1.   Arco already has two exploration licenses in the region, west of the Shetland Islands, in which the Schiehallion field is located.

2.   Aran also recently was awarded seven exploration licenses in the area in partnership with Chevron, Texaco and Hess.

3.   Arco already has two exploration licenses in the west of the Shetland region.

4.   With the sale, Garnet would dispose of most of its remaining assets, leaving only cash and an interest in an oil exploration license in Papua New Guinea.

5.   Esso Norge AS, an affiliate of Texas-based Exxon Corp., has been awarded equity in three exploration licenses in the Norwegian Sea.

6.   Exploration licenses would be awarded for the areas if promising signs of oil or gas reserves are found, a Petronas official said on condition of anonymity.

7.   It has taken the governments three years to reach the agreement, which establishes a joint commission to take responsibility for issuing oil exploration licenses.

8.   Now, both ONGC and OIL will compete with private companies for exploration licenses through international bidding.

9.   Vietnam defends exploration license given to U.S. oil company in disputed waters.

10.   Argentina, which had planned to issue seven exploration licenses of its own to the east of the Falkland Islands, decided to abandon its licensing round last December.