By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Sept. 20 -- Colombia has awarded Total SA and partners the exploration rights for the 623-sq-km Niscota Block, 180 km northeast of Bogota in the Llanos basin.
The Niscota block is north of giant Cusiana and Cupiagua oil fields. Total, which owns 50% of the consortium, said partners plan to start exploration of the block next year.
Hocal SA is the operator with 20% interest, and Talisman Energy Inc., Calgary, owns 30% interest.
