Deepwater License Acquired

Total Fina Elf.
12 February 2002


Acquisition of a Deepwater License Offshore Brunei

Paris, February 12, 2002 - TotalFinaElf announces that it has been awarded deep
offshore exploration Block J by the Government of Brunei Darussalam. The Group
is the operator with a 60% interest. Its partners are BHP Billiton (25%) and
Amerada Hess (15%). Implementation of the award will depend upon the successful
negotiation of a production sharing agreement.

Block J covers an area of approximately 5,000 square kilometres and is located
around 100 kilometres from the coast in water depths ranging from 1,300 to 1,800
metres.

TotalFinaElf currently operates production in excess of 20,000 barrels of oil
equivalent per day in Brunei Darussalam.

Participation in this license is in line with the Group's strategy of expanding
its deep offshore operations and strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia.



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