#176: Brian Hamm (McDaniel) - North America's Largest Oil Resource, 20% Discount Rates & What Makes a Quality Reserve Analysis

Brian Hamm, CEO of the petroleum evaluation firm McDaniel, examines the evolving landscape of energy resource assessment and market valuation. The discussion centers on the industry's shift toward prioritizing free cash flow and high-quality inventory over traditional reserve-based metrics. Hamm highlights the enduring significance of bitumen and SAG-D projects, arguing that these assets remain underappreciated despite their massive scale. He details how machine learning and advanced data analytics are transforming well design and economic forecasting, enabling more objective decision-making than conventional methods. Furthermore, the conversation addresses the critical need for Canadian energy advocacy, particularly regarding the development of LNG infrastructure to resolve egress constraints and ensure the industry's long-term competitiveness in global markets.