FW: InterOil announces purchase of second drilling rig

PORT MORESBY, February 9, 2010 -- InterOil Corporation has announced it has purchased a second drilling rig.

The 1,500 horsepower heliportable “triple” rig with top drive was originally built by Parker Drilling. Total cash consideration for the rig and an extensive inventory of drilling and oil field service equipment, currently located in New Zealand, is NZD $6.5 million (approximately US$4.5 million).

The rig specifications are:

• OIME SL-1500 horsepower heliportable “triple” rig.
• Tesco 500 ton top drive.
• Two 1,300 hp mud pumps, both 5 inch and 3 1/2 inch drill pipe.
• 60 ton crane and 40 ton all terrain crane.

The new rig is capable of drilling to 16,500 vertical feet and of drilling longer horizontal sections than the company’s current rig.

The added depth capacity of this rig, in addition to the top drive system, is expected to add flexibility and efficiency to our drilling operations.

The additional rig is not only suitable for development of the Elk/Antelope field, but also adds increased depth capacity and well design versatility to our exploration program.

The rig is capable of tripping drill pipe in “triples,” which InterOil believes will lead to significantly shorter drilling times.

 Two rigs in the field are expected to add efficiency to our overall drilling operations as many of the services and equipment can be shared across both rigs.

The Company anticipates moving the rig to PNG in the second quarter of this year following completion of the transaction and refurbishment of tubular and other rotating equipment.

InterOil chairman and CEO Phil Mulacek stated: “We are very satisfied with the acquisition of the InterOil’s second rig which is outstanding in terms of design and capabilities and is particularly well suited for operations in the area in which our development and exploration activities are being conducted.”

About InterOil

InterOil Corporation is developing a vertically integrated energy business whose primary focus is Papua New Guinea and the surrounding region. InterOil’s assets consist of petroleum licenses covering about 3.9 million acres, an oil refinery, and retail and commercial distribution facilities, all located in Papua New Guinea. In addition, InterOil is a shareholder in a joint venture established to construct an LNG plant on a site adjacent to InterOil’s refinery in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

InterOil’s common shares trade on the NYSE in US dollars.

For further in formation please contact

Susuve Laumaea

Senior Manager Media Relations InterOil Corporation

Ph: (675) 321 7040

Mobile: 675-72013870

Email: susuve.laumaea@interoil.com