Doris Leblond
OGJ Correspondent
PARIS, Nov. 10 -- Angola's national oil company Sonangol EP has notified Total SA that the company's offshore development license for Block 3/80, northeast of Total's deepwater Block 17, will not be renewed when it expires at yearend.
There might be political undertones to Sonangol's decision because of a dispute between France and Angola over alleged arms trafficking during Angola's civil war by a French national whom Angola is protecting from French courts.
Total played down the political aspect, saying the license was "depleting," and it is "not a major exploitation." The company, however, also said it wants to discuss the matter with Angolan authorities.
Block 3/80 currently produces 10,000 b/d of oil. Total, with 50% interest, is operator in a joint venture with Agip SPA, Sonangol, and two Serbian and Croatian companies.
