Vast Exploration Inc.-Provides Drilling Update

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - July 11, 2011) - Vast Exploration Inc. ("Vast" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:VST) is pleased to provide the following update on the Niko Resources Ltd. ("Niko Resources") operated Qara Dagh Block in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Drilling of the Qara Dagh well has reached a total depth of 3,908 meters, has been log evaluated and, as previously reported, the well has been cased to 3,558 meters with a 7 inch casing string. The following intervals have been evaluated where the results to date are summarized below.

Open Hole Interval - Shiranish Formation

This interval from 3,558 meters to 3,908 meters was acidized and flowed light oil confirming an active hydrocarbon column. The interval achieved maximum production rate of 550 barrels of oil per day and 800 mscf/d of gas, although these rates were not sustained for the entire duration of the test. The oil produced is 48 degrees API with no H₂S.

From the data interpretation, and the significant spike in observed well bore pressures before the drilling was stopped, it is believed that the well has potentially entered into the first 10 meters of the next reservoir, the Cretacous aged Kometan formation, which is one of the primary target zones previously identified. It is important to note that the Kometan formation is regionally known to be a naturally fractured reservoir which has produced significant quantities of oil.

Mr. Ahmed Said, President & CEO, commented, "We are pleased with the recovery of light oil from this section. Although the reservoir quality appears to be naturally tight, the establishment of an oil column is significant. The possibility of drilling deeper to further evaluate production potential of the Kometan formation is currently under consideration."

Shiranish / Tanjero Interval

Certain sections in this cased interval was perforated and then acidized. The well had intermittent flow of light oil. The maximum rates achieved were 400 barrels per day of 42 to 47 API oil and 520 mscf/d of gas confirming a second active hydrocarbon system with no H₂S.

Current Status and Forward Plan

The operator, Niko Resources, is currently in the process of testing the Aalijii Formation which consists of thick sequence of turbidities sand and argillaceous shales. While drilling this section in July 2010, it was reported that an increase in fluorescence, gas readings and free light oil in the mud system was detected.

Further, there are ongoing discussions between the consortium group to possibly deepen the well up to an additional 250 meters, subsequent to the completion of the current testing program. The primary purpose would be to drill deeper to further evaluate the production potential of the proliferous Kometan formation, the zone immediately below the Shiranish formation. Confirmation of the possibility and technical capability of re-entering the well and drilling deeper is expected over the next few weeks.

About Vast Exploration

Vast Exploration Inc. is an independent oil and gas company. Vast is focused on the exploration and development of its principal asset, the Qara Dagh Block, in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, where it holds a net undivided 37% working interest in the block. The Qara Dagh Block lies on trend with existing discoveries and is located in the prolific Zagros Fold Belt of Northern Iraq, which contains several large fields including the super-giant Kirkuk field.

Regulatory Statements

This press release contains "forward looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the prospective nature of the Block, the drilling program and revised timeline for completion, exploration and development plans and projected expenses and timetable, and relationships with other companies who hold an interest in the Qara Dagh block. Generally, forward looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. For a description of some of such risks, please see the Company's annual information form filed under the profile of the Company on SEDAR. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.