21st Mar 2006 09:29
Total S.A.21 March 2006 New Ultra Deepwater Discovery in the Republic of the Conqo Paris - March 21, 2006 - Total announces an oil discovery in the Mer TresProfonde Sud (MTPS) block, located around 180 kilometres southwest of PointeNoire in the Republic of the Congo. Drilled in 1,970 metres of water to a total depth of 3,370 metres, the AurigeNord Marine 1 exploration well tested at 4,970 barrels of oil per day. Thepotential of the well is currently being assessed. Awarded in May 1997, the MTPS block extends over more than 5,000 squarekilometres, with water depths ranging from 1,300 to 3,000 metres. Total, throughits subsidiary Total E&P Congo, is the operator with a 40% interest, alongsidepartners Eni (30%) and Esso Exploration and Production Congo (Mer Tres ProfondeSud) Limited (30%). Aurige Nord Marine 1 is the third oil find in the block, following Andromede Marine 1 in 2000 and Pegase Nord Marine 1 in 2004. These three discoveriesmay form the basis for a future development. Total has a solid position in the Republic of the Congo, where it is the leadingoil producer and biggest foreign investor. In 2005, the Group's equityproduction in the country averaged 95,000 barrels per day. Total is the fourth largest oil and gas company in the world with operations inmore than 130 countries. Total's activities cover the whole energy chain of thepetroleum industry: exploration, oil and gas production, refining and marketing,trading and power generation. The Group is also a major player in chemicals.Total has more than 111,000 employees worldwide. More information can be foundon the company's website: www.total.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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