Mauritania

Sterling Energy PLC
04 August 2005


4 August 2005

                               STERLING ENERGY PLC
                           ('Sterling' or the 'Company')



                                   Mauritania



Sterling draws the market's attention to the following release by Woodside with
reference to the situation in Mauritania.



'Woodside Energy is continuing its operations in Mauritania following political
developments overnight. Woodside, which operates the Chinguetti oil field
development, about 90 kilometres offshore west of the capital Nouakchott, has
maintained normal drilling operations except for a minor disruption due to
delays in freight movements. All of Woodside's staff and contractors have been
accounted for and are safe. The company will continue to monitor the situation.'



Sterling can confirm that its staff in the country are accounted for and are
safe.



Sterling will continue to monitor the situation.



Sterling Energy (01582 462 121)          Web site: www.sterlingenergyplc.com
Harry Wilson

Citigate Dewe Rogerson (020 7638 9571)
Rachel Lankester
George Cazenove


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