Total announces an oil discovery in the Mer Très Profonde Sud (MTPS) block, located around 180 kilometres southwest of Pointe Noire in the Republic of the Congo.

Drilled in 1,970 metres of water to a total depth of 3,370 metres, the Aurige Nord Marine 1 exploration well tested at 4,970 barrels of oil per day. The potential of the well is currently being assessed.

Awarded in May 1997, the MTPS block extends over more than 5,000 square kilometres, with water depths ranging from 1,300 to 3,000 metres. Total, through its subsidiary Total E&P Congo, is the operator with a 40% interest, alongside partners Eni (30%) and Esso Exploration and Production Congo (Mer Très Profonde Sud) Limited (30%).

Aurige Nord Marine 1 is the third oil find in the block, following Andromède Marine 1 in 2000 and Pégase Nord Marine 1 in 2004. These three discoveries may form the basis for a future development.

Total has a solid position in the Republic of the Congo, where it is the leading oil producer and biggest foreign investor. In 2005, the Group’s equity production in the country averaged 95,000 barrels per day.