Total awarded exploration block off Cameroon

By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, July 23 -- Cameroon’s Ministry of Industry, Mining, and Technological Development has awarded Total Exploration & Production Cameroon, a 75.8% affiliate of Total SA, the Lungahe exploration block in the Rio del Rey basin off Cameroon. Total E&P Cameroon will operate the block with a 100% participation stake.

The 83.6 sq–km block lies near concessions and permits operated by Total in Cameroon. Entering into this block allows Total to “consolidate its presence in the areas where the group has operations,” the company said.

Total has been a producer in Cameroon since 1977 and operated close to 60,000 b/d of oil in 2008—nearly 65% of the country’s overall production.

In November 2008, Total E&P Cameroon obtained the exclusive authorization to operate Dissoni field, acting as operator and holding 37.5%.