Total to Spud in Uganda This Year

French firm Total expects to drill its first oil exploration well, since its entrance in Uganda. The well is should spud prior to the close of 2012 and follows approvals from the government for a seismic survey.

Earlier this year, Total completed the long-delayed deal to acquire a one-third interest in Blocks 1, 2 and 3A. The company is partnered with Tullow Oil and CNOOC on all three blocks but is operator of Block 1.

Total received government approval last week to conduct a seismic survey and is continuing with an appraisal program for at least three oil fields in an environmentally sensitive exploration area one, a spokeswoman for Total E&P Uganda said according to a Dow Jones Newswire report.

"We have received an environmental permit allowing us to launch the seismic survey," the spokeswoman said. "The company will drill... up to eight exploration wells by end of 2013."