HOUSTON, July 22, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LINN Energy, LLC (Nasdaq:LINE) announced today results from its second operated horizontal Granite Wash well in the Stiles Ranch area of the Texas Panhandle. The Company owns a 63 percent working interest in the Black 50-1H well, which tested at a 24-hour production rate of 27.0 MMcf/d of natural gas and 3,190 Bbls/d of condensate at 2,150 psi flowing surface pressure. The natural gas production has a heating value of 1,316 Btu/cf, and when processed, should yield approximately 3,530 Bbls/d of natural gas liquids. Including estimated NGL recoveries and shrinkage associated with processing the natural gas, the Black 50-1H well produced approximately 60.2 MMcfe/d.
"The outstanding results from this second well are considerably above what we expected. We believe this is the highest rate well reported in the Granite Wash trend. The liquids content of over 6,700 Bbls/d represents more than 65 percent of the production stream and we anticipate pay-out on this well in as little as two months. The well is located in an area where LINN has a large concentrated acreage position. As a result, there are numerous follow-up drilling opportunities," said Mark E. Ellis, President and Chief Executive Officer of LINN Energy. "Our operating team has continued to drill horizontal Granite Wash wells in less drilling days and at lower costs than expected. The Granite Wash area is a major component of our drilling program and is expected to provide significant organic growth for the Company."
ABOUT LINN ENERGY
LINN Energy's mission is to acquire, develop and maximize cash flow from a growing portfolio of long-life oil and natural gas assets. LINN Energy is an independent oil and natural gas development company, with more than 2.2 Tcfe of proved reserves in producing U.S. basins as of year-end 2009 (pro forma for acquisitions announced and closed in 2010). More information about LINN Energy is available at www.linnenergy.com.
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This press release includes "forward-looking statements." All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These statements include but are not limited to forward-looking statements about acquisitions and the expectations of plans, strategies, objectives and anticipated financial and operating results of the Company, including the Company's drilling program, production, hedging activities, capital expenditure levels and other guidance included in this press release. These statements are based on certain assumptions made by the Company based on management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, anticipated future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, which may cause actual results to differ materially from those implied or expressed by the forward-looking statements. These include risks relating to the Company's financial performance and results, availability of sufficient cash flow to pay distributions and execute its business plan, prices and demand for oil, gas and natural gas liquids, the ability to replace reserves and efficiently develop current reserves and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected as described in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report filed on Form 10-K and other public filings and press releases.
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