Max Petroleum Plc, an oil and gas exploration and development company focused on Kazakhstan, is pleased to announce that it has commenced drilling the ASK-1 exploration well on the Asanketken prospect in Block E, the ninth of 15 post-salt exploration prospects scheduled to be drilled by the Company on Blocks A&E. The total depth of the well will be approximately 3,300 metres, targeting potential Triassic reservoirs.