Total inked an agreement with Oman’s Ministry of Oil and Gas for Block 12 exploration license, Pipeline Oil and Gas Magazine reported.

Under the heads of agreement (HoA) terms, both sides should work on a conclusive agreement that will enable Total to acquire a 100% operatorship of the exploration block.

“The entry into exploration Block 12 represents a new exploration opportunity to unlock additional gas potential and to contribute to income growth and job creation in the country,” Patrick Pouyanné, Total’s Chairman and CEO said.

During the exploration phase, Total plans to comprise seismic acquisition and drilling commitments, and aims to start drilling the first well in 2020.

The agreement comes in line with Oman’s initiatives to explore future natural gas resources.

Block 12 covers an area of around 10,000 km2 and is located onshore in the northern part of Block 6 and to the south of the Greater Barik area.