Origin, as Upstream operator of the Australia Pacific LNG project, today announced a phased restart of previously suspended drilling operations.

On 13 March 2014, Origin announced a precautionary measure to suspend drilling operations following notification from drilling fluid supplier, Australian Mud Company Pty Ltd, that the additive known as NUTPLUG, sometimes used in drilling was recently found to contain asbestos.

Origin is diligently working through a comprehensive and systematic process of airborne and surface testing to ensure drilling rigs either have no traces of asbestos or have been verified as safe and cleared to resume operations.

As a result, five of the previously suspended drilling rigs have been tested and returned to work. The remaining seven rigs are expected to progressively return to service over the coming days.

Origin's highest priorities are, and will continue to be, the health and safety of everyone associated with the project and minimising impacts on the environment.

For further information please contact:

Media

Lina Melero
General Manager, External Affairs
Ph: +61 2 8345 5217
Mobile: +61 427 017 798

Investors

Peter Rice
General Manager , Capital Markets
Ph: +61 2 8345 5308
Mobile: +61 417 230 306

About Origin Energy
Origin Energy (ASX: ORG) is the leading Australian integrated energy company focused on gas and oil exploration and production, power generation and energy retailing. A member of the S&P/ASX 20 Index, the company has more than 6,000 employees and is a leading producer of gas in eastern Australia. Origin is Australia's largest energy retailer servicing 4.3 million electricity, natural gas and LPG customer accounts and has the country's largest and one of the most flexible generation portfolios with approximately 6,010 MW of capacity, through either owned generation or contracted rights. Origin's strategic positioning and portfolio of assets provide flexibility, stability and significant opportunities for growth across the energy industry. Through Australia Pacific LNG, its incorporated joint venture with ConocoPhillips and Sinopec, Origin is developing one of Australia's largest CSG to LNG projects based on Australia's largest 2P CSG reserves base.

In New Zealand, Origin is the major shareholder in Contact Energy, the country's leading integrated energy company, operating geothermal, thermal and hydro generation facilities and servicing electricity, gas and LPG customers across both the North and South islands. Origin also operates several oil and gas projects in New Zealand and is one of the largest holders of petroleum exploration acreage in the country.

Origin has a strong focus on ensuring the sustainability of its operations, is the largest green energy retailer in Australia and has significant investments in renewable energy technologies.

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