The Ministry of Infrastructure has taken all necessary steps to ascertain that drilling for oil in Area 4 off Malta will be carried out in the most secure way for both personnel safety and the environment, Minister Joe Mizzi said in Parliament yesterday.

On its part, the company operating the rig had taken steps to make alterations to the rig in line with best practice in the industry.

Mr Mizzi said that for the first time, the company had commis­sioned a study on environ­mental aspects and a report of major hazards, as well as mitigation measures and emergency plans.

The government was currently evaluating the studies and once they were accepted, it would give the final go-ahead for oil drilling to start.

The minister said that while the government was taking things seriously and the company being very professional, it was doubtful what difference the oil rig’s Liberian registration would make.

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