Max Petroleum has released an operational update of its activities in the Blocks A&E Licence area.

Drilling Commences at Sagiz West Prospect

Drilling has commenced at the SAGW-1 exploration well on the Sagiz West prospect in Block E, which has estimated unrisked mean resource potential of 26 million barrels of oil ("mmbo") in a four-way, Triassic rim structure. Total depth of the well will be approximately 1,600 metres.

New Drilling Contract for Additional Shallow Rig

The Company has executed a drilling contract with PM Lucas for a ZJ-50 rig capable of drilling to 5,000 metres, to drill the ASK-2 exploration well in the Asanketken Field in Block E. The rig is on location and is expected to commence drilling operations before 31 August 2011. The ASK-2 well is designed to test the field's deep Triassic potential, as well as further evaluate potential reservoirs in the shallower Jurassic section found to be productive in the ASK-1 discovery well.

Status of Pre-salt Drilling on Emba B Prospect

The Company expects to commence drilling operations for the NUR-1 pre-salt exploration well in the Emba B Prospect on Block E in October 2011, based on the Company's latest discussions with the drilling contractor, Saipem. The deep rig is currently completing a well for another operator and is expected to begin mobilization to NUR-1 location by the end of the month.

Expanded Post-salt Prospect Inventory

The Company has matured two additional prospects into the post-salt inventory, including the Uytas North and Karasai South prospects, both of which are four-way, Triassic rim prospects on Block A. Uytas North has unrisked mean resource potential of 11 mmbo with a 38% geological chance of success ("COS"), while Karasai South has unrisked mean resource potential of 12 mmbo and a 34% COS.

Tags: Max Petroleum Plc