Max Petroleum Plc, an oil and gas exploration and development company focused on Kazakhstan, announced that the Ministry of Oil and Gas of the Republic of Kazakhstan has advised the Company that they will extend the exploration period of the Company's Blocks A&E Exploration and Production Licence (the 'Licence') for two years until March 2013. The extension will become effective upon final agreement of an addendum to the Licence specifying the mandatory work programme commitments through the extended exploration period, which the Company expects to occur on or before 31 December 2010. The Company operates Blocks A&E through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Samek International LLP.