Rockhopper says that the Ernest 26/6-1 exploration well was spudded at 05.15hrs BST on July 23, 2010.

The Ernest prospect is located on License PL024. Rockhopper will drill Ernest as operator with a 100% interest. The well is being drilled to an estimated target depth of circa 2,400 meters. Drilling operations are expected to take approximately 30 days and a further announcement will be made once drilling is completed.

Ernest is being drilled using the fourth rig slot in the overall drilling program of the Ocean Guardian rig. On completion of the Ernest 26/6-1 Exploration Well, it is currently anticipated that the Ocean Guardian will return to Rockhopper's Sea Lion 14/10-2 Well (100% Rockhopper) to conduct flow testing on the oil discovery.

Tags: Rockhopper Exploration plc