Japanese firm awaits approval for oil data collection

Mitsui Oil Exploration Co (Moeco), a Japanese petroleum firm that specializes in natural gas, wants to start conducting seismic operations testing for oil and gas north of the Tonle Sap lake by February 2012 and wrap up the tests by May, according to excerpts of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the project. The EIA report, dated September 12, requires Ministry of Environment approval prior to beginning seismic operations in the 6,500-square-km Block 17…