Total Joins with Exxon in Polish Shales

Total SA will join ExxonMobil in assessing the potential for shale gas in the Lublin Basin of southeastern Poland.

Total announced Friday an agreement with ExxonMobil to farm into the Chelm and Werbkowice exploration concessions with a 49% interest, subject to the approval of the Polish authorities.

Under the terms of the agreement, ExxonMobil and Total will form a partnership operated by ExxonMobil, which retains a 51% interest.

Total said that its into these concessions reflects the company’s commitment to expanding activities in unconventional gas, notably in Europe.  Earlier this week, the company's  shale gas efforts in France suffered a set back with the passing of legislation by the National Assembly banning the use of hydraulic fracturing in exploration of unconventional resources.

Total restated its commitment to safety and environmental protection are core concerns, as it strives to reduce its environmental footprint as part of its commitment to sustainable development.

Awarded for a period of five years from March 2009 and December 2008 respectively, the Chelm and Werbkowice exploration concessions are located in the Lublin Basin in southeastern Poland and cover 1,162 square kilometres and 995 square kilometres. The work program for each concession comprises acquisition of seismic data, drilling of an exploratory well and a production test if drilling results are encouraging.

ExxonMobil has already performed seismic acquisition works, as well as the drilling of an exploratory well on the Chelm concession currently being evaluated.

ExxonMobil had announced in February that it was seeking partners for up to 49% of its interest in four shale gas concessions in south-eastern Poland. (Read More HERE)

Source: Total SA