Total files declaration of commerciality for Itau gas field in Bolivia
Total has filed a declaration of commerciality with the Bolivian authorities for the Itau gas field.
Itau was discovered in 1999 in Block XX Tarija West and is operated by Total with 75 % equity. The production from
this field will be transported using existing infrastructure on the neighbouring San Alberto gas field, operated by
Petrobras. Itau is scheduled to start up mid-2010 and its expected production will be 50 mm cfpd (1.4 mm cmpd).
Located in the prolific foothills of the Andean Cordillera, Block XX contains large reserves of gas condensate in
fractured sandstones reservoirs of the Devonian period.
Total Exploration and Production in Bolivia
Present in Bolivia since 1996, Total also holds a 15 % interest in the San Alberto and San Antonio gas fields, which
mainly supply gas to the Brazilian market.
In 2004, the Group discovered the Incahuasi gas field, located on the Ipati license (Total operator with 80 %
equity). The appraisal of this discovery is currently ongoing following the interpretation of the 3D seismic
performed in 2008 and an appraisal well is scheduled to start by the end of the year. With the Incahuasi gas field
extending outside the Ipati block towards the North, the appraisal well is located on the adjacent block Aquio (Total
operator with 80 % equity).
In 2008, Total, Gazprom and Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales Bolivianos (YPFB) signed a Cooperation Agreement to
create a "mixed company" to explore the large Azero block (4,764 sq km).
Total and Gazprom will be partners with equal stakes in this mixed company.
