Project partner Otto Energy told the Australian Securities Exchange that BHP had requested an 18-month extension to the current exploration sub-phase from the Philippines Department of Energy.
If approved, this would extend the deadline for completion of drilling of the commitment well from 5 August 2012 to 5 February 2014.
Otto said availability of rigs with the necessary specialised well control equipment was limited, adding that no specific date for the start of drilling operations in the project area could be given until a rig was secured.
Otto
