On 12 December 2018, French operator TOTAL SA announced that it was awarded two new exploration licenses, deep offshore Mauritania, namely C15 and C31. The blocks a contiguous, they will be operated by Total with 90% interest, alongside with SociÃ©tÃ© Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures et de Patrimoine Minier (SMHPM) holding the remaining 10%.  The 9,500 sq km C15 and 4,400 sq km C31 blocks are located to the west of BPâs C13 and C8 where 5 Tcf of natural gas was discovered in Marsouin 1 new-field wildcat in 2015.  Total already operates blocks C7, C9 and C18. âThis agreement contributes to the implementation of Totalâs strategy that aims to explore basins in proven yet underexplored petroleum systems,â said Arnaud Breuillac, President E&P at Total. âThe addition of these new blocks to our existing positions demonstrates our commitment to the development of the Mauritanian oil sector and will enhance Totalâs presence in West Africa, one of the Groupâs core exploration areas.â
Mauritania (Senegal (M.S.G.B.C.) B.) Marsouin 1