Total and Cobalt to Jointly Explore the Deepwater Gulf of Mexico

Total announces that its subsidiary, has entered into several agreements with Cobalt International Energy, L.P. (“Cobalt”) to jointly explore the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. These agreements will form the basis of a strategic alliance in this area that offers numerous promising exploration opportunities.

The alliance will bring together Cobalt’s proven expertise in the Gulf of Mexico, along with Total’s worldwide experience in deep offshore exploration and development.

“Total is pleased to team up with Cobalt to pursue and further its commitment to exploring the deepwater Gulf of Mexico in the coming years”, stated Yves-Louis Darricarrère, President Exploration and Production. “Both companies have complementary competencies to successfully explore and develop their combined portfolio."

Under the terms of these agreements, subject to the approval of the United States’ Mineral Management Service and other customary conditions to closing, the exploration portfolios of both companies in the Gulf of Mexico, 122 exploration leases on Cobalt’s side, 80 exploration leases on Total’s side, and 12 exploration leases already jointly owned, will generally be shared on the basis of 60% for Cobalt and 40% for Total. This will provide both companies with access to large areas of contiguous acreage, mainly sub-salt, similar to major discoveries in this area (Miocene, Paleogene).

Total and Cobalt are committed to starting in 2009 an initial program of several exploratory wells to be drilled on promising prospects already identified. Cobalt will operate the exploration phase in the joint program with Total providing the rig and seconding geoscientists in Cobalt’s teams.