Drilling Report

Total S.A.
12 July 2006

USA: second successful results in Alaminos Canyon Block 856

Paris - July 12, 2006 - Total announces a new successful result in the Gulf of 
Mexico. The Alaminos Canyon Block 856 No. 2 well was drilled in 7,800 feet of 
water to a total depth of 15,625 feet and encountered 85 feet of oil pay in the 
main objective. 

This second successful well confirms the extent of the structure of Alaminos
Canyon Block 856. Development options for this block are currently being
evaluated. 

The block is located approximately 140 miles east of the Texas coast in an area
where several discoveries have already been made.

Total E&P USA, Inc. a wholly owned subsidiary of Total S.A. is the operator with
a 70% interest. Nexen Petroleum USA, Inc. is a non-operator with a 30% interest.


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Total is one of the world's major oil and gas groups, with activities in more
than 130 countries. Its 95,000 employees put their expertise to work in every
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first rank player in chemicals. www.total.com





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