Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Praxoulla Antoniadou on Tuesday said that if all goes well regarding the drilling for hydrocarbons in Cyprus’ EEZ, the primary findings should be expected beginning of December.

Speaking to the press, Antoniadou said that the drill has so far reached 1.000 meters underneath the seabed, adding that the goal is to hit 4.000 meters.

She also explained that if the works go on “smoothly” and there is a positive outcome by the beginning of December, then there will be a second phase of assessment drilling, called “appraisal wells” in order to evaluate the quality and quantity of the reserves.

Invited to comment on reports that there might be richer reserves in other blocks in Cyprus’ EEZ, Commerce Minister said that government holds discussions in a high political level and pursues its next steps, accordingly.