Exxon Mobil will drill a third well on Brazil’s offshore Santos Basin in the fourth quarter of 2010.

The company is in discussion with the Brazilian Government about drilling a third well in the pre-salt area after striking a dry hole last year at the Guarani well in the BM-S-22 block.

Exxon Mobil reported its second-quarter net income rose to $7.6bn, 85% more than last year, amid higher crude prices, rising production and a slight drop in capital spending.