ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) affiliate ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Mauritania Deepwater Ltd. has signed production-sharing contracts with the government of Mauritania for three deepwater offshore blocks.

Blocks C22, C17 and C14 are located an average of 200 km (124 miles) offshore Mauritania. Together they measure nearly 8.4 million acres in water depths ranging from 1,000 m (3,300 ft) to more than 3,500 m (11,500 ft).

Following government approval of the contracts, ExxonMobil will begin exploration activities, including acquisition of seismic data and analysis.

ExxonMobil will carry out the work program as operator with 90% interest. Societe Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures et de Patrimoine Minier holds a 10% interest.

Offshore