Total's $23 billion natural gas project in Mozambique continues

French oil giant Total said Friday that despite uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic and armed attacks on nearby villages, Total will continue its $23 billion gas project
in northern Mozambique.

Since 2017, northern Mozambique has been hit by insurgency that has killed more than 1,000 people and complicated the country's
plans to develop its offshore gas reserves.

Dozens of workers at Total's LNG plant have contracted the new coronavirus, forcing part of production activities to be closed for two months as 5,000 workers were quarantined
.

Ronan Bescond, Total's general manager in Mozambique, told reporters: "Our first case of COVID-19 was diagnosed on April 1, a total of 96 workers were infected, of which 92 have fully recovered and only four are still receiving treatment
.
”

Health authorities announced controls at the site on May 27 to contain the spread of the
virus, he said.
"We hope to return to pre-pandemic levels
by next September.
The project should go into production
as scheduled by mid-2024.
”

The development of Mozambique depends largely on exploration and export of natural gas deposits
concentrated in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, which borders Tanzania.
ExxonMobil and Italy's ENI also operate in the region, with total reserves estimated at about 5 trillion cubic meters (17.
5 trillion feet).

Bescond said: "We are working with the government to ensure the safety
of the site and personnel.
Although security is an issue, "it doesn't directly affect the company.
"

Minister of Mineral Resources Ernesto Max Tonela said the project is expected to provide jobs for about 14,000 Mozambicans and will contribute about $50 million in tax revenue
to the city.

Tonela added: "This is a very important project and the government is doing everything in its power to ensure its smooth implementation
.
”