By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Oct. 23 -- Operators are pressing exploration and development in the Williston basin Bakken shale oil play in northwestern North Dakota.
GeoResources Inc., Houston, said it expanded its Bakken shale acreage position with its joint venture partner, Slawson Exploration Co. Inc., to include a 10-15% working interest in 38,000 gross acres in Mountrail County. Part of the acreage is near important discoveries by large independents.
GeoResources and its partners hold minor interests in three wells that have spud or likely will spud before yearend. The company and joint owners also plan to spud a horizontal well in first-quarter 2008 assuming other positive drilling results and rig availability.
GeoResources also sought regulatory approval and expects to begin waterflooding by yearend in the 6,600-acre Starbuck Madison Unit in Bottineau County, in which it holds 90% working interest.
The company also plans to drill two horizontal development wells in Wayne field in Bottineau County with 100% and 67% working interest, respectively.
