Total announces that wholly-owned subsidiary Total E&P Australia has been awarded two exploration permits offshore northwestern Australia following the October 2005 licensing round.

Exploration permits WA-369-P and WA-370-P are located approximately   150 kilometres offshore in a water depth of around 1,400 meters. Total will have an interest of 30%, alongside Australia’s Woodside Energy Ltd. (Operator, 50%) and Japan Australia LNG (MIMI) Pty Ltd (20%).

Seismic surveys will be conducted in block WA-370-P this year.

These interests illustrate Total’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Australia, where it is already conducting exploration operations in two other deep offshore blocks.