Overview

X-Terra believes the Utica shales exhibit excellent rock properties comparable to
established shale gas plays like the Barnett Shale play in Texas. The economics of the Utica shales could be more attractive than other similar shale gas plays because of its shallower depth and close proximity to northeastern gas markets.

With the improvement in horizontal drilling and completion techniques, shale gas
development has now become economically viable. The Utica shale gas play in Québec is unique with the presence of several juniors that initially established large land positions in the basin. There is significant leverage for successful development of the play through the junior companies involved.

Among the seven juniors that are exposed to the Utica shale gas play in Québec, we believe X-Terra offers a very good upside leverage through its acreage holding in the “sweet-spot” of the Utica shales.