Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Premier Oil's biodiversity policy?
A: Premier evaluates each potential new opportunity individually through strict HSES systems, and makes a decision based on the results of available data, baseline studies and environmental impact assessments, oil spill plans, etc.  We do not have a policy which precludes us from operating in sensitive areas, however, if we do operate in a sensitive area our footprint is generally extremely small and we manage our operations very tightly and make sure that any disruption is minimal.

Q: Does Premier Oil consider biodiversity issues when selecting sites for its operations?
A: Premier generally evaluates a number of locations before deciding on a well site. In sensitive areas, environmental considerations, including biodiversity issues, often significantly influence the selection of sites. The site selection process is described in all EIAs.

Q: Does Premier Oil have a policy on biodiversity offset?
A: If our operations have significant impacts on the local environment, we consider ways to offset the impacts through conservation interventions.  All EIAs are location specific, and where a biodiversity offset is both beneficial and practicable, we will take appropriate measures.  Examples of this include replanting Juniper trees to enable road access to the Zarghun South drilling site in Pakistan, and implementing a Range Management Plan to relieve the feeding burden of livestock, and thereby increase availability of natural vegetation to protected wildlife species (such as urial sheep) around the Dureji-1 well site, also in Pakistan.

Q: How does Premier make sure that all staff are aware of its environmental practices?
A: We publish codes of environmental practice as part of our integrated health, safety, environmental and security management system and embed it into project teams through dedicated induction briefings.

Q: How is the information contained in the EIAs disseminated to field staff?
A: A common induction process is being introduced so that staff working locally are aware of the requirements of the EIA.  The induction is given to all field staff when joining the project, but focuses on the site supervisors at well sites, to ensure that they are aware of specific local risks, implement risk reduction measures and carefully monitor their subordinates' compliance.