Total Reports 4th Discovery in the Ultra deep Offshore Congo

08-09-2007

Total announces a significant new oil discovery in its ultra-deep offshore block Mer Très Profonde Sud (MTPS), which lies approximately 170 kilometres offshore Republic of the Congo in a water depth of 2,000 metres.

The Cassiopée Est Marine-1 discovery well was drilled to a total depth of 3,330 metres and tested at 5,600 barrels of oil per day. The evaluation of the reserves related to this discovery is underway.

Following Andromède (2000), Pégase Nord (2004) and Aurige Nord (2006), this latest drilling success is the fourth oil discovery in the MTPS permit. It strengthens Total's exploration strategy in the Republic of Congo aiming at building an economically viable pole of development in this ultra-deep water permit.

The field development studies will be launched once the related reserves are assessed.

Awarded in May 1997, the MTPS block extends over more than 5,000 square kilometres, with water depths ranging from 1,300 to 3,000 metres. Total, through its subsidiary Total E&P Congo, is the operator with a 40% interest, alongside partners Eni Congo (30%) and Esso Exploration and Production Congo (Mer Très Profonde Sud) Limited (30%).