Ann: BPT joins Sundance in Bakken Shale Oil Play , page-6

re: Ann: BPT joins Sundance in Bakken Shale O... Sorry Testpilot, I disagree. The Bakken shale of North Dakota is a prolific producer. Major oilcos have been scrambling to acquire acreage. The nature of shale is that it extends for miles. The chances of success are high. The cost of drilling a horizontal well exceeds the cost of a vertical well, but the method is first to drill a vertical well untill it intersects the shale, continuing down untill the total depth of the bed is known. Then compared with seismic charts the vertical section is planned. Also at that point core samples are analysed and the viability of the bed is known. Before the 1.4 km horizontal section is drilled the production potential will be 90% certain. the knowledge gained on this well will be put to good use in the Cooper. Why do you say "reeks of mismanagement"? Conventional oil/gas is harder to find. Shale is the way to go. Why do you think the majors are so interested? Drilling starts in may, so not long to wait.