Attachment - J A 1

Data continuity and valid comparability to historical XRD data are essential for these clay analyses. QMineral is the only commercially available laboratory which can meet data continuity requirements. QMineral has historically produced clay mineralogical data for the Thermal Indices and AGGER projects and therefore will provide XRD data by comparable analysis methods and data reduction techniques, to allow for continuity in data and valid comparability to historical data. QMineral offers detailed clay data that includes clay type, abundances, % smectite interstratification (not a range) for illite and chlorite, and Reichweit value. This data on clay types and abundance is required to fully assess the role that clays play in porosity development. Other commercial laboratories with high throughput do not offer the same level of detailed clay data required to support the analytical rigor required under the Thermal Indices and AGGER projects, as evidenced by prior XRD data obtained by USGS on organic-rich source rocks from select North Americal commercial laboratories which is deemed unusable and valueless.