DMR Issues 2 New Permits; 5 Confidential Status Changes Released

The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) approved two new drilling permits in filings from Thursday, September 17, 2026, according to its daily activity report. The agency also released five wells from confidential status.

Continental Resources, Inc. and Koda Resources Operating, LLC each secured one permit. Continental's permit (#43311) is for the PETERSON 10-29HSL well in Williams County, targeting the EAST FORK field. Koda Resources' permit (#43310) is for the AMBER 1704-7BH well in Divide County within the FERTILE VALLEY field.

In a separate status change, three wells operated by Enerplus Resources USA Corporation in Dunn County have been released from confidential status. The wells are EDWARD FEDERAL 4797 43-21 2B (#42672), EDWARD FEDERAL 4797 43-21 4B (#42674), and EDWARD FEDERAL 4797 43-21 5B (#42675). All are located in SW SE 21-147N-97W.

Additionally, two wells operated by Burlington Resources Oil & Gas Company LP in McKenzie County's Haystack Butte field have been released from confidential status. These are the HBU BADLANDS 9S MBH (#41637) in SW NE 24-148N-98W and the HBU HAZEL 7S MBH (#41728) in SW SW 13-148N-98W.

The new permits indicate continued, albeit measured, activity in the Bakken's core and outlying counties. Williams County, part of the formation's core, remains a primary target for major operators like Continental Resources. Divide County, located in the far northwestern corner of the state, represents activity in the broader Williston Basin beyond the Bakken's immediate core.

The release of wells from confidential status is a routine administrative step that follows the initial confidentiality period granted by the DMR, which protects operator data on new wells. The release of five wells, operated by both independent and larger companies, signifies ongoing development and data collection across key counties like McKenzie, Dunn, and Williams.