Phoenix Operating, Koda Secure New Bakken Drilling Permits in Divide County

The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources approved four new drilling permits in Divide County yesterday, according to the agency's Daily Activity Report. Phoenix Operating LLC was the most active operator, securing three permits for a project in the Alkabo field.

The permits, numbered 43135, 43136, and 43137, are for the ICEMAN 28-21-16-9 1H, 2H, and 3H wells, all located in Section 28 of Township 162 North, Range 102 West. Koda Resources Operating LLC received the fourth new permit, #42653, for the KOLSCH 3119-1BH well, also in Divide County.

The report also detailed the release of three previously confidential wells operated by Oasis Petroleum North America LLC in Williams County. Well #42424, the HASSEL 5700 43-24 2BHP in Section 24-157N-100W, and well #42497, the HOFF 5700 43-24 6B in the same section, are no longer listed as confidential. Additionally, well #41543, the PHOENIX 5602 13-17 2B in Section 17-156N-102W within the Bull Butte field, was also released from confidential status.

The new permit activity highlights continued operator interest in the northwestern reaches of the Bakken formation, specifically in Divide County. The Alkabo field, where Phoenix Operating is developing its three-well ICEMAN pad, is a known producing area within the county. The release of the Oasis wells from confidential status provides new, publicly available data on completion results and initial production from those Williams County locations.

No other categories, such as permits applied for, rig locations, or completion reports, were listed in this edition of the DMR's daily filing summary.