The company said the well in PSC-B would now be deepened and drilled a planned total depth of 3965 metres to test a separate Cretaceous target.

Preliminary information and log results suggested that Tevét-2 had encountered similar hydrocarbons to the equivalent channel section drilled by Tevét-1 in 2004, about 3km north, according to Roc.

But further information had to be analysed before the company would comment further on the find's significance.

Joint venture partners interests in PSC-B are: Woodside (53.8%); Hardman (21.6%); BG (11.6%); Premier (9.2%); and Roc Oil (3.7%).

Meanwhile, stakes in Chinguetti are: Woodside (operator - 47.4%); Hardman (19%); Groupe Project Chinguetti (12%); BG group companies (10.2%); Premier group companies (8.1%) and Roc Oil (3.2%).