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Total Makes Ultra Deepwater Discovery Offshore Congo
Total 3/21/2006
Total www.total.com  has made an oil discovery in the Mer Tres Profonde Sud (MTPS) block, located around 180 kilometers southwest of Pointe Noire in the Republic of the Congo.

Drilled in 1,970 meters of water to a total depth of 3,370 meters, the Aurige Nord Marine 1 exploration well tested at 4,970 barrels of oil per day. The potential of the well is currently being assessed.

Awarded in May 1997, the MTPS block extends over more than 5,000 square kilometers, with water depths ranging from 1,300 to 3,000 meters. Total, through its subsidiary Total E&P Congo, is the operator with a 40% interest, alongside partners Eni (30%) and Esso Exploration and Production Congo (Mer Tres Profonde Sud) 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 discoveries may form the basis for a future development.

Total has a solid position in the Republic of the Congo, where it is the leading oil producer and biggest foreign investor. In 2005, the Group's equity production in the country averaged 95,000 barrels per day.