Vast Exploration Inc.-Provides Operational Update

CALGARY, ALBERTA, Nov 02 (MARKET WIRE) --
Vast Exploration Inc. ("Vast" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: VST) is
pleased to provide an operational update with regards to its exploration
activities on the Qara Dagh Block in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

As previously announced, in June 2009, the Consortium successfully
completed the acquisition of 355 kilometers of 2D seismic program over
the surface structure that dominates the Block. The seismic data was
subsequently processed, interpreted and integrated with surface and
regional geologic models. Three main prospects were identified along the
Qara Dagh structure as three subsurface culminations that extend across
multiple horizons. The primary prospective reservoirs have been
identified as the main carbonate sequences in the Cretaceous as well as
underlying Jurassic and Triassic sections.

Based on the seismic data, three well locations were also identified. The
central feature, the Qara Dagh dome, being the largest structure was
selected for the drilling of the first exploratory well. It is planned
that this well will be drilled to a depth of 4000 meters and could
encounter up to eight potential reservoirs. The first exploratory well is
anticipated to be spud in the first quarter of 2010.

An invitation to tender has been issued to twelve drilling contractors.
After technical and commercial evaluation, a company with existing
operations in the region was selected to mobilize a 2000 HP rig to the
block for drilling of one firm well and three optional wells. Contracts
for long lead items have been awarded and well site construction is
underway. Additionally, contracts for drilling support services have been
tendered, evaluated and finalized with various service companies
operating in the region.

The Consortium is in the process of obtaining an independent 51-101
prospective resource estimate for the Qara Dagh Block which is expected
to be completed in December 2009.

Mr. Ahmed Said, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated "We and our
partners are making rapid progress towards the spudding of the first
exploration well on the Qara Dagh Block. The preparations are at an
advanced stage and we expect the well to be spud on time during the first
quarter of 2010."

About Vast Exploration Inc.

Vast Exploration Inc. is an independent oil and gas company, and a
partner of Niko Resources Ltd. Vast is focused on the exploration and
development of its principal asset, the Qara Dagh Block, in the Kurdistan
region of Iraq. 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 seismic program and data, the anticipated drilling timeline, targets
and likelihood of identifying potential reservoirs as well as the
timeline for the resource estimate. 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,
including but not limited to: general business, economic, competitive,
geopolitical and social uncertainties; the actual results of exploration
activities; regulatory risks; ability to attract financing on acceptable
terms; and other risks of the oil and gas industry. 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.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS
THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS
RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Contacts:
Vast Exploration Inc.
Ahmed S. Said
President and CEO
+1 (403) 263-3000
+1 (403) 263-3041 (FAX)
Email: asaid@forbesenergygroup.com

Vast Exploration Inc.
Greg Cameron
Corporate Development
+1 (416) 277 6174
+1 (403) 263 3041 (FAX)
Email: gcameron@forbesmanhattan.com
Website: www.vastexploration.com

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