MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Billinton increases interest in FOLG Falklands' exploration

Falkland Oil and Gas Limited (“FOGL”) announced this week that BHP Billiton has decided to exercise its option to increase its interests in FOGL's 2002 and 2004 licences to the South and East of the Falkland Islands.

Under the terms of the farm-out agreement announced on 2 October 2007 BHP Billiton had the option to further increase its interest in the licences. BHP Billiton has decided to exercise this option by increasing its interest to 51%. Consequently, BHP Billiton will pay four thirds of 51% (approximately 68%) of the costs of the near term work programme, including the drilling of two exploration wells and all other associated work to the completion of this drilling work. In addition, BHP Billiton will pay FOGL a further US$2.75 million in relation to certain costs already incurred by the company. At end 2007 FOGL's forecast cash position is £12.2 million (US$25 million). As such, FOGL is now funded through a significant proportion of the near term exploration programme, which will include the drilling of the first two exploration wells. Since announcing the agreement with BHP Billiton, FOGL has had discussions with a number of other parties potentially interested in farming in to the area. FOGL will now look to advance these discussions, but with the clear intent of retaining a material interest in its licences. Tim Bushell, Chief Executive of FOGL commented: "BHP Billiton's decision to increase its interests in our licences further confirms our view that the South and East Falkland basins are highly prospective and have the potential for the discovery of significant volumes of oil and gas".