Manas Petroleum Corporation says that its wholly-owned subsidiary, DWM Petroleum AG, has signed production contracts with the Petroleum Authority of Mongolia for blocks 13 and 14 at the Hotel Khan Palace Kempinsky in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on April 21, 2009.

The production contracts were signed by Dashzeveg Amarsaikhan, the Chairman of the Petroleum Authority of Mongolia, and by Alex Becker on behalf of DWM Petroleum AG in a televised ceremony. Jamiansurengiyn Batsuuri, Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, Dr. Ariunsan Baldanjav, Economic Policy Advisor of the Prime Minister's office, and several distinguished members of Parliament also attended the televised ceremony. The signing ceremony follows a review process by Mongolian Government and Security Council and formal ratification by parliament. Subject to payment of fees, this represented the final step in assigning these blocks for exploration and exploitation according to Mongolian law.

Manas owns a 74% interest in blocks 13 and 14, which cover an aggregate of over 20,000 square kilometers, or almost five million acres, of land located on Mongolia's southern border. The production contracts provide for a five-year exploration period (with two optional six month extensions allowed) beginning on the effective date of April 21, 2009, and a twenty-year exploitation period (with two five year extensions allowed). The remaining 26% interest in blocks 13 and 14 is held by a Mongolian oil and gas company and two investors.

Erik Herlyn, CEO of Manas Petroleum Corp. said, " I think it is important to note the potential of the blocks. They cover an immense area and we believe they show great potential for exploration as evidenced by, among other things, multiple oil seeps and extensive source rocks."

Tags: Manas Petroleum