Limerick-based exploration firm Circle Oil today said that Oman has granted it an extension for onshore Block 49 until December of next year.

Circle will be required to complete an additional 2,500 line kilometres of closely spaced 2D seismic survey and drill one exploration well.

The seismic programme is to be acquired in the south-eastern part of the permit, north-east of and adjacent to the 3D survey which was completed in 2010.

This survey is intended to provide a better understanding of the whole southern permit area, and outline potential additional drilling targets. It will complement the existing dataset, and cover an area with sparse coverage of legacy 2D lines.

Acquisition parameters for the survey will draw on the experience obtained during thCe acquisition and processing of the 3D survey.

Circle also reported that the processing of the 5,026 line kilometres of marine 2D seismic, at Block 52, has been completed.

“The granting of the extension for Block 49 will allow Circle to further evaluate drilling opportunities within the southern area of the permit," said Prof Chris Green, chief executive of the group.

"In Block 52, the new seismic is of excellent quality and multiple closures, including some leads we mapped previously, have been firmed up as prospects. The interpretations coming from Block 52 seismic have allowed us to prepare a comprehensive farm-out package.”