Rockhopper Regulatory News (RKH)

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24 September 2009

Environmental Impact Assessment Update

Rockhopper Exploration plc (AIM : RKH) the North Falkland Basin oil and gas explorer, is pleased to announce that the Environmental Impact Statements it submitted in relation to planned drilling on its North Falkland Basin licences have been approved by the Falkland Islands Government. This approval is subject to the further approval by the Mineral Resources Committee of an Operational Addendum which will be submitted once the rig details and timing of drilling campaign are formally finalised.

NB: This statement has been approved by the Company's geological staff who include David Bodecott (Exploration Director), who is a Member of Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain (PESGB) and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG)  with over 30 years of experience in petroleum exploration and management, for the purpose of the Guidance Note for Mining, Oil and Gas Companies issued by the London Stock Exchange in respect of AIM companies, which outline standards of disclosure for mineral projects. 

For further information, please contact:

Rockhopper Exploration plc            www.rockhopperexploration.co.uk 

Sam Moody - Managing Director         01722 414 419

Aquila Financial Ltd                           www.aquila-financial.com 

Peter Reilly                                           0118 979 4100

Canaccord Adams Limited

Jeffrey Auld / Eli Colby                          020 7050 6500

Henry Fitzgerald-O'Connor

Notes to editors

www.rockhopperexploration.co.uk 

The Rockhopper Group started trading in February 2004 to invest in and carry out an offshore oil exploration programme to the north of the Falkland Islands. The Group, floated on AIM in August 2005, has a 100 per cent. interest in four offshore production licences which cover approximately 3,800 sq. km. These licences have been granted by the Falkland Islands government.