Successful drilling Result

Aminex PLC
2 May 2000

                                      
               SUCCESSFUL DRILLING RESULT ON THE KIRTAYEL FIELD

Aminex  PLC,  ('Aminex') the oil and gas development, production and  oilfield
services  group  listed  on  the  London and  Dublin  Stock  Exchanges,  today
announces  the  result of its first development well drilled on  the  Kirtayel
Field in the Komi Republic, Russia.

Well  K236  was  drilled by Aminex's AmKomi subsidiary using  a  Uralmach  3D
drilling  rig  operated  by  Geotech.  It was perforated  and  flowed  oil  on
Saturday  29 April 2000.  An initial rate equivalent to 1,500 barrels  of  oil
per  day  was achieved on a 12mm (32/64ths.') choke and a tubing head pressure
of  40  atmospheres.  The well has now been shut in pending  final  tie-in  to
production and export facilities which will take place later this week.

Commenting on the well result Brian Hall, Aminex Chief Executive said:   'This
is  a  long-awaited  result at the higher end of our  expectations.   Previous
setbacks  on  this  project  are behind us and we  look  ahead  to  exploiting
Kirtayel's further potential.'

For further information:

Brian Hall, Aminex PLC, London          [phone]
John Evans, Financial Dynamics          [phone]

www.aminex-plc.com