DMR Approves Four New Divide County Permits for Formentera Operations

The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources approved four new drilling permits on Tuesday, June 23, all for Formentera Operations LLC in Divide County, according to the DMR Daily Activity Report. The approved permits are for the LAGUNA VISTA-13-01-PGN N514H and N518H wells, both in a confidential field, and the RAINBOWS END-24-36-PGN S516H and S518H wells. This activity highlights continued operator interest in the Bakken formation's northwestern reaches.

Separately, seven permit renewals were filed, indicating sustained development planning in core areas of the play. Lime Rock Resources V-A, L.P. filed four renewals for the STEN RAV 2H, JORE FED 9H, JORE FED 10H, and JORE FED 11H wells, all in Section 35-150N-97W within McKenzie County's North Fork field. The report noted that the JORE FED 9H, 10H, and 11H well locations are outside of their designated spacing unit.

Burlington Resources Oil & Gas Company LP also filed three permit renewals in McKenzie County. The renewals are for the SEQUOIAFILL 1G, 1F, and 1E wells, located in Section 36-153N-95W within the Hawkeye field. These wells are also listed as confidential, and their locations are outside of the spacing unit, according to the DMR report.

In additional activity, Devon Energy Williston, L.L.C. updated the status of a confidential well. The filing for the JOHNSON 27-34 8H well, located in SW SW 34-150N-99W in McKenzie County's South Tobacco Garden field, was recorded under additional information.

The day's filings show a split in activity types. Formentera Operations is driving new permit approvals in Divide County, while established operators Lime Rock and Burlington are working to maintain their development options through renewals in the highly active McKenzie County. The prevalence of "location outside of spacing unit" notations on several renewals points to ongoing technical adjustments and pad development strategies common in the Bakken's dense drilling environment.