The Simmons 80 rig began drilling the Soja-1 exploration well on August 25 and the well’s primary target, a post-salt structure, is expected to be penetrated by the end of September, according to Roc.

“Subject to drilling progress and the onset of the rainy season, the well is likely to be suspended for re-entry in 1H 2008 in order to drill into a deeper pre-salt target,” the company said

“When the Simmons 80 rig demobilises from the Soja-1 location, it will move to a higher and drier ground where it will drill the Milho-1 and Trigo-1 exploration wells, both of which have primary targets within the pre-salt and each of which is expected to take approximately two months to drill.”

Meanwhile, the Roc Explorer rig is being relocated from the Massambala discovery to drill the Cevada-1 exploration well.

Roc said it expected the well to start drilling in the second half of September and to take about one month to reach its post-salt target.

Participating interests in the Cabinda South Block are: Roc (operator) 60%, Force Petroleum 20% and Sonangol 20%.