Salamander said that the first awarded block is situated adjacent to its Savannakhet PSC facility in Laos. The firm has also received notification that its bid for another block has been approved by the cabinet and will be signed in the near future. This block is located to the west of the Nam Phong power plant in north east Thailand.
The block contains an existing gas discovery called Dao Ruang. The award to Salamander was made following a competitive tender, with two other companies applying for the acreage.
James Menzies, CEO of Salamander, said: I am delighted with the award of these new exploration licences which firmly establish Salamander as the leading player in the Khorat basin. Our drilling program in this region is progressing well and we look forward to drilling the Phu Horm South well on completion of Dong Mun 3.
