French energy group Total has started production at its Angolan Zinia Phase 2 project, which has estimated resources of 65 million barrels of oil, the company said May 6.

Total added that development of the project was carried out according to schedule and for capital expenditure more than 10% below budget, representing a saving of $150 million.

The project includes the drilling of nine wells and is expected to reach production of 40,000 barrels of oil per day by mid-2022, Total said. It is connected to the existing Pazflor FPSO.

Zinia is located in Block 17 in water depths between 600 m and 1,200 m. Total, which holds a 38% stake, is the block’s operator. Partners are Equinor (22.16%), Exxon Mobil Corp. (19%), BP Exploration Angola Ltd. (15.84%) and Sonangol P&P (5%).