Correct, he operator would be getting real-time information while drilling. It would be shared with the other partners, especially the big dog Addax.
While there are studies and analysis that can take at least a year after drilling is complete to process, real time information would include such things as net payzones, pressure, fluids and gas encountered, etc.
This picture below shows a typical LWD tool (Logging-While-Drilling) including a RAB tool (Resistivity-At-Bit), a NMR-MRP tool (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), MWD (Measurement-While-Drilling) and GVP tool (GeoVision Resistivity Tool).
Note that this is all in the drill string, above the drilling bit. This saves time as they don't have to trip-out the drilling string, trip-in and out the measurement tool string, and then trip in the drill string. Instead it all is contained on the drill string and the operator gets real time data as measurements are taken. Some while drilling, some while tripping in a new drill bit or different tool.
Other tools available, but not in this picture, include SWD (Seismic While Drilling, Formation pressure Tester and Fluid Sampler, Down-hole Temperature, Mud Pulse Telemetry, etc.
This technology is improving rapidly, I saw lots of new stuff at this year's Offshore Technology Conference (OTC2012). Some of the contractors had entire control panels set up, with multiple LCD displays showing the wide range of Real-Time data that is acquired while drilling using these tools.
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