Business
Drilling Programme Update
Drilling Programme Update.
About this update from Rockhopper Exploration Plc
[{"type":"text","content":"\n RNS Number : 5817R Rockhopper Exploration plc 25 August 2010 \n\nEmbargoed: 0700hrs, 25 August 2010\n \n \nRockhopper Exploration plc\n(\"Rockhopper\" or the \"Company\")\n \nDrilling Programme Update\n \nRockhopper Exploration plc (AIM: RKH), the North Falkland Basin oil and gas exploration company, provides an update on operations at its Ernest and Sea Lion locations.\n \nThe Ernest 26/6-1 exploration well has been safely plugged and abandoned as a dry hole following completion of all logging runs. \n \nThe Ocean Guardian drilling rig is now preparing to proceed to the Sea Lion location where the Company intends, subject to all necessary consents, to carry out a flow test on the Sea Lion discovery well 14/10-2. Submission for approval of the final design for the flow test programme was made to the Falkland Island Government on 24 August 2010. \n \nThe design for the initial flow test uses equipment that is available on the Ocean Guardian and certain chemicals which are expected to mitigate the wax appearance temperature and the pour point of the oil. The flow test is expected to give an early indication of the production potential of the reservoir sands and will be an essential part of the planning process required as the Company moves towards its full appraisal and possible development programmes.\n \nA further announcement will be issued once the Ocean Guardian is at the Sea Lion location.\n \nEnquiries:\n \nRockhopper Exploration plc\nSam Moody - Managing Director\nTel. +44 (0)20 7920 2340 (via M: Communications)\n \nM: Communications\nPatrick d'Ancona or Ben Simons\nTel. +44 (0)20 7920 2340\n \nCanaccord Genuity Limited\nRobert Finlay / Henry Fitzgerald-O'Connor\nTel. +44 (0) 20 7050 6500\n \n \nNotes to Editors\n \nRockhopper was established in February 2004 with a strategy to invest in and carry out an offshore oil exploration programme to the north of the Falkland Islands. The Company floated on AIM in August 2005 and holds a 100 per cent. interest in four offshore production licences: PL023, PL024, PL032 and PL033 which cover approximately 3,800 sq. km. Rockhopper has also farmed in (7.5% working interest) to licences PL003 and PL004, which are operated by Desire Petroleum. These licences have been granted by the Falkland Is...