CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - March 16, 2012) -

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Tuscany International Drilling Inc. ("Tuscany" or the "Company") (TSX:TID), (BVC:TIDC) is pleased to provide the following operational update and details on its fourth quarter and year-end conference call.

Operational update

Utilization

Tuscany's fleet currently consists of 41 rigs plus one operated work-over rig. Five rigs are currently not available for service as they require upgrades/refurbishment. Four of the rigs requiring refurbishment were acquired in the Brazil acquisition. Of the five rigs currently unavailable, one has received a Letter of Intent and is expected to be back in service in the coming weeks and the four remaining rigs are scheduled to return to service later in the year.

As a result, 36 rigs are currently available for service of which 33 rigs are operating. Of the three rigs that are not operating, one has been contracted and is to be mobilized from Ecuador to Colombia, one is being actively marketed and the last rig, a small work over rig, is awaiting partner approval to begin operations.

Colombia

There are currently 15 rigs in Colombia. Three rigs received contract amendments/extensions following the expiry of their original term. These rigs are drilling coal resources in the northern region of the country, an area rich in coal reserves, expanding and diversifying the company's drilling operations. An additional rig is to be mobilized to this area from Ecuador, mobilization is in the final planning stages. Six other rigs also received contract extensions with increases in day rates and improved rig move terms. One additional rig is under negotiation to extend its current contract with improved rates and contract terms.

Brazil

There are currently 10 rigs in Brazil. A commitment has been received from a customer for a rig that is currently being refurbished. The rig is expected to be active in the latter part of the first quarter or early in the second quarter.

Ecuador

There are currently 6 rigs in Ecuador.

Trinidad

There are currently 2 rigs in Trinidad. Both rigs recently shipped to this new jurisdiction are now operating.

Gabon

There are currently 4 rigs in Gabon. One rig has received a contract extension through the end of the year. Another rig has received a Letter of Intent for a contract of 18 months plus 3 extensions of 6 months. This rig is to mobilize once it finishes the current well it is drilling.

Congo

There are currently 2 rigs in Congo and 1 operated work-over rig.

Tanzania

There are currently 2 rigs in Tanzania.

Conference call

Tuscany has scheduled a telephone conference call at 9 a.m. MST (11 a.m. EST) on March 22, 2012, hosted by Tuscany's management, to discuss Tuscany's fourth quarter and year-end 2011 financial and operating results. Tuscany expects to release its fourth quarter and year-end 2011 financial and operating results via news release the morning of March 22, 2012 before markets open.

The investor conference call details are as follows:

Live webcast at: www. http://www.gowebcasting.com/3224

Live call dial-in number(s): 416-340-8530 / 877-440-9795

Replay dial-in numbers: 905-694-9451 / 800-408-3053

Replay Pass code: 7266311

End Date: March 28th 2012

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/news-sources/?date=+20120316&archive=ccnm&slug=201203160774864001

Cheers; Scott