Ombrina Mare Project Update

10 August 2015

Rockhopper Exploration plc

"Rockhopper" or the "Company"

Ombrina Mare Project Update

Rockhopper Exploration plc (AIM: RKH), the oil and gas exploration and production company with interests in the North Falkland Basin and the Greater Mediterranean region, is pleased to provide the following update on the status of the Ombrina Mare project in Italy.

Further to the Company's announcement on 19 May 2015, the Italian Government has announced that the Environmental Impact Assessment ("EIA") for the Ombrina Mare field development project ("FDP") has now been approved by the Minister for the Environment and countersigned by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage. The decree includes the 'Autorizzazione Integrata Ambientale' (Integrated Environmental Authorisation) ("AIA").

The decree will now be passed to the Ministry of Economic Development in order to complete the process to award the Ombrina Mare Production concession.

Sam Moody, CEO, commented:

"We are delighted to report progress on the Ombrina Mare project. While additional approvals are still required before we move into the Production Concession, we consider this to be a significant milestone towards unlocking the project."

For further information, please contact:

Rockhopper Exploration plc

Tel: (via Vigo Communications) - 020 7016 9571

Sam Moody - Chief Executive

Fiona MacAulay - Chief Operating Officer

Stewart MacDonald - Chief Financial Officer

Canaccord Genuity Limited (NOMAD and Joint Broker)

Tel: 020 7523 8000

Henry Fitzgerald-O'Connor

Liberum Capital (Joint Broker)

Tel: 020 3100 2227

Clayton Bush

Vigo Communications

Tel: 020 7016 9571

Peter Reilly

Patrick d'Ancona