MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

US and Canadian interest in Falklands oil exploration.

Several North American companies have expressed an interest in Falklands' oil exploration, the Mineral Resources Committee heard last week.

Phil Richards of the British Geological Survey is to accompany Desire Petroleum on a marketing tour later this month to encourage more interest. The committee approved funding for the trip The tour comes after Desire Petroleum completed a 3d seismic survey of the North Falklands basin, the results of which have been interpreted and are said to be encouraging.

The trip for marketing the data will first go to Houston, Texas, where around eight companies have already expressed interest and then move onto Canada where two other companies have enquired about oil prospects in the Falklands.

Also at the meeting Director of Minerals and Agriculture, Phyl Rendell, gave an update on progress to the geological guide to the Falklands that is being compiled at the moment.

She said she hoped the book will be ready for print by Christmas and would provide good information for this year's tourist season.

So far the book will consist of around fifty pages and will cost less than ten pounds. Dr Phil Stone from the British Geological Survey, Emma Edwards and former BGS expert Don Aldiss had been working on the text and illustrations.

Mrs. Rendell said a draft copy would be brought to the committee before it goes to print, hopefully in the next month or two. (FIBS)