In the face of criticism from the territory’s Polisario government in exile, Total shot 3D seismic in 2013 over the southern part of the 100,000-square kilometre Anzarane reconnaissance licence.

“The results of geological studies having not been encouraging,” said the supermajor in its annual report.

“The reconnaissance authorisation, which had been extended until December 2015, was not transformed into an exploration license,” it added.

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