Po Valley said the environment impact assessment processes were well advanced and the required statutory review periods now complete.

Environmental approvals are expected from the relevant authorities before the end of the month.

“Issue of the preliminary award of the production concessions marks the achievement of an important regulatory hurdle in the process leading to first gas production for the company,” Po Valley said.

“It follows the recently announced award of contracts for the drilling of a second production well in Sillaro and construction and installation contract for the surface plant equipment on the two fields.”