This interval comprises a gross gas column of 110 metres immediately overlying a gross oil column of 23 metres. Woodside said samples of gas and oil have been recovered from both columns and following the completion of the logging program the well will be plugged and abandoned, as per the intended drilling program.

The Chinguetti-4-3 well (Banda) is drilled on an independent prospect, 20 kms to the east of the Chinguetti field. It is the third well drilled in Block 4 following the initial Chinguetti discovery.

Woodside managing director John Akehurst said that the joint venture had now drilled three prospects offshore Mauritania and had made two promising discoveries. "The Chinguetti 4-3 results have increased our optimism with respect to this emerging hydrocarbon province," he said.

Participants in the Area A PSC are Woodside Mauritania 35% (operator), AGIP Mauritania BV 35%, Hardman Resources 24.3%, Fusion Oil and Gas NL 3%, Roc Oil (Mauritania) Company 2.7%.