Anderson Exploration Ltd. will soon truck its new northern drilling rig from Edmonton to Great Slave Lake, where it will be sent by barge to Tuktoyaktuk.

AKITA EQUTAK Rig #63 will be the first rig operated by Anderson in the Mackenzie Delta. The rig, designed specifically by AKITA EQUTAK Drilling Ltd. for arctic conditions, was showcased at the Dreco industrial yards in south Edmonton following a recent commemorative ceremony.

Al Popil, for Business Edge
Inuvialuit Regional Corp. CEO Nellie Cournoyea with Anderson Exploration CEO J.C. Anderson in front of Rig #63

The new rig will be used initially on Anderson Exploration’s Tuktoyaktuk blocks in the Mackenzie Delta area. It is part of Anderson’s Tuk 2 drilling program, which will see two wells drilled during the winter of 2001-02.

Drilling operations are scheduled to commence in December.

The rig complements Anderson’s other drilling activity in the area, including a 40-per-cent stake in the Petro-Canada operated Kurk M-15 well. Petro-Canada is also a 50-per-cent participant in Anderson’s Tuk 2 drilling program.

After a thorough inspection and testing, AKITA EQUTAK Rig #63 will be trucked to Hay River on Great Slave Lake, where it will be loaded on to barges for transportation down the Mackenzie River. From Tuktoyaktuk, it will be transported to and erected on the drilling site.

AKITA EQUTAK Rig #63 represents a business venture between AKITA Drilling, the Inuvialuit Development Corporation and Anderson Exploration, said J.C. Anderson, chairman and CEO of Anderson Exploration.

The company plans to help fund training for local people and partner with local businesses in developing northern resources.

“Anderson Exploration is focused on meeting tomorrow’s energy needs by looking to this new frontier . . . We’re committed to working with our northern neighbours to ensure their resources are developed responsibly, safely and efficiently, leading to long prosperity for local peoples and our investors,” said Anderson.

Anderson Exploration is a Calgary-based independent oil and natural gas producer engaged in exploration, acquisition, development and production.

AKITA Drilling Limited is an oil and gas well drilling contractor, operating 36 rigs in western and northern Canada.