first impressions
of Santos.

Since I was appointed at the end
of 2000 I have met and spoken 
to hundreds of people across the
Company, as well as externally,
getting their views on Santos’
growth potential. 

I have been impressed by the
energy and enthusiasm of the
people in the Company and by
their technical knowledge. 

Optionality 

I have also been impressed by
the optionality available to the
Company. By optionality I mean
having many options available 
to choose from.

> Santos has a good acreage

position.

> It has further potential in the

Cooper Basin.

> It has one of the best

gas marketing footprints
in Australia.

> It has a strong balance sheet.

The Three Buckets

Although people can over-
complicate the oil and gas
business, successful exploration
and production companies
essentially add value in three
ways, through:

> Exploration;

> Acquisitions; and

> Reservoir Management.

In any good exploration and
production (E&P) company,
all three buckets, as I call them,
need to contribute to a growing
reserves, production, and
earnings profile, which should
in turn translate into higher
shareholder value.

In addition, there are other ways
of adding value that exist in all
companies, such as capital
management.

Exploration
A successful exploration program
is a key part of the value equation.

While Santos has been
successful onshore in Australia,
the Cooper Basin is unlikely to
yield future 100 million barrel
discoveries.

This is reflected in the Company’s
2000 exploration and appraisal
results, which had a good
success rate at 52%, but which
only yielded 24 million boe of
new reserves.

At the same time Santos has
substantial acreage, particularly
in the Carnarvon Basin, which
has potential for larger discoveries
but where I believe drilling has
probably been under-funded. 

Outside Australia, there were
some interesting results in 2000.
Runnells-3 discovered a new
play type in the onshore Texas
Gulf coast and Anggur-1
discovered shallow gas offshore
Java. Both of these discoveries
have created options for growth.

I believe that Santos should
be able to get better returns
from its exploration investment.
In particular I believe in having
a sustained exploration program
in each of the Company’s main
areas of interest. This makes
it possible to accumulate and
apply the lessons learned
from past drilling to reduce
drilling costs and therefore
get more drilling done with
more well completions from
the money spent.

Acquisitions
Good E&P companies balance
reserve additions through
exploration with growth from
acquisitions, the second value
bucket. These can, if properly
done at the right prices, create
additional option platforms for
value capture.

In my view, Santos is one of
the E&P companies that does
acquisitions reasonably well. The
Company’s major transaction in
2000 was buying Shell’s interests
in Barrow and Thevenard Islands
in the Carnarvon Basin.

As a result of the high oil prices
during the year, this acquisition
has performed substantially
better than originally expected.

Acquisitions will continue
to be an ongoing part of
Santos’ strategy.

Reservoir Management
The third value bucket is reservoir
management. When I use this
term I mean it in its broadest
sense, covering all activities
associated with maximising
the value of an asset through
its production life.

Reservoir management initiatives
tend to be low risk/low return but
they do not require much capital
and can also have a quick
impact on the bottom line.

I believe that Santos has
substantial potential to improve
day-to-day production efficiency,
particularly through use of current
technology. For example, in the
Cooper Basin there is potential
from optimisation of completions,
remote telemetry, more seismic
and more production logging
over time to understand how
our wells are behaving and why.

Increases in recovery factors
could also have substantial
potential, not only to lower
cost, but also to improve the
reserve position.

Costs

Cost control is also an important
aspect of reservoir management
for a low-margin producer such
as Santos. My attitude to costs
is that there is always scope to
do better and there should be
no sacred cows. In the oil and
gas industry, I believe there is
unnecessary emphasis on
custom designing and
building and not enough on
standardisation, which has
the potential for significant
cost reduction. 

For Santos, there is scope
to reduce cost through
standardisation, greater
collaboration with suppliers,
and more efficient procurement,
increased use of remote
monitoring, and better
measurement systems. I also
intend to focus effort on more
timely well completions over
the next year, along with all
of our reservoir management
processes and practices
including reserves estimation.

Priorities

I have three immediate priorities:

> To review Santos’ strategy,

based on inputs from across
the Company;

> Cultural change and

performance improvement;
and

> To create more win-win
external relationships.

MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REVIEW CONTINUED

6

Strategy
It is important to have a clearly
articulated strategy that everyone
in the Company can identify with
and that investors can
understand. 

Santos’ strategy is currently
under review, with the aim of
making appropriate statements
to shareholders about our
direction in the second quarter
of 2001.

Cultural Change and
Performance Improvement
The value of any oil and gas
company is far more than the
value of its acreage. I believe
that Santos has scope to gain
more from the knowledge and
creativity of its employees. Oil
and gas is an ideas business
and that makes it a people
business. Getting the best from
your people is critical. We will win
or lose based on the calibre of
our people. Information sharing,
teamwork and constructive
debate are important too. 

My second immediate priority
is to start creating a more
productive internal culture,
leading to performance
improvement.

I believe in performance-based
management. This means
being able to benchmark the
Company as a whole against its
peers, as well as being able to
benchmark specific operations
against world’s best practice.
This will require development
of the Company’s information
management systems and
performance measurement
processes to improve value focus
throughout the organisation.

I also believe in performance-
based remuneration. However,
the right business processes
need to be in place before that
is introduced.

Speed of decision-making is also
important, provided that it is fact-
based. The aim is not only to
make the right decisions but to
make them quickly. Santos has
the assets of a major company; it
needs to have the nimbleness of
a small operator.

I have been impressed by the
energy and enthusiasm of the
people I have met across the
Company and their desire to
see change.

External Relationships
My third priority is to build our
relationships with other industry
players, our customers, suppliers
and investors.

These relationships need to be
as productive as possible.

We also need to build stronger
relationships with our customers
and suppliers, and work with
them to add value to all our
collective organisations.
This may require greater
sophistication in our commercial
arrangements and changes in
practices to foster cooperation
and enable Santos to be solution
providers and not just bulk sellers
of products.

Lastly, investors ultimately
determine the fate of any
company, whether they are large
institutions or small shareholders.
Thus, good relationships with
providers of our capital are also
important.

Conclusion

I have been with Santos for
less than three months and the
achievements made during 2000
reflect the work of everyone
across the Company.

I would like to thank all
employees for providing such
a solid base from which to start.
My vision for Santos is that it
becomes the most admired E&P
company, with the best people
and best performance in an
environment that is challenging
for all.

I look forward to reporting back
regularly on how we are going.

J C Ellice-Flint,
Managing Director

9 March 2001

AN OUTSTANDING YEAR 
2000 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS & OVERVIEW

7
7

2000 – OUR OBJECTIVES
Total production to exceed 51 million boe before acquisitions.

Grow Australian gas sales through finding additional gas
reserves and securing new and extending existing contracts.

Increase exploration effort and review and upgrade the
exploration portfolio.

Add further value to the business through acquisitions.

2000 – WHAT WE ACHIEVED
In 2000 total production was 53 million boe or 4% above
the 2000 target after excluding the acquisition of Barrow
and Thevenard Islands.

Santos was able to grow total domestic gas sales by 8% to
210 PJ. Santos signed a gas contract with CS Energy to supply
120 petajoules over 10 to 15 years.

Offshore Australia Business Unit developed an inventory of
20 prospects and leads for drilling in 2001 and 2002.

Santos acquired Shell Australia’s Barrow and Thevenard
Islands interests adding 3 million boe to annual production
and 43 million boe to reserves.

Profit to exceed $300 million.

Santos achieved a record $487 million profit.

> Record sales of $1,497 million, up 59% 

> Net profit of $487 million, up 122% 

> Total dividend of 40 cents

KEY FINANCIAL RESULTS

2000 

1999

Sales $ millions

Operating Profit before Income Tax $ millions

Net Profit after Tax before abnormals

Cashflow from Operations $ millions

1,497

726

487

1,023

945

340

219

530

> 30 cent ordinary dividend, fully franked

> 10 cent special dividend, fully franked

Earnings per Share

Dividends per Share

Cash Flow per Share 

> 22% return on equity 

> Record production of 56 million barrels 

of oil equivalent 

> Gearing fell to 38% 

Total Shareholders’ Funds $ millions

Return on Average Equity

Gearing net debt/equity

Net Interest Cover

> QCT Resources Limited investment

Santos’ Five Year Share Price Performance

80 cents

40 cents

36 cents

27 cents

$1.68

2,311

22%

38%

$0.87

2,057

11%

63%

9.1 times

5.2 times 

sold in October 2000 

> Acquisition of a number of Carnarvon
Basin oil and gas assets from Shell
Australia 

> Successful private placement of
US$290 million of notes to US
institutions 

100

80

60

40

20

0

-20

t
n
e
c
r
e
p

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

Santos

All Ords

Energy Index

2000 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS & OVERVIEW

8

Sales Revenue a
Santos Record

Santos Delivers
Profit Growth

• Sales revenues increased
to $1,497 million, up 59%.

• Santos reported a 122% rise
in profitability to $487 million.

• 30% of the increase in sales

• Higher sales volumes and

Higher Production
Delivered in 2000

• Production grew by 14%
to 56 million barrels of oil
equivalent.

revenue came from an increase
in sales volumes and 70% from
an increase in average realised
prices.

• The average realised crude oil
price was up 69% to A$46.54
in 2000.

• Sales volumes increased by

15% to 55.7 million barrels of 
oil equivalent. 

higher realised prices drove
the profit increase in 2000.

• 2000 is the fifth successive year
Santos has increased production.

• With an A$45 per barrel average
oil price, Santos would expect
to be able to equal the 2000
result in 2001.

• Crude oil production grew by

48% driven by the Barrow and
Thevenard Islands acquisitions
and increased Stag production.

• Gas production increased

by 6% to 215 PJ as a result
of increased production in
Queensland, Western Australia
and Victoria. 

Operating Cashflow 
a Record

• Operating cashflow of $1,023
million is a Santos record.

• Surplus cash flow was used

to reduce debt.

• Proceeds from the sale of the
QCT Resources Limited stake
($326 million) contributed to
debt reduction.

Sales Revenue

Net Profit After Tax

Production by Product

Operating Cash Flow

1600
1600

1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0

n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$

945

769

487

1497

Price
70%

Volume
30%

500

400

300

219

200

176

n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$

100

0

1998

1999

2000

1998

1999

2000

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

e
o
b
m
m

56

49

46

1023

530

458

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0

n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$

1998

1999

2000

1998

1999

2000

Sales Gas & Ethane

Crude Oil & Liquids

Sales Gas
Sales Gas
Condensate
Condensate

Crude Oil

LPG

2000 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS & OVERVIEW

9

Strong Shareholder
Returns

Return on Equity
Above 20%

• Santos shareholders benefited
from a 45% increase in the
share price during 2000.

• Earnings per share increased

by 121%.

• Total ordinary dividend of
30 cents was declared in
2000, fully franked.

• Return on average equity

increased to 22% from 11%.

• Higher return on equity

reflects higher attributable
profits in 2000.

• Shareholders’ equity

increased to $2,311 million
from $2,057 million.

• A 10 cents special dividend

was also declared, fully franked.

• Return on average capital
employed was 16.7%

Strong Balance Sheet

• Gearing (net debt to equity) 

fell to 38%.

• Higher cash flow and the

proceeds from the sale of the
QCT Resources Limited shares
were used to reduce net debt
to $867 million.

• Low gearing provides Santos 
with the flexibility to grow.

• Successful private

placement of a US$290 million
bond to US institutions. Bond
issue oversubscribed by
US$90 million.

Exploration and
Development Expenditure 

• Total exploration and

development expenditure
was $441 million, up 48%.

• Exploration expenditure
increased by 28% to
$100 million.

• Higher exploration expenditure
reflects a focus on increased
drilling program in both
onshore and offshore Australia.

• Development expenditure

increased by 55% to
$341 million.

• Average debt maturity 5.0 years. 

• Increased development activity 

in the Cooper Basin and
offshore Australia drove the
higher spending.

• Santos expects to increase
development expenditure in
2001 to meet the needs of
significant development
projects (Bayu/Undan,
Legendre, Barrow and
Thevenard Islands).

Returns

Return on Average Equity

Net Debt and Gearing

Exploration and Development

90

80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

e
r
a
h
s

r
e
p
s
t
n
e
c

40

36

29

25

27

22

11

9

80

25

20

15

10

5

0

t
n
e
c
r
e
p

1998

1999

2000

1998

1999

2000

Earnings per share

Dividends per share

1400

1200

1000

800

600

400

200

0

n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$

1280

1301

66.0

63.0

867

37.5

1998

1999

2000

Net Debt

Gearing

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

t
n
e
c
r
e
p

n
o

i
l
l
i

m
$

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

505

441

294

1998

1999

2000

Development

Exploration

 
 
“Securing this
facility was
a significant
and fulfilling
challenge for 
my team.”
Dean Bowman 

Group Treasurer

Dean Bowman, 
Group Treasurer, 
pictured here with 
Bronte Hollow,
Treasury Administrator

DELIVERING
FINANCE FLEXIBILITY 

Graeme Bethune
General Manager, Finance & Investor Relations
The securing of the US$290 million note facility gives
Santos greater flexibility in financing going forward.

DELIVERING 
HIGHER PRODUCTION 

John Armstrong General Manager, Offshore Australia Business Unit
The Barrow Island assets have added significant oil reserves and production
at a time of high oil prices. They bring long-term stable production with
upside through enhanced oil recovery projects and in unproduced oil zones
and undeveloped oil and gas discoveries.We are also pleased with the
Thevenard Island fields and are investigating opportunities to improve
their performance. 

“It is exciting
to be
working on
assets for
which we
were part
of the
successful
bid team”

Tom Paspaliaris, Staff Petroleum
Engineer and Ian Pedler, Senior
Staff Reservoir Engineer,
Offshore Australia Business Unit

BUSINESS UNIT
OPERATIONS

12

BUSINESS
UNIT

GENERAL
MANAGER

OPERATIONAL
PROFILE

South Australia

Jon Young

Queensland and
Northern Territory 

Rod McArdle

Cooper/Eromanga
Basins (South Australia)
> Exploration acreage

> Production of sales
gas and ethane, oil,
condensates and LPG

Port Bonython Liquids
Processing Plant
> LPG extraction and
liquids processing

Onshore and Offshore
Otway Basins
> Exploration acreage

> Production of sales

gas and condensates

Offshore Bass Basin
> Exploration acreage

Offshore Gippsland
Basin
> Exploration acreage

Cooper/Eromanga
Basins (South-West
Queensland)
> Exploration acreage

> Production of sales gas,
oil and condensates

Surat/Bowen Basins
> Exploration acreage

Amadeus Basin
> Exploration acreage

> Production of sales gas,
oil and condensates

> Production of sales

gas and oil

Offshore Australia 

John Armstrong

Exploration acreage
> Timor Sea

> Carnarvon Basin

> Browse Basin

Production
> Oil (Stag, Chervil, and
Barrow and Thevenard
Islands fields) and sales
gas and condensate
(East Spar field)

> Oil – Elang/Kakatua/
Kakatua North fields
(Timor Gap); Jabiru
and Challis (Timor Sea)

South East Asia 

Bob Hall

United States 

President
To be appointed

Production
> SE Gobe field (oil)

Exploration acreage
Indonesia
> Warim
> Bentu
> Korinci-Baru
> Sampang 

Papua New Guinea
> SE Gobe field

Exploration acreage
Offshore
> Gulf of Mexico

Onshore
> Texas and Louisiana

Gulf Coast; and Arkoma
Basin in Oklahoma

Production
> Texas Gulf Coast
(gas – Runnells–3
and Mew–1)

> Gulf of Mexico
(gas and oil)

13

GEOGRAPHIC
SALES

KEY BUSINESS
UNIT INFORMATION(A)

Sales gas and ethane
> South Australia, New
South Wales, ACT,
and Victoria 

Oil and condensate
> Domestic and
international 

LPG
> International 

Sales gas and ethane
> South Australia,

Northern Territory
and Queensland 

Oil and condensate
> Domestic and
international 

Reserves
> Gas – 1575 PJ
> Oil – 16 (mmbbl)
> Condensate – 
20.8 (mmbbl) 

> LPG – 2637

(’000 tonnes) 

Production
> Gas – 105 PJ
> Oil – 1.8 (mmbbl)
> Condensate – 
1.5 (mmbbl)
> LPG – 178

(’000 tonnes) 

Sales revenue – 
$511 million 

Net assets – 
$918 million

Reserves
> Gas – 1585 PJ
> Oil – 14.6 (mmbbl)
> Condensate – 
19.8 (mmbbl) 

> LPG – 1357

(’000 tonnes) 

Production
> Gas – 87.5 PJ
> Oil – 1.9 (mmbbl)
> Condensate – 
1.0 (mmbbl)
> LPG – 85.7

(’000 tonnes) 

Sales revenue – 
$430 million 

Net assets – 
$363 million

Sales gas and ethane
> Western Australia

Oil and condensate
> Domestic and
international 

Reserves
> Gas – 745 PJ
> Oil – 61.4 (mmbbl)
> Condensate – 
40.7 (mmbbl) 

> LPG – 1510

(’000 tonnes) 

Production
> Gas – 19 PJ
> Oil – 9.3 (mmbbl)
> Condensate – 
1.1 (mmbbl) 

Sales revenue – 
$359 million 

Net assets – 
$359 million

Oil
> International 

Reserves
> Gas – 146 PJ
> Oil – 3.1 (mmbbl) 

Production
> Gas – no production

in 2000

> Oil – 0.4 (mmbbl) 

Sales revenue –
$21 million 

Net assets – 
$8 million

Sales gas and ethane
> United States 

Oil and condensate
> United States 

Reserves
> Gas – 34 PJ
> Oil – 1.5 (mmbbl) 

Production
> Gas – 3.7 PJ
> Oil & condensate – 

0.1 (mmbbl) 

Sales revenue – 
$26 million 

Net assets – 
$130 million

(A) Excludes group net assets of $533 million.

REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE 
EXPLORATION

14

KEY FACTS

Santos’ Exploration Strategy 

> Successful appraisal of the
Scotia Field in the Bowen
Basin (eastern Queensland)
resulting in a decision to
commercialise the field.

> Two significant new field

discoveries in onshore US.

> Encouraging results in
South Australia from
Moomba oil exploration.

> A new gas discovery in the
onshore Otway Basin with
promising indications from 
3D seismic.

> 3-year rolling average

exploration finding cost
of $4.11

> 52% exploration success rate.

Exploration Allocation
by Business Unit

2000

14%

3%

18%

14%

27%

24%

South Australia

Queensland & Northern Territory

Offshore Australia

South East Asia

United States

Other (low deliverability gas)

> Build upon accumulated knowledge and experience in the Cooper/Eromanga

Basins to add value via the discovery of additional reserves.

> Pursue diversification of the business outside the Cooper/Eromanga Basins via

participation in offshore Australia and focussed exploration opportunities in Papua
New Guinea, Indonesia and the USA.

> Actively manage the risk profile of exploration expenditure.

> Actively and rigorously manage the exploration acreage portfolio through farm-outs,

farm-ins and relinquishment to optimise the expenditure and exposure of the
exploration program.

> Cost effectively apply modern technologies using skilled people.

Exploration 2000 

The year 2000 was a year
of consolidation for Santos
exploration, with a focus on
seismic acquisition and
interpretation, and reviewing
the exploration target portfolio,
especially in offshore Australia.
During 2000 Santos drilled
42 wells. Santos’ exploration
program targeted lower risk
prospects reflected by the fact
that exploration was primarily
focussed on the gas program,
representing 74% of total
expenditure. The oil program was
centred on offshore Australia and
consisted of 11 wells in an effort
to define fairways and ultimate
prospectivity, plus substantial
investment in 2D and 3D seismic.

The Company booked 24 million
boe of oil and gas reserves at the
end of the year:

> The South Australia Business
Unit drilled ten wells achieving
a 90% success rate and
discovered 11.3 million boe.
This included the Moomba
104 and 119 oil discoveries.

Two of the exploration highlights
of the year were the Moomba
104 oil discovery in the South
Australian Cooper Basin and
Runnells–3 gas and liquids
discovery in the United States.

> The Queensland and Northern

Territory Business Unit
participated in nineteen wells,
achieved a 53% success rate
and discovered 9.2 million boe.

> The Offshore Australia Business
Unit drilled five wells, all targeting
oil, but without success.

> The South East Asia Business
Unit drilled one well, Anggur-1,
in Indonesia. This well
encountered gas at a shallow
depth and will be followed up
in 2001.

> Seven wells were drilled in the
USA with a 43% success rate.
Total discoveries amounted to
3.4 million boe.

Moomba 104, which was drilled
in February 2000, penetrated
a nine metre oil column in the
Jurassic Hutton Sandstone and
was cased and suspended as an
oil producer. The well was brought
into production in March 2000. 

Runnells–3 was a wildcat onshore
discovery. The well was drilled
to test deep, geopressured Frio
Sands. The well did not reach
target depth but a total of 168
feet of net pay was logged in four
Frio pay intervals. The well was
pressure tested at an unstimulated
daily flow rate of 22 million cubic
feet of natural gas and 494 barrels
of condensate. Further follow-up
drilling will occur in 2001.

2000  EXPLORATION RESULTS

Wells Drilled

Successful Wells

South Australia
Queensland
Offshore Australia
South East Asia
US

Total

Gas

8
15
0
1
7

31

(A) encountered gas, to be appraised

Oil

2
4
5
0
0

11

Gas

7
9
0
0
3

19

Oil

2
1
0
0
0

3

Success
Rate %

90
53
(A)
0
43

52

15

2000  SEISMIC PROGRAM

2 Dimensional (km)
3 Dimensional (km2)

SABU

QNTBU

238
296

1120
193

OABU

4215
928

SEABU

SUSAC

54
0

47
631

2000 Seismic Program 

5,674 kilometres of 2D and
2,048 kilometres of 3D seismic
were acquired in 2000 in onshore
and offshore Australia enhancing
Santos’ ability to assess future
exploration prospects. 

Future Exploration
Program 

Oil and gas companies aim to
more than replace production
each year through exploration.
Santos has not achieved this in
recent years, resulting in a fall in
reserves. Part of this outcome is
the result of the increased levels
of gas production the Company
has achieved. However, rectifying
this situation is a priority. Top
performing companies typically
have a production replacement
ratio of 150%. Some of the steps
Santos plans to take are:

> High grading acreage through

regional studies;

> Reducing drilling costs to

increase the number of wells
drilled for a given budget;

> Improving risk management;

and

> Taking a more programmed
approach to exploration.

Exploration success is
closely related to an
organisation’s depth of
knowledge of the areas
being worked. Success is
achieved by maintaining a
focus on key geographical
areas. Santos is primarily
focussed on opportunities
in Australia (Cooper Basin,
Surat/Denison Trough and
North West Shelf); South
East Asia (Indonesia and
Papua New Guinea
foldbelt); and North
America (onshore and
offshore Gulf Coast).

3-Year Rolling Average
Finding Costs

4.1

3.2

2.8

1998

1999

2000

5

4

3

2

1

0

e
o
b
r
e
p
s
r
a

l
l

o
d

 
 
REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE 
DEVELOPMENT

16

2000 DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURE  ($million)

South Australia
Queensland
Offshore Australia
South East Asia
US
Other

Total

1999

85
84
33
2
3
12

219

2000

135
109
72
9
5
11

341

2000 Development
Program

Santos spent $341 million
on development in 2000, with
significant spending increases
in the Cooper Basin and on
major Offshore Australia projects.

In South Australia 49
development wells were drilled
(13 in 1999), five compression
facilities were installed and
55 fracture stimulations were
executed (20 in 1999). A large
part of the 2000 South Australian
program focussed on gas
development to meet continuing
strong gas demand.

In 2000 Santos conducted
several studies and field trials
aimed at commercialisation of low
deliverability gas reservoirs in the
Nappamerri Trough. Progress was
made on fracture placement and
effectiveness through the Kirby-2
and Wantana-1 fracture
stimulation projects. Studies
also focussed on developing
techniques to locate and exploit
areas of enhanced reservoir
quality, or sweet spots, within
tight gas regions.

During the year the Moomba
104 oil pool was also developed.

In Queensland 20 development
wells were drilled (10 in 1999),
five compression facilities installed
and 22 gas well projects executed
(6 in 1999). As in South Australia,
most of the Queensland program
was focussed on gas. Total gas
deliverability by the Business Unit
exceeded 500 TJ per day in
winter 2000.

The south-west Queensland gas
drilling program had good results.
One of the highlights was a 
three-well program of multilateral
high-angle wells in the Challum
field. Initial production from one
of these wells was the highest
ever recorded from a Queensland
well (36 TJ per day).

The Barrolka appraisal drilling
program recommenced in 2000
with a three-well underbalanced
drilling program. Barrolka 4
provided useful reservoir
information and allowed testing of
the underbalanced drilling system
and procedures. Barrolka 5DW
was cased and completed as a
gas producer.

A total of $72 million was spent
on development in Offshore
Australia during the year. This
included:

> Additional drilling activity at

Stag (which lifted production to
a peak of over 30,000 barrels
of oil per day).

> Drilling of five development

wells at Barrow and Thevenard
Islands.

> Development of the Bayu-

Undan Project (liquids phase)
on which Santos spent 
$29 million during 2000. The
Company’s share of remaining
expenditure from 2001 to first
production is around 
$290 million. This field is
scheduled to commence
production in early 2004.

> Development of the Legendre

oil field, on which Santos spent
$12 million in 2000.
Expenditure on Legendre in
2001 is expected to be 
$13 million, scheduled to come
onstream mid-2001.

2001 Development
Program

The 2001 development budget
is $500 million, up 47% on 2000.

Spending on onshore Australia
is expected to remain at high
levels. Gas expenditure in
South Australia and south-
west Queensland is expected
to continue at current levels
reflecting the high level of
production. The Queensland
development program also
reflects the cost of developing
the Scotia field in the Denison
Trough at a total cost to Santos
of $15 million.

The Offshore Australia
Business Unit development
program will focus on oil
development activities and
will involve the drilling of four
Legendre development wells
together with one reinjection well;
two, possibly three wells at Stag
and three Thevenard and 12
Barrow infill wells. Thevenard oil
development includes $17 million
for the replacement and repair
of the Roller pipeline. Legendre
expenditure is forecast to incur
$13 million in addition to the 
$12 million spent in 2000 and
production is expected to
commence mid-2001. The 
Bayu-Undan gas liquids scheme
is forecast to incur $88 million in
2001. The project will develop 
33 mmboe of reserves and will
add 3.4 mmboe to Santos’
production in the first 12 months
of production, beginning in 2004.

Cost Savings (cid:212) Moomba North
Field development program
A major development program
was undertaken in the Moomba
North Field. The development
activities included a 17-well
drilling program that delivered
an incremental 49 MMscf/d gas,
developed reserves of 68 PJ
(13.7 mmboe) and realised over
25% in cost savings compared
with previous best practice.
This successful campaign
gas development sets new
benchmarks for onshore field
development.

Profitability (cid:212) Optimal
exploitation of Moomba
thin oil reservoirs
Santos has demonstrated with
Moomba 102DW that high-angle
wells are the optimum method for
developing single well oil pools
with thin oil columns of less than
15 feet. The high-angle section
is able to maximise oil rate and
increase recovery sweep
efficiency, increasing project
profitability. Previous uneconomic
oil pools are being re-assessed
in 2001 using this technology.

Opening New Frontiers
and extracting Hidden
Value through Innovative
Technology

Santos has focussed on
continued application of
technology to extract maximum
benefits for the company through:

Resource Commercialisation (cid:212)
coal-bed methane from
Scotia Field
The major development work
program to bring gas on line from
the Scotia Field by January 2002
will commence in 2001.

Deliverability (cid:212) Challum
Field high angle multilateral
drilling program 
Three high-angle multilateral wells
were drilled in the Challum Field.
This is the first time this type of
well has been drilled in onshore
Australia, with the implementation
of this technology reducing unit
development costs and providing
more gas deliverability than
conventional vertical fracture
stimulated wells. The
implementation of high-angle
and dual-stacked lateral well
technology to the Challum Field
has improved the Field’s
profitability by reducing both the
cost of development and the cost
of deliverability.

17

Improving Existing Technology

Fracture Stimulation
Fracture stimulation is a core
business in the Cooper Basin,
with a record 55 fracture
stimulation projects to increase
deliverability executed in 2000.
Santos has made significant
advances in its fracture
stimulation practices, cost
reduction initiatives and
technologies.

This is crucial to developing
the gas resource in the
Nappamerri Trough and other
regions of the Cooper Basin, as
well as optimising the exploitation
of significantly depleted reservoirs
previously considered too
difficult to fracture stimulate.
The success of this technology
has considerable scope to
improve the performance of
other low pressure, currently
producing, wells.

Extracting maximum value
from existing tools (cid:212) Seismic
multi-attribute analysis
Seismic multi-attribute analysis
is a new statistical procedure
that attempts to predict
geological properties away
from well control by combining
the seismic response with known
well data. Geological properties
derived from this technique have
been used by geologists in
developing depositional models
and as a tool in refining drilling
locations to maximise reservoir
intersection. This methodology
has been further advanced in
2000 in combination with recent
well results, and is now gaining
recognition as an important tool
in extracting the maximum
reservoir information from
seismic response.

Challum Multilateral Well Configuration

9 5/8” Casing @ approx. 3300 ft

• Approx. 1500 ft in Middle/Lower Toolachee Sands

• Approx. 1100 ft in Upper Sand

6” Open Hole

7” Casing

P2 Coal

Reservoir “A”

Coal

Reservoir “B”

Coal

Reservoir “C”

(cid:212)
REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE 
RESERVES

18

Resources potential 

Resources potential excluded
from the year end reserves
figures is discovered oil and gas
accumulations which currently
fall outside the definition of
proved and probable reserves.
This resource is known to exist
and will become reserves if
technical, infrastructure and
market issues are resolved.
The Company’s most significant
resources in its portfolio include
the Hides and Petrel/Tern gas
fields, oil and gas at Barrow
Island, other gas in the Carnarvon
Basin and low deliverability gas in
the Cooper Basin.

KEY FACTS

> Total proved and probable

reserves of 921 million boe.

> Average reserve life of 16.5

years.

> 49 million boe added through

acquisitions.

> 24 million boe added through
exploration and appraisals.

> Revisions reduced reserves

by 37 million boe.

Reserves

1000

966

941

921

800

21

19

25

20

600

400

200

0

e
o
b
m
m

16

15

10

5

0

)
s
r
a
e
y
(

e

f
i
l

e
v
r
e
s
e
r

e
g
a
r
e
v
a

1998

1999

2000

Reserves/production ratio

Reserves

Santos has proved and
probable reserves of 921
million boe. Gas reserves
are equivalent to an
average of 19 years of
2000 production and oil
and liquids reserves are
equivalent to 11.5 years. 

Wildcat exploration additions
comprised 14.4 million boe from
2000 activity. The South Australia
Business Unit contributed 
5.4 million boe, Queensland and
Northern Territory 5.6 million boe,
and Santos USA 3.4 million boe.
Appraisal activity on existing fields
added 9.9 million boe comprising
5.8 million boe in the South
Australia Business Unit and
4.1 million boe in the Queensland
and Northern Territory Business
Unit. The 49 million boe added
from acquisitions reflects the
acquisition of Shell’s assets in
Barrow and Thevenard Islands
(43 million boe) and an extra 7%
share in the Kipper Field offshore
in east Gippsland. The positive
results of a redetermination of
reserves in SE Gobe (PNG) are
also included, offsetting small
divestments in the United States.

Reserves in existing fields
were revised downwards
by 37.2 million boe primarily
in the Cooper Basin and
Northern Territory.

PROVED  &  PROBABLE  HYDROCARBON RESERVES

Sales Gas

Condensate
(incl Ethane) (PJ) Million barrels Million barrels

Crude Oil

LPG
(‘000 tonnes)

Total
(mmboe)

Estimated reserves at 31/12/99
2000 Production
Additions from 2000 Exploration
Appraisal existing fields 
Revisions existing fields 
Acquisitions/Divestment 
Estimated reserves at 31/12/00 

4338
(215)
62 
51 
(202) 
50 
4084 

70
(13)
2 
–
(2) 
40 
97 

86
(4)
1 
1 
(3) 
0 
81 

5326
(263)
71 
63 
256 
52 
5505 

941
(56)
14
10 
(37) 
49 
921 

 
 
 
REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE 
AUSTRALIAN GAS

19

KEY FACTS

> Santos sold a record  210 PJ
of sales gas and ethane to
Australian customers.

> Santos signed a contract with
CS Energy for 120 PJ of gas
over a 10 to 15 year period.

> East Spar sales increased by

68% to 17 PJ.

> Victorian Otway Basin

delivered five PJ of gas in
its first full-year of production.

Australian Gas & Ethane Sales
by Business Unit

8%

51%

41%

South Australia

Queensland & Northern Territory

Offshore Australia

Australian Gas Sales

195

210

176

1998

1999

2000

250

200

150

100

50

0

Santos’ ability to compete
in Eastern Australian gas
was highlighted during
2000 by the new contract
with CS Energy in
Queensland.

In 2000 Santos delivered a
record 210 PJ of gas to the
Australian market. All business
units increased gas sales
reflecting growing demand
for domestic gas during 2000.
Offshore Australia gas sales
grew to 17 PJ. Steadily growing
demand for Cooper Basin gas
resulted in eastern Australia gas
sales growing to 193 PJ. 2000
was the first full year of delivery
of gas to WMC Fertilisers. Santos
announced an agreement to
supply up to 120 PJ of gas
from the Scotia Field over 10 to

15 years to CS Energy Ltd,
a Queensland Government-
owned electricity generator.
Santos also commenced supply
under an additional East Spar
gas contract to the South West
Cogeneration Project.

Santos Gas Operations

Onshore Australia gas operations
account for 89% of gas sales.
The core operations are located
in the South Australian Cooper
Basin and south-west Queensland.
Gas from the Cooper Basin is
distributed to customers in South
Australia, the Australian Capital
Territory, Victoria and New South
Wales via the Moomba facility
and in Queensland via the
Ballera facility. Ethane is also
sold to Qenos Ltd in New South
Wales. Santos has other gas
producing areas located in the
Northern Territory, Western
Australia and Victoria.

Deregulation in
the Australian
Gas Market

Creating new opportunities
for gas deliveries

During the year approximately
8 PJ of Cooper Basin gas was
sold into Victoria. The Eastern
Gas Pipeline (EGP) from
Longford in Victoria to Sydney in
New South Wales was completed
in September 2000. The impact
of commencement of supply by
the EGP on Santos’ gas sales in
NSW was as expected.

Competition in the Australian gas
market is expected to rise over
the coming years. Santos expects
that the Cooper Basin will remain
a competitive and strong supplier
of gas to south-eastern Australia.

SANTOS INTEREST IN UNCONTRACTED GAS RESERVES(A) PJ AS AT DEC 2000

South Australia
Minerva
Kipper
SW Queensland
Surat/Bowen
Amadeus
East Spar
Reindeer
Bayu/Undan
Barrow Island/Thevenard Island

Total Gas Reserves 
in Santos 
Acreage 
2466
309
371
1894
256
496
430
256
3609
110

Sub-total Australian areas
Other areas

Total

(A) Includes ethane

10197
272

10469

Santos Share 
of Gas
Reserves 
1469
31
74
1125
160
300
193
92
427
33

3904
180

4084

Uncontracted Santos Share of 
Uncontracted 
Gas in Santos 
Gas
Acreage 
730
1238
31
309
74
371
668
1133
83
147
215
354
53
119
92
256
427
3609
33
110

7646
238

7884

2406
146

2552

l

s
e
u
o
a
t
e
p

j

REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE 
PRODUCTION

20

Production benefits from
the Development Program

> The Elang/Kakatua oil field reached a milestone

20 million barrels of cumulative production
during 2001.

> The Stag oil field reached a milestone 18 million
barrels of cumulative production during 2000
benefiting from the development program.

KEY FACTS

> Production reached a record

56 million boe.

> Stag oil production averaged
23,000 bopd for the year.

> Elang/Kakatua production
averaged 18,000 bopd for
the year.

> East Spar gas production
rose to 19 PJ for the year.

> Carnarvon Basin acquisition
boosted 2000 oil production
by 3 million boe.

> Santos produced a record
215 PJ of gas and ethane.

In 2000 Santos produced a
record 56 million boe, up 14%.
The increase in production is
attributable to the benefits of
the ongoing exploration and
development program and
Santos’ corporate development
activities. Total production from
the Offshore Australia Business
Unit doubled to 14 million boe
(7 million boe in 1999) while

production from the Queensland/
Northern Territory Business Unit
increased 6% to 19 million boe.

A highlight for the year was oil
and liquids production reaching
a record 19 million boe, boosted
by higher oil production from the
Stag and Elang/Kakatua oil fields
and the Barrow and Thevenard
Islands acquisition. Other
highlights were the significant
contribution from the Stag oil
field where oil production
averaged over 23,000 bopd and
peaked over 30,000 during 2000.
The improved performance and
extension of well life of the Stag
Field can be directly attributed
to the development program
that involved successful water
injection in 1999 and additional
remedial drilling during 2000.
A further example of success
through development is the
Elang/Kakatua Field where
remedial development work that
involved the drilling of a sidetrack
hole, workover and use of 3D
seismic led to improved
production. Elang/Kakatua
performance improved
significantly and averaged 

Pacific Ocean

Korinci-Baru

Bentu

Indonesia

Sampang

Warim
Irian Jaya

Timor Gap

Timor Sea

Darwin

Papua
New Guinea
SE Gobe

Browse Basin

Bonaparte
Gulf

Carnarvon Basin

Amadeus
Basin

McArthur
River

Mt Isa

Indian Ocean

Perth

Kalgoorlie

Cooper/
Eromanga
Basins

Adelaide

Australia

Melbourne

0

1000

kilometres

Otway Basin

Southern Ocean

Surat Basin &
Denison Trough

Gladstone

Brisbane

Sydney
Canberra
Gippsland Basin

Bass Basin
Hobart

Exploration

Oil pipeline

Ethane pipeline

Production

Gas pipeline

18,000 bopd during 2000.
The Elang/Kakatua Field
reached a significant milestone
during January 2001 when
cumulative production exceeded
20 million boe.

Santos expects 2001 production
to be 2% to 3% above the record
level achieved in 2000. Offshore
Australia is expected to continue
to contribute to Santos’
production profile in a significant
way with new projects such as
the Legendre oil field. Significant
investment in development during
2000 will help Santos grow its
production profile.

60

50

40

30

20

e 10
o
b
m
m

0

Production

56

49

46

1998

1999

2000

Sales gas & ethane

Crude oil & liquids

PRODUCTION 

STATISTICS

Field Units

South Australia
Cooper/Eromanga
Otway
Total

Queensland & Northern Territory
SW Queensland
Surat/Denison
Amadeus
Total

Offshore Australia
Timor Sea
Timor Gap
Carnarvon
Thevenard/Barrow
Total

South East Asia
Seram
PNG
Total

US
Total

Sales Gas & Ethane
PJ

Crude Oil 
’000 bbls

Condensate
’000 bbls

2000

1999

2000

1999

2000

1999

LPG
’000 tonnes 
2000

1999

21

100.0
4.8
104.8

105.7
1.6
107.3

1800.4
–
1800.4

1860.4
–
1860.4

1440.1
53.2
1493.3

1573.9
19.0
1592.9

177.5
–
177.5

198.9
–
198.9

65.7
11.2
10.6
87.5

–
–
18.9
0.1
19.0

–
–
–

56.3
11.9
11.3
79.5

–
–
10.3
–
10.3

1442.4
107.9
343.1
1893.4

1705.6
133.8
399.2
2238.6

947.8
21.8
–
969.6

333.2
1397.7
4648.3
2898.4
9277.6

403.6
1701.5
2378.7
–
4483.8

–
–
1079.9
–
1079.9

–
–
–

–
425.2
425.2

–
448.5
448.5

–
–
–

941.3
35.4
–
976.7

–
–
609.3
–
609.3

–
–
–

85.6
0.1
–
85.7

79.5
1.8
–
81.3

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

–
–
–
–
–

–
–
–

3.7
215.0

4.9

75.2
202.0 13471.8

92.8
9124.1

19.3
3562.1

37.6
3216.5

–
263.2

–
280.2

Million Barrels of Oil Equivalent

Sales Gas & Ethane Crude Oil 

2000

1999

2000

1999

Condensate
2000

1999

LPG

Total

2000

1999

2000

1999

South Australia
Cooper/Eromanga 
Otway 
Total 

Queensland & Northern Territory
SW Queensland 
Surat/Denison 
Amadeus 
Total 

Offshore Australia
Timor Sea 
Timor Gap 
Carnarvon 
Thevenard/Barrow
Total 

South East Asia
PNG 
Total 

US 
Total 

17.20
0.83
18.03

11.30
1.93
1.82
15.05

–
–
3.25
0.02
3.27

–
–

18.17
0.28
18.45

9.68
2.05
1.94
13.67

–
–
1.77
–
1.77

–
–

0.64
36.99

0.84
34.73

1.80
–
1.80

1.44
0.11
0.34
1.89

0.33
1.40
4.65
2.90
9.28

0.43
0.43

0.08
13.48

1.86
–
1.86

1.71
0.13
0.40
2.24

0.40
1.70
2.38
–
4.48

0.45
0.45

0.09
9.12

1.35
0.05
1.40

0.89
0.02
–
0.91

–
–
1.01
–
1.01

–
–

0.02
3.34

1.47
0.02
1.49

0.88
0.03
–
0.91

–
–
0.57
–
0.57

–
–

0.04
3.01

1.50
–
1.50

0.72
–
–
0.72

–
–
–
–
–

–
–

1.68
–
1.68

0.67
0.02
–
0.69

–
–
–
–
–

–
–

–
2.22

–
2.37

21.85
0.88
22.73

14.35
2.06
2.16
18.57

0.33
1.40
8.90
2.90
13.53

0.43
0.43

0.74
56.00

23.18
0.30
23.48

12.94
2.23
2.34
17.51

0.40
1.70
4.72
–
6.82

0.45
0.45

0.97
49.23

REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE 
ENVIRONMENT & SAFETY

22

Safety Performance

Environment

19

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

)

e
t
a
r
(

F
C
R
T

10

8

1998

1999

2000

Santos operates in many varied
environmental settings throughout
Australia. The Company has a
long history of conducting its
activities in a way that avoids
and minimises potential impacts
on the environment. 

Santos’ first environmental
professional was employed
in 1980. Since that time, the
Company has established a core
team of dedicated environmental
advisors as well as incorporating
environment into the line
management function. As
with safety, the environment is
everyone’s responsibility – be they
employee or contractor, operator
or manager.

The Company’s environmental
policy was updated in 1997 
and it is used as the basis of a
comprehensive environmental
management system tailor-made
for Santos. The Corporate
component of the Santos
Australian Environmental
Management System
incorporates corporate
requirements which are reflected
in the more detailed Business Unit
sub-systems. This ensures that
the differing, specific regulatory
requirements of the various States
within which Santos operates can
be reflected in sufficient detail to
enable easy comprehension and
compliance with State and
Territory requirements.

Santos has achieved high
standards of environmental
performance – illustrated by
the many awards it has received.
Relationships with regulatory
bodies are robust and positive
and focussed on an evolving
process of co-regulation.

Emergency contingency plans
have been established for all key
operating areas. These are tested
and updated on a regular basis.
All environmental incidents are
reported and rectified. Issues
identified as causal factors are
incorporated into ongoing risk
management and modified
procedures aimed at preventing
reoccurrence in all similar
circumstances. During 2000
Santos was not fined or
prosecuted, nor did it receive any
notices of non-compliance.

This process of continual
improvement underlies the Santos
Environmental Management
System, which in itself is subject
to constant evolution, amendment
and change – reflecting both
external and in-company changes
over time. The ultimate aim is to
achieve a level of excellence by
constantly bridging the gap
between admirable rhetoric and
the realities of the harsh, remote
natural environmental in which
the majority of Santos’ operations
are located.

Safety

Santos investigates and reports
all accidents, near misses and
hazards. The measure of safety
performance used is the Total
Recordable Case Frequency rate
(TRCF) which is defined as the
number of Recordable Cases
(Medical Treatment and Lost
Time Injuries) per million hours
worked by Santos employees
and contractors.

In 2000, Santos recorded a
continued improvement in its
safety performance achieving
a further reduction of 20%,
following an almost 50%
reduction in 1999, in its
TRCF rate.

The Company strives for the
highest standard of occupational
health and safety (OH&S) and
is fully committed to a work
environment free of injuries. While
this has not yet been achieved,
the progress for the past two
years indicates continual
improvement and progress
toward this.

Under Santos’ OH&S policy,
all employees and contractors
have specific responsibilities for
observing and maintaining a
safe working environment. Of
particular emphasis for safety
programs has been the intent
that contractor safety
performance should match that
of Santos’ employees. Many
contractors now achieve safety
performance matching that of
Santos employees.

 
23

Santos has commenced a
program of community support in
the Western District of Victoria
including support to the Timboon
and District Healthcare Service
for the purchase of an essential
piece of equipment and to the
Port Campbell Surf Life Saving
Club’s building appeal.

REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE 
COMMUNITY

In 2000 Santos continued its
program of providing support
to cultural, educational and not-
for-profit organisations within
the communities in which the
Company operates.

The Art Gallery of South
Australia, the Queensland Art
Gallery, the Adelaide, Brisbane,
and Darwin Festivals, the Santos
School of Petroleum Engineering
and Management, and the Anti-
Cancer Foundation, are among
the many institutions and events
that benefit from this program.

For the past two years Santos
has been the Principal Sponsor
of the Adelaide Symphony
Orchestra and continues this
in 2001. The orchestra plays
a vital role in the cultural life of
South Australia, performing an
extensive concert program as
well as supporting the
performances of the State
Opera of South Australia
and the Australian Ballet. 

One of the highlights of the
orchestra’s season is the
annual Santos Symphony under
the Stars, a free public concert
held in Elder Park. This is a
summertime institution in
Adelaide and is attended by
more than 30,000 people.

In 2000 Santos supported the
Save the Bilby organisation by
donating a 4WD vehicle to be
used in a feral animal eradication
program. This program will
secure a habitat for the Greater
Bilby in the Currawinya National
Park in south-west Queensland,
ensuring the survival of this
almost extinct Australian icon
for future generations to see
and enjoy.

For many years, Santos has
contributed to a number of
events and organisations in the
Whyalla region of South Australia.
This year the Company will assist
the establishment of new
premises for the Air Sea Rescue
Squadron.

DELIVERING 
NEW OPPORTUNITIES 

Jon Young General Manager, South Australia Business Unit
The Otway project team proved that there are economic prospects in Victoria
which can be readily developed and marketed in Eastern Australia’s largest
market place. 

“The Otway project
was an extreme
challenge for the
small dedicated
team working in a
geographical area
new to Santos.”
Graeme Parsons 
Senior Staff Geologist, 
South Australia Business Unit

“Frontier exploration 
in PNG offers 
satisfying challenges
both technically 
and on the ground”

Jan Hulse  
Senior Geologist, South East Asia Business Unit

DELIVERING 
FUTURE GROWTH 

Bob Hall General Manager, South East Asia Business Unit
Papua New Guinea is a challenging area with great potential that can deliver
significant value to Santos.

John Allan Uhrig 
AC, BSc, DUniv, Hon. DEcon,

FAIM

John Charles 
Ellice-Flint 
BSc (Hons)

Stephen Gerlach
LLB

Peter Charles
Barnett
FCPA

John Walter McArdle 
FCPA

Age 60. Director since 
31 October 1995 and
member of the
Environmental Committee
of the Board. Director of
Mayne Nickless Ltd and
AMCIL Ltd. Former
Managing Director and
Chief Executive Officer of
Pasminco Ltd and Chief
Executive Officer of EZ
Industries Ltd.

Age 54. Executive Director
since 5 September 1995
and Executive General
Manager - Commercial of
Santos Ltd. Director of
Santos Ltd subsidiary
companies. Former
Managing Director of
Delhi Petroleum Pty Ltd
and former Chairman of
Australian National
Railways Commission.

Age 72. Director since
3 December 1991 and
Chairman since 
15 February 1994. Former
Chairman of Westpac
Banking Corporation, of
Rio Tinto Ltd and former
Deputy Chairman of Rio
Tinto plc. Until 1985 was
Managing Director of
Simpson Holdings Ltd.

Age 50. Managing Director
since 19 December 2000,
member of the
Environmental Committee
of the Board and also
Chairman of other
Santos Ltd subsidiary
companies. Twenty-six
years experience in the
international oil and gas
industry with Unocal,
including as Senior
Vice President: Global
Exploration and
Technology and Vice
President: Corporate
Planning and Economics.

Age 55. Director since 
5 September 1989 and
Deputy Chairman since 
20 June 2000. Chairman
of the Environmental
Committee of the Board
and also Chairman of
Santos Finance Ltd.
Chairman of Amdel Ltd,
Equatorial Mining Ltd,
Elders Australia Ltd and
Beston Pacific Vineyard
Management Ltd. Director
of Southcorp Holdings Ltd,
Futuris Corporation Ltd,
Challenger Beston Limited
and Elders Rural Services
Ltd. Former Managing
Partner of the Adelaide
legal firm, Finlaysons.

BOARD OF 

DIRECTORS

Ian Ernest Webber 
AO, BE, ATS, FCIT, FAIM

Michael Anthony
O’Leary 
DipMinE, BSc, FAusIMM, FAIM

Professor Judith
Sloan 
BA (Hons), MA, MSc

Frank John Conroy
BCom, MBA, FAIM, FAICD,

FAIBF

Age 65. Director since 
16 February 1993 and
member of the Audit
Committee of the Board.
Director of Pacific Dunlop
Ltd and WMC Ltd. Former
Managing Director and
Deputy Chairman of
Chrysler Australia Ltd
and Managing Director
of Mitsubishi Motors
Australia Ltd. Former
Chairman of Mayne
Nickless Ltd Group.

Age 65. Director since 
15 October 1996 and
member of the
Environmental
Committee of the Board.
Deputy Chairman of Bank
of Western Australia Ltd.
Former Chairman of
Hamersley Iron, Argyle
Diamonds, Dampier Salt
and former Director of
Rio Tinto Ltd and Rio
Tinto plc.

Age 46. Director since 
5 September 1994 and
member of the Audit
Committee of the Board.
Chairman of SGIC
Holdings Ltd and Director
of Mayne Nickless Ltd and
a Board member of the
Australian Broadcasting
Corporation. Former
Professor of Labour
Studies at the Flinders
University of South
Australia and Director
of the National Institute
of Labour Studies.

Age 58. Director since 
19 October 1999 and
director of Santos Finance
Ltd. Chairman of Howard
Smith Ltd, St George
Bank Ltd and ORIX
Australia Corporation
Ltd. Director of Futuris
Corporation Ltd and
Australian Pharmaceutical
Industries Limited. Former
Managing Director of
Westpac Banking
Corporation.

Graeme William
McGregor 
AO, BEc, FCPA, FCA, FAIM,

FAICD

Age 62. Director since 
3 September 1999,
Chairman of the Audit
Committee of the Board
and director of Santos
Finance Ltd. Director of
Foster’s Brewing Group
Ltd, Nufarm Ltd, Were
Securities Ltd and
Community Foundation
Network Ltd. Member of
the Financial Reporting
Council. Former Executive
Director Finance of The
Broken Hill Proprietary
Company Limited.

CORPORATE MANAGEMENT

Managing Director 
John Ellice-Flint 

Executive General
Manager – Commercial 
John McArdle

General Manager –
Accounting
Don Priestley

General Manager –
Engineering
Denis Dare

General Manager –
Finance & Investor
Relations 
Graeme Bethune

Group General Counsel
& Company Secretary
Michael Roberts

General Manager –
Petroleum Development
& Planning
Ashok Khurana

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

28

Corporate Governance
Statement

The purpose of this statement
is to provide details of the main
corporate governance practices
the Company had in place during
the past financial year.

The Board of Santos Limited
is committed to good corporate
governance and to this end has
had in place, for a number of
years, formal guidelines recording
the Board’s policy on: Board
composition and appointment of
chairman; Board membership and
attendance; the appointment and
retirement of Directors;
independent professional advice;
compensation arrangements;
external auditors; risk
management; and ethical
standards. References in this
statement to the “Board
guidelines” are to the formal
guidelines in force during the
past financial year. The Board
guidelines are reviewed by the
Board on an annual basis and
as required.

Board of Directors
and its Committees

The Board is responsible for
the overall corporate governance
of the Company including its
strategic direction and financial
objectives, establishing goals for
management and monitoring the
attainment of these goals.

To assist in the effective execution
of its responsibilities, the Board
has established a number of
Board Committees, including a
Nomination and Remuneration
Committee, an Audit Committee
and an Environmental Committee.
The Nomination and Remuneration
Committee comprises all non-
executive Directors and each
of the Audit and Environmental
Committees comprises a majority
of non-executive Directors and is

chaired by a non-executive
Director. The Board guidelines
prescribe that the Board is to
meet at least 10 times a year.

All current non-executive
Directors, including the
Chairman, are considered to
be ‘independent’ Directors, as
defined in the 1999 guidelines
of the Australian Investment and
Financial Services Association.

Composition of the Board

The names and details of the
experience, qualifications, age,
special responsibilities and
shareholdings of each Director
of the Company are set out on
pages 26, 27 and 38 of this
Annual Report.

The composition of the Board
is determined in accordance with
the Company’s Constitution and
the Board guidelines including:
the Board is to comprise a
minimum of five and a maximum
of ten Directors (exclusive of the
Managing Director); the Board
should comprise a substantial
majority of non-executive
Directors (currently the Board
comprises eight non-executive
and two executive Directors);
there should be a separation
of the roles of Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of the
Company; and the Chairman
of the Board should be a non-
executive Director.

Under the Board guidelines,
it is the responsibility of the
Nomination and Remuneration
Committee to devise the criteria
for, and review membership of,
and nominations to, the Board.
The primary criteria adopted in
selection of suitable Board
candidates is their capacity to
contribute to the ongoing
development of the Company
having regard to the location
and nature of the Company’s

significant business interests
and to the candidates’ age and
experience by reference to the
age and diversity of experience
of existing Board members.

When a Board vacancy exists
or where it is considered that
the Board would benefit from
the services of a new Director
with particular skills, the
Nomination and Remuneration
Committee has responsibility
for proposing candidates for
consideration by the Board and,
where appropriate, engages the
services of external consultants.

Prior to appointment, each
Director is provided with a
letter of appointment which,
inter alia, encloses a copy
of the Board guidelines. The
expectations of the Board in
respect to a proposed appointee
to the Board and the workings of
the Board and its committees are
conveyed in interviews with the
Chairman and access provided
to appropriate executives in
relation to details of the business
of the Company.

Under the Company’s
Constitution approximately one-
third of Directors retire by rotation
each year and Directors appointed
during the year are required to
submit themselves for election by
shareholders at the Company’s
next Annual General Meeting.

The Board guidelines prescribe
that, under normal circumstances,
Directors should retire at the first
Annual General Meeting after
reaching the age of 72 years
and not seek re-appointment.

Independent Professional
Advice

The Board guidelines set out the
circumstances and procedures
pursuant to which a Director,
in furtherance of his or her 

duties, may seek independent
professional advice at the
Company’s expense. Those
procedures require prior
consultation with, and approval
by, the Chairman and assurances
as to the qualifications and
reasonableness of the fees of the
relevant expert and, under normal
circumstances, the provision of
the expert’s advice to the Board.

Remuneration

Under the Board guidelines, the
Nomination and Remuneration
Committee is responsible for
reviewing the remuneration
policies and practices of the
Company including: the
compensation arrangements for
executive Directors and senior
management; the Company’s
superannuation arrangements;
employee share and option plans;
and, within the aggregate amount
approved by shareholders, the
fees for non-executive members
of the Board. Further information
on these matters is included at
pages 39 and 40 of this Annual
Report and details of the
Company’s employee share
and option plans are provided in
Note 18 of the Financial Report.
No non-executive Director may
participate in any of the Company’s
share or option plans. Information
in respect to indemnity and
insurance arrangements for
Directors and senior executives
appears at page 41 of this
Annual Report. 

The current members of the
Nomination and Remuneration
Committee, all of whom are 
non-executive Directors, are: 

Mr J A Uhrig (Chairman), 
Mr P C Barnett, Mr F J Conroy, 
Mr S Gerlach, Mr G W McGregor,
Mr M A O’Leary, Professor J Sloan
and Mr I E Webber.

29

Under the Company’s Delegation
of Authority, the Board is
responsible, inter alia, for the
approval of the annual corporate
budget and for significant:
acquisitions and disposals of
assets; expenditure decisions
outside of the corporate budget;
hedging of product sales; sales
contracts; and financing
arrangements.

Ethical Standards

In pursuance of the promotion
of high standards of corporate
governance, the Board has,
without adopting a formal code
of ethics, established and
maintained various internal
standards which extend beyond
requirements prescribed by law
and include guidelines relating
to the dealing in securities by
Directors and managers.

Audit Committee

Risk Management

• Investment appraisal – the

The Board guidelines require the
Board to continue in existence an
Audit Committee of the Board.

The role of the Audit Committee
is documented in a Charter
approved by the Board.

The Committee is required to
meet at least three times per
year and members may raise
any matters considered desirable.

The role of the Audit
Committee includes: examining
the accounting policies of the
Company to determine whether
they are appropriate and in
accordance with all applicable
reporting requirements; ensuring
that truth and fairness is reflected
in the preparation and publication
of the Company’s financial reports;
meeting regularly with the auditors
to reinforce the independence of
the auditors, to determine the
appropriateness of internal and
external audit procedures, to
review the performance of the
auditors and to provide the
auditors with confidential access
to the Board; and referring
matters of concern to the Board,
as appropriate, and considering
risk management matters.

Minutes and recommendations
of the Audit Committee are
distributed at the next
Board Meeting.

The current members of the Audit
Committee are: Mr G W McGregor
(Chairman), Professor J Sloan and
Mr I E Webber.

The Board has in place a
number of arrangements
and internal controls intended
to identify and manage areas
of significant business risk.
These include the maintenance
of: Board Committees; detailed
and regular budgetary, financial
and management reporting;
established organisational
structures, procedures,
manuals and policies; audits
(including internal and external
financial, environmental and
safety audits); comprehensive
insurance programmes; and
the retention of specialised
staff and external advisors.

• Management of environmental
risk – environmental risk is
managed through:
comprehensive environmental
management systems;
environmental committees at
Board and management levels;
the retention of specialist
environmental staff and
advisers; regular internal and
external environmental audits;
and imposing environmental
care as a line management
responsibility. The current
members of the Committee are:
Mr S Gerlach (Chairman), Mr P
C Barnett, Mr M A O’Leary and
Mr J C Ellice-Flint.

• Management of exploration risk
– exploration risk is managed
through internal control systems
which include: formalised risk
assessment procedures at the
Business Unit level; Corporate
review in both prospect and
hindsight; Board approval of
exploration budgets; and
regular reporting on progress to
the Board. External reviews are
also undertaken as necessary.

Company has clearly
defined procedures for capital
expenditure. These include:
annual budgets; detailed
appraisal and review
procedures; levels of authority;
and due diligence requirements
where assets are being acquired.

• Financial reporting – a

comprehensive budgeting
system exists with a five year
financial plan and an annual
budget approved by the Board.
Monthly actual results are
reported against budget and,
where applicable, revised
forecasts for the year are
prepared and reported to the
Board. Speculative transactions
are prohibited. Further details
relating to financial instruments
and commodity price risk
management are included in
Note 31 of the Financial Report.

• Functional speciality and

business unit reporting – all
significant areas of Company
operations are subject to
regular reporting to the Board.
The Board receives regular
reports on the performance
of each business unit and
on exploration, development,
finance, liquids marketing,
safety, government,
investor relations and
environmental matters.

Senior management attend
Board and Committee meetings,
at which they report to Directors
within their respective areas of
responsibility. This assists the
Board in maintaining its
understanding of the Company’s
business and assessing the
senior management team.
Where appropriate, advisers to
the Company attend meetings of
the Board and of its Committees.

SANTOS GROUP INTERESTS

AS AT 1 MARCH 2001

Licence Area 

30

South Australia
Cooper Basin (Fixed Factor Area) 

(PPLs 6-20, 22-25, 27-61, 63-75, 78-117, 119, 120, 
124, 126-130, 132-140, 143-146, 148-151, 153-155, 
157, 159-163 & 164-166) 

Queensland 
South-West Queensland 
ATP 259P 

Naccowlah (PLs 23-26, 35, 36, 62, 76-79, 
82, 87, 105, 107, 109, 133 & 149)

Total 66 (PLs 34, 37, 63, 68, 75, 84, 88, 110, 129, 

130, 134, 140, 142-144 & 150)

Wareena (PLs 113, 114, 141, 145, 148,153, 157 & 158)
Innamincka (PLs 58, 80, 136, 137 & 159)
Alkina
Aquitaine A (PLs 86, 131 & 146)
Aquitaine B (PLs 59-61, 81, 83, 85, 97, 106, 108, 111, 

112, 132, 135, 139 & 147)
Aquitaine C (PLs 138 & 154)
50/40/10 (PL 55)
SWQ Unit
ATP 267P (Nockatunga) (PLs 33, 50 & 51)
ATP 269P (Bodalla)
PLs 31, 32 and 47 (Bodalla)
ATP 299P (Tintaburra) (PLs 29, 38, 39, 52, 57, 95 & 170)

Surat Basin
ATP 212P (Major) (PLs 30, 56 & 74)
ATP 336P (Kalima)
ATP 336P (Roma) (PLs 3-13, 93 & PPL2)
ATP 336P (Waldegrave) (PLs 10-12, 28, 69 & 89)
ATP 378P (Burunga) (PL 176)
ATP 470P (Redcap) (PL 71)
ATP 471P (Bainbilla) (PL 119)
ATP 471P (Myall)
ATP 552P (Grail North)

Victoria
Otway Basin 
PEP 153
PEP 154
PEP 160
VIC/RL7 (La Bella)
VIC/RL8 (Minerva)

Tasmania
Bass Basin 
T/RL1 (Yolla)

Northern Territory
Amadeus Basin 
OL 3 (Palm Valley)
OLs 4 and 5 (Mereenie)

% Interest

Licence Area 

% Interest 

Patchawarra East Joint Operating Area 
(PPLs 26, 76, 77, 118, 121-123, 125, 
131, 142, 147, 152, 156, 158 & 167)

59.8 

SA Unit and Downstream

ATP 552P
ATP 685P (Cockatoo Creek)
Boxleigh
PL 1 (Moonie)
PL 1 (2) (Cabawin)
PL 1 (2) (Cabawin Farm-out)
PL 2 (Kooroon)
PL 2C (Alton)
PL 2C (Alton Farm-out)
PL 5 (Barcoo)
PL 5 (Drillsearch)
PL 5 (Mascotte)
PL 11 (Snake Creek East)
PL 12 (Trinidad)
PL 17
PL 17 (Bennett Exclusion)
PL 17 (Leichardt Exclusion)
PLs 21, 22, 27 and 64 (Balonne)

Denison Trough
ATP 337P (PLs 41-45, 54, 67 and 173)
ATP 553P

Facilities
Wungoona Processing Facilities
Moonie to Brisbane Pipeline
Jackson Moonie Pipeline
Ballera to Mt Isa Pipeline

Gippsland Basin
VIC/RL1 (Golden Beach)
VIC/RL2 (Kipper)
VIC/RL3 (Sole)

55.5

70.0
61.2
70.0
72.0
52.5

55.0
47.8
60.0
60.1
59.1
5.8
5.3
89.0

15.0
85.0
85.0
46.3
100.0
10.0
16.7
69.5
35.5

100.0
90.0
60.0
10.0
10.0

5.0

69.4
59.8 

22.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
50.0
52.5
100.0
63.5
85.0
21.3
42.5
25.0
92.5
70.0
100.0
70.0
12.5

50.0
50.0

50.0
100.0
82.8
18.0

66.7
20.0
25.0 

48.0
65.0

RL2 (Dingo)
Mereenie-Brewer Estate Pipeline

65.7
65.0 

Licence Area

% Interest

Licence Area

% Interest

31

Offshore Northern Australia
Carnarvon Basin
EP 61
EP 62
EP 65
EP 66
EP 325
EP 357
L1H
L1O
TL/2
TL/3
T/L4
T/L7
TP/2
TP/3 (1 & 2)
TP/3 (3)
TP/7 (1-3)
TP/7 (4)
TP/13
TP/14
WA-1-P
WA-7-L
WA-8-L (Talisman)
WA-13-L (East Spar)
WA-15-L
WA-15-L (Lower Area)
WA-20-L (Legendre)
WA-24-P (1)
WA-24-P (2 & 3)
WA-149-P
WA-191-P
WA-208-P

Papua New Guinea
PDL 1
PDL 3
PL 3
PPL 157
PPL 189
PPL 190
PPL 191

Indonesia
Bentu
Korinci-Baru

United States of America 
Gulf of Mexico 
– EC 155
– EI 59
– EI 143
– EI 335
– VR 247
– WC 272
– WC 276
– WC 582
– WC 632

WA-209-P
WA-214-P
WA-261-P
WA-264-P
WA-298-P

Browse Basin 
WA-206-P
WA-239-P
WA-242-P
WA-281-P
WA-282-P
WA-283-P

Bonaparte Basin 
NT/RL1 (Petrel)
WA-6-R (West Petrel)
WA-18-P (Tern)

Timor Sea 
AC/L1 (Jabiru)
AC/L2 (Challis)
AC/L3 (Cassini)
AC/L4 (Skua)
AC/P15

Timor Gap 
ZOCA 91-01
ZOCA 91-12
Bayu-Undan Gas Field

PPL 202
PPL 206
PPL 213
PRL 4
PRL 5
SE Gobe Unit

28.6
28.6
35.7
35.7
25.0
35.7
28.6
28.6
15.0
28.6
35.7
35.7
28.6
35.7
75.0
43.7
18.7
33.3
28.6
22.6
28.6
27.4
45.0
54.2
36.0
22.6
35.7
75.0
18.7
33.4
20.0

31.0
15.9
3.6
35.3
42.6
31.3
71.8

61.1
61.1

Sampang
Warim

Average
working interest

Arkoma Basin

80.0
20.0
20.0
20.0
75.0
80.0
75.0
80.0
50.0

South Texas
– Aransas Bay
– Ashland Deep (Runnells-3)
– Birdie Porter Green
– Fuhrken
– Queen City (Mew-1)
– Remmers
– Suemar
– Driscoll
– West Rosita

36.0
20.0
29.6
66.7
20.0

100.0
10.0
33.3
27.5
42.5
27.5

95.0
95.0
100.0

10.3
10.3
10.3
37.4
33.3

25.0
21.4
11.8

45.0
48.0
35.0
35.3
35.3
9.4

45.0
20.0

Average
working interest
32.0

25.0
30.0
50.0
25.0
47.0
55.0
25.0
25.0
25.0

32

GLOSSARY

CRUDE OIL 

1 barrel = 1 boe

SALES GAS 

development well
A well drilled to enable
production from a known oil or
gas reservoir.

petroleum liquids
Crude oil, condensate, or its
derivative naphtha, and the
liquefied petroleum gases
propane and butane.

1 petajoule = 171.937 boe x103

CONDENSATE/NAPHTHA 

exploration well
A wildcat or appraisal well drilled
to find new reserves of oil or gas.

1 barrel = 0.935 boe

LPG 

1 tonne = 8.458 boe 

appraisal well
An exploration well drilled for the
purpose of identifying extensions
to known fields or discoveries.

barrel/bbl
The standard unit of
measurement for all production
and sales. One barrel equals
159 litres or 35 imperial gallons.

boe
Barrels of oil equivalent.
The factors used by Santos
to convert volumes of different
hydrocarbon production to
barrels of oil equivalent are
printed above.

bopd
Barrels of oil per day.

the Company
Santos Ltd and its subsidiaries.

fracture stimulation
A technique used to improve
hydrocarbon recovery from
reserves with poor permeability 
or porosity. Fracture stimulation
involves the fracturing of the
reservoir rock to encourage
the flow of hydrocarbons.

hydrocarbons
Solid, liquid or gas compounds
of the elements hydrogen 
and carbon.

LPG
Liquefied petroleum gas.

mbbls
Thousand barrels.

mmbbls
Million barrels.

mmboe
Million barrels of oil equivalent.

OABU
Offshore Australia Business Unit.

SABU
South Australia Business Unit.

Santos
Santos Ltd and its subsidiaries.

SEABU
South East Asia Business Unit.

seismic survey
A survey used to gain an
understanding of rock formations
beneath the earth’s surface.

PJ
Petajoules. Joules are the
metric measurement unit for
energy. A petajoule is equal to
1 kilojoule x 1012. The equivalent
imperial measure to joules is
British Thermal Units (BTU).
One kilojoule = .9478 BTU.

PSC
Production sharing contract.

SUSAC

Santos USA Corp.

TJ

Terajoules. Joules are the metric
measurement unit for energy. A
terajoule is equal to 1 joule x 1012.

TRCF
Total recordable case frequency
rate.

wildcat well
An exploration well drilled to
identify new accumulations of
oil or gas.

QNTBU
Queensland and Northern
Territory Business Unit.

reserves
Proved and probable reserves as
defined by the Australian Stock
Exchange Ltd (ASX). Proved
reserves are those reserves that,
to a high degree of certainty, are
clearly recoverable, at commercial
rates, under currently anticipated
production methods, operating
conditions, prices and costs.
Probable reserves are those
reserves that may be reasonably
assumed to exist because of
geophysical or geological
indications and drilling done
in regions which contain proved
reserves. Reserves reported are
based on, and accurately reflect,
information compiled by full-time
employees of the Company who
have the requisite qualifications
and experience prescribed by the
ASX Listing Rules.

DELIVERING 
HIGHER EFFICIENCY

Jon Young General Manager, South Australia Business Unit
The 25% cost reduction achieved in the Moomba North Drilling Program
ensures Cooper Basin gas is competitive and creates opportunities 
to develop additional gas reserves.

33
33

“The Moomba North Campaign has given us the

opportunity to optimise our efforts both technically
and operationally. The firm vision of the project
has enabled the team, from office personnel to
rig crews, to focus on building effective teamwork
and achieving greater results”
Sylvie Tran  Drilling Engineer, South Australia Business Unit 

SANTOS’ AREAS OF OPERATION

Santos’ Acreage – Bentu/Korinci Baru (Sumatra)

Santos’ Acreage – Sampang PSC (Java)

34

Proposed Asamera
Duri pipeline

Sumatra

Pekanbaru

Baru

P

e

r

a

k

-

K

o

ri

n

Bumi

Korinci-Baru PSC

Terusan

c

i 

T

r

e

n

d

Perak

Korinci/Perak

Bentu

Terusan

Pulp & Paper
Mill

Mangan

Seng

Segat

Besi

Bentu PSC

Java Sea

Madura Island

Surabaya

Anggur

Oyong

Sampang PSC

Dukuh

Enau

Flamboyan

Wunut

Madura Strait

0

25

kilometres

0

50

Kilometres

Java

Santos’ Exploration and Production Interests – South East Asia

Sumatra

Korinci-Baru

Bentu

Indonesia

Java

Sampang

Pacific Ocean

Irian Jaya

Warim

Papua New Guinea

SE Gobe

0

1000

kilometres

Australia

Santos’ Acreage – Papua New Guinea

Santos’ Acreage – United States of America

Irian Jaya

Kau 2

Warim PSC

Papua New Guinea

Texas

PPL 202

PPL  213

Tumuli

P’nang

Stanley

Juhu

Elevala

Hides
PDL 1

Kutubu

PPL 190

PPL 157

Bosavi

PDL 3

SE Gobe

SE Kanau

PPL 206

Wasuma
W Anesi

Barikewa

PPL 189

Houston

Nordheim/Fuhrken

Runnells

WC272

WC276

Mew

Gulf of Mexico

0

100

kilometres

Kumul
Offshore
Facility

Mountainside

Mexico

0

200

kilometres

Santos’ Acreage – Carnarvon Basin

Santos’ Acreage – Bonaparte & Browse Basins

0

100

kilometres

WA-1-P(1)

WA-208-P

WA-191-P(1)

WA-8-L
WA-191-P(2)

WA-298-P

WA-1-P(3)

WA-209-P

WA-214-P

WA-20-L

WA-1-P(2)

Reindeer

Stag

WA-15-L

WA-261-P

WA-214-P
WA-13-L

East Spar
TP/14
TP/2

EP 61 (1,2,3)
TP/7 (4)

WA-24-P(1)

WA-149-P
TP/13
EP 62 (1,2,3)
Barrow Island
L 1 H
L 10
TP/7 (1)
TL/2
TP/7 (2)

WA-264-P

TP/3(1)

TP/7 (3)
Thevenard Island

TL/4
EP 65

TL/7

EP 357
TP/3 (2)

EP 325

WA-24-P(2)

WA-24-P(3)

TP/3(3)

Timor

91-01

Jahal

AC/P15

Kakatua

91-12
Elang

Bayu-Undan

Zone of
Co-Operation

AC/RL2
AC/L1
Jabiru
Challis

AC/L4

Skua

AC/L2

AC/L3

Territory of
Ashmore &
Cartier Islands

Indian Ocean

WA-283-P

WA-206-P

WA-281-P

WA-239-P

WA-282-P

35

Northern
Territory
Petrel

NT/RL1

WA-6-R

WA-18-P

Tern

Western Australia

WA-242-P

Western Australia

Timor Gap

Timor Sea

Darwin

Bonaparte
Gulf

Browse Basin

McArthur
River

Carnarvon Basin

Mt Isa

Amadeus Basin

Alice Springs

Surat Basin &
Denison Trough

Gladstone

Cooper/
Eromanga
Basins

Brisbane

Indian Ocean

Perth

Kalgoorlie

0

1000

kilometres

Southern Ocean

Adelaide

Sydney

Melbourne

Canberra

Otway Basin

Gippsland Basin

Bass Basin

Hobart

0

200

kilometres

Legend

Exploration

Pr

oduction

Santos acreage

Oil field

Gas field

Prospect

Oil pipeline

Gas pipeline

Ethane pipeline

Santos’ Acreage – Cooper Basin

Santos’ Acreage – Otway Basin

Queensland

South Australia

PEP 154 (B)

Victoria

Warrnambool

PEP 154 (A)

PEP 153

Cobden

Ballera

Jackson

North Paaratte Gas Facility

Moomba

Southern Ocean

Timboon

PL 4

PL 5

Heytesbury Gas Facility

Port Campbell

VIC/RL8

0

50

kilometres

0

2 5

kilometres

10 YEAR 
SUMMARY 1991–2000

As at 31 December

1991

1992

1993

1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

36

Santos average realised oil price (A$/bbl)

28.00

28.65

27.64

23.64

24.96

27.43

27.42

20.95

27.57

46.54

Profit and Loss ($million)
Sales revenue
Total operating revenue
Foreign currency gains/(losses)
Operating profit before abnormal items
Income tax on operating profit
Operating profit after tax 
before abnormal items

Abnormal items after tax
Operating profit/(loss) after tax and 

abnormal items
Outside equity interest 

in operating profit/(loss)

Profit/(loss) attributable to shareholders

Balance Sheet ($million)
Total assets
Net debt
Total shareholders’ equity

Exploration Expenditure
Wells drilled (number)
Expenditure ($million)
Reserves (mmboe)
Production (mmboe)

Other Capital Expenditure ($million)
Field developments
Buildings, plant and equipment

Share Information
Share issues 

655.9
702.0
(11.4)
223.5
106.8

116.7
(224.9)

689.8
741.5
(36.8)
245.1
104.9

140.2
(27.5)

680.2
931.6
(7.3)
289.2
104.8

184.4
34.9

640.0
716.6
66.3
295.9
116.2

179.7
10.7

671.6
740.1
(16.0)
241.0
101.1

139.9
(29.3)

729.2
804.0
25.0
331.9
136.0

195.9
–

778.5
859.5
3.6
322.3
116.1

206.2
–

769.4
1,000.8
2.0
267.3
91.0

176.3
–

944.5
995.6
0.3
339.6
120.4

219.2
89.9

1,497.1
1,555.2
2.7
725.9
239.1

486.8
–

(108.2)

112.7

219.3

190.4

110.6

195.9

206.2

176.3

309.1

486.8

2.7
(110.9)

–
112.7

–
219.3

–
190.4

–
110.6

–
195.9

–
206.2

–
176.3

–
309.1

–
486.8

2,797.6
755.0
1,215.1

2,821.8
797.4
1,231.7

2,831.2
711.2
1,380.6

2,897.2
619.9
1,532.2

2,915.5
642.0
1,519.3

3,443.4
938.6
1,586.3

4,036.2
1,114.2
1,919.0

4,236.1
1,280.0
1,939.2

4,338.7
1,301.1
2,056.7

4,659.8
866.6
2,310.9

80
79.8
623
34.2

51.9
69.1

41
76.7
670
34.6

33.2
75.6

66
79.6
675
36.3

40.0
80.6

63
91.9
663
37.2

52.2
30.5

66
87.9
703
36.8

91
121.1
860
39.2

112
190.1
1,009
41.1

81
180.7
966
45.6

34
78.1
941
49.2

42
100.1
921
56.0

53.9
40.1

105.8
150.3

179.7
205.4

158.1
165.7

116.8
102.5

187.1
153.5

Dividend
Reinvestment
Plan/
Executive
Share Plan 

Dividend
Reinvestment
Plan

Dividend
Reinvestment
Plan

Dividend
Reinvestment
Plan/
Executive
Share Plan 

–

–

1 for 8 
rights issue/
Employee
Share Plan

Employee
Share Plan

Employee
Share Plan/
Executive
Share Plan 

Number of issued shares at year end (million)
Weighted average number of shares (million)
Dividends per share
– ordinary (¢)
– special (¢)

Dividends

– ordinary ($million)
– special ($million)

Ratios and Statistics
Earnings per share

– before abnormal items (¢)
– after abnormal items (¢)

Return on total operating revenue (%)
Return on average shareholders’ equity (%)
Net debt/equity (%)
Net interest cover (times)

473.0
477.5

19.0
–

88.5
–

23.9
(23.2)
16.6
9.2
62.1
4.1

498.6
495.7

21.0
–

102.7
–

28.3
22.7
18.9
11.7
64.7
5.9

517.9
518.8

22.0
5.0

112.3
25.8

35.5
42.3
24.3
14.1
51.5
7.0

539.6
539.2

22.0
–

117.2
–

33.3
35.3
25.1
12.3
40.5
8.3

539.6
553.3

23.0
–

123.6
–

25.3
20.0
18.9
9.2
42.3
5.8

539.6
553.4

24.0
–

129.0
–

35.4
35.4
24.4
12.6
59.2
6.2

607.3
583.7

25.0
–

151.3
–

35.3
35.3
24.0
11.8
58.1
5.4

607.8
605.6

25.0
–

151.4
–

29.1
29.1
17.6
9.1
66.0
4.4

608.2
606.1

27.0
–

163.7
–

36.2
51.0
22.0
11.0
63.3
5.2

General
Number of employees
Number of shareholders
Market capitalisation ($million)

1,570
29,706
1,399.2

1,468
35,492
1,288.5

1,526
42,068
1,988.1

1,492
50,595
1,868.2

1,471
55,684
2,111.2

1,461
55,482
2,741.1

1,615
65,459
3,826.1

1,650
81,286
2,653.9

1,645
81,416
2,516.1

1,631
76,457
3,669.8

Prior year amounts have, where applicable, been adjusted to place them on a comparable basis with current year amounts.

Employee
Share Plan/
Executive
Share Plan/
Restricted
Shares/
Exercise
of Options

610.4
608.3

30.0
10.0

182.7
61.2

80.0
80.0
31.3
22.3
37.5
9.1

FINANCIAL 

REPORT

37

CONTENTS

Directors’ Statutory Report

Financial Report
Profit and Loss Statements
Balance Sheets
Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to the Financial Statements

1 Statement of Accounting Policies
2 Revenue
3 Depreciation, Depletion and Amortisation

Interest Expense 

4
5 Operating Profit
6 Taxation
7 Dividends
8 Receivables
Inventories
9
10 Other Assets
Investments

11
12 Exploration and Development Expenditure
13 Land and Buildings, Plant and Equipment

Intangibles

14
15 Accounts Payable
16 Borrowings
17 Provisions
18 Share Capital
19 Reserves
20 Earnings per Share

21

Investments in Controlled Entities
Interests in Joint Ventures

22
23 Notes to Statements of Cash Flows
24 Related Parties
25 Executives’ and Directors’ Remuneration
26 Remuneration of Auditors
27 Segment Reporting
28 Commitments for Expenditure
29 Superannuation Commitments
30 Contingent Liabilities
31 Additional Financial Instruments Disclosure
32 Economic Dependency
Directors’ Declaration

Independent  Auditors’  Report

38

42
43
44

45
48
48
48
49
49
50
50
50
50
51
51
51
52
52
52
53
54
56
56
57
59
61
62
63
64
65
65
66
67
67
69
70

71

Directors’ Statutory Report

38

The Directors present their report together with the financial report of Santos Ltd (“the Company”) and the consolidated financial report of
the consolidated entity, being the Company and its controlled entities, for the financial year ended 31 December 2000, and the auditors’
report thereon. Information in this Annual Report referred to by page number in this report or contained in a Note to the financial
statements referred to in this report is to be read as part of this report.

1. Directors, Directors’ Shareholdings and Directors’ Meetings

The names of Directors of the Company in office at the date of this report and details of the relevant interest of each of those Directors in
shares in the Company at that date are as set out below:

Surname

Other Names

Shareholdings in Santos Ltd

Uhrig
Barnett
Conroy
Ellice-Flint
Gerlach
McArdle
McGregor
O’Leary
Sloan
Webber

John Allan (Chairman)
Peter Charles
Francis John
John Charles (Managing Director) 
Stephen (Deputy Chairman)
John Walter (Executive Director)
Graeme William
Michael Anthony
Judith
Ian Ernest

Beneficial
Interest

16,875
16,250
1,900 
1,000,000*
17,305 
516,732**
10,000 
4,725
2,500
26,250

Non-Beneficial
Interest

–
–
–
–
–
37,913
–
–
–
–

The above named Directors held office during and since the end of the financial year except for Mr J C Ellice-Flint, who was appointed a Director on 19 December 2000.

Except where otherwise indicated, all shareholdings are of fully paid ordinary shares.
* These shares are Restricted Shares issued on the terms described in Note 18 to the financial statements.
** Includes 160,000 partly paid Executive Share Plan shares.

No Director holds shares in any related body corporate, other than in trust for the Company.

At the date of this report, Mr J W McArdle holds 1,000,000 options issued pursuant to the Santos Executive Share Option Plan, approved by shareholders at the
Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 15 May 1997. Mr J C Ellice-Flint holds 3,000,000 options under the Santos Executive Share Option Plan and
subject to the further terms described in Note 18 to the financial statements.

Details of the qualifications, experience and special responsibilities of each Director are set out on pages 26 and 27 of this Annual Report.

Directors’ Meetings
The number of Directors’ Meetings and meetings of committees of Directors held during the financial year and the number of meetings
attended by each Director are as follows:

Surname

Other Names

Directors’
Meetings

Audit 
Committee

Environmental
Committee

Nomination and 
Remuneration
Committee

Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of Number of
Meetings Meetings Meetings Meetings Meetings Meetings Meetings Meetings
Attended

Attended

Attended

Attended

Held*

Held*

Held*

Held*

Uhrig 1
Adler 2
Barnett
Conroy
Ellice-Flint 3
Gerlach 4
McArdle
McGregor
O’Leary
Sloan
Webber

John Allan
Norman Ross
Peter Charles
Francis John
John Charles
Stephen
John Walter
Graeme William
Michael Anthony
Judith
Ian Ernest

11
8
11
11
1
11
11
11
11
11
11

11
8
10
11
1
11
10
11
11
11
10

3

3

3

3
3

3

3

3

3
3

2
2
3

–
3
1

3

2
2
2

–
3
1

3

7

7
7

7

7
7
7
7

7

7
7

7

7
7
7
6

* Reflects the number of meetings held during the time the Director held office, or was a member of the Committee, during the year.

1 Retired as member of Environmental Committee on 5 September 2000.
2 Retired as a Director of the Company on 30 September 2000.
3 Appointed as a Director of the Company on 19 December 2000.
4 Retired as a member of Audit Committee on 5 September 2000.

As at the date of this report, the Company had an audit committee of the Board of Directors.

Particulars of the Company’s corporate governance practices appear on pages 28 and 29 of this Annual Report.

2. Principal Activities

39

The principal activities of the consolidated entity during the financial year were: petroleum exploration; the production, treatment and
marketing of natural gas, crude oil, condensate, naphtha and liquid petroleum gas; and the transportation by pipeline of crude oil. No
significant change in the nature of these activities has occurred during the year.

3. Review and Results of Operations

A review of the operations and of the results of those operations of the consolidated entity during the financial year are contained in pages
2 to 9 and 12 to 21 of this Annual Report.

4. Dividends

In respect of the financial year:

(a) the Directors on 9 March, 2001 declared a fully franked final dividend of 15 cents per fully paid share be paid on 27 April, 2001 to
members registered in the books of the Company as at close of business on 3 April, 2001 and declared that such dividend be a
Class C franked dividend to the extent of 100%. This final dividend amounts to approximately $91.7 million; 

(b) the Directors on 9 March, 2001 declared a fully franked special dividend of 10 cents per fully paid share be paid on 27 April, 2001
to members registered in the books of the Company as at close of business on 3 April, 2001 and declared that such dividend be a
Class C franked dividend to the extent of 100%. This special dividend amounts to approximately $61.2 million; and

(c) a fully franked interim dividend of $91 million (15 cents per share) was paid to members in November 2000.

A fully franked final dividend of $91 million on the 1999 results (15 cents per share) was paid in April 2000. Indication of this dividend
payment was disclosed in the 1999 Annual Report.

5. State of Affairs

In the opinion of the Directors, there were no significant changes in the state of affairs of the consolidated entity that occurred during
the financial year other than those referred to on pages 7 to 9 of this Annual Report. 

6. Environmental Regulation

The consolidated entity’s Australian operations are subject to various environmental regulations under Commonwealth, State and
Territory legislation, including under applicable petroleum legislation and in respect to: its South Australian operations, some 34 State
and Commonwealth Acts and licences (nos. EPA 2569, 1259, 888 and 2164) issued under the Environmental Protection Act, 1993; its
Queensland operations, some 27 State and Commonwealth Acts and licence no. 150029 issued under the Environmental Protection Act,
1994; its Northern Territory operations, some 15 Territory and Commonwealth Acts; its offshore operations, some 29 State, Territory and
Commonwealth Acts; and its Victorian operations, some 22 State and Commonwealth Acts. Applicable legislation and requisite
environmental licences are specified in the entity’s relevant Environmental Compliance Manuals, which Manuals form part of the consolidated
entity’s overall Environmental Management System. Compliance performance is monitored on a regular basis and in various forms, including
environmental audits conducted by regulatory authorities and by the Company, either through internal or external resources. During the
financial year: no fines were imposed; no prosecutions were instituted; and no notice of non-compliance with the above referenced
regulations was received from a regulatory body.

7. Events Subsequent to Balance Date

In the opinion of the Directors there has not arisen in the interval between the end of the financial year and the date of this report any
matter or circumstance that has significantly affected or may significantly affect the operations of the consolidated entity, the results of
those operations, or the state of affairs of the consolidated entity in future financial years.

8. Likely Developments

Certain likely developments in the operations of the consolidated entity and the expected results of those operations in future financial years
are referred to at pages 2 to 9 and 12 to 20 of this Annual Report. Further information about likely developments in the operations of the
consolidated entity and the expected results of those operations in future financial years has not been included in this report because
disclosure of the information would be likely to result in unreasonable prejudice to the consolidated entity.

9. Directors’ and Senior Executives’ Emoluments

The Board’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee is responsible for reviewing the remuneration policies and practices of the Company,
including the compensation arrangements for executive Directors and senior management, the Company’s superannuation arrangements
and, within the aggregate amount approved by shareholders, the fees for non-executive members of the Board. This role also includes
responsibility for the Company’s employee share and option plans. Executive and senior management performance review and succession
planning are matters referred to and considered by the Committee.

The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has access to independent advice and comparative studies on the appropriateness of
remuneration arrangements.

Non-executive Directors – As indicated above, within the aggregate amount approved by shareholders, the fees of the Chairman and 
non-executive Directors are set at levels which represent the responsibilities of and the time commitments provided by those Directors
in discharging their duties. Regard is also had to the level of fees payable to non-executive Directors of comparable companies.

Non-executive Directors are also entitled to receive a retirement payment upon ceasing to hold office as a Director. The retirement payment
(inclusive of superannuation guarantee charge entitlements) is made pursuant to an agreement entered into with each Director in terms
approved by shareholders at the 1989 Annual General Meeting.

Directors’ Statutory Report continued

40

Senior Executives – Remuneration levels are competitively set to attract, retain and motivate appropriately qualified and experienced senior
executives capable of discharging their respective responsibilities.

Remuneration packages of senior executives include performance based components in the form of equity participation through the Santos
Executive Share Option Plan. Options issued under the Plan are linked to the longer term performance of the Company and are only
exercisable following the satisfaction of performance hurdles that are designed to maximise shareholder wealth.

Details of the nature and amount of each element of the emoluments for the financial year of each Director and each of the five officers of
the Company and the consolidated entity receiving the highest emoluments are:

Non-Executive
Directors

Uhrig, John Allan (Chairman) 
Gerlach, Stephen (Deputy Chairman) 
Barnett, Peter Charles
Conroy, Francis John
McGregor, Graeme William
O’Leary, Michael Anthony
Sloan, Judith
Webber, Ian Ernest

Directors’ Fees

Committee Superannuation

$

180,000
75,904
60,000
60,000
60,000
60,000
60,000
60,000

Fees
$

5,446 
10,058 
5,500
– 
6,314
5,500
5,500
7,213

Contributions (1)

$

–
6,447 
4,913 
4,500 
4,974
4,913
4,913
5,041

Non-Cash
Benefits
$

74,688 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

Total

$

260,134
92,409
70,413
64,500
71,288
70,413
70,413
72,254 

Position

Base

Bonuses

Other

Retirement

Total

Options (7)

Remuneration (2)

Benefits (3) Payments (4)

Executive Directors

$

$

$

CEO & 
Managing Director

Director & Executive
General Manager –
Commercial

Former 
Managing Director

52,055

78,082

201,837 (6)

686,926 

–

231,695 

$

–

–

$

331,974 

3,000,000

918,621

829,800 

200,000 

395,508 

3,570,252 

4,995,560

General Manager –
Offshore Australia
Business Unit

General Manager –
Queensland and NT
Business Unit

Former General Manager –
Liquids Marketing

Former President –
Santos USA Corp

Former General Manager –
Exploration Review

481,448

350,000

170,377

589,615

160,683

–

–

–

–

–

165,766

146,184

–

–

647,214

496,184

54,488

446,490

671,355

49,545

–

639,160

26,266

298,769

485,718

(1) Contributions made in accordance with the Company’s Superannuation Guarantee Charge obligations.
(2) Base Remuneration includes base salary, packaged benefits and FBT (where applicable).
(3) Other Benefits are non base remuneration benefits including Company contributions to superannuation and the cost to the Company of cars (including

applicable FBT).
Includes contractual and statutory payments made upon retirement.

(4)
(5)  1,000,000 Restricted Shares were issued on 13 December 2000 to a trustee in respect of Mr J C Ellice-Flint. The terms of issue of the Restricted Shares are
set out in Note 18 to the financial statements. The Restricted Shares were valued by independent valuers as having a fair value of $5.60 per share. This value
has not been included in the emoluments disclosed above as it is only a notional value and ultimately no benefit may accrue to Mr Ellice-Flint.

(6) This amount includes a sign-on incentive payment.
(7)  Number of shares over which options were granted by the Company during the year. Options were granted pursuant to the Santos Executive Share Option

Plan, details of which are described in Note 18 to the financial statements. The Options were valued by independent valuers using the Binomial option pricing
model as follows:

Ellice-Flint,
John Charles (5)

McArdle,
John Walter

Adler,
Norman Ross

Executive Officers

Armstrong,
John Dennis

McArdle,
Rodney Eric

Lawrance,
Brian Jeremy

Baugh,
Michael Arle

Frost,
Michael Francis

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Grant Date

Exercise Price

Expiry Date

26 August 2000

$5.83

25 August 2010

1,000,000 options first exercisable on 26 August 2003: $0.77 per option
1,000,000 options first exercisable on 26 August 2004: $0.76 per option
1,000,000 options first exercisable on 26 August 2005: $0.75 per option

Valuation

41

These values have not been included in the emoluments disclosed above as they are only notional values and ultimately no benefit may accrue.

Note: The five officers (including former officers) disclosed above were those executive officers within the consolidated entity responsible for the strategic
direction and operational management of major business units receiving the highest emoluments.

No options have been granted since the end of the financial year. Information in relation to shares issued as a result of the exercise of
options over unissued shares is contained in Note 18 to the financial statements. 

10. Indemnification

Article 177 of the Company’s Articles of Association provides that the Company indemnifies each person who is or who has been an
“officer” (as defined in the Corporations Law) of the Company against any liability to another person (other than the Company or a
related body corporate) arising from their position as such officer, unless the liability arises out of conduct involving a lack of good faith.
The Company has insured against amounts which it is liable to pay pursuant to Article 177 or which it otherwise agrees to pay by way
of indemnity. Article 177 also provides for an indemnity in favour of an officer or auditor (KPMG) in relation to costs incurred in defending
proceedings in which judgement is given in their favour or in which they are acquitted or the Court grants relief.

In conformity with Article 177, the Company is party to Deeds of Indemnity in favour of each of the Directors referred to in this report,
who held office during the year and certain General Managers of the consolidated entity, being indemnities to the full extent permitted by
law. There is no monetary limit to the extent of the indemnity under those Deeds and no liability has arisen thereunder during or since the
financial year other than in respect of the legal costs referred to below. During the financial year, the Company and Mr J C Ellice-Flint, the
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, entered into a Deed of Access, Indemnity and Insurance. Pursuant to the Deed, the
Company agreed to: indemnify Mr Ellice-Flint as an officer to the extent permitted by law; obtain D & O insurance for Mr Ellice-Flint during
the time he holds office and for 7 years after he ceases to hold office; and allow Mr Ellice-Flint access to documents in accordance with
the Corporations Law.

During the financial year, Mr N R Adler, former Managing Director, and Mr J W McArdle, an executive Director, were provided with a tax
indemnity by the Company in relation to any liability to tax that may arise in respect of payments, the benefit of which have been passed
on to the Company, made upon their retirement as the Company’s representatives on the Board of QCT Resources Limited. No liability
has arisen under the indemnities during or since the end of the financial year.

During and since the financial year up to the date of this report, legal costs of $232,153 have been paid by the Company in defending
certain proceedings in relation to termination of employment brought by a former employee against: the Company; the former Managing
Director, Mr N R Adler; another employee of the consolidated entity, Dr J D Armstrong; and a former employee of the consolidated entity.
These costs, which insofar as they relate to the three personal defendants have been paid pursuant to the terms of the above Deeds of
Indemnity, have not been apportioned among the Company nor the three indemnified personal defendants and therefore it is not possible
to determine the amount paid on behalf of each of them.

11. Rounding

Australian Securities and Investments Commission Class Order 98/100, dated 10 July 1998, applies to the Company and accordingly
amounts have been rounded off in accordance with that Class Order, unless otherwise indicated.

This report is made on 9 March, 2001 in accordance with a resolution of the Directors.

J A Uhrig
Director
9 March, 2001

J C Ellice-Flint
Director

Profit and Loss Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2000

42

Consolidated

2000
$million

1999
$million

Santos Ltd 

2000
$million

1999
$million

note

Revenue from operating activities
Operating expenses
Depreciation, depletion and amortisation
Interest expense
Share of associated company’s operating profit/(loss) after tax
Proceeds from sale of associated company
Book value of associated company sold

Operating profit before income tax

Income tax attributable to operating profit
Abnormal income tax item

Operating profit after income tax attributable to

the shareholders of Santos Ltd

Retained profits at the beginning of the year
Adjustment to retained profits at the beginning

of the year on initial adoption of revised
AASB 1016 “Accounting for Investments in Associates”

Total available for appropriation
Dividends provided for or paid

Retained profits at the end of the year

(2)

(3)
(4)

(2)
(5)

(5)

(6)
(6)

(7)

1,555.2
(399.7)
(354.9)
(85.8)
(18.7)
325.5
(295.7)

725.9

(239.1)
–

486.8
495.2

–

982.0
(243.9)

738.1

995.6
(305.6)
(278.5)
(74.4)
2.5
–
–

339.6

(120.4)
89.9

309.1
378.3

(28.5)

658.9
(163.7)

495.2

The profit and loss statements are to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements.

722.1
(160.9)
(116.4)
(79.8)
–
325.5
(351.7)

338.8

(72.1)
– 

266.7
522.3

–

789.0
(243.9)

545.1

576.2
(129.3)
(103.9)
(74.6)
–
–
–

268.4

(54.3)
48.3

262.4
423.6

–

686.0
(163.7)

522.3

Balance Sheets

at 31 December 2000

Current assets
Cash
Receivables
Inventories
Other

Total current assets

Non-current assets
Investments
Exploration and development expenditure
Land and buildings, plant and equipment
Intangibles
Other

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities
Accounts payable
Borrowings
Provisions

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings
Provisions

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Shareholders’ equity
Share capital
Reserves
Retained profits

Total shareholders’ equity

Consolidated

2000
$million

1999
$million

Santos Ltd 

43

2000
$million

1999
$million

note

(8)
(9)
(10)

(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(10)

(15)
(16)
(17)

(16)
(17)

(18)
(19)

182.5
234.7
98.8
20.8

536.8

33.8
2,623.7
1,344.0
35.6
85.9

4,123.0

4,659.8

285.9
61.5
416.5

763.9

987.6
597.4

1,585.0

2,348.9

2,310.9

1,572.6
0.2
738.1

2,310.9

97.9
153.7
90.1
–

341.7

349.3
2,358.0
1,185.9
44.6
59.2

3,997.0

4,338.7

121.6
0.4
183.7

305.7

1,398.6
577.7

1,976.3

2,282.0

2,056.7

1,562.6
(1.1)
495.2

2,056.7

12.7
1,176.5
45.1
–

1,234.3

1,838.9
841.5
570.6
–
5.3

3,256.3

4,490.6

1,845.0
–
247.9

2,092.9

–
280.0

280.0

2,372.9

2,117.7

1,572.6
–
545.1

2,117.7

2.8
1,267.8
46.0
–

1,316.6

1,931.9
802.8
548.9
–
8.1

3,291.7

4,608.3

2,078.0
–
168.8

2,246.8

–
276.6

276.6

2,523.4

2,084.9

1,562.6
–
522.3

2,084.9

The balance sheets are to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements.

Statements of Cash Flows

for the year ended 31 December 2000

44

Consolidated

2000
$million

1999
$million

Santos Ltd 

2000
$million

1999
$million

note

Cash flows from operating activities
Receipts from customers
Dividends received
Interest received
Overriding royalties received
Pipeline tariffs and other receipts
Payments to suppliers and employees
Government royalties
Interest and other costs of finance paid
Income taxes paid

Net cash provided by operating activities

(23)

Cash flows from investing activities
Payments for:
Exploration
Development
Land and buildings, plant and equipment
Acquisitions of oil and gas assets
Acquisitions of controlled entities
Restoration
Other investments

Proceeds from:

Sale of associated company
Liquidation of controlled entity
Disposal of non-current assets
Other

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid
Proceeds from issues of shares
Net (repayment)/drawdown of borrowings
Advances to controlled entities

Net cash used in financing activities

Net increase/(decrease) in cash

Cash at the beginning of the year
Effects of exchange rate changes on the balances

of cash held in foreign currencies

Cash at the end of the year

1,533.8
1.4
9.0
15.0
17.9
(301.3)
(94.7)
(85.9)
(72.2)

1,023.0

(93.7)
(159.1)
(138.6)
(302.5)
–
(0.7)
(0.4)

325.5
–
11.3
0.5

(357.7)

(182.1)
10.0
(411.9)
–

(584.0)

81.3

97.9

3.3

182.5

912.7
12.0
3.8
12.2
13.7
(249.7)
(45.6)
(84.2)
(45.0)

529.9

(95.0)
(118.4)
(95.1)
(112.5)
(15.3)
(2.2)
–

–
–
19.8
0.3

(418.4)

(151.5)
1.9
18.0
–

(131.6)

(20.1)

117.8

0.2

97.9

The statements of cash flows are to be read in conjunction with the notes to the financial statements.

548.9
99.6
24.0
21.7
16.4
(118.7)
(32.5)
(80.8)
(60.6)

418.0

(27.2)
(61.4)
(70.9)
(0.1)
(220.4)
(0.5)
(4.8)

325.5
14.1
0.5
0.5

(44.7)

(182.1)
10.0
–
(191.3)

(363.4)

9.9

2.8

–

12.7

389.1
93.2
29.6
17.2
10.4
(96.1)
(23.5)
(75.1)
(9.0)

335.8

(32.0)
(52.0)
(48.3)
–
(14.2)
–
(0.1)

–
–
0.1
–

(146.5)

(151.5)
1.9
–
(71.5)

(221.1)

(31.8)

34.6

–

2.8

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2000

1

Statement of Accounting Policies

The significant accounting policies that have been adopted in the
preparation of this financial report are:

(a) Basis of preparation

The financial report is a general purpose financial report in
accordance with applicable Accounting Standards, Urgent
Issues Group Consensus Views, other authoritative
pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards
Board and the Corporations Law. It has been prepared on
the basis of historical cost principles and does not take
into account changes in the purchasing power of money
or, except where specifically stated, current valuations of 
non-current assets. The accounting policies are consistent
with those adopted in the previous financial year.

(b) Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the financial
statements of the Company, Santos Ltd being the parent
entity, and its controlled entities (“the consolidated entity”). 

The balances and effects of all transactions between
controlled entities included in the consolidated financial
statements are eliminated.

Interests in unincorporated joint ventures are recognised by
including in the financial statements under the appropriate
headings the consolidated entity’s proportion of the joint
venture costs, assets and liabilities.

Interests in associated companies are accounted for under
the equity method in the consolidated financial statements.

The equity method requires the carrying amount of
investments in associated companies to be adjusted by the
consolidated entity’s share of the associates’ net profit or loss
after tax and amortisation of goodwill. These amounts are
recognised in the consolidated profit and loss statement. 

Interests in associated companies are accounted for under
the cost method in the Company’s financial statements.

(c) Non-current assets

With the exception of exploration expenditure carried forward
pertaining to areas of interest in the exploration stage (refer
note 1(j)), the carrying amounts of non-current assets are
reviewed to determine whether they are in excess of their
estimated recoverable amount at balance date. If the carrying
amount of a non-current asset exceeds the estimated
recoverable amount, the asset is written down to the lower
value. In assessing recoverable amounts, the relevant cash
flows have not been discounted to their present value.

45

(d) Acquisition of assets

Assets acquired in arms length transactions are recorded
at the cost of acquisition as represented by the purchase
consideration which is the fair value of assets given.

On acquisition of a controlled entity, the identifiable net assets
acquired are recorded at their fair values. To the extent that
there is excess purchase consideration representing goodwill,
the goodwill is amortised using the straight line method over
a period of 20 years. The unamortised balance of goodwill is
reviewed at each balance date and charged to profit and loss
to the extent that the balance exceeds the value of expected
future benefits.

Assets transferred between entities within the consolidated
entity on restructuring may be transferred at other than fair
value. The acquiring entity deems the purchase consideration
to be the fair value of assets acquired and any difference from
the fair value of assets given is brought to account as
revenue or expense on restructuring.

(e) Foreign currency

Foreign currency transactions are translated to Australian
currency at the rates of exchange in effect at the dates of
the transactions. Amounts receivable and payable in foreign
currencies at balance date are translated at the rate of
exchange existing on that date. Exchange differences relating
to amounts receivable or payable in foreign currencies are
brought to account in the profit and loss statement in the
period in which they arise except that exchange differences
on transactions entered into in order to hedge the purchase
or sale of specific goods and services are deferred and
included in the measurement of the purchase or sale.

Financial statements of integrated foreign controlled entities
are translated at balance date using the temporal method and
any profit or loss on the translation of monetary assets and
liabilities is brought to account in determining operating profit
for the year.

Financial statements of self-sustaining foreign controlled
entities are translated at balance date using the current
method and exchange differences are taken directly to the
foreign currency translation reserve. 

Exchange differences relating to amounts receivable or
payable in foreign currencies forming part of the net
investment in a self-sustaining foreign operation are
transferred on consolidation to the foreign currency
translation reserve.

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2000

46

1

Statement of Accounting Policies continued

(f) Goods and services tax

Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of
the amount of goods and services tax (“GST”), except
where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from
the Australian Tax Office (“ATO”). In these circumstances the
GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the
asset or as part of an item of the expense.

Receivables and payables are stated with the amount of
GST included.

The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to,
the ATO is included as a current asset or liability in the
balance sheet.

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

(g) Revenue

Product sales, equipment rentals and pipeline tariffs, overriding
royalties and other income are recognised when the goods
and services are provided and the consolidated entity has a
legally enforceable entitlement to the proceeds. Interest
revenue is recognised as it accrues. Dividend income from
controlled entities is recognised as revenue as dividends are
declared and from other parties as dividends are received.

(h) Receivables

Trade debtors and other receivables are recorded at amounts
due. A provision is made for any doubtful debts based on a
review of collectability of outstanding amounts at balance
date. Bad debts are written off in the period they are
identified.

(i)

Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable
value after provision is made for obsolescence. Cost is
determined as follows:

(i) Drilling and maintenance stocks, which include plant

spares, maintenance and drilling tools used for ongoing
operations, are valued at average cost.

(ii) Petroleum products, which comprise extracted crude
oil, LPG, condensate and naphtha stored in tanks and
pipeline systems and processed sales gas and ethane
stored in subsurface reservoirs, are valued using the
absorption cost method.

(j) Exploration and development expenditure

Exploration and development expenditures in respect of each
area of interest are accumulated and carried forward if either:

(i) such expenditure is expected to be recouped through

successful development and commercial exploitation of
the area of interest; or

(ii) the exploration activities in the area of interest have not yet
reached a stage which permits reasonable assessment of
the existence of economically recoverable reserves.

When an area of interest is abandoned or if Directors consider
the expenditure to be of reduced or no further value,
accumulated exploration expenditure is written down or off in
the period in which such a decision is made.

(k) Borrowings

Borrowings are carried on the balance sheet at their principal
amount. Interest is accrued at the contracted rate.

(l) Leases

Finance leases, which effectively transfer to the lessee
substantially all of the risks and benefits incidental to
ownership of the leased item, are capitalised at the
present value of the minimum lease payments, disclosed
as capitalised leases and amortised over the period the
lessee is expected to benefit from the use of the leased
assets. A corresponding liability is also established and each
lease payment is allocated between the principal component
and the interest expense.

Operating lease payments, where the lessors effectively retain
substantially all the risks and benefits of ownership of the
leased items, are charged against operating profit in equal
instalments over the lease term.

(m) Capitalisation of finance costs

Pre-production interest, finance charges and foreign
currency exchange gains and losses relating to major plant
and equipment projects under development and construction
up to the date of commencement of commercial operations
are capitalised and amortised over the expected useful lives
of the facilities. Where funds are borrowed specifically for
qualifying projects the actual finance costs incurred are
capitalised. Where the projects are funded through general
borrowings the finance costs are capitalised based on the
weighted average borrowing rate, which for the year ended
31 December 2000 was 6.70% (1999: 5.60%).

Finance costs incurred in respect of completed projects
are expensed.

1

Statement of Accounting Policies continued

47

(n) Deferred income

(q) Employee entitlements

A liability is recorded for obligations under sales contracts to
deliver natural gas in future periods for which payment has
already been received.

(o) Depreciation and depletion

Depreciation charges are calculated to write-off the carrying
value of buildings, plant and equipment over their estimated
useful lives to the entity. Depreciation of onshore buildings,
plant and equipment assets is calculated using the straight
line method of depreciation. The estimated useful lives to the
entity will vary for each asset depending on projected average
rate of usage, degree of technical obsolescence, expected
commercial life and the period of time during which the right
or entitlement to the asset exists. The depreciation rates are
reviewed and reassessed periodically in light of the technical
and economic developments.

The useful lives for each class of onshore asset will vary
depending on their individual technical and economic
characteristics but will generally fall within the following
ranges:

• Plant and equipment

– Computer equipment
– Motor vehicles
– Furniture and fittings
– Pipelines
– Plant and facilities

• Buildings

3 – 5 years
4 – 7 years
10 – 20 years
20 – 30 years
20 – 50 years

20 – 50 years

Depreciation of offshore plant and equipment is calculated
using a unit of production method which will proportionately
depreciate the assets over the life of the reserves on a field
by field basis.

Depletion charges are calculated using a unit of production
method which will amortise, over the life of the reserves,
exploration and development expenditure together with future
costs necessary to develop the hydrocarbon reserves in the
respective areas of interest.

Depletion is not charged on costs carried forward in respect
of areas of interest in the development stage until production
commences.

(p) Restoration

Provisions are made for environmental restoration
where gas and petroleum production is undertaken.
Such provisions recognise the estimated future restoration
obligations incrementally over the life of the hydrocarbon
reserves on a unit of production basis. The estimated
future obligations include removing of facilities, abandoning
of wells and restoring the affected areas. Estimates for the
future restoration obligations are reviewed and reassessed
regularly, based on current legal requirements and technology
and are measured in current dollars on an undiscounted
basis. Adjustments to the provisions are made on a
prospective basis.

The provisions for employee entitlements to wages, salaries,
annual leave and sick leave are measured at undiscounted
amounts based on current wage and salary rates and include
related on-costs.

Long service leave is provided in respect of all employees,
based on the present value of the estimated future cash
outflow to be made resulting from employees’ services up
to balance date, and having regard to the probability that
employees as a group will remain in the entity’s employ for
the period of time necessary to qualify for long service leave.

Contributions to defined benefit superannuation plans
sponsored by the consolidated entity are charged against
operating profit. Where the assets of a fund significantly
exceed the liabilities and the fund’s actuary has so
recommended, contributions are suspended until such
time as the surplus is reduced.

(r) Employee share ownership plans

The Company operates a number of share ownership plans.

Shares issued under the Santos Executive Share Plan, Santos
Executive Share Option Plan and the Santos Employee Share
Purchase Plan are treated as equity contributions to the
extent the shares are paid up.

The value of the shares issued to eligible employees under
the Santos Employee Share Acquisition Plan is expensed over
a three year period.

(s)

Income tax
Tax effect accounting is applied whereby the income tax
charged in the profit and loss statements is matched with
the accounting profit after allowing for permanent differences.
Income tax on timing differences, which arise from items
being brought to account in different periods for income tax
and accounting purposes, is carried forward in the balance
sheets as a future income tax benefit or deferred income tax
liability. Future income tax benefits relating to entities which
incur losses are brought to account where realisation of the
benefits is considered to be virtually certain.

(t) Derivative financial instruments

Gains and losses on derivative financial instruments
designated as hedges are accounted for on the same basis
as the underlying exposures they are hedging. The gains and
losses on derivative financial instruments hedging specific
purchase or sale commitments are deferred and included
in the measurement of the purchase or sale.

(u) Comparatives

Where applicable, prior year amounts have been adjusted to
place them on a comparable basis with current year amounts.

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2000

48

2

Revenue

Consolidated

2000
$million

1999
$million

Santos Ltd 

2000
$million

1999
$million

Revenue from operating activities
Product sales
Overriding royalties
Equipment rentals, pipeline tariffs and other
Interest revenue:

Controlled entities
Other entities
Dividends from:
Other entities
Controlled entities
Associated company – ordinary dividend

Proceeds from sale of non-current assets
Net revenue on restructuring within the

consolidated entity 

Revenue from outside operating activities
Proceeds from sale of shares in QCT Resources Limited
comprising $1.20 per share from MetCoal Holdings
(Qld) Pty Ltd and $0.10 per share special dividend
from QCT Resources Limited

3

Depreciation, Depletion and Amortisation

Depletion of exploration and development expenditure 
Depreciation of plant and equipment
Depreciation of buildings
Future restoration costs
Amortisation of capitalised leases
Amortisation of goodwill
Write-down of exploration expenditure

4

Interest Expense

Interest expense:

Controlled entities
Other entities:
On loans
On finance leases 
Less interest capitalised

1,497.1
16.5
21.1

–
9.4

1.4
–
–
9.7

–

1,555.2

944.5
13.3
13.8

–
3.8

0.7
–
–
19.5

– 

995.6

507.2
22.8
14.2

23.7
0.3

1.4
98.2
–
0.4

53.9

722.1

325.5

1,880.7

–

995.6

325.5

1,047.6

204.4
116.3
2.0
12.7
0.8
9.0
9.7

354.9

–

97.2
0.9
(12.3)

85.8

163.1 
90.8
2.0
5.1
0.9
9.0
7.6

278.5

–

81.7
0.7
(8.0)

74.4

69.4
44.7
1.3
1.0
–
–
–

116.4

80.7

–
–
(0.9)

79.8

420.5
17.2
15.4

29.3
0.4

0.7
81.2
11.3
0.2

–

576.2

–

576.2

59.6
42.4
1.3
0.6
–
–
–

103.9

75.0

0.1
–
(0.5)

74.6

5

Operating Profit

Operating profit before income tax
includes the following items:

Government royalties
Increase in provisions:

Doubtful debts
Stock obsolescence
Employee entitlements and non-executive

Directors’ retirement benefits

Operating lease rentals
Write-down of investment in controlled entity
Loss on disposal of other non-current assets
Sale of shares in QCT Resources Limited:

(Surplus)/deficit of proceeds over book value
Transaction costs

Sale of shares in QCT Resources Limited
On 17 October 2000 the Company sold its shares in its associated 
company, QCT Resources Limited. Total proceeds on sale were 
$325.5 million. The equity carrying value at the date of sale was
$295.7 million which resulted in a surplus on sale in the consolidated
profit and loss statement of $29.8 million. The cost of the shares 
sold was $351.7 million which resulted in a deficit on sale by the 
Company of $26.2 million.

6

Taxation

Income tax attributable to operating profit
The prima facie income tax attributable to operating profit
differs from income tax expense and is calculated as follows:

Prima facie income tax at 34% (1999: 36%)
Tax effect of permanent and other differences which
increase/(decrease) income tax expense:

(Gain)/loss on sale of associated company
Rebate on dividend income
Net revenue on restructuring within the consolidated

entity

Other

Consolidated

2000
$million

1999
$million

Santos Ltd 

49

2000
$million

1999
$million

98.5

0.4
0.6

12.4
30.1
–
0.1

(29.8)
1.8

48.8

0.1
0.1

3.8 
25.1
–
0.4

–
–

34.6

25.4

0.1
0.3

9.0
4.6
6.3
0.1

26.2
1.8

–
–

2.7
2.1
7.7
0.3

–
–

246.8

122.3

115.2

96.6

(1.6)
(9.0)

–
2.9

–
(0.4)

– 
(1.5)

Income tax attributable to operating profit

239.1

120.4

Abnormal income tax item
Restatement of net deferred income tax provision

due to change in future income tax rates

Income tax comprises amounts set aside to:

Provision for current income tax
Provision for deferred income tax
Future income tax benefits

–

239.1

231.6
7.6
(0.1)

239.1

(89.9)

30.5

95.3
(53.3)
(11.5)

30.5

17.4
(42.4)

(18.3)
0.2

72.1

–

72.1

68.9
3.2
–

72.1

–
(33.5)

–
(8.8)

54.3

(48.3)

6.0

46.8
(40.8)
–

6.0

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2000

50

7

Dividends

Consolidated

2000
$million

1999
$million

Santos Ltd 

2000
$million

1999
$million

Dividends provided for or paid by the Company
Interim dividend of 15.0 cents per share, fully franked

(1999: 12.0 cents per share, fully franked)

Final ordinary dividend of 15.0 cents per share, fully franked

(1999: 15.0 cents per share, fully franked)

Final special dividend of 10.0 cents per share, fully franked

(1999: nil)

Franking credits
Balance of franking account credits at 34% (1999: 36%) 

available for future distribution of franked dividends, after 
adjusting for franking credits which will arise from the payment 
of the current income tax provision at 31 December 2000 and 
after deducting franking credits to be used in payment of the 
2000 final dividends 

8

Receivables

Trade debtors
Sundry debtors and prepayments
Less provision for doubtful debts 
Amounts owing by controlled entities

9

Inventories

Petroleum products
Drilling and maintenance stocks
Less provision for obsolescence

10

Other Assets

Current
Deferred foreign currency fluctuations on borrowings

Non-current
Security deposit
Future income tax benefits
Other loans
Deferred foreign currency fluctuations on borrowings

91.0

91.7

61.2

243.9

72.7

91.0

–

163.7

91.0

91.7

61.2

243.9

72.7

91.0

–

163.7

359.6

179.3

57.4

61.1

192.4
44.1
(1.8)
–

234.7

62.0
41.0
(4.2)

98.8

20.8

20.8

9.2
16.4
–
60.3

85.9

119.2
35.9
(1.4)
–

153.7

58.0
35.9
(3.8)

90.1

–

–

13.0
16.3
0.5
29.4

59.2

69.5
18.5
(0.9)
1,089.4

1,176.5

70.7
16.4
(0.8)
1,181.5

1,267.8

29.1
17.1
(1.1)

45.1

–

–

5.3
–
–
–

5.3

30.4
16.6
(1.0)

46.0

–

–

7.6
–
0.5
–

8.1

11

Investments

Investments in controlled entities
Investment in associated company:

Equity accounted
Listed shares at cost

Investments in other listed shares at cost

Market value of investments in listed shares

12

Exploration and Development Expenditure

Areas in which production has commenced
Cost at the beginning of the year
Expenditure incurred during the year
Acquisitions, net of disposals and foreign currency

translation

Expenditure transferred from areas in the exploration

and development stage

Expenditure written off during the year

Cost at the end of the year

Less accumulated depletion

Areas in the exploration and development stage
Cost at the beginning of the year
Expenditure incurred during the year
Acquisitions, net of disposals and foreign currency

translation

Expenditure transferred to areas where production

has commenced 

Expenditure written off during the year

Cost at the end of the year

Total exploration and development expenditure

13

Land and Buildings, Plant and Equipment

Land and buildings
At cost
Less accumulated depreciation

Plant and equipment
At cost
Capitalised leases

Less accumulated depreciation

Total land and buildings, plant and equipment

Consolidated

2000
$million

1999
$million

Santos Ltd 

51

2000
$million

1999
$million

–

–
–
33.8

33.8

46.3

3,717.0
254.2

241.7

22.1
(4.7)

4,230.3

(1,909.2)

2,321.1

282.0
33.0

14.7

(22.1)
(5.0)

302.6

2,623.7

68.4
(38.9)

29.5

2,677.3
16.9

2,694.2
(1,379.7)

1,314.5

1,344.0

–

314.4
–
34.9

349.3

261.6

3,563.0
170.5

(29.3)

12.8
–

3,717.0

(1,641.0)

2,076.0

169.3
24.4

108.7

(12.8) 
(7.6)

282.0

2,358.0

68.4
(36.4)

32.0

2,403.6
18.2

2,421.8
(1,267.9)

1,153.9

1,185.9

1,805.1

1,546.4

–
–
33.8

–
351.7
33.8

1,838.9

1,931.9

46.3

261.6

1,214.8
96.5

1,153.5
61.3

–

–
–

1,311.3

(617.6)

693.7

136.3
11.5

–

–
–

147.8

841.5

39.6
(27.6)

12.0

1,374.5
–

1,374.5
(815.9)

558.6

570.6

–

–
–

1,214.8

(548.3)

666.5

123.3
13.0

–

–
–

136.3

802.8

39.6
(25.8)

13.8

1,310.9
–

1,310.9
(775.8)

535.1

548.9

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2000

52

14

Intangibles

Goodwill, at cost
Less accumulated amortisation

15

Accounts Payable

Trade creditors
Sundry creditors and accruals
Amounts owing to controlled entities

16

Borrowings

Current
Lease liabilities
Long-term notes

Non-current
Bank loans
Commercial paper
Medium-term notes
Long-term notes
Lease liabilities

Santos Ltd 

2000
$million

1999
$million

–
–

–

–
–

–

67.1
29.7
1,748.2

1,845.0

31.8
17.7
2,028.5

2,078.0

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–
–
–
–

–

Consolidated

2000
$million

160.2
(124.6)

35.6

183.9
102.0
–

285.9

0.4
61.1

61.5

–
40.0
169.9
765.1
12.6

987.6

1999
$million

160.2
(115.6)

44.6

81.0
40.6
–

121.6

0.4
–

0.4

462.7
443.0
219.8
260.0
13.1

1,398.6

Amount
A$million

5.0
100.0
50.0
175.0
200.0
100.0
200.0

830.0

Details of major credit facilities

(a) Bank loans

The consolidated entity has access to the following committed revolving facilities:

Revolving facilities at 31 December 2000

Year of maturity

Currency

2001
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006

Australian dollars
Multi option
Multi option
Multi option
Multi option
Multi option
Multi option

Bank loans bear interest at the relevant interbank reference rate plus 0.15% to 0.45%. The amount drawn at 31 December 2000 is nil
(1999: US$90.0 million (A$137.7 million) and A$325.0 million). The weighted average annual effective interest rate at 31 December 1999
was 5.87%.

53

16

Borrowings continued

(b) Commercial paper

The consolidated entity has commercial paper programs based in Hong Kong and Australia. The programs which total US$200.0 million
(1999: US$200.0 million) (Euro Commercial Paper) and A$800.0 million (1999: A$600.0 million) (Promissory Notes) are supported by the
revolving facilities referred to in (a) above. At 31 December 2000, A$40.0 million (1999: A$443.0 million) equivalent of commercial paper
is on issue and the weighted average annual effective interest rate is 6.82% (1999: 5.75%).

(c) Medium-term notes

The consolidated entity has a A$500.0 million (1999: A$500.0) domestic medium-term note program. At 31 December 2000, 
A$149.9 million (1999: A$149.8 million) of fixed rate notes have been issued at an annual effective interest rate of 6.55% (1999: 6.55%),
maturing in 2002. In addition, A$20.0 million (1999: A$70.0 million) of medium-term notes have been issued at fixed rate and swapped
into floating rates of interest of 7.18% (1999: 5.77%) at 31 December 2000, maturing in 2008.

(d) Long-term notes

US$170.0 million (A$305.3 million) (1999: US$170.0 million equivalent to A$260.0 million) of long-term notes were issued to institutional
investors in 1993 at an annual effective interest rate of 6.95% and are repayable in five annual US dollar instalments commencing in
December 2001. In addition, US$290.0 million (A$520.9 million) (1999: nil) of long-term notes were issued to institutional investors in
2000 at an annual effective interest rate of 8.41% and are repayable at varying maturity dates between 2007 and 2015.

All facilities are unsecured and arranged through a controlled entity, Santos Finance Ltd, and are guaranteed by Santos Ltd. In addition,
Santos Ltd has guaranteed the finance lease obligations of its controlled entities.

17

Provisions

Current
Dividends 
Employee entitlements
Income tax
Non-executive Directors’ retirement benefits

Non-current
Deferred income tax
Future restoration costs
Non-executive Directors’ retirement benefits

Consolidated

2000
$million

1999
$million

Santos Ltd 

2000
$million

1999
$million

152.9
47.2
215.5
0.9

416.5

518.2
78.2
1.0

597.4

91.0
36.8
55.9
–

183.7

510.6
65.6
1.5

577.7

152.9
36.6
57.5
0.9

247.9

251.9
27.1
1.0

280.0

91.0
28.3
49.5
–

168.8

248.7
26.4
1.5

276.6

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2000

54

18

Share Capital

Consolidated

2000
$million

1999
$million

Santos Ltd 

2000
$million

1999
$million

Share capital
609,605,403 (1999: 606,340,553) fully paid ordinary shares 
838,250 (1999: 1,845,750) ordinary shares paid to one cent

Movement in fully paid ordinary shares

Balance at the beginning of the year
Santos Executive Share Plan
Santos Employee Share Acquisition Plan
Santos Employee Share Purchase Plan
Transfer from capital reserve
Shares issued:

1,000,000 Restricted Shares
850,000 shares issued on exercise of options 

1,572.6
–

1,572.6

1,562.6 
–

1,562.6

2000
No. of Shares

1999
No. of Shares

note

606,340,553
1,007,500
237,150
170,200
–

1,000,000
850,000

(a)
(b)
(c)

(f)
(d) 

605,909,045
84,000
281,808
65,700
–

–
–

1,572.6
–

1,572.6

2000
$million

1,562.6
3.2
1.4
0.7
–

–
4.7

1,562.6
–

1,562.6

1999
$million

1,555.0
0.2
1.4
0.3
5.7

–
–

Balance at the end of the year

609,605,403

606,340,553

1,572.6

1,562.6

The market price of the Company’s shares on 31 December 2000 was $6.02 (1999: $4.15).

(a) Santos Executive Share Plan

The Santos Executive Share Plan was approved by shareholders in general meeting on 22 December 1987.

In essence, the Plan involves the Company issuing to employees selected by the Board (“the Executives”), a number of ordinary shares
in the capital of the Company determined by the Board. There are two categories of Plan Shares which have been issued to Executives,
Plan 2 Shares and Plan 0 Shares, each initially issued as partly paid shares, paid to one cent.

The Plan allows for calls to be made at the instigation of the Company in certain specified events or at the request of the Executive. While
partly paid, the Plan Shares are not transferable, carry no voting right and no entitlement to dividend but are entitled to participate in any
bonus or rights issue. The price payable for shares issued under the Plan varies according to the event giving rise to a call being made.
Market price at the time of the call is payable on the issued Plan 2 Shares if the Executive resigns within two years from the date of issue or
is dismissed. After a restriction period of two years, the price payable upon a call being made on the issued Plan 2 Shares is the lower of
two-thirds of the market price on the date of allotment and the highest sale price on the day prior to the date of the call. The price payable
on the issued Plan 0 Shares is the lowest of market price on the date of allotment, the date of the call and the date fourteen days thereafter.

Since its inception, some 101 Executives have participated in the Plan and 2,012,500 Plan 0 and 1,999,500 Plan 2 Shares have been
issued, principally in years 1987 and 1989. During the financial year, no issue of Plan Shares was made and at balance date no offer to
an Executive was outstanding. During the financial year 663,750 Plan 0 and 343,750 Plan 2 Shares were fully paid and as at 31 December
2000 there were 25 holders of the outstanding 285,250 Plan 0 Shares and 24 holders of the outstanding 553,000 Plan 2 Shares.

In 1997 the Board determined that the Plan be discontinued and, accordingly, there has been no further issues of shares under the Plan.

(b) Santos Employee Share Acquisition Plan

The Santos Employee Share Acquisition Plan was approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 15 May 1997 and its
continuation, with amendment, approved at the Annual General Meeting on 5 May 2000. 

Broadly, permanent employees with at least a minimum period of service determined by Directors as at the offer date (one year of
completed service for issues so far) are eligible to acquire shares under this Plan. Executives participating in the Santos Executive Share
Option Plan (see below), casual employees and Directors of the Company are excluded from participating in this Plan. Employees are
not eligible to participate under the Plan while they are resident overseas unless the Board decides otherwise.

The Plan provides for free grants of fully paid ordinary shares in the capital of the Company up to a value determined by the Board,
which, to date has been $1,000 per annum per eligible employee. A trustee is funded by the Company and its subsidiaries to acquire
shares direct from the Company or on market. The shares are then allocated to eligible employees who have made applications under
the Plan. The employee’s ownership of shares allocated under the Plan, and his or her right to deal with them, are subject to restrictions
until the earlier of the expiration of the restriction period determined by the Board and the time when he or she ceases to be an
employee. Shares are granted to eligible employees for no consideration.

On 25 August 2000, the Company issued 237,150 ordinary shares to the trustee on behalf of 1,395 eligible employees under the Plan,
being 170 shares for each employee. The total market value of those shares on the issue date was $1,370,727. At this time no offers
remain outstanding under this Plan.

At 31 December 2000, the total number of shares acquired under the Plan since its commencement was 1,021,687.

18

Share Capital continued

(c) Santos Employee Share Purchase Plan

55

The Santos Employee Share Purchase Plan was approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 15 May 1997 and its
continuation, with amendment, approved at the Annual General Meeting on 5 May 2000. The Plan is open to all employees (other
than a casual employee or Director of the Company) determined by the Board who are continuing employees at the date of the offer.
However, employees who are not resident in Australia at the time of an offer under the Plan will not be eligible to participate in that
offer unless the Board otherwise decides.

Under the Plan, eligible employees may be offered the opportunity to subscribe for or acquire fully paid ordinary shares in the capital
of the Company at a discount to market price, subject to restrictions, including on disposal, determined by the Board. The subscription
or acquisition price is Market Value (as defined in the Rules of the Plan) less any discount determined by the Board. At the discretion of
the Board, financial assistance may be provided to employees to subscribe for or acquire shares under the Plan. 

On 30 March 2000, the Company issued 141,100 ordinary shares to 169 eligible employees at a subscription price of $3.72 per share
under the Plan. The total market value of those shares on the issue date was $561,578 and the total amount received from employees
for those shares was $524,892.

On 29 September 2000, the Company issued 29,100 ordinary shares to 43 eligible employees at a subscription price of $5.76 per
share under the Plan. The total market value of those shares on the issue date was $183,330 and the total amount received from
employees for those shares was $167,616.

At 31 December 2000, the total number of shares acquired under the Plan since its commencement was 530,700.

(d) Santos Executive Share Option Plan

The Santos Executive Share Option Plan was approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 15 May 1997 and its
continuation, with amendment, approved at the Annual General Meeting on 5 May 2000.

The Plan provides for the grant of options to subscribe for or purchase ordinary shares in the capital of the Company to eligible
executives selected by the Board. Participation will be limited to those executives who, in the opinion of the Board, are able to
significantly influence the generation of shareholder wealth. Directors envisage the Plan applying to up to 50 executives.

Each option is a right to acquire one share, subject to adjustment in accordance with the Rules of the Plan. The options entitle the
holder to participate in any bonus issue conducted by the Company, upon exercise of the options. The exercise price of each option
will be adjusted in the event of a rights issue.

The exercise price of the options and other conditions, including any performance hurdles, will be determined, and may be amended
or waived, by the Board. No consideration is provided by executives for the options. The Plan provides for options with a life of up to
ten years.

During the financial year, the Company granted options over unissued shares as set out in the following table. The ability to exercise
the options is generally conditional on the Company achieving a prescribed performance hurdle or exercise condition. To reach the
performance hurdle, the Company’s Total Shareholder Return (broadly, growth in share price plus dividends reinvested) (“TSR Growth”)
over a minimum three year period must equal or exceed 10% per annum calculated on a compound basis. If Total Shareholder Return
does not reach the performance hurdle at the end of those respective periods, the options may nevertheless be exercisable if the hurdle
is subsequently reached within the remaining life of the options. In assessing the performance against the hurdle, the Board may apply
on a consistent basis an averaging method over a period of three months to allow for short-term volatility.

Date of grant

18 April 2000 
26 August 2000

Number of
ordinary shares

under option 2 Exercise price

Date first
exercisable 1

Expiry date

900,000 
3,000,000 3

$3.92 
$5.83

18 April 2003 

17 April 2005
26 August 2003 4 25 August 2010

1. In limited circumstances described in the Plan or determined by the Board the options may be exercised before this date.
2. These comprise options granted to Mr J C Ellice-Flint and eight other participating eligible executives.
3. Three tranches, each for 1,000,000 options, were granted to Mr J C Ellice-Flint on the terms described above. 
4. First exercisable as to 1,000,000 on 26 August 2003; further 1,000,000 on 26 August 2004; and final 1,000,000 on 26 August 2005.

At 31 December 2000, the total number of options acquired under the Plan since its commencement was 18,350,000, some of which
have lapsed or have been exercised. During the year, 850,000 fully paid ordinary shares were issued to former executives as a result of
the exercise of options. The total market value of those shares on the issue date was $5,295,500 and the total amount received from
the former executives for those shares was $4,676,500.

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2000

56

18

Share Capital continued

(d) Santos Executive Share Option Plan continued

At the date of the Directors’ Statutory Report, unissued ordinary shares of the Company under option are:

Expiry date of options

Issue price of shares

Number of ordinary shares
under option

24 July 2002
30 April 2003
15 June 2003
14 June 2004
17 April 2005
25 August 2010

$6.32
$5.59
$4.84
$5.12
$3.92
$5.83

4,500,000
900,000
2,025,000
2,475,000
900,000
3,000,000

During or since the end of the financial year, 300,000 fully paid ordinary shares in the Company were issued as a result of the exercise
of options at prices per share of: $4.84; $5.12; $5.59; and $6.32.

(e) Maximum number of shares that may be acquired under share and option schemes

The aggregate number of:
(i) shares issued under and for the time being outstanding and subject to the terms of each employee share plan of the Company; and
(ii) unissued shares to which options are granted and for the time being outstanding under any employee or executive share option plan

of the Company;

cannot exceed 5% of the issued shares of all classes of the Company.

(f) Restricted Shares

On his appointment as Chief Executive Officer on 13 December 2000, 1,000,000 Restricted Shares were issued to Mr J C Ellice-Flint.
The Restricted Shares were issued for nil consideration and are held under a trust structure. The Restricted Shares carry rights to
dividends and bonus issues and allow Mr Ellice-Flint to instruct the trustee as to the exercise of voting rights. Legal title in the Shares
will not pass to Mr Ellice-Flint until he has completed 5 years continuous service with the Company or his employment is earlier
terminated by the Company (other than for cause).

19

Reserves

Foreign currency translation

Movements during the year
Balance at the beginning of the year
Transfers to/(from) foreign currency translation
reserve arising from exchange rate fluctuations on:

Overseas net assets
Foreign currency borrowings

Balance at the end of the year

20

Earnings per Share

Consolidated

2000
$million

1999
$million

Santos Ltd 

2000
$million

1999
$million

0.2

0.2

(1.1)

18.5
(17.2)

0.2

(1.1)

(1.1)

–

(7.6)
6.5

(1.1)

Consolidated

2000

1999

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

Basic earnings per share (cents)

80.0

51.0

Weighted average number of ordinary shares on issue

used in the calculation of basic earnings per share (million)

608.3

606.1

Santos Ltd has potential ordinary shares on issue being 838,250 (1999: 1,845,750) ordinary shares paid to one cent issued to senior executives
of the Company under the Santos Executive Share Plan and options over 15,950,000 (1999: 13,850,000) unissued ordinary shares granted
to senior executives of the Company under the Santos Executive Share Option Plan, the dilutive impacts of which are not material.
Diluted earnings per share are therefore not materially different to basic earnings per share.

21

Investments in Controlled Entities

57

Name

Place of
incorporation

Name

Place of
incorporation

Santos Ltd (Parent Entity)
Controlled entities 1:
Alliance Petroleum Australia Pty Ltd 2
Australasian Eagle Petroleum Pty Ltd
Controlled entity of Australasian Eagle Petroleum Pty Ltd

Castend Pty Ltd
Boston L.H.F. Pty Ltd
Bridge Oil Developments Pty Ltd 2
Canso Resources Pty Ltd 2
Doce Pty Ltd
Farmout Drillers Pty Ltd 2
Kipper GS Pty Ltd
Controlled entity of Kipper GS Pty Ltd

Crusader (Victoria) Pty Ltd
Moonie Pipeline Company Pty Ltd
Controlled entities of Moonie Pipeline Company Pty Ltd

Candolia Pty Ltd
Australian Interstate Pipeline Company Pty Ltd
Controlled entity of Australian Interstate
Pipeline Company Pty Ltd
Bridgefield Pty Ltd

Reef Oil Pty Ltd
Santos Asia Pacific Pty Ltd
Controlled entities of Santos Asia Pacific Pty Ltd

Santos (Bentu No. 2) Pty Ltd
Santos (Korinci-Baru No. 2) Pty Ltd
Santos (Sampang) Pty Ltd
Santos (Warim) Pty Ltd

Santos Australian Hydrocarbons Pty Ltd
Santos (BOL) Pty Ltd 2
Controlled entities of Santos (BOL) Pty Ltd

Bridge Gas Queensland Pty Ltd
Bridge Oil Exploration Pty Ltd
Bridge Oil International Finance Pty Ltd
Bridge Oil Investments Pty Ltd

Santos Facilities Pty Ltd
Santos Finance Ltd
Santos (Halph) Pty Ltd
Santos (Korinci-Baru) Pty Ltd
Santos (N.T.) Pty Ltd
Controlled entity of Santos (N.T.) Pty Ltd
Bonaparte Gas & Oil Pty Limited

Santos Offshore Pty Ltd
Santos Petroleum Pty Ltd
Santos Resources Pty Ltd
Santos (Varanus) Pty Ltd

SA

VIC
NSW

NSW
VIC 
NSW 
NSW 
QLD 
NSW 
WA 

VIC 
QLD 

ACT
NSW

QLD
NSW
QLD 

QLD
SA
SA
SA
QLD
NSW

QLD
ACT
ACT
NSW
SA
NSW
ACT 
ACT
ACT 

NSW
VIC 
NSW 
QLD 
WA 

Santos International Holdings Pty Ltd 
Controlled entities of Santos International
Holdings Pty Ltd

Barracuda Limited 
Lavana Limited 
Peko Offshore Ltd 
Santos Americas and Europe Corp 
Controlled entities of Santos Americas and Europe Corp

SAE Management Services Corp
Santos Colombia Exploration Inc
Santos USA Corp
Controlled entity of Santos USA Corp

Santos USA Pipeline Corp

Santos (Bentu) Pty Ltd 
Controlled entity of Santos (Bentu) Pty Ltd

Santos (Bangko) Pty Ltd 

Santos Niugini Exploration Limited
Santos Petroleum (NZ) Ltd
Zan Star Ltd
Santos QNT Pty Ltd 
Controlled entities of Santos QNT Pty Ltd

Santos QNT (No. 1) Pty Ltd
Controlled entities of Santos QNT (No. 1) Pty Ltd

Santos Petroleum Management Pty Ltd 
Santos Petroleum Marketing Pty Ltd
Santos Petroleum Operations Pty Ltd
TMOC Exploration Pty Ltd

Santos QNT (No. 2) Pty Ltd
Controlled entities of Santos QNT (No. 2) Pty Ltd

Alliance Minerals Australia Pty Ltd
Associated Petroleum Pty Ltd
Moonie Oil Pty Ltd
Petromin Pty Ltd
Santos (299) Pty Ltd
Santos Exploration Pty Ltd
Santos Gnuco Pty Ltd
Transoil Pty Ltd
Santos (Zoca 91-01) Pty Ltd
Santos (Zoca 91-12) Pty Ltd
Vamgas Pty Ltd 
Alliance Oil Development Australia Pty Ltd (in liquidation) 
Santos Oil Exploration (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (in liquidation) 
Western Australian Capital Holdings Pty Ltd (in liquidation)

ACT

PNG
PNG
BER
USA

USA
USA
USA

USA
NSW

WA
PNG
NZ
PNG
QLD

QLD

QLD
QLD
QLD
QLD
QLD

VIC
QLD
QLD
QLD
QLD
VIC
QLD
QLD
ACT
ACT
VIC
VIC
MAL
WA

1. Beneficial interests in all controlled entities is 100% except for Kipper GS Pty Ltd in which two shares of the total issued capital of 

9,246,353 shares are owned by a third party.

2. Controlled entities acquired by Santos Ltd in restructuring within the consolidated entity.

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2000

58

21

Investments in Controlled Entities continued

Notes

(a) Disposal of controlled entities

During the financial year Alliance Oil Development Australia Pty Ltd was placed into voluntary liquidation.

(b) Place of incorporation

ACT – Australian Capital Territory
NSW – New South Wales
QLD  – Queensland
SA

– South Australia

VIC  – Victoria
WA  – Western Australia
NZ  – New Zealand
BER – Bermuda

MAL – Malaysia
PNG  – Papua New Guinea
USA – United States of America

Consolidated

Santos Ltd 

2000
$million

1999
$million

2000
$million

1999
$million

(c) Acquisitions of controlled entities

During the financial year, the Company acquired a number 
of controlled entities as identified above as part of restructuring 
within the consolidated entity. The financial impact of the 
restructure has been eliminated on consolidation. Details of the 
acquisitions are as follows:

Fair value of net assets acquired
Working capital 
Investment in controlled entities 
Exploration and development
Land and buildings, plant and equipment
Provisions

Fair value of net assets acquired

Outflow of cash to acquire net assets, net of cash acquired
Total consideration
Payment relating to 1998 acquisition

Outflow of cash

–
–
–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–
–
10.3
–
–

10.3

10.3
5.0

15.3

(255.3)
45.4
460.1
191.9
(72.7)

369.4

220.4
–

220.4

–
–
9.2
–
–

9.2

9.2
5.0

14.2

22

Interests in Joint Ventures

59

(a) Santos Ltd and its controlled entities have combined interests in unincorporated joint ventures in the following major areas:

Joint venture/area

Principal activities

Average interest
%

Amadeus Basin
Mereenie
Mereenie Pipeline 
Palm Valley

Bass Basin
Browse Basin
Carnarvon Basin
Cooper Basin Downstream
Cooper Basin Unit
South Australia
Queensland

Cooper/Eromanga Basins

South Australia
Queensland, ATP 259P
Other Eromanga
Ballera to Mt Isa Pipeline
Jackson Moonie Pipeline

Eastern Queensland
Denison Trough
Surat Basin
Gippsland Basin
Indonesia
Offshore Northern Australia

Bonaparte Basin
Timor Gap
Timor Sea
Otway Basin
Papua New Guinea

PDL1 (Part Hides Field)
Other interests

USA

Onshore/Gulf Coast
Gulf of Mexico

Oil and gas production
Oil transportation
Gas production
Oil and gas exploration
Oil and gas exploration
Oil and gas exploration and production
Liquid hydrocarbon transportation and processing

Oil and gas production
Oil and gas production

Oil and gas exploration and production
Oil and gas exploration and production
Oil and gas exploration and production
Gas transportation
Oil transportation

Gas exploration and production
Oil and gas exploration and production
Oil and gas exploration
Oil and gas exploration

Oil and gas exploration
Oil and gas exploration and production
Oil and gas exploration and production
Oil and gas exploration and production

Oil and gas exploration
Oil and gas exploration and production

Oil and gas exploration and production
Oil and gas exploration and production

65
65
48
5
22
31
60

60
60

60
60
40
18
83

50
48
37
47

95
18
20
42

31
35

33
52

(b) The sales revenue received from the consolidated entity’s share of petroleum products produced by the joint ventures is $1,486.2 million

(1999: $936.0 million) and the contribution of joint venture business undertakings to operating profit before interest and tax of the
consolidated entity is $820.9 million (1999: $427.6 million).

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2000

60

22

Interests in Joint Ventures continued

Consolidated

2000
$million

1999
$million

Santos Ltd 

2000
$million

1999
$million

(c) Santos Ltd and its controlled entities’ share of assets 
and liabilities employed in the joint ventures are 
included in the balance sheets under the 
following classifications:

Current assets
Cash
Receivables
Inventories

Total current assets

Non-current assets
Exploration and development expenditure
Land and buildings, plant and equipment
Other

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities
Accounts payable

Non-current liabilities
Provisions

Total liabilities

39.5
32.5
34.4

106.4

2,407.6
1,222.5
9.2

3,639.3

3,745.7

129.5

74.6

204.1

21.6
24.9
30.7

77.2

2,323.2
1,128.5
13.0

3,464.7

3,541.9

73.9

63.9

137.8

16.1
13.1
16.0

45.2

798.7
563.2
5.3

1,367.2

1,412.4

52.3

26.7

79.0

4.0
11.5
15.1

30.6

778.4
524.2
7.6

1,310.2

1,340.8

28.2

26.3

54.5

Net investments in joint ventures

3,541.6

3,404.1

1,333.4

1,286.3

(d) The amount of capital expenditure commitments, 

minimum exploration commitments and contingent 
liabilities in respect of unincorporated joint 
ventures are:

Capital expenditure commitments
Minimum exploration commitments
Contingent liabilities

128.7
209.0
15.7

100.5
225.5
14.2

24.1
69.5
10.1

45.5
78.4
9.1

23

Notes to Statements of Cash Flows

Consolidated

2000
$million

1999
$million

Santos Ltd 

61

2000
$million

1999
$million

Reconciliation of net cash provided by operating
activities to operating profit after income tax

Operating profit after income tax
Add/(deduct) non-cash items:

Depreciation, depletion and amortisation
Write-down of controlled entity
Net revenue on restructuring within the consolidated entity
Increase in income taxes payable
Net increase/(decrease) in deferred tax payable and future

income tax benefits

Capitalised interest
Foreign currency fluctuations
Share of associated company’s operating loss/(profit) after tax
Ordinary dividends received from associate
Net (profit)/loss on sale of non-current assets

Net cash provided by operating activities before

change in assets or liabilities

Add/(deduct) change in operating assets or liabilities
net of acquisitions of businesses:

Increase in receivables
(Increase)/decrease in inventories
Decrease in other assets
Increase in accounts payable
Increase in provisions

Net cash provided by operating activities

486.8

354.9
–
–
159.6

7.5
(12.3)
2.7
18.7
–
(29.7)

309.1

278.5
– 
–
50.4

(64.8)
(8.0)
(0.2)
(2.5)
11.3
0.4

266.7

116.4
6.3
(53.9)
8.0

3.2
(0.9)
–
–
–
26.3

262.4

103.9
7.7
–
37.9

(40.9)
(0.5)
–
–
–
0.3

988.2

574.2

372.1

370.8

(83.2)
(1.5)
2.4
105.4
11.7

1,023.0

(39.5)
(13.9)
2.8
5.6
0.7

529.9

(0.8)
1.5
2.3
34.0
8.9

418.0

(32.9)
(8.0)
1.9
2.4
1.6

335.8

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2000

62

24

Related Parties

The names of each person holding the position of Director of Santos Ltd during the financial year are:

UHRIG John Allan
ADLER Norman Ross: retired 30 September 2000
BARNETT Peter Charles
CONROY Francis John
ELLICE-FLINT John Charles: appointed 19 December 2000
GERLACH Stephen
McARDLE John Walter
McGREGOR Graeme William
O’LEARY Michael Anthony
SLOAN Judith
WEBBER Ian Ernest

Santos Ltd and its controlled entities engage in a variety of related party transactions in the ordinary course of business. These transactions
are conducted on normal terms and conditions, the effects of which are eliminated on consolidation.

Details of related party transactions and amounts are set out in:
Note 2 as to dividends received from controlled entities;
Note 4 as to interest paid to controlled entities;
Note 8 as to amounts owing by controlled entities;
Note 15 as to amounts owing to controlled entities;
Note 16 as to guarantees by Santos Ltd of the financing facilities and lease obligations of controlled entities;
Note 17 as to non-executive Directors’ retirement benefits;
Notes 11 and 21 as to investments in controlled entities;
Notes 2, 5 and 11 as to investments in associated company and dividends received from associated company;
Note 18 as to shares and options granted to executive Directors; and
Note 25 as to Directors’ remuneration, including amounts paid or prescribed benefits given in respect of the retirement of Directors.

In addition:

(i) Agreements exist with the non-executive Directors providing for the payment of a sum on retirement from office as a Director in
accordance with shareholder approval at the 1989 Annual General Meeting. The amount provided for the year was $340,230
(1999: $375,335).

(ii) An amount of $506,000 was received from Mr N R Adler, former Managing Director, in repayment of a loan previously made in

accordance with the provisions of the Loan Scheme approved at the 1990 Annual General Meeting. Interest received during the
year on this loan totalled $32,359 (1999: $32,890).

(iii) The aggregate number of shares acquired by Directors during the financial year was 750,000 fully paid ordinary shares acquired by

Mr N R Adler, former Managing Director, upon the exercise of options previously granted pursuant to the Santos Executive Share Option Plan.

The aggregate number of shares and options held directly, indirectly or beneficially by Directors of Santos Ltd and their director-related
entities in Santos Ltd as at the balance sheet date was 1,491,450 fully paid ordinary shares (1999: 588,700) including 1,000,000
Restricted Shares referred to in note 18, 160,000 Executive Share Plan Shares paid to one cent (1999: 930,000) and 4,000,000 options
granted under the Santos Executive Share Option Plan (1999: 4,000,000).

(iv) All amounts owing by or to controlled entities are for loans made 

on interest free terms for an indefinite period with the exception of:

Amounts owing by controlled entities
Amounts owing to controlled entities

Santos Ltd 

2000
$million

1999
$million

625.0
1,273.2

896.7
1,709.5

These loans were made in the ordinary course of business on normal market terms and conditions.

(v) During the financial year, legal costs of $214,650 (1999: $351,339) have been paid by the Company in defending certain proceedings in
relation to termination of employment brought by a former employee against: the Company; the former Managing Director, Mr N R Adler;
another employee of the consolidated entity, Dr J D Armstrong; and a former employee of the consolidated entity. These costs, which in
so far as they relate to the three personal defendants have been paid pursuant to the terms of Deeds of Indemnity entered into between
the Company and each of them, have not been apportioned among the Company nor the three indemnified personal defendants and
therefore it is not possible to determine the amount paid on behalf of each of them.

24

Related Parties continued

63

(vi) During the financial year, Mr N R Adler, former Managing Director, and Mr J W McArdle, an executive Director, were provided with a tax

indemnity by the Company in relation to any liability to tax that may arise in respect of payments, the benefit of which have been passed
on to the Company, made upon their retirement as the Company’s representatives on the Board of QCT Resources Limited. No liability
has arisen under the indemnities during the financial year.

(vii) During the financial year, the Company and Mr J C Ellice-Flint, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, entered into a Deed

of Access, Indemnity and Insurance. Pursuant to the Deed, the Company agreed to: indemnify Mr Ellice-Flint as an officer to the extent
permitted by law; obtain D & O insurance for Mr Ellice-Flint during the time he holds office and for seven years after he ceases to hold
office; and allow Mr Ellice-Flint access to documents upon terms contemplated by the Corporations Law.

(viii) Mr N R Adler, who retired as Managing Director on 30 September 2000, acquired certain items of personal property upon his retirement
including the purchase of a motor vehicle at book value. Mr J W McArdle, an executive Director, also purchased a motor vehicle during
the year at the highest of independent valuations. These transactions occurred within a normal employee relationship on terms no more
favourable than would have been adopted if dealing at arm’s length, do not have the potential to adversely affect decisions about the
allocation of scarce resources and are trivial in nature.

25

Executives’ and Directors’ Remuneration

Consolidated

Santos Ltd 

2000
$000

1999
$000

2000
$000

1999
$000

(a) Executives

Amounts received from Santos Ltd or its 

controlled entities by Executive Officers domiciled
in Australia whose income is $100,000 or greater

Number of Executive Officers whose remuneration
was within the following bands:

$000

240  –
260  –
270  –
300  –
310  –
320  –
330  –
340  –
360  –
370  –
380  –
390  –
420  –
480  –
490  –
590  –
640  –
670  –
720  –
910  –

250
270
280
310
320
330
340 *
350
370
380
390
400
430
490
500
600
650
680
730
920
1,620  – 1,630
4,990  – 5,000

* refer note 25(d)

10,917

5,920

10,917

5,920

No.

No.

No.

No.

–
1
1
–
–
1
1
1
–
1
1
1
–
1
1
–
1
1
–
1
–
1

2
–
–
1
1
–
–
2
1
1
–
–
1
–
–
1
–
–
1
–
1
–

–
1
1
–
–
1
1
1
–
1
1
1
–
1
1
–
1
1
–
1
–
1

2
–
–
1
1
–
–
2
1
1
–
–
1
–
–
1
–
–
1
–
1
–

Executives disclosed above are those Executive Officers (including former executives) within the consolidated entity responsible for the
strategic direction and operational management of major business units.

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2000

64

25

Executives’ and Directors’ Remuneration continued

(b) Directors

Amounts received or due from Santos Ltd and its 

controlled entities by the Directors of Santos Ltd and
Directors of each of its controlled entities

Number of Directors whose remuneration was within 
the following bands:

Consolidated

Santos Ltd 

2000
$000

1999
$000

2000
$000

1999
$000

7,319

3,275

7,018

2,982

$000

20
10 – 
30
20 – 
70
60 – 
70 – 
80
90 –  100
240 –  250
260 –  270
330 –  340 *
720 –  730
910 –  920
1,620 –  1,630
4,990 –  5,000

* refer note 25(d)

(c) Retirement Benefits

No.

No.

–
–
1
5
1
–
1
1
–
1
–
1

1
1
1
4
–
1
–
–
1
–
1
–

There were no retirement benefits paid to non-executive Directors during the year (1999: nil).

(d) Restricted Shares and Options

1,000,000 Restricted Shares were issued to a trustee on 13 December 2000 in respect of Mr J C Ellice-Flint. The terms of  issue of the
Restricted Shares are set out in note 18. The Restricted Shares were valued by independent valuers as having a fair value of $5.60 per
share. 

3,000,000 options were granted to Mr Ellice-Flint pursuant to the Santos Executive Share Option Plan, details of which are described in
note 18. The options were valued by independent valuation using the binomial option pricing model as follows:

Date of grant

Exercise price

Expiry date

26 August 2000
26 August 2000
26 August 2000

$5.83 25 August 2010
$5.83 25 August 2010
$5.83 25 August 2010

Number of
options

1,000,000
1,000,000
1,000,000

Date first
exercisable

Valuation
per option

26 August 2003
26 August 2004
26 August 2005

$0.77
$0.76
$0.75

The value for neither the Restricted Shares nor options has been included in the remuneration disclosed above as it is only a notional
value and ultimately no benefit may accrue to Mr Ellice-Flint.

26

Remuneration of Auditors

Amounts received or due and receivable by the auditors 
of Santos Ltd for:

Audit of financial reports
Other audit assurance services
Other services

Amounts received or due and receivable by auditors 
other than the auditors of Santos Ltd for:

Audit of financial reports
Other services

Consolidated

Santos Ltd 

2000
$000

269
420
322

1,011

57
–

57

1999
$000

2000
$000

1999
$000

363
290
239

892

76
182

258

202
420
242

864

–
–

–

273
290
188

751

–
–

–

27

Segment Reporting

65

The consolidated entity operates predominantly in one industry, namely exploration, development, production, transportation and marketing
of hydrocarbons and in one geographical segment, namely Australia. Operations are also conducted in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and
the United States of America but are not material to the consolidated entity results. Revenue is derived from the sale of gas and liquid
hydrocarbons and transportation of crude oil.

28

Commitments for Expenditure

Consolidated

2000
$million

1999
$million

Santos Ltd 

2000
$million

1999
$million

The consolidated entity has the following commitments for expenditure:

(a) Capital commitments

Capital expenditure contracted for at balance date
for which no amounts have been provided in the
financial report:

Due not later than one year
Due later than one year but not later than two years
Due later than two years but not later than five years

(b) Minimum exploration commitments

Minimum exploration commitments for which 
no amounts have been provided in the financial 
report or capital commitments:
Due not later than one year
Due later than one year but not later than two years
Due later than two years but not later than five years
Due later than five years 

The consolidated entity has certain obligations to perform minimum
exploration work and expend minimum amounts of money pursuant 
to the terms of the granting of petroleum exploration permits in order
to maintain rights of tenure. These commitments may be varied as a
result of renegotiations of the terms of the exploration permits,
licences or contracts or alternatively upon their relinquishment.
The minimum exploration commitments are less than the normal level
of exploration expenditures expected to be undertaken by Santos Ltd
and its controlled entities.

(c) Lease commitments

Finance leases:

Due not later than one year
Due later than one year but not later than five years

Total commitments under finance leases
Less future finance charges

Lease liabilities

Operating leases:

Due not later than one year
Due later than one year but not later than five years
Due later than five years

Total commitments under operating leases

81.9
43.3
3.5

128.7

63.5
70.0
75.5
–

209.0

1.3
13.0

14.3
(1.3)

13.0

43.3
118.6
13.2

175.1

32.6
23.7
44.2

100.5

48.6
53.0
91.0
32.9

225.5

1.1
14.0

15.1
(1.6)

13.5

26.4
79.4
24.7

130.5

16.1
4.5
3.5

24.1

13.6
21.4
34.5
–

69.5

–
–

–
–

–

4.5
16.8
7.6

28.9

11.9
8.1
25.5

45.5

8.9
10.5
36.6
22.4

78.4

–
–

–
–

–

3.6
13.9
10.3

27.8

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2000

66

29

Superannuation Commitments

Santos Ltd and certain of its controlled entities participate in a number of superannuation funds and pension plans in Australia and the
United States of America which provide benefits either on a defined benefit or cash accumulation basis for employees or their dependants
on retirement, resignation, total or permanent disablement or death. The employers and employee members make contributions as specified
in the rules of the respective funds.

Independent actuarial valuations of the company sponsored defined benefit plan are undertaken every three years as at 1 January.

The following is a review of the significant employee benefit plans:

Santos Petroleum Management
Superannuation Fund and 
Santos Retirement Plan

Santos Superannuation Fund

Type of benefit

Basis of contributions

Cash accumulation

Defined benefits and cash accumulation

Percentage of member’s wage 
contributed by member and 
employer.

Percentage of member’s salary contributed by 
member and employer. The employer’s 
percentage reflects the amount to provide an
accumulation and the amount recommended
by the actuary to provide the defined benefit.

Employer’s legal obligation to
contribute

Enforceable subject to right to cease 
contributions on written notice to the Trustee.

Enforceable subject to right to cease 
contributions on written notice to the Trustee.

Last actuarial assessment:

Date issued
Name of valuer and qualifications

Not applicable
Not applicable

13 October 2000
M Wood BSc(Eng) FIA FIAA

The assets of all funds were sufficient to satisfy all benefits which would have been vested in the event of termination of the fund, or in
the event of voluntary or compulsory termination of the employment of each employee.

The Santos Superannuation Fund has employee accrued benefits and assets as follows:

Net market value of assets
Less present value of employees’ accrued benefits as determined by 

triennial actuarial assessment as at 1 January 2000 
(1999: 1 January 1997)

Excess of assets held to meet future benefit payments

Vested benefits at 1 January 2000 are $97.0 million.

As at
30 June 2000
$million

As at
30 June 1999
$million

109.1

93.0

(99.5)

9.6

(64.1)

28.9

30

Contingent Liabilities

Consolidated

2000
$million

1999
$million

Santos Ltd 

67

2000
$million

1999
$million

Santos Ltd and its controlled entities have the following 
contingent liabilities arising in respect of other persons:

Performance guarantees
Employee service agreements
Claims have been lodged including the following:

(a) claims under and for breach of contract and 

public liability
(b) miscellaneous claims

7.3
7.6

8.4
–

23.3

7.0
3.3

7.1
0.1

17.5

5.1
7.6

5.0
–

17.7

5.0
3.3

4.0
0.1

12.4

Legal advice in relation to the claims lodged above indicates that on the basis of available information, liability in respect of these claims is
unlikely to exceed $0.9 million on a consolidated basis.

Guarantees provided by Santos Ltd for borrowings in respect of controlled entities are disclosed in note 16.

A number of the Australian interests of the consolidated entity are located within areas the subject of one or more claims or applications
for native title determination. Whatever the outcome of those claims or applications, it is not believed that they will significantly impact the
consolidated entity’s asset base. The decision of the High Court of Australia in the “Wik” case has the potential to introduce delay in the
grant of mineral and petroleum tenements and consequently to impact generally the timing of exploration, development and production
operations. An assessment of the impact upon the timing of particular operations may require consideration and determination of complex
legal and factual issues and on final resolution of the response of the States to the Commonwealth Native Title Amendment Act, 1998.

31

Additional Financial Instruments Disclosure

The consolidated entity uses derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates, commodity prices
and interest rates arising in the normal course of business. The principal derivatives used are forward foreign exchange contracts, foreign
currency option contracts, interest rate swaps and options, and commodity crude oil price swap and option contracts. Their use is subject
to a comprehensive set of policies, procedures and limits approved by the Board of Directors. The consolidated entity does not trade in
derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.

(a) Foreign exchange risk exposure

The consolidated entity is exposed to foreign exchange risk principally through the sale of liquid petroleum products denominated in
US dollars, US dollar borrowings and US dollar capital expenditure. In order to hedge this foreign exchange risk, the consolidated entity
has from time to time entered into forward foreign exchange and foreign currency option contracts.

At 31 December 2000 the consolidated entity has open forward foreign exchange and foreign currency option contracts with
settlement/expiry dates up to 25 months. If closed out at balance date these contracts would have resulted in a loss of $2.2 million 
(1999: gain of $2.6 million) that has been deferred for inclusion as part of the underlying future sales transaction.

US dollar denominated borrowings are either swapped into Australian dollar exposure or designated as a hedge of US dollar denominated
investments in self-sustaining overseas controlled entities or as a hedge of future US denominated sales revenues. As a result, there were no
net foreign currency gains or losses arising from translation of US denominated dollar borrowings recognised in the profit and loss statement
in 2000. Accordingly, $81.1 million of unrealised foreign currency losses were deferred as at 31 December 2000 (1999: $29.4 million).
The ultimate foreign currency gains or losses will be included in the measurement of the specific hedged US dollar denominated sales
revenues to be realised in the years 2001 through 2005.

The Australian dollar equivalents of foreign currency monetary items included in the balance sheet to the extent that they are not
effectively hedged are:

Current assets
Current liabilities

– United States dollars
– United States dollars

Consolidated

Santos Ltd 

2000
$million

83.0
6.9

1999
$million

91.2
6.4

2000
$million

–
–

1999
$million

28.4
–

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2000

68

31

Additional Financial Instruments Disclosure continued

(b) Interest rate risk exposure

The consolidated entity enters into interest rate swap contracts with maturities up to 15 years to manage interest rate risk.

At 31 December 2000 the consolidated entity has open interest rate swap contracts which if closed out would have resulted in a gain of
$18.8 million (1999: loss of $6.0 million).

The consolidated entity’s exposure to interest rate risk and the effective weighted average interest rates for classes of interest-bearing
financial assets and financial liabilities is set out below:

Weighted
average
interest 
rate

Floating
interest
rate

Fixed interest repriced
or maturing in

Total

Non
interest
bearing

1 year
or less

Over 1
to 5
years
$million

More
than 5
years
$million

$million

$million

note

$million

$million

31 December 2000
Financial assets
Cash
Receivables
Investments
Other assets

Financial liabilities
Accounts payable
Borrowings

Interest rate swaps*

31 December 1999
Financial assets
Cash
Receivables
Investments
Other assets

Financial liabilities
Accounts payable
Borrowings

Interest rate swaps*

* notional principal amounts

8
11
14

15
16

8
11
14

15
16

5.78%
N/A
N/A
N/A

N/A
7.64%

0.17%

4.66%
N/A
N/A
6.50%

N/A
6.10%

(0.12%)

182.5
–
–
–

182.5

–
13.0

13.0

–

97.9
–
–
–

97.9

–
13.5

13.5

–

–
–
–
–

–

–
101.1

101.1

100.1

–
–
–
–

–

–
955.7

955.7

188.2

–
–
–
–

–

–
394.2

394.2

(80.1)

–
–
–
–

–

–
357.8

357.8

–
–
–
–

–

–
540.8

540.8

(20.0)

–
–
–
0.5

0.5

–
72.0

72.0

(119.3)

(68.9)

–
234.7
33.8
–

268.5

285.9
–

285.9

–

–
153.7
349.3
–

503.0

121.6
–

121.6

–

182.5
234.7
33.8
–

451.0

285.9
1,049.1

1,335.0

–

97.9
153.7
349.3
0.5

601.4

121.6
1,399.0

1,520.6

–

31

Additional Financial Instruments Disclosure continued

(c) Commodity price risk exposure

69

The consolidated entity is exposed to liquid petroleum price fluctuations through the sale of liquid petroleum products denominated in
US dollars. The consolidated entity enters into commodity crude oil price swap and option contracts to manage its commodity price
risk. 

At 31 December 2000 the consolidated entity has open oil price swap contracts with settlement expiry dates up to twelve months. If
closed out at balance date these contracts would have resulted in a gain of $32.6 million (1999: nil).

(d) Credit risk exposure

Credit risk represents the potential financial loss if counterparties fail to perform as contracted.

The credit risk on financial assets, excluding investments, of the consolidated entity which have been recognised on the balance sheet
is indicated by the carrying amount. 

The credit risk on off-balance sheet derivatives is the cost of replacing the contract if the counterparty were to default and is measured
by their market value at balance date. As at 31 December 2000, counterparty default of interest rate swap and option contracts, foreign
exchange contracts, foreign currency options and oil price swap and option contracts would result in a loss of $56.2 million 
(1999: $7.4 million).

The consolidated entity controls credit risk on derivative financial instruments by setting exposure limits related to the credit worthiness
of counterparties, all of which are selected banks or institutions with a Standard and Poor’s rating of A or better.

(e) Net fair values of financial assets and liabilities

The carrying amounts of all financial assets and liabilities including hedges approximate net fair value.

At 31 December 2000 the consolidated entity has open derivative financial instruments contracts relating to future operating profit
which if closed out at their market rates would have resulted in a gain of $49.2 million (1999: loss of $3.4 million).

32

Economic Dependency

There are in existence long-term contracts for the sale of gas, but otherwise the Directors believe there is no economic dependency.

Directors’ Declaration

for the year ended 31 December 2000

70

In the opinion of the Directors of Santos Ltd:

(a) the financial statements and notes, set out on pages 42 to 69, are in accordance with the Corporations Law, including:

(i) giving a true and fair view of the financial position of the Company and consolidated entity as at 31 December 2000 and of their

performance, as represented by the results of their operations and their cash flows, for the year ended on that date; and

(ii) complying with Accounting Standards; and

(b) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the Company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.

Dated this 9th day of March 2001.

Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Directors:

J A Uhrig
Director

J C Ellice-Flint
Director

Independent Auditors’ Report

to the members of Santos Ltd

Scope

71

We have audited the financial report of Santos Ltd for the financial year ended 31 December 2000, consisting of the profit and loss
statements, balance sheets, statements of cash flows, accompanying notes, and the directors’ declaration set out on pages 42 to 70.
The financial report includes the consolidated financial statements of the consolidated entity, comprising the Company and the entities it
controlled at the end of the year or from time to time during the financial year. The Company’s Directors are responsible for the financial
report. We have conducted an independent audit of this financial report in order to express an opinion on it to the members of the
Company.

Our audit has been conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards to provide reasonable assurance whether the financial
report is free of material misstatement. Our procedures included examination, on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and
other disclosures in the financial report, and the evaluation of accounting policies and significant accounting estimates. These procedures
have been undertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material respects, the financial report is presented fairly in accordance with
Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements and statutory requirements in Australia so as to present
a view which is consistent with our understanding of the Company’s and the consolidated entity’s financial position, and performance as
represented by the results of their operations and their cash flows.

The audit opinion expressed in this report has been formed on the above basis.

Audit Opinion

In our opinion, the financial report of Santos Ltd is in accordance with:

(a) the Corporations Law, including:

(i) giving a true and fair view of the Company’s and the consolidated entity’s financial position as at 31 December 2000 and of their

performance for the financial year ended on that date; and

(ii) complying with Accounting Standards and the Corporations Regulations; and

(b) other mandatory professional reporting requirements.

KPMG

William J Stevens
Partner

Adelaide
9 March 2001

Stock Exchange & Shareholder Information

72

Listed on Australian Stock Exchange at 28 February 2001 were 611,539,203 fully paid ordinary shares. Unlisted were 283,250 partly paid
Plan 0 shares, 551,000 partly paid Plan 2 shares and 170,200 fully paid ordinary shares issued pursuant to the Santos Employee Share
Purchase Plan (‘SESPP’). There were 76,313 holders of all classes of issued shares (including 24 holders of Plan 0 shares; 23 holders of
Plan 2 shares; and 189 holders of SESPP shares) compared with 82,113 a year earlier and there were 44 holders of the 13,850,000 options
granted pursuant to the Santos Executive Share Option Plan.

The listed issued ordinary shares plus the ordinary shares issued pursuant to SESPP represent all of the voting power in Santos.
The holdings of the 20 largest holders of shares represent 46.45% of the total voting power in Santos (last year 44.85%).

The 20 largest shareholders in Santos as shown in the Company’s Register of Members at 28 February 2001 were:
Name

Number of
fully paid shares

% of
voting capital

Chase Manhattan Nominees Limited
National Nominees Limited
Westpac Custodian Nominees Limited
AMP Life Limited
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 
MLC Limited
Perpetual Trustees Nominees Limited
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited
Queensland Investment Corporation
The National Mutual Life Association of Australasia Limited
ANZ Nominees Limited
Westpac Custodian Nominees Limited (ADR Account)
Cogent Nominees Pty Limited
Perpetual Trustees Australia Limited
National Australia Financial Management Limited
Australian Foundation Investment Company Limited (Investment Portfolio Account)
NRMA Nominees Pty Limited
Government Superannuation Office (State Super Fund A/c)
Commonwealth Custodial Services Limited
Merrill Lynch (Australia) Nominees Pty Ltd

61,068,895
61,055,502
35,562,807
13,243,744
13,242,704
13,119,430
12,575,221
10,134,875
9,800,835
9,517,990
7,914,930
7,064,647
5,907,133
4,145,654
3,960,605
3,514,251
3,197,764
3,082,336
3,069,398
3,032,189

9.98
9.98
5.81
2.17
2.16
2.14
2.06
1.66
1.60
1.56
1.29
1.15
.97
.68
.65
.57
.52
.50
.50
.50

Substantial Shareholders, as at 28 February 2001, as disclosed by notices received by the Company:
Name

Number of voting shares held

Maple-Brown Abbott Limited

56,878,652

284,210,910

46.45

Analysis of Fully Paid Ordinary Shares – range of shares held
Fully paid
ordinary shares
(Holders)

% of
holders

% of
shares held

1,000 *
1 –
1,001 –
5,000
5,001 – 10,000
10,001 – 100,000

100,001 and over

Total

23,863
41,001
7,384
3,830
194

76,272

31.29
53.76
9.68
5.02
.25

2.35
16.39
8.63
12.61
60.02

100.00

100.00

* There were 980 shareholders who held less than a marketable 

parcel based on the market price as at 28 February 2001.

For Directors’ Shareholdings see Directors’ Statutory Report
as set out on page 38 of this Annual Report.
Voting Rights
Every member present in person or by an attorney, a proxy or a
representative shall on a show of hands, have one vote and upon
a poll, one vote for every fully paid share held. Pursuant to the
Rules of the Santos Executive Share Plan, Plan 2 and Plan 0
shares do not carry any voting rights except on a proposal to
vary the rights attached to Plan shares.

Notice of Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of Santos Ltd will be held in the Auditorium at The Adelaide Town Hall Function Centre, 
128 King William Street, Adelaide, South Australia on Friday, 4 May 2001 at 11.00 a.m.
TradeMarker-Light
Final Dividend
The 2000 final ordinary dividend and special dividend will be paid on 27 April 2001 to shareholders registered in the books
of the Company at the close of business on 3 April 2001 in respect of fully paid shares held at record date.

Shareholders’ Enquiries
Enquiries from shareholders and other interested people should be directed to:
Investor Relations, Santos Ltd, Santos House, Level 29, 91 King William Street,  Adelaide,  South Australia 5000
Email: investor.relations@santos.com.au
Santos website: www.santos.com.au
Share Registrar, Santos Ltd, Santos House, Level 29, 91 King William Street,  Adelaide,  South Australia 5000
Email: share.register@santos.com.au

Directors
J A Uhrig (Chairman),  J C Ellice-Flint (Managing Director),  P C Barnett,  F J Conroy,  S Gerlach (Deputy Chairman),  
J W McArdle (Executive Director),  G W McGregor,  M A O’Leary,  J Sloan,  I E Webber 

Secretary
M G Roberts

Registered and 
Head Office

Level 29
Santos House
91 King William Street
Adelaide  South Australia 5000
Telephone (08) 8218 5111
Facsimile (08) 8218 5274
Telex AA82716

Share Register

Level 29
Santos House
91 King William Street
Adelaide  South Australia 5000
Telephone (08) 8218 5111
Facsimile (08) 8218 5950

Offices

Subsidiary Companies

Port Bonython
PO Box 344
Whyalla  South Australia 5600
Telephone (08) 8640 3100
Facsimile (08) 8640 3200

Brisbane
Santos House
14th floor, 60 Edward Street
Brisbane  Queensland 4000
Telephone (07) 3228 6666
Facsimile (07) 3228 6920

Brisbane
Santos Asia Pacific Pty Ltd
Level 2, Muruk Haus
230 Lutwyche Road
Windsor  Queensland  4030
Telephone (07) 3857 7088
Facsimile (07) 3857 7089

Representative office of 
Santos Asia Pacific Pty Ltd
in Jakarta:
Ratu Plaza Office Tower
10th floor
Jalan Jendral Sudirman Kav 9
Jakarta 10270 Indonesia
(PO Box 6221, JKS GN,
Jakarta  12060)
Telephone (62-21) 270 0410
Facsimile (62-21) 720 4503

United States of America
Santos USA Corporation
2500 Tanglewilde
Suite 160, Houston
Texas  77063  USA
Telephone (1-713) 986 1700
Facsimile (1-713) 986 4200

Papua New Guinea
Barracuda Limited
Level 8, Pacific Place
Cnr Champion Parade
and Musgrave Street
Port Moresby  PNG
Telephone (675) 321 2633
Facsimile (675) 321 2847

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