13-01-09 Six companies to date have purchased data packages for Uruguay's first offshore E&P round, mining and energy minister Daniel Martinez told after speaking at a conference in Santiago.
"We launched the round successfully in Montevideo and we'll have a road show in Houston…," Martinez said.

Prospective areas the ministry identified during preliminary seismic studies would be cost effective even with current low oil prices.
"I don't know of many rounds where all the blocks are awarded, but I'd be happy even if we awarded two or three," the minister added.

Uruguay's state oil company Ancap in December launched the round for 11 blocks ranging from 4,000 sq km to 8,000 sq km (1,544 sq miles to 3,088 sq miles) at depths of 200 meters to 2,500 meters (656 feet to 8,202 feet). Companies have until June 2009 to submit work plans and offers, which Ancap will review in June and July before awarding any blocks.
Uruguay's government in 2008 announced it had identified more than a dozen prospective offshore natural gas areas that each could boast 1 to 3 tcf (up to 85 bn cm) of gas. Martinez said the blocks also could yield oil.