NTG Auburn manages appraisal and exploratory properties with a clear objective: convert geologic ideas into repeatable, investable assets while protecting downside risk. In this phase of the asset life cycle, decisions about data acquisition, well design, and capital pacing have outsized impact on future value. Our team brings the project management, technical depth, and operating experience required to keep exploratory programs safe, organized, and decision-focused.

Whether we are serving as contract operator, asset manager, or technical steward over a non-op position, we help clients move from “interesting concept” to “bankable development plan” with discipline and speed.

Managing Risk While Proving Upside

Appraisal and exploratory programs carry unique risk profiles. NTG Auburn’s approach emphasizes:

• Structured pre-drill planning that aligns objectives, data gathering, and well designs with capital constraints.
• Integrated subsurface and operations oversight so geology, geophysics, drilling, completions, and facilities stay connected.
• Decision-ready data from each well, focusing on what is needed to sanction (or stop) further investment.
• HSE and regulatory rigor appropriate for high-profile exploration programs and sensitive environments.
• Transparent communication with management teams, partners, and capital providers.

Where NTG Auburn Adds Value

1. Program Design & Capital Planning

• Frame exploration and appraisal objectives into a clear, phased program.
• Develop AFE-level budgets and timing for wells, data campaigns, and facilities.
• Define decision gates and what “success” means at each stage.

2. Well Planning, Drilling & Completions Stewardship

• Support well design, casing programs, and completion concepts suited to uncertainty levels.
• Provide project management across drilling, completions, and testing operations.
• Capture detailed lessons learned to improve subsequent wells and reduce non-productive time.

3. Data Acquisition, Testing & Evaluation

• Coordinate logging, coring, pressure, and fluid sampling programs.
• Ensure test design matches business questions (productivity, drive mechanism, connectivity, etc.).
• Package results into concise technical and commercial summaries for internal and external stakeholders.

4. Non-Operated & Joint Venture Stewardship

• Represent client interests in operated-by-others exploration and appraisal programs.
• Review AFE proposals, technical work, and operating practices for alignment with agreed objectives.
• Provide independent challenge and recommendations on capital allocation and risk management.

5. Pathway to Development

• Translate appraisal results into development concepts and early field layouts.
• Frame volume ranges, type curves, and key uncertainties for management and capital partners.
• Help clients determine whether to accelerate, pace, partner, or exit the opportunity.

Typical Situations We Support

• Private equity-backed teams progressing from technical concept to first operated wells.
• International or non-traditional operators entering a new basin or jurisdiction.
• Non-op owners needing deeper technical and commercial oversight of exploratory programs.
• Corporate teams with limited internal bandwidth to manage one-off or high-complexity appraisal projects.
• Well known entities desiring to appraise their properties before the market is aware of their involvement.

For appraisal and exploratory assets, NTG Auburn focuses on what matters most: safety, capital efficiency, and turning uncertain geology into clear decisions.