Blessing Ceremony for the Launching of the Seismic Acquisition Operation in Block XVII of JOGMEC & MOECO

AKP Phnom Penh, January 31, 2012 –

Cambodian National Petroleum Authority (CNPA) and Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) & MOECO will celebrate on Jan. 31 in Tbeng Meanchey city, Preah Vihear province, Khmer traditional blessing ceremony, Krong Pealy, in order to start the seismic acquisition operation, according to a CNPA’s press release dated today.

“We note that, JOGMEC which formally known as Japan National Oil Corporation (JNOC) has conducted airborne magnetic & gravity survey in 1996. CNPA and JOGMEC have signed the Basic Agreement for the Study and Survey Program in Block XVII onshore Cambodia, located in Kampong Thom province, Siem Reap province and Preah Vihear province on May 4, 2010,” said the press release.

Subsequently JOGMEC signed a cooperation agreement with MOECO in conducting the oil & gas exploration in block XVII, it said, adding that MOECO then accordingly carried out exploration program culminating in this seismic acquisition operation.

Seismic acquisition operation can be classified as one of the first steps of oil & gas exploration study. This study is the process of capturing vibration wave (sound wave) in order to acquire data for analysis and interpretation of the underground structure. CNPA and all relevant ministries and authorities have carefully studied, taken into high consideration and have ensured that this operation will not have any impact on the environment and national cultural sites.