True Oil Leads Friday Permitting with Four McKenzie County Wells

The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources approved four new drilling permits on Friday, September 25, all filed by True Oil LLC in McKenzie County, according to the DMR Daily Activity Report. The agency also recorded confidential status changes for wells operated by Devon Energy and Hess.

All four newly permitted wells are located in the North Branch field within the same section. The permits are for the Huron State 14-36 36-25 TF1H (SE SW 36-148N-102W), Huron State 24-36 36-25 TF2H (SE SW 36-148N-102W), Huron State 34-36 36-25 TF3H (SW SE 36-148N-102W), and Huron State 44-36 36-25 TF4H (SW SE 36-148N-102W). The filings indicate continued development by True Oil in this specific area of the prolific Bakken formation.

The confidential status change category, which often signals a well moving from drilling to production or another phase, included two notable operators. Devon Energy Williston, L.L.C., reported a change for its Borsheim 33-28 4H well, located in the SW SE of Section 33-155N-101W in Williams County's Todd field.

Hess Bakken Investments II, LLC, also reported a confidential status change for its EN-Will Trust A- 157-94-2734H-5 well. This well is situated in the NE NW of Section 27-157N-94W in Mountrail County's Big Butte field, according to the DMR report.

Friday's activity underscores McKenzie County's ongoing role as a core area for Bakken development. The four new permits by True Oil represent the sole new drilling approvals for the day. The confidential status changes for the Devon and Hess wells highlight ongoing completion and production work across other active counties in the Williston Basin.

The data provides a snapshot of operator focus, with True Oil driving new permitting activity in a concentrated area. Meanwhile, larger operators like Devon Energy and Hess continue to advance existing wells through the development cycle. The North Branch, Todd, and Big Butte fields remain active hubs for Bakken production.