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North Dakota Rig Count Rises to 29 Amid Industry Tech Push - Bakken Wire
Rig Report

North Dakota Rig Count Rises to 29 Amid Industry Tech Push

Two new rigs in McKenzie County offset three departures as operators navigate uncertainty around enhanced oil recovery projects.

Bakken Wire Staff·🌅Afternoon Wire·

North Dakota's active drilling rig count rose by two to reach 29 on Monday, June 1, according to live rig data. The net gain came from two new rigs starting operations in McKenzie County and three rigs being released, while one rig changed locations.

Devon Energy Williston, L.L.C. and Whiting Oil and Gas Corporation each added a rig in McKenzie County. The rigs removed were the T&S DRILLING 2, operated by Phoenix Operating LLC in Divide County, and two Hess Bakken Investments II, LLC rigs in Williams County. WGO Resources, LLC moved its STONEHAM 16 rig to a new location in Golden Valley County.

The current count of 29 rigs represents an increase of two rigs compared to one week ago, and a more significant gain of six rigs from the 23 rigs active one month ago on May 2.

This steady but cautious activity increase occurs as industry leaders express uncertainty about the technological future of the Bakken. According to a related news report from Bing News, oil and gas executives say future success with enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is "far from a given." These technologies, which could potentially double recoverable oil from the Bakken, are a major focus but remain unproven at scale.

The report cites Charlie Gorecki, CEO of the University of North Dakota's Energy and Environmental Research Center, who stated, "There’s not a silver bullet. We haven’t found one yet." The industry is testing various methods, including injecting chemical surfactants or gases like carbon dioxide to repressure reservoirs and scrape more oil from rock. The economics of these methods are heavily dependent on oil prices, with past analysis showing operator caution even at high price levels.

Governor Kelly Armstrong has urged rapid progress on EOR technology, noting a supportive federal administration provides "tailwinds." However, executives emphasize that profitability is not guaranteed. Pam Heatherington, general manager of ExxonMobil’s Americas division, summarized the driving factor: "Economics are always going to rule the day."

The current rig activity, concentrated in core counties like McKenzie, reflects ongoing development while the industry awaits clearer signals on which next-generation production techniques will be commercially viable.

Source

Live rig data from Bakken Wire; Historical context data; Bing News article "Oil industry faces uncertainty in what the Bakken’s next era will look like" published June 1, 2026.

rig countdrillingbakkenmckenzie countyenhanced oil recoverydevon energywhiting oil and gas

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