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Exxon Mobil May Return For Exploration In Peru -Andina

LIMA -(Dow Jones)- Peru's government licensing agency for hydrocarbon development, Perupetro, said that Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM) could return to oil and gas explorations in the country, government news agency Andina on Tuesday quoted the head of a government agency as saying.

Perupetro President Daniel Saba told Andina he met with Exxon Mobil in Houston last month to discuss Peru's next auction process of oil and gas exploration blocks. The next auction of 10 Peruvian jungle exploration blocks is due in January. A further 10 lots are to be auctioned after that.

"They are very interested in entering the Peruvian hydrocarbon sector, and could participate in the next process, or, if not, they might see an association with a company already operating in the country," Saba said.

Prior to its merger with Exxon, Mobil Oil operated in Peru but closed operations in 1998. Royal Dutch Shell PLC (RDSA RDSB RDSA.LN RDSB.LN) and then- partner Mobil Exploration and Producing Peru Inc. invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the Camisea area before pulling out after a dispute with the government.

Asked to confirm reports, Exxon Mobil said Tuesday it could not discuss tender rounds until they are held.

Saba also told Andina two other oil companies of the same stature as Exxon Mobil could be interested in Peruvian explorations.

Peru is seeking to boost interest in its oil and natural gas sector.

-By Sophie Kevany, Dow Jones Newswires; 51-198-903-8043; sophie.kevany@ dowjones.com

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  11-10-091102ET
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