BR Announces Entry into West Africa

HOUSTON - July 31, 2000 - Burlington Resources Inc. today announced its entry into West Africa with the acquisition of a 25 percent interest in the AGIP-operated M'Polo, Chaillu and Meboun Blocks, covering 5.3 million acres in offshore Gabon.

A 3,100 square kilometer (1,200 square mile) seismic shoot has been completed over the blocks and two wells are planned for 2001. The concession calls for six wells to be drilled by mid-year 2003, two wells on each block. Mean field size for industry discoveries to date in the Deep Water Play in West Africa is approximately 375 million barrels of oil equivalent.

Bobby S. Shackouls, BR's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: "The acquisition of this interest in the Deep Water Province of West Africa provides us with additional exposure to high potential exploration and complements the other international exploration opportunities we already have in China, Suriname, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Algeria and Canada."

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release may contain projections and other forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Any such projections or statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and financial performance. No assurances can be given, however, that these events will occur or that such projections will be achieved and actual results could differ materially from those projected. A discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected is included in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Corporate Council on Africa 1100 17th Street, N.W., Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20036 Tel: (202) 835-1115 Fax: (202) 835-1117 E-mail: