North Dakota Rig Count Holds at 28 Amid Enhanced Recovery Focus

The number of active drilling rigs in North Dakota remained unchanged at 28 for Saturday, June 6, 2026, according to live rig data from Bakken Wire. The count showed no new rigs added, none removed, and no rigs moving location since the previous day.

The current level represents a slight pullback from the activity seen just one week ago, when the state reported 30 active rigs. However, the longer-term trend shows a significant increase, with the rig count up by five from the 23 rigs active one month ago on May 7, 2026.

This steady but elevated level of drilling activity coincides with a renewed strategic focus on the Bakken formation's untapped potential. According to a report from Bing News, North Dakota state officials are championing enhanced recovery techniques, arguing that as much as 85% of the resource remains trapped underground. Officials suggest this could spark a new production boom in the region, according to the source.

The pursuit of a "second Bakken boom" through advanced extraction methods may be influencing operator strategies. While the immediate rig count is stable, the month-over-month increase suggests operators are maintaining a core level of drilling activity. This activity likely targets both new wells and potential pilot projects for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques, which can extend the life of existing fields and improve ultimate recovery rates.

For Bakken operators and royalty owners, the state's emphasis on recovering the vast remaining resource underscores the long-term value of the basin. The stable rig count indicates a period of consolidation and strategic planning, rather than a rapid expansion or contraction. The key metric for the industry will be whether advances in recovery technology can translate into sustained increases in production per rig, justifying ongoing investment even at current activity levels.

The Williston Basin remains a critical engine for North Dakota's economy, and the focus on maximizing recovery from the Bakken formation points to a future where technological innovation is as important as the number of rigs running. The next several months will reveal how operator activity aligns with the state's vision for unlocking the next phase of the play's development.