http://www.falklandnews.com/public/story.cfm?get=3355&source=3
Rockhopper Exploration's Successful First Day of Trading
August 16, 2005
by Graham Bound (BBC World Service)
ROCKHOPPER EXPLORATIONS SUCCESSFUL FIRST DAY OF TRADING
A Report for BBC World Service Calling the Falklands by Graham Bound (GB) 16/08/05
Rockhopper Exploration is the latest Company to commit itself to the search for hydrocarbons around the Falklands. With International oil prices at an all time high, the Company is steaming ahead with plans for survey work and drilling north of the Falklands. Yesterday Rockhopper shares were floated on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM). Chief Executive, Sam Moody (SM) told me (GB) how the first day of trading went.
SM: We have been very pleased with the whole process. We raised 15Million from some good blue-chip institutions. And, since the shares went on to the market, we have had quite a bit of interest both from the press and from private individuals. The 15Million will cover our immediate programme, which are two quite large seismic programmes. We will share the cost of drilling with our partners, Desire.
GB: When will that programme begin?
SM: We are in negotiations with the seismic contractors at the moment and we are hoping to start shooting perhaps within the next six months. In terms of the drilling, Desire is the operator of those two blocks so it is rather more in their hands as far as getting hold of a suitable rig.
GB: Do you actually have to go back to the drawing board every time? I was just reading some background notes that say that oil actually was discovered in the North Falkland Basin the black stuff actually came up the tubes there, and some gas as well. An awful lot of seismic has been done. Do we have to go back to the drawing board?
SM: I am not sure it is a question of going back to the drawing board. Its a question of trying to re-interpret what has been done before to move on to the second phase of exploration. Thats all we can do at the moment.
GB: And, is it your understanding that actual oil was discovered there or was that just somebody making a story more exciting?
SM: Six wells were drilled in 1998, two by Shell, two by Amerada, one by LASMO and one by IPC. One of the Shell wells, which is now on acreage held by Rockhopper, did discover live oil at the surface. But that was never tested. And, of course, youve got to remember that in 1998 oil prices were around $10.00 per barrel as opposed to about $65.00 a barrel today. And, at $10.00 a barrel, its quite difficult to make a region like the Falkland Islands commercial. At anywhere above $25.00 or $30.00 a barrel it becomes a much more attractive proposition.
GB: How optimistic are you about all this? It sounds very exciting. Would you like to think that?
SM: We are hugely excited about the prospect of this. We are very excited because it is in the Falkland Islands. We found it a very good commercial place to do business in so far. And, we are looking forward to getting on and doing some more work.
GB: Do you have much assistance from the Government down there? I understand the fiscal arrangements are quite good for you.
SM: The fiscal regime in the Falkland Islands are absolutely superb for an oil company. It does make a big difference when you are thinking about going into a new area, that you can be confident that the legislation works in a proper way, that its transparent and a proper place to do business and that the tax regime is beneficial.
(100X Transcription and Monitoring Service)