Proper planning helps Mammoth employ these measures so as to limit the effect its drilling activities has on the environment.

"The Chinese Government has demanded that the Vietnamese side stop the drilling activities immediately," it added.

There has been no significant drilling activity in the basin since the late 1970s.

The Exxon Corporation said it planned to increase its drilling activity in West Texas, with 350 new wells over two years.

He predicted robust drilling activity but a drop in production capacity next year.

The semi-submersible design was first developed for offshore drilling activities.

Most analysts and executives said sustained prices above $25 a barrel would be enough to spur significant additional drilling activity.

Vietnam has become the scene of increasing drilling activity and bidding for blocks.

Possibilities include the shipping fleet, the drilling activity and the gas stations.

After investigations by independent experts, police had concluded the mud flow was an "underground blow out", triggered by the drilling activity.