Drilling Update

Empyrean Energy PLC
17 January 2006



                              Empyrean Energy PLC
                  ('Empyrean' or the 'Company'; Ticker: (EME))

                                Drilling update

AIM quoted Empyrean Energy PLC today announces the following update subsequent
to the recent spud-in of the Eagle North-1 well in California, USA.

Eagle Oil Pool Development Project - California, USA
Drilling through the surface casing at a depth of 2995 feet occurred around noon
on the 16th January and that evening drilling had progressed to at least a depth
of 3700 feet.

Glantal Gas Exploration Project - Germany
Drilling at the Glantal-1 well has progressed and is currently at a depth of
1499 meters. Mechanical failure on equipment attached to the rig has
necessitated repairs. Drilling is expected to recommence within 1 week.


For further information:

Laurence Read/Amanda Harris            
Conduit PR                                                                
Tel: [phone]                                         
Mob: [phone]

David Newton
HB Corporate
Tel: [phone]

Chris Lambert
Empyrean Energy plc
Tel: [phone]


                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange