Empire Oil & Gas NL provided updates on its exploration program which summarises the status to secure a farm-in partner. Work has been progressing on the exploration program and farm-out process in line with Empire's previous market updates. Empire has progressed discussions with a number of interested parties and two of these are well advanced. However, given the persisting challenging conditions in the Australian oil and gas exploration market, the Board will maintain a disciplined approach to achieve the right balance to ensure Empire shareholder value is maximised. Key highlights of the update include: An outline of the company's key exploration prospects in the Perth Basin, which have the potential to be company transforming; An overview of the exploration prospects and leads around the Red Gully-1 and the volatile oil discovery at Red-Gully North-1; A status update on the drilling program planning; and an outline of Empire's forward work program for the remainder of 2017 and 2018. Exploration portfolio highlights: North Perth Basin core exploration focus; Targeting proven petroleum systems with diverse plays; Basin tenement portfolio; High equity position in material prospects (up to 80-100%) 2017 exploration program to focus on three main areas (EP 389, EP 368/426, EP 432); 3 drill ready prospects (EP 368/426 and EP 432); Substantial exploration potential surrounding the 100%-owned Red Gully Production Hub; 2D seismic survey planning underway to mature further prospects for drilling in EP 389 and EP 432; and farm-out discussions at an advanced stage with a number of parties.