Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Japan's firm launches onshore oil, gas exploration in Cambodia

PHNOM PENH, Jan. 31 (Xinhua) -- Japan's state-affiliated Japanese Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) on Tuesday started the seismic acquisition operation for oil and gas exploration in Cambodia's Preah Vihear province, said a government official.

Phay Siphan, spokesman for the Council of Ministers, said the JOGMEC would drill 6,000 holes, each has a 6-milimeter diameter and up to a depth of 20 meters for the four-month seismic survey in the province.

Preah Vihear province, situated some 500 kilometers northwest of Phnom Penh, is home to more than 200 ancient temples including Preah Vihear temple, one of the world heritage sites.

Ho Vichit, vice-chairman of Cambodian National Petroleum Authority, said the seismic acquisition operation is one of the first steps of oil and gas exploration study and the operation will not have any impact on the environment and natural cultural sites.

"The start of the seismic survey in block 17 reflects foreign trust on Cambodia's investment environment and it is a new success for Cambodia towards the development of oil and gas sector," he said in a speech during the launching of the seismic study in the province's Tbeng Meanchey district on Tuesday.

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