Offshore staff
(Argentina) - Desire Petroleum has recently completed an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in the Falkland Islands. Results of this assessment for drilling in Tranches C and D in the North Falkland Basin were presented, as required by Falkland Islands Law, at a well-attended public meeting in Stanley. The EIA now requires approval by the Falkland Islands Council's Executive Committee.
The approval of the EIA is an essential step in progress towards further drilling in Tranches C and D. All other preparations for further drilling are now well-advanced and Desire plans to commence drilling immediately once a suitable drilling rig becomes available.
The high demand for rigs everywhere means that drilling will most likely be delayed for some time. The company is currently pursuing a number of options for securing a rig, although timing remains uncertain. By making all possible preparations now, the company will be in a position to begin drilling should a rig suddenly become available at short notice.
Desire has also submitted site survey proposals at nine locations to the Health and Safety Executive (acting on behalf of the Falkland Islands Government) for comment. It is expected that three of these will be drilled once the company procures a rig.
03/07/2006
