PARIS, May 19, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Tanzania : Mafia Bigwa Rufiji exploration permit (Maurel Prom operator, 60%)

To evaluate the gas zone potential of the Mafia Deep well, the Group has selected RPS Energy, independent expert that has already worked with most operators in Tanzania and has a certain technical knowledge in this zone.

Tests carried out in the upper zone of the well have highlighted a flow of salt water coming out of the formation.

Congo : Marine III exploration permit (Maurel Prom operator, 75%)

The NGoumba-1D (NGB-1) exploration well was drilled as a deviated borehole on the Marine-3 permit from a platform located on the Noumbi permit.

Drilling reached a final depth of 2,600m in the Djeno formation. During drilling, sandstone and porous levels were encountered in the Pointe Indienne formation. Based on the analysis of the logs, it was decided to test these levels.

- Test No. 1: The sandstone was drilled from 1,794m to 1,806m. An immediate flow of 400b/d of oil was noted with an API of 36. After 10 hours of tests, the oil flow stopped. During the test, the well also produced gas but after 24 hours of tests it stopped. - Test No. 2: The sandstone was drilled from 1,781m to 1,786.5m. It produced no flow.

Based on these results the well was plugged and abandoned. Based on these results additional studies will be initiated to determine any potential opportunity in the gas and oil zones.

Gabon : Banio Exclusive Development Authorisation (Maurel Prom operator, 92.5%)

The Banio-5 well was drilled in Gabon on the Banio Exclusive Development Authorisation. Drilling reached a final depth of 1,853 m in the Mélania formation. Drilling encountered 4m thick Banio limestone filled with formation water.

Due to these results, the well was cemented awaiting possible re-use as a potential side track the orientation of which will need to be confirmed by additional studies.

For further information: http://www.maureletprom.fr

This press release may contain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, business, strategy and plans of Maurel Prom. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will or may occur in the future. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions which we believe are reasonable but that could ultimately prove inaccurate and are subject to a number of risk factors, including but not limited to price fluctuations in crude oil; exchange rate fluctuations; uncertainties inherent in estimating quantities of oil reserves; actual future production rates and associated costs; operational problems; political stability; changes in laws and governmental regulations; wars and acts of terrorism or sabotage.

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SOURCE: Maurel SOURCE: Prom

CONTACT: Contact: INFLUENCES, +33(0)1-42-72-46-76,communication@agence-influences.fr