No, you didn't get it straight. When you re-read it you will see they have not started drilling, but are preparing to start once they get permission (their application is currently under processing).
In your mind "starting to do something" is equivalent to "getting ready to do something"?
That's weird.
For one, getting ready means you have NOT started to do the thing.
Why confuse the two?
When I'm starting to go to bed, I usually take the dogs out one last time, go turn the lights off, etc.
When I'm starting a new team, that might mean selling execs on the idea that I need headcount, finding space for them to sit, etc. all of which are also getting ready.
> For one, getting ready means you have NOT started to do the thing.
Started and starting are very very different.
But would you say “I’ve started hiring”?
"I've started hiring" is very different from "I'm starting hiring".