Wireline logging and the evaluation of well data is continuing.

Tiof-5 is located about 2.7km east of the Tiof-1 discovery well. The previous three apprasial wells have all found oil.

After completing operations on the Tiof-5 appraisal well, the Stena Tay will move to the Chinguetti Field and join the West Navigator on the Chinguetti development drilling program.

Hardman acting chief executive Scott Spencer recently said results from Tiof wells drilled so far have indicated a probable reserve of between 300 million and 350 million barrels of oil. This is about twice the size of the nearby Chinguetti field, which is due to come on stream next year and should produce about 75,000 barrels a day.

Spencer said if the Tiof appraisal program went as expected, the partners would probably initiate a phased development.

Production would start at about 50,000 barrels a day in 2007, to generate early cash flow and make the most of booming oil prices, and build up to as much as 130,000 barrels a day. The total development cost would be about $1 billion, he said.

Participating interests in PSC-B include Woodside Group (operator) 53.846%,

Hardman 21.6%, BG Group 11.63%, Premier Group 9.231% and Roc Oil 3.693%.

The Mauritanian government has the right to buy into the project. If Tiof proves successful it is likely to exercise that right as it has already on the Chinguetti project.