2D and CSEM survey update

Rockhopper Exploration plc
06 February 2006


                                                                           
PRESS RELEASE

Monday 6 February 2006

                          Rockhopper Exploration plc

                    Falkland Islands survey programme update


Rockhopper Exploration plc ('Rockhopper') is pleased to give the following
progress report on its Falkland Islands exploration programme:

2D seismic survey: The GSI vessel, the GSI Pacific is now in the Falkland
Islands and has commenced the 2D seismic programme of approximately 900km over
Rockhopper's 100% licences PL023 and PL024.

The programme, which should take approximately 4 weeks, will add to the existing
1832km of 2D data covering licences PL023 and PL024 on which a number of
prospects and leads have already been identified.

Electromagnetic survey: Offshore Hydrocarbon Mapping plc has completed the first
controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM) survey over Rockhopper's 'J1' prospect
in licence PL024. The survey vessel MV Aurelia has moved to the second survey
location.

The processing and interpretation of both the 2D and CSEM surveys is expected to
take approximately 3 to 4 months.

Pierre Jungels, Rockhopper's Executive Chairman commented: 'Together with
existing information, the data gathered from the current seismic and CSEM
surveys will contribute significantly to our understanding of the exploration
potential of our Falkland Islands licences.'


Ends

Contact:

Rockhopper Exploration plc
Sam Moody - Managing Director                01722 414 419

Aquila Financial Ltd                         [e-mail]
Peter Reilly                                 020 7202 2601
Yvonne Fraser                                020 7202 2609


www.rockhopperexploration.co.uk


Notes to editors:


The Rockhopper Group started trading in February 2004 to invest in and carry out
an offshore oil exploration programme to the north of the Falkland Islands. The
Group, who floated on AIM in August 2005, is currently the largest licence
holder in the North Falkland Basin and owns a 100 per cent. interest in four
offshore production licences which cover approximately 5,800 sq. km. These
licences have been granted by the Falkland Islands government.



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