Flow Test Update-Sea Lion 14/

RNS Number : 1726S

Rockhopper Exploration plc

06 September 2010

 

Embargoed: 0700hrs, 6 September 2010

Rockhopper Exploration plc

("Rockhopper" or the "Company")

Flow Test Update - Sea Lion 14/10-2 discovery well

Rockhopper Exploration plc (AIM: RKH), the North Falkland Basin oil and gas exploration company, announces that the Ocean Guardian drilling rig is at the location of the Sea Lion 14/10-2 discovery well and that operations to carry out a flow test on the Sea Lion main and lower fans are underway.

While testing operations can be more sensitive to weather conditions than standard drilling operations, the Company anticipates that operations will be completed in approximately 30 days.  A further announcement will be made on completion of operations.

Enquiries:

Rockhopper Exploration plc

Sam Moody - Managing Director

Tel. [phone] (via M: Communications)

M: Communications

Patrick d'Ancona or Ben Simons

Tel. [phone]

Canaccord Genuity Limited

Robert Finlay / Henry Fitzgerald-O'Connor

Tel. [phone]

Notes to Editors

Rockhopper was established in February 2004 with a strategy to invest in and carry out an offshore oil exploration programme to the north of the Falkland Islands. The Company floated on AIM in August 2005 and holds a 100 per cent. interest in four offshore production licences: PL023, PL024, PL032 and PL033 which cover approximately 3,800 sq. km. Rockhopper has also farmed in (7.5% working interest) to licences PL003 and PL004, which are operated by Desire Petroleum. These licences have been granted by the Falkland Islands government.

An extensive work programme has been carried out over a number of years on the licences operated by Rockhopper. This has included 2D and 3D Seismic and Controlled Source Electromagnetic Mapping (CSEM). In February 2010, the Ocean Guardian drilling rig arrived in Falkland waters to carry out a multi-well drilling campaign. Rockhopper drilled an exploration well on its Sea Lion prospect during April and May 2010, the result of which is the first oil discovery and Contingent Oil Resource in the North Falkland Basin.

Rockhopper Exploration plc www.rockhopperexploration.co.uk

 

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