Devon, Petro-Canada announce significant gas test in Mackenzie Delta

Devon Energy Corp., Oklahoma City, and Petro-Canada, Calgary, announced in late April significant natural gas flows from the Tuk M-18 well 15 miles south of Tuktoyaktuk in the Mackenzie Delta of Canada's Northwest Territories. The well was drilled 9,850 ft into the Cretaceous Kamik sands.

May 1, 2002

2 min read

By OGJ editors

HOUSTON, May 1 -- Devon Energy Corp., Oklahoma City, and Petro-Canada, Calgary, have announced significant natural gas flows at their Tuk M-18 well 15 miles south of Tuktoyaktuk in the Mackenzie Delta of Canada's Northwest Territories. The well was drilled 9,850 ft into the Cretaceous Kamik sands.

M-18 was tested at restricted rates of up to 30 MMcfd of natural gas and has estimated reserve potential of 200-300 bcf. It has estimated sustained deliverability of 60-80 MMcfd.

Devon and Petro-Canada hold a 50:50 equal ownership in the Devon-operated well as part of the companies' multiyear Mackenzie Delta partnership. "These results are very encouraging and bode well for additional drilling next winter," said John Richels, president of Devon's Canadian unit Devon Canada Corp.

The partners drilled three unsuccessful exploratory wells—Kurk M-15, Tuk B-02, and Kugpik L-46—in the Mackenzie Delta this winter and last. Although hydrocarbons were encountered at Tuk B-02, it was abandoned following drilling and testing.

Devon and Petro-Canada are planning next year's drilling and exploration program with the objective of being able to secure pipeline space when Mackenzie Delta gas is eventually tied into North American markets via a proposed pipeline along the Mackenzie Valley corridor. The two companies hold combined rights to more than 1 million acres in the Mackenzie Delta—the largest landholding in the industry.