ND Bakken Rig Count Rises to 29, Petro-Hunt Adds New Unit

North Dakota's active drilling rig count increased by one to 29 on Monday, August 10, according to live rig data. One new rig began operations, while one existing rig moved to a new location.

Petro-Hunt, L.L.C. deployed a new rig, the STONEHAM 18, to a location in Billings County (144-98-17). In a separate move, EOG Resources, Inc. relocated the H & P 259 rig to a new site in Mountrail County (157-90-31).

The current count of 29 rigs represents a net gain of one rig compared to the total of 28 active one week ago, on August 3. The drilling activity continues a broader upward trend, with five more rigs working now than one month ago, when the count stood at 24 on July 11.

The incremental growth in North Dakota's rig fleet occurs amid broader global drilling activity and regulatory discussions. In a related development reported Monday, authorities in Greenland issued a warning to a licensee over unauthorized movement of drilling equipment for a planned exploration campaign. According to a report from OilPrice.com, Greenland's government stated that moving equipment without approval from the mineral resources authority was not authorized, though an approval request is under review.

The project involves London-listed 80 Mile and its U.S. partner, Greenland Energy Company, which is chaired by Larry Swets, Jr. Greenland Energy stated in a recent shareholder letter that it is advancing preparations for a significant onshore exploration program in the Jameson Land Basin. The company said recent meetings with regulators were constructive and that the plan for the 2026-2027 season is now focused on one exploration well.

While the Bakken formation remains a mature, established producing region, the steady rig additions in North Dakota contrast with the complex permitting and regulatory landscape highlighted by the international report. The state's operators continue to deploy capital to develop its shale resources.