Press Release: TotalFinaElf says Bontang LNG plant unaffected by blowout

Following the incident at the Tunu E5 well which occurred during drilling operations being performed by the rig ?Maera? on Friday, 1 March 2002 at the Tunu field in the Mahakam Delta, TotalFinaElf E&P Indonesie confirms that the level of natural gas production from the Mahakam Block of more than 2.3 BCFD meets the current demand of the Bontang LNG Plant.

This level of production has been achieved by optimising the production capacities of the different fields on the Mahakam Block.

In addition, the Cluster ?G? wells, which were closed for safety reasons after the incident, will be re-opened without delay to further enhance production level, if required.

An inspection of the Maera rig conducted on 4 March 2002 by the Emergency Well Control Team has managed to identify the cause of the gas leak which developed during the incident and has assessed the necessary measures required for future actions to control the well.

The impact of pollution is minimal.

In connection with claims raised by shrimp farmers located in the area, water samplings are being intensively conducted in the presence of local environment authorities, to confirm the absence of contamination. The analysis of the samples taken will be performed by an independent laboratory.

The Mahakam Block is operated by TotalFinaElf E& P Indonesie (50%) in partnership with Inpex (50%). (*)