Last month, the Cabinda South JV formally approved an estimated $US54 million ($A68.5 million) 2007 work program, which includes three firm exploration wells.
Roc yesterday said the first of wells, Massambala-1 and Caju-1, are scheduled to start drilling in May. The third is subject to final technical verification.
The Sydney-based company said the JV was also considering drilling three additional exploration wells during 2007 in order to make the most of the drilling season.
To allow for this option, a two-rig program is being structured using the Roc-owned Explorer rig, currently being upgraded in the UK and the Simmons rig, currently being upgraded in Dubai.
Both rigs are scheduled to start drilling after the end of the wet season, which normally occurs between late March and late April.
Roc said the end of the wet season would also determine when construction of the rig access roads and drill sites could be completed.
Massambala-1 is expected to be the first well drilled, most likely by the Explorer rig, while the Simmons rig is expected to start drilling Caju-1 at the end-May/early June.
Roc has a 60% working interest, or 75% contributing interest, in the Cabinda South Block JV. Its partners are Force Petroleum (20% working interest and 25% contributing interested) and Angolan state company Sonangol P&P (20% interest, free carried).
