Apache Corporation, an independent energy company, explores for, develops, and produces natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids. It holds interests in asset base of 12.3 million gross acres located in Central United States, the Permian Basin, and the Gulf Coast onshore and offshore areas of the United States; in an area of 7 million gross acres in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan; and in an area of 9.7 million gross acres located in Western Desert, Egypt. The company also has interests in 30 exploration permits, 17 production licenses, and 13 retention leases that cover a total area of 7.9 million gross acres located in offshore Western Australia; 32 concessions, exploration permits, and other interests covering an area of 4.4 million gross acres located in 4 hydrocarbon basins in Argentina; and has interests in various properties located in the United Kingdom North Sea. As of December 31, 2012, it had total estimated proved reserves of 1,441 million barrels of crude oil, condensate, and natural gas liquids; and 8.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. The company was founded in 1954 and is based in Houston, Texas.