Oil companies with exploration and production rights in Mauritania are remaining positive about prospects there after a key resources company said it had been reassured of support from the military coup leaders who seized power on Wednesday.

Woodside, the Australian resources group that has a 47 per cent stake in the offshore Chinguetti oil field, which is expected to begin outputting 75,000 barrels per day from next year, said company representatives in Nouakchott had made contact with leaders from the Military Council for Justice and Democracy.