Reported yesterday, “A contract was signed on Wednesday between the government of Montserrat and EGS, Inc, an American firm (owned by Santa Rosa/ California based geothermal drilling company ThermaSource) for Phase 2 of geothermal exploration on the island.

In January 2008, the (UK) Department for International Development (DFID) approved a budget of up to approximately GBP800,000 (US$ 1.3 million) to fund a phased evaluation process consisting of:

Phase 1: Scoping survey – to define the scope of the further investigations required;  Phase 2: Geophysical, geological and geochemical investigations culminating in recommendations for locations, size and depth for investigatory drilling; Phase 3: Small diameter test drilling to attempt to prove the resource.

Chief Minister, Dr Lowell Lewis and the Minister of Communication and Works, Charles Kirnon, who witnessed the contract signing event, were both full of praise for the Communications and Works department staff, relevant institutions and other individuals who were very instrumental in bringing the process this far.

The funding for Phase 2 is approximately US$250,000. Exploration activities will take place in areas around Cork Hill, Richmond Hill, Foxes Bay and Sturge Park.

Source: Caribbean Net News