In March 2006, EnCore signed a formal Production Sharing Contract and associated Assurance Agreement with the Government of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic ("SADR") for the offshore Laguera block licence in the Western Sahara. The Laguera block covers an area of 20,000 square kilometres and is adjacent to Mauritania. Water depths range from 0 to over 4,000 metres.  The Pelican Gas Discovery in Mauritania is some 175 kilometres to the south.  EnCore’s working interest is 100%.

Laguera Location Map

The United Nations currently recognises Western Sahara as a non self-governing territory. The sovereignty of the indigenous Saharawi people over the territory known as Western Sahara has also been upheld by the International Court of Justice. The SADR is a full member of the African Union.

No exploitation of the Western Sahara offshore resources can or will be undertaken by EnCore until such time as the current dispute has been resolved.

For additional information:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/country_profiles/3466917.stm 

EnCore news releases on the Western Sahara: 

17 March 2006 - EnCore Signs Laguera Licence in the Western Sahara