OHIL expected to undertake the first stage of drilling in early spring once all the necessary documentation and audits of the rig were completed, Cave said.
Site construction had begun but an unseasonably wet June had slowed progress.
He anticipated completion of the well site this month.
Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges said last month that it was likely Perth-based Mosman Oil and Gas would move into commercial production after its successful drilling east of Greymouth.
The minister has been accused of jumping the gun on the announcement when Mosman had said it was not even at the stage of economic assessment.
Bridges told the Greymouth Star further appraisal work was needed before the company could confirm the commercial viability of the project.
If it were the case it would be one of the first commercial oil finds outside Taranaki and good for the Coast, he said.
The Gloriavale Christian Community didn't respond when asked if commercial oil production at its site was a possibility.
- Westport News
