Sonatrach, QP to farm into Mauritania blocks

Jan. 2, 2008
Sonatrach and Qatar Petroleum are about to farm into Total's two blocks in Mauritania, according to Chief Executive Christophe de Margerie.

Doris Leblond
OGJ Correspondent

PARIS, Dec. 31 -- Sonatrach and Qatar Petroleum International are about to farm into Total SA's two blocks in Mauritania, according to Total Chief Executive Christophe de Margerie.

Total acquired the onshore blocks in January 2005 under two production-sharing contracts. The blocks, which lie at Taoudenni in southeastern Mauritania, cover a total 58,000 sq km. At the time, three exploration phases were planned, each for 3 years.

Total acquired seismic data last year and is planning to drill a well in the area in 2009. Sonatrach and QP will take part in the exploration as they are on the point of acquiring a 20% stake each in the PSC. Negotiations are currently being finalized, de Margerie said.