Jupiter Energy confirmed that Kazakh Ministry of Oil & Gas has given its approval to an application made by Jupiter to extend the existing Block 31 acreage of 63.39 km2 by an additional 59.29 km2 for a total of 122.68 km2. The additional acreage will form part of the Block 31 contract that Jupiter already has with the Kazakh Ministry of Oil & Gas and hence the same fiscal terms and conditions for the existing 10 year exploration and 25 year production periods will apply. As part of the application process, a number of other amendments to the Block 31 contract were also made, with these amendments reflecting a range of changes made to the Kazakh Oil & Gas legislation announced by the Government during 2010.

In terms of the work program associated with the contract, one material addition has been made, namely a commitment by the Company to acquire 3D seismic over the new extension area. This must be completed before 31 December 2012 and the estimated cost for the 3D seismic is $US2.4 million. The Company intends to complete negotiations for this work as soon as possible and will look to commence acquiring the 3D seismic in the 3rd quarter of 2011.

Current mapping using the existing wide-spaced 2D data suggests the fault trend that traps oil in the Mid Triassic at J-50 and J-52 continues to the south east setting up similar traps in the new extension area. A number of existing wells drilled within the new area during the 1960's and 1970's are thought to have encountered hydrocarbons however detailed data on the drilling results is scarce. Jupiter continues to seek information on these wells.

Commenting on the successful application, Jupiter chairman/CEO Geoff Gander said: "The Company is delighted to achieve this milestone. We believe this new acreage will offer us additional opportunity. The south eastern boundary of the extended Block 31 will be close to the Zhetybai field which is one of the largest oilfields in the country."

The Company will keep shareholders updated on progress with the 3D seismic program over the course of the 2nd half of 2011.

Tags: Jupiter Energy Limited