Japanese oil study ‘Positive’

The hunt for oil around northwestern Cambodia has unearthed “positive” results for Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), which intends to continue exploring the area in a project that could last at least six more years, a government spokesman said. JOGMEC’s survey on the area known as Block 17, which spans across Siem Reap and Preah Vihear provinces, has netted “positive and encouraging” results, said the Council of Minister’s spokesman, Ek Tha. It has also led “to numerous new geological information and understanding of Cambodia onshore petroleum potential.” Such findings are “a result of a three-year joint study between JOGMEC and the Cambodian National Petroleum Authority (CNPA), which includes Cambodia’s first ever onshore 2D seismic acquisition by way of using explosives,” he said. … Mam Sambath, executive director of Development and Partnership in Action, said that if petroleum is eventually found and extracted, the company should consider the possible environmental impacts. Pipelines would have to be installed to transport the petroleum to refineries, he said. “If the pipeline leaks, it will pollute the environment and affect humans, animals and rice fields nearby,” he said. This is especially true because the area being surveyed is home to many protected areas and sanctuaries, he added.

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