06:51 AM EDT, 08/12/2025 (MT Newswires) -- TotalEnergies (TTE) is preparing to drill up to seven wells in South Africa's Deep Western Orange Basin, located about 211 km off the coast of Saldanha Bay, Bloomberg reported Tuesday, citing SLR Consulting, an independent environmental assessment company.

The report said that the area borders Namibia, where major oil discoveries have been made.

A draft environmental assessment is available for public comment until Sept. 10, according to Bloomberg.

Drilling could begin as early as next year, CEO Patrick Pouyanne said during an earnings call last month, the report added.

TotalEnergies did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

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