Australian government awards oil exploration permits to CNOOC

Australian government recently awarded 11 new oil exploration permits to local and overseas oil companies, China National Offshore Oil Corporation included.

It is said that total investment involved could reach 800 million Australian dollars in the next six years.

CNOOC got a permit to conduct oil exploration in Bonaparte Basin, off Western Australia, while Total, Goldsborough Energy and Reliance Industries Ltd. also got permits in the same area.

Gerald Nelson got two permits in Carnarvon Basin, off Western Australia, and a consortium comprising Australian Woodside and American Hess Exploration got another permit there.

American Samson International got two permits in the Northern Arafura Basin, off Northern Territory. And Australian Santos Oil was awarded a permit in Sorell Basin.