Option

UMC Energy plc

("UMC" or the "Company")

Option

The Directors of UMC wish to advise that the Company has entered a twelve month option to acquire the entire issued share capital of a Papua New Guinea ("PNG") incorporated company which, if exercised, would result in the issue of 240 million new ordinary shares in UMC and would therefore constitute a substantial transaction by the Company under the AIM Rules. The PNG company presently has a number Petroleum Prospecting Licences in PNG and is in the process of applying for additional licences in that country. No consideration was paid by UMC for the option.

Enquiries:

Annie Richards

UMC Energy plc

Tel: 020 7514 1480

Angela Peace

Strand Hanson Ltd

Tel: 020 7409 3494