Drillsearch Energy Limited (ASX:DLS) Acquisition Of Additional Working Interests In South Western Cooper Basin

Sydney, Jan 20, 2010 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Drillsearch Energy Limited (ASX:DLS) (PINK:DRLLF) is pleased to announce that it has executed an agreement to purchase Magellan Petroleum (Southern) Pty Limited which holds interests in 1 Production Licence, PPL212 Kiana (30%), 1 Petroleum Retention Licence over the Udacha discovery (30%) and 1 Petroleum Exploration Licence PEL107 (20%) from US Company Magellan Petroleum Corporation (NASDAQ:MPET) (ASX:MGN). The consideration for the assets is A$550,000 which will be financed out of exiting cash reserves. The transaction is expected to be closed this quarter following third party approvals.

Each of the assets is well known to Drillsearch with the Company already holding working interests in each of the permits. The table below discloses the pre and post transaction working interests of each of the permits:

----------------------------------------------------------------Permit      DLS pre working  Magellan Interest  DLS post working                interest         Acquired           interest----------------------------------------------------------------PPL212 Kiana         30%             30%                60%PRLA 26 Udacha     32.5%             30%              62.5%PEL107               40%             20%                60%----------------------------------------------------------------

Commenting on this acquisition, Drillsearch Managing Director, Mr Brad Lingo said:

"This acquisition is about Drillsearch gaining control over key acreage in the South-western Cooper and highlights our belief that the Cooper basin remains a premier onshore basin which by world standards is under explored. It provides additional Oil production at Kiana, increased proven reserves at Udacha and exposure to identified Oil, Wet Gas and Unconventional prospects. With this acquisition Drillsearch has taken greater control over the development of the Western Cooper Wet Gas Project which is moving towards initial commercialisation. We believe simplifying the joint venture arrangements around this project is a key step in moving the project forward."

Drillsearch is now the largest net acreage holder in the Cooper and is keen to see the Company grow into a significant producer in the Basin through successful drilling. This acquisition neatly fits with our strategy and provides increased exposure to our pipeline of opportunities".

Contact

Brad Lingo Managing Director Tel: +61-2-9241-4440 www.drillsearch.com.au Email: admin@drillsearch.com.au