The deal covers equity interests in Mauritania, Kenya and Australia, a study area in offshore Ghana and provision of drilling services in Mauritania.

In Mauritania Block 7, Dana is to assign 5% to Woodside for the sum of S$100,000. Woodside will also carry Dana’s seismic and drilling operations up to an amount of US$1.44 million.

“Dana will retain a 63.85% interest and, following the exercise of an option to acquire an interest of up to 10% in Block 7 from Dana, Woodside’s equity in Block 7 will increase to 15%,” said Woodside.

In Kenya Blocks L-5 and L7, Dana is to assign 10% to Woodside and in Australia, Woodside is to assign 10% equity to Dana in the Great Australia Bight Permits EPP-28, EPP-29, EPP-30 and EPP-31.

Woodside said Dana has also invited it to participate in a study agreement of the Western Tano contract area, offshore Ghana, with Woodside having an option to acquire 50% of Dana's interest.

In addition, subject to relevant conditions, Woodside will provide drilling services for Dana's Petrel-1 well in Mauritania Block 1. Woodside has no equity in this permit.

Completion of the transactions are still subject to a number of conditions, including the necessary government, regulatory and joint venture approvals.

At the same time Mauritanian authorities have thwarted another attempted coup d'etat arresting Captain Abderahmane Ould Mini, who was thought to be heavily involved in the failed June 2003 attempt.

This is the second abortive coup attempt this year as Australian oil companies continue to pump hundreds of millions of dollars into developing the country’s offshore oil and gas assets.