Start Date: Exploration drilling is expected to commence in 2009.

Objective: Drilling in deep water has become common place over the last 10-15 years.  Well proven technologies exist to handle the water depths and ocean conditions present in our licence areas. Nevertheless, great care is required to drill a well safely and efficiently. As a consequence a significant amount of time and effort will be spent on forward planning to ensure a successful outcome is achieved.  The selection of the optimum drilling rig is based not only on water depth, metocean conditions and safety standards, but also on the anticipated ‘downhole' conditions. A thorough well prognosis leads to a detailed well design which incorporates an assessment of the likely pressure and temperature regimes that are expected to be encountered.

Preparation for drilling will also require considerable logistics planning.  Some drilling units are capable of drilling one or more wells from supplies stored on the vessel.  Others require more support from a shore base and supply boats would then be required to ferry provisions and drilling equipment offshore.  Suitable helicopter support will also be required.

Some drilling equipment (long lead items), such as well-heads, will have to be ordered up to a year in advance. BHP Billiton's record in deep water drilling is excellent and we are fortunate to have such a highly competent operator in control of drilling operations.

The well plan, rig details, site surveys and environmental impact assessment must then be submitted to the government authorities for final approval.