Empyrean Energy PLC (AIM:EME) told investors that its survey ahead of the Jade exploration well, offshore China, is now complete and plans for drilling continue to advance.
In a statement, Empyrean said the survey’s completion enables the prompt lodging of the final permit application required to drill the Jade prospect. All other permits for the well have been obtained and finalised.
The company is presently in talks to finalise drill rig availability and confirm a spud date. Discussions with the company’s Chinese services provider have been positive, it added, and a scheduling update is expected shortly.
"We are delighted that the COSL survey team has been able to complete the well site survey, given the sustained unfavourable winds and swells encountered over the past 6 months,” said chief executive Tom Kelly.
“This now enables the completion of the permitting process with the survey report being the final box to tick.
“Over the past few months the Empyrean, COSL and CNOOC EnerTech teams have been hard at work to finalise all required permits to drill the high impact and exciting Jade prospect. With the completion of the well site survey the company can now quickly lodge the application for the final of the eight required permits to drill the Jade prospect.
Kelly added: “the Jade prospect looks to be one of the highest impact exploration wells scheduled for 2022, globally."