TotalFinaElf announces that it has been awarded deep offshore exploration Block J by the Government of Brunei Darussalam. The Group is the operator with a 60% interest. Its partners are BHP Billiton (25%) and Amerada Hess (15%). Implementation of the award will depend upon the successful negotiation of a production sharing agreement.

Block J covers an area of approximately 5,000 square kilometres and is located around 100 kilometres from the coast in water depths ranging from 1,300 to 1,800 metres.

TotalFinaElf currently operates production in excess of 20,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day in Brunei Darussalam .

Participation in this license is in line with the Group's strategy of expanding its deep offshore operations and strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia.