Max Petroleum Plc announced in a press release production test results at the Sagiz West field and the spudding of wells at the Sagiz West and Uytas fields in Kazakhstan.

The SAGW-5 well in the Sagiz West field is currently testing a Triassic reservoir from depths between 1,324 m and 1,330 m (4,344 ft and 4,364 ft). The well has tested at initial rates on various choke sizes between 100 b/d and 240 b/d of oil and is currently flowing at a stabilized rate of 110 b/d of oil on a 10/64-in. choke, according to the press release. After testing for up to 90 days in this reservoir, the well will be recompleted in the next reservoir at depths between 1,283 m and 1,296 m (4,209 ft and 4,252 ft).

The company also has commenced drilling the SAGW-14 appraisal well, which is the seventh well to be drilled in the field that will further evaluate the southern end of the Sagiz West structure. SAGW-14 will be drilled to a total vertical depth of approximately 1,400 m (4,593 ft) targeting Traissic reservoirs, according to the press release. The company expects to drill an additional seven appraisal wells after SAGW-14 as part of its ongoing appraisal program for the field.

At Uytas, the company has commenced drilling the UTS-9 appraisal well, which will be drilled to a total vertical depth of approximately 550 m (1,804 ft) targeting Jurassic reservoirs. After UTS-9, an additional four wells remain to be drilled as part of the initial appraisal program in the field, according to the release.