It is reported that ONGC Mittal Energy Limited, a JV between ONGC and the LN Mittal Group, is likely to take on Total of France as a partner in its 2 Nigerian oil blocks. As per report, Total is likely to pick up close to 14% and 26% in highly prospective blocks, OPL-279 and OPL-285, respectively.

Official sources said that a tie up with Total will help the OMEL led consortium to source equipment including drilling rigs. The tie up is also significant as Total has expertise in undertaking exploration and production activities in the region. The production sharing contract for both the blocks was executed on February 23rd 2007 and OMEL had planned to bring in a partner by selling a participating interest to an international oil company.

OMEL holds 60% participating interest in OPL-279 while the balance 40% is with the local Nigerian oil firm EMO. In block OPL-285, OMEL holds a 90% stake and EMO has a 10% participating interest.

Even after selling stake to Total, OMEL will remain the operator in the two blocks. The blocks were awarded to OMEL under a mini bid round in 2006 where commitment to build infrastructure had been one of the pre qualification criteria.