Argentina has condemned the UK’s plans to drill for oil in the Falklands, accusing Britain of illegally exploiting its hydrocarbon resources and violating its sovereignty.

The Sea Lion oil field, located 220km north of the Falkland Islands and containing over 300 million barrels of oil, is licensed to UK-based Rockhopper Exploration.

Israeli company Navitas Petroleum will handle the extraction, involving the drilling of twenty-three wells.

Navitas has submitted an environmental impact statement, and the Falkland Islands government has initiated a public consultation until August 5, the Daily Express has reported.

In response, Argentina has threatened legal action if the UK proceeds, with Tierra del Fuego Governor Gustavo Melella denouncing the UK’s actions and vowing to use all legal tools to protect Argentina’s rights.

Written by B.C. Begley