ConocoPhillips China, the operator of two leaking oil platforms off China's northeast coast, admitted that new oil spill sources have been found in the same area.

ConocoPhillips China said on Sunday that it had spotted additional sources of leaks from Platform C of the Penglai 19-3 oilfield.

The State Oceanic Administration (SOA) said the company has reported the?discovery of nine new oil spill sources?in Bohai Bay?within 15 meters north its Penglai 19-3 oilfield Platform C.

The US oil company didn't give the specific number of newly discovered leak sources in a statement, but it noted: "It is believed the source of these seeps is residual mineral oil-based mud associated with the June 17 release that is migrating up from shallow subsurface sand layers."

The company reported to authorities two oil spills in its Penglai 19-3oilfield in June and admitted another two oil leaks earlier this month, with one from Platform C and the other from Platform B.

The extensive pollution caused by the leaks has drawn attention from the top government agencies.

The SOA?said last week it planned to sue ConocoPhillips over the spill which was first detected in early June.

They also?urged the company to stop oil leaking and cleaning up the oil mud by the end of August.