Workshop explores future of oil in Saskatchewan

Posted February 21, 1997


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
97-02-10-AR

Workshop explores future of oil in
Saskatchewan

Saskatoon SK, February 20, 1997 -- Professors from the
University of Saskatchewan's department of geological
sciences joined government and industry reps at an
informal workshop last week to discuss the future of oil
exploration in Saskatchewan.

The workshop was held as a prelude to an anticipated
change in provincial legislation which will free up many
areas of the subsurface to oil exploration that have been
unavailable in the past. It is expected that the pace of
exploration in Saskatchewan will increase dramatically as
a result of this change and consequently revenues from
both land sales and discoveries will also increase.

The Williston Basin underlying southern Saskatchewan and
adjacent areas is considerably under explored and
companies widely feel the potential for major new finds is
very high, said Professor Brian Pratt. It is conceivable
that some oil finds will rival those of Alberta.

Existing scientific knowledge regarding the Williston Basin
is considered old and out of date so the discussion at the
workshop centered on the information that will be needed
by industry when the legislation passes. Numerous
projects were outlined that would generate scientific
reports and publications to aid future exploration efforts.

The role of U of S geological research will be absolutely
vital to the success of future oil exploration in the
province, said Dr. Pratt. All of the participants in the
workshop were in full agreement that funding of
background science saves future wasted effort and money.

Unlike studies done by consultants, the research findings
from the U of S would be in the public domain, fully
accessible by industry.

For more information, please contact:

Professor Brian Pratt
Department of Geological Sciences
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5725
E-mail: brian.pratt@usask.ca