UK Onshore Drilling Update

Roc Oil Company Limited
20 December 2004




20 December 2004


                        ROC OIL COMPANY LIMITED ('ROC')
                              STOCK EXCHANGE RELEASE


                           UK ONSHORE DRILLING UPDATE


ERRINGTON-1: EXPLORATION WELL, PEDL 028, ONSHORE UK (ROC: 100% & Operator)

As at 6:00am on 19 December 2004 UK time, the Errington-1 exploration wildcat
well was running in hole with a new bit prior to drilling ahead from 1,218m in
directional hole.

Errington-1 is located in PEDL 028 approximately 35 km west of Newcastle in
northern England.

The Errington-1 wildcat exploration well, which is targeting a potentially large
gas prospect, is expected to reach the first objective horizon during late
December 2004.



Bruce Clement                            For further information please contact:
Chief Operating Officer                                         Dr John Doran on
                                                            Tel: [phone]
                                                            Fax: [phone]
                                                    E-mail: [e-mail]
                                                         Or visit ROC's website:
                                                               www.rocoil.com.au

                                                                   Dr Kevin Hird
                                            General Manager Business Development
                                                       Tel:  [phone]
                                                       Fax:  [phone]
                                                     Email:  [e-mail]

                                                Ann-Marie Wilkinson/Nick Lambert
                                            Bell Pottinger Corporate & Financial
                                                       Tel:  [phone]




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