18th February, 2008
GB00B23JN426/GBP/PLUS-exn
Oracle Coalfields Plc (PLUS:OCP)
Drilling Commenced At Block VI, Thar Coal Project, Pakistan
Highlights
* Drilling commenced at Thar coalfield, Sindh Province
* Results are expected to validate previous exploration data to bring Block VI resource into
JORC standards
Oracle Coalfields plc ("Oracle" or "the Company"), the coal exploration and development company,
is pleased to announce that Deep Rock Drilling (PVT) Ltd ("DRD") has commenced drilling the first
borehole of a seven hole programme on Block VI of the Thar Coalfield, Province of Sindh, Pakistan
on 14th February 2008.
The purpose of the drilling programme is to validate the results achieved by the China North East
Geological Survey Bureau ("CNEGS"), which completed a 35-borehole programme in 2005, as
commissioned by the Sindh Coal Authority. A total depth of 9,852 metres was drilled over 35 holes
by CNEGS, of which 5,986 metres was cored. All boreholes were geophysically logged, and 273
lignite samples were analysed for quality.
The purpose of the work programme undertaken by DRD should enable the results of the CNEGS 35-
borehole programme to be validated, and for Block VI to be taken to the internationally recognised
JORC standard and an independent Competent Persons Report prepared expected Q2 2008.
SHAHRUKH KHAN, CHAIRMAN, SAID:
"I am delighted that the drilling programme has now commenced on Block VI of the Thar Coalfield,
and that it has been signed within budget. We are on schedule to meet our development intentions,
and are pleased with the ongoing support that we have received to date from the relevant
government authorities in the Province of Sindh."
The Directors of the Issuer accept responsibility for this announcement.
ENQUIRIES:
ORACLE COALFIELDS PLC
SHAHRUKH KHAN, CHAIRMAN
TELEPHONE: +44 (0) 155 381 0940
EMAIL: S.KHAN@ORACLECOALFIELDS.COM
CORPORATE ADVISERS
ST HELEN'S CAPITAL PLC
BARRY HOCKEN, DIRECTOR
TELEPHONE: 020 7628 5582
EMAIL: BARRY.HOCKEN@STHELENSCAPITAL.COM
CONDUIT PR
JOS SIMSON/ARABELLA HOBBS
Telephone: 020 7429 6603
Oracle Coalfields plc