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BAKKEN WIRE
Oasis Permits Three Williams County Wells; Hess, Silver Hill Release Confidential Status - Bakken Wire
Daily Activity

Oasis Permits Three Williams County Wells; Hess, Silver Hill Release Confidential Status

North Dakota's DMR approved three new permits for Oasis Petroleum and released nine wells from confidential status, signaling ongoing activity in core Bakken counties.

Bakken Wire Staff·☀️Morning Wire·

The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) approved three new drilling permits on Monday, April 20, 2026, all filed by Oasis Petroleum North America LLC in Williams County. The agency also released nine wells from confidential status, revealing new activity from operators including Hess, Silver Hill Energy, and Hunt Oil.

All three newly permitted wells are located in the Lake Trenton field in Williams County, according to the DMR Daily Activity Report. The permits are for the JAFFA 5303 14-1 3B, JAFFA 5303 14-1 4B, and JAFFA FEDERAL 5303 14-1 5BX, all sited at LOT 1. This concentrated permitting activity highlights continued operator interest in the core areas of the Bakken formation.

The report also listed nine wells released from confidential status, providing the first public details on their production. Hess Bakken Investments II, LLC had four wells released across McKenzie, Williams, and Mountrail counties. These include the BW-SHAREN LYNOR-LE- 149-100-2032H-1 in the Ellsworth field, the GO-SEATON- 156-98-0607H-4 in the Wheelock field, and the EN-BINGER- 157-94-1201H-5 and EN-BINGER- 157-94-1201H-4 in the Big Butte field.

Silver Hill Energy Operating, LLC had three wells released from confidential status, all located in Mountrail County. The wells are the CHRISTINE 158-93-9-4-4MBH, LTM 158-93-10-3-1MBH, and CHRISTINE 158-93-9-4-20MBH.

Other operators with wells released include Hunt Oil Company and Phoenix Operating LLC. Hunt Oil's SHELL 153-89-17-7H-1 in the Parshall field of Mountrail County was released. Phoenix Operating LLC's NYSTUEN 20-17-8-5 3H in the Big Stone field of Williams County was also listed. Finally, XTO Energy Inc's GBU APOLLO FEDERAL 14X-12C-N in the Grinnell field of Williams County was released from confidential status.

The release of a well from confidential status typically follows an initial production period, allowing the DMR to disclose its location and operator. This batch of releases shows sustained drilling and completion work from multiple operators in recent months, particularly in the core Bakken counties of Williams, Mountrail, and McKenzie.

Monday's permitting and status update activity underscores that drilling programs, while measured, continue to advance in North Dakota's premier oil-producing region. Operators are focusing on core areas with established infrastructure and known geology.

Source

North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources Daily Activity Report for April 20, 2026.

dmrdrilling permitsoasis petroleumhesssilver hill energywilliams countymountrail countyconfidential status

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