Inpex and Total will take 60% and 40% stakes respectively.
Covering just over 3515sq.km, the WA-341P, WA-343P and WA-344P permits are 200km offshore, in waters 50-250m deep.
Test wells are scheduled to be drilled by 2009 in all the three blocks, and Inpex hopes to find synergies with the Ichthys project.
Total said that the permits would strengthen its in presence in gas-rich northwest Australia. It now has interests in 15 permits in the region, including a 24% interest in the WA-285P permit containing the Ichthys field.
