May 17: The government has come out with what it calls a draft Reconnaissance Contract wherein an operator can conduct a Reconnaissance Work Programme for two years after which it can express an Intent to Migrate to a Petroleum Operations Contract for an Area of Interest. 8The operator will then be eligible for a Right of First Refusal 8He can also abandon his rights after the Reconnaissance Contract 8The Operator will be eligible for a Right of First Refusal 8The liquidated damages to be paid for non-performance of contract, including seismic survey commitments and E&P work programmes are clearly spelt out Click on Reports for more