OREANDA-NEWS. November 22, 2012. Total announces the acquisition of a 75% interest in two Kazakhstan’s Concessions, the “North” and “South” blocks, previously operated by Kazakh Company Nurmunai Petrogas LLP.

These two onshore blocks cover an area of approximately 14,500 square kilometers and are located in southwestern Kazakhstan.

The transaction, which was recently approved by the Kazakh authorities, broadens Total’s upstream portfolio in Kazakhstan beyond its existing Caspian Sea assets. As the new operator of the licenses, Total will acquire seismic data and subsequently drill a well in 2013.

“The acquisition of the stake in the Nurmunai Petrogas Concessions is in line with Total ambitious exploration strategy and strengthens the presence of the Group in Kazakhstan where it will deploy its expertise as operator in a region with promising potential,” said Yves-Louis Darricarrere, President Upstream.

Total Exploration & Production in Kazakhstan

Since 1992, Total has been present in Kazakhstan with the company’s 16.8% stake in the North Caspian permit, which includes the giant Kashagan field operated by the North Caspian Operating Company (NCOC).

Kazakhstan is also an integral part of Total’s dynamic exploration strategy: additional exploration projects are currently under review.

In Kazakhstan, as in all the countries in which it operates, the Group is committed to minimizing its environmental impact and is a fully engaged and socially responsible industrial actor. With this regard Total will bring both operational excellence and environmental performance in the operatorship of the two new concessions. Indeed, all activities surrounding this project are to be positively impacted by a number of environmental, economic and societal actions.