New-field Wildcat Discoveries Research Articles

North American Drilling Activity in 1989

This is the 54th consecutive annual report on drilling activity for the United States. Canadian drilling data has been included with these annual reports since 1948; Mexico provided data for the period 1948-1980. For 1989, Canada showed a 34.7% decrease in total wells drilled (5804 wells) and a 34.6% decrease in the amount of footage drilled (21,908,914 ft). The 38 new-field wildcat discoveries represented a success rate of 30.9%. Of these discoveries, 19 were in Alberta, 10 were in Saskatchewan, 6 were in British Columbia, and 3 were in the Northwest Territories-Arctic Islands. New-field and new-pool wildcats accounted for 37.4% of the 1487 exploratory discoveries. In Canada, 57.8% of the 2571 exploratory wells drilled were successful. In the United States, total drilling activity during 1989 decreased 13.5% (to 31,417 wells), and footage drilled decreased 16.2% (to 26,737 mi) compared with 1988. There were 381 new-field discoveries--representing an 18.8% decrease from 1988. The ratio of new-field dry holes to producers was 6.70:1, and the success rate was 13.0%. Estimates of ultimate reserves reported as discovered in 1983-1989 in the United States are being reviewed by the Joint Task Group on Statistical Integrity.

North American Drilling Activity in 1988

This is the 53rd consecutive annual report on drilling activity for the United States. Canadian drilling data have been included with these annual reports since 1948; Mexico provided data for the period 1948-1980. For 1988, Canada showed a 25.5% increase in total wells drilled (8,886 wells) and an 18.1% increase in the amount of footage drilled (33,497,448 ft). The 66 new-field wildcat discoveries represented a success rate of 30.4%. Of these discoveries, 26 were in Alberta, 20 were in Saskatchewan, 16 were in British Columbia, 2 were in Quebec, 1 was in the Northwest Territories, and 1 was in the East Coast offshore. New-field and new-pool wildcats accounted for 33.4% of the 1,642 exploratory discoveries. In Canada, 55.6% of the 2,953 exploratory wells drilled were successful. In the United States, total drilling activity during 1988 increased 1.1% (to 36,307 wells), and footage drilled increased 4.8% (to 31,919 mi) compared with 1987. There were 469 new-field discoveries--a 7.3% decrease from 1987. The ratio of new-field dry holes to producers was 6.38:1, and the success rate was 13.6%. Estimates of ultimate reserves reported as discovered in 1983-1988 in the United States are being reviewed by the Joint Task Group on Statistical Integrity of the Committee on Statistics of Drilling. Results of this study will be published in a later issue of the Bulletin.

Oil and Gas Developments in Europe in 1987

Europe showed signs of recovering in 1987 from the downturn in oil- and gas-related activities following the 1986 oil price collapse. Statistics showed a lessening decrease, compared with 1986, in licensed acreage (down 19%), seismic exploration (down 14%), exploratory drilling (down 32%), and development drilling (down 10%). Crude oil production rose 2% and natural gas production was up 4%. Better news was a 20% increase in new-field wildcat discoveries, which numbered 85 in 1987 compared to 79 in 1986. The North Sea produced 34 discoveries, with 20 coming from the British sector. Italy reported 23 finds, an increase of 1 from 1986, despite drilling 18% fewer wells, and France bested its 1986 record with 7 discoveries from 51% fewer wells. Development drilling was emphas zed over exploratory drilling in 1987 by 492 wells to 428 wells.

North American Drilling Activity in 1987

This is the 52nd consecutive annual report on drilling activity for the United States. Canadian drilling data have been included with these annual reports since 1948; Mexico provided data for the period 1948-1980. For 1987, Canada showed an 18.1% increase in total wells drilled (7,078 wells) and a 14.9% increase in the amount of footage drilled (28,369,980 ft). The 64 new-field wildcat discoveries represented a success rate of 30.7%. Of these discoveries, 35 were in Alberta, 13 were in Saskatchewan, and 14 were in British Columbia. New-field and new-pool wildcats accounted for 34.9% of the 1,318 exploratory discoveries. In Canada, 55.6% of the 2,369 exploratory wells drilled were successful. In the United States, total drilling activity during 1987 decreased 29.6% (to 35,917 wells), and footage drilled decreased 26.9% (to 30,448 mi) compared with 1986. There were 506 new-field discoveries--a 26.9% decrease from 1986. The ratio of new-field dry holes to producers was 6.34:1, and the success rate was 13.6%. Estimates of ultimate reserves reported as discovered in 1983-1987 in the United States are being reviewed by the Joint Task Group on Statistical Integrity of the Committee on Statistics of Drilling. Results of this study will be published in a later issue of the Bulletin.

Oil and Gas Developments in Europe in 1986

European drilling and exploration levels fell from 1985 highs, most noticeably in the second half of 1986, as oil prices plummeted nearly 50% for the year. Licensed acreage was down 38%, seismic exploration declined by more than 15%, and development drilling was off 17% from 1985 levels. Exploratory drilling, up more than 2%, mainly reflected first-quarter activity. Drilling objectives were largely conservative and in regionally productive areas. The North Sea led in new-field wildcat discoveries with 28, followed by Italy with 22. Italy set a new drilling record in 1986, with 106 exploratory wells and 99 development wells. Spain's Gaviota field began simultaneous development and production, boosting the country's gas output 39%. Overall, European 1986 oil production rose about 2% and natural gas output fell by nearly 2% from 1985.

North American Drilling Activity in 1986

This is the 51st consecutive annual report on drilling activity for the United States. Canadian drilling data have been included with these annual reports since 1948; Mexico provided data for the period 1948-1980. For 1986, Canada showed a 52.3% decrease in total wells drilled (5,991 wells) and a 45.2% decrease in the amount of footage drilled (24,698,184 ft). The 99 new-field wildcat discoveries represented a success rate of 30.9%. Of these discoveries, 44 were in Alberta, 17 were in Manitoba, and 15 were in British Columbia. New-field and new-pool wildcats accounted for 39.2% of the 1,124 exploratory discoveries. In Canada, 55.3% of the 2,033 exploratory wells drilled were successful. In the United States, total drilling activity during 1986 decreased 38.9% (to 51,045 wells), and footage drilled decreased 39.2% (to 41,651 mi) compared with 1985. There were 692 new-field discoveries--a 31.4% decrease from 1985. The ratio of new-field dry holes to producers was 5.84:1, and the success rate was 14.6%. Estimates of ultimate reserves reported as discovered in 1983-1986 in the United States are being reviewed by the Joint Task Group on Statistical Integrity of the Committee on Statistics of Drilling. Results of this study will be published in a later issue of the Bulletin.

North American Drilling Activity in 1985

This is the 50th consecutive annual report on drilling activity for the United States. Canadian drilling data have been included with these annual reports since 1948; Mexico provided data for the period 1948-1980. For 1985, Canada showed a 28.7% increase in total wells drilled (12,564 wells) and a 25.6% increase in the amount of footage drilled (45,066,842 ft). The 139 new-field wildcat discoveries represented a success rate of 29.6%. Of these discoveries, 48 were in Alberta, 37 were in Saskatchewan, and 24 were in British Columbia. New-field and new-pool wildcats accounted for 38.4% of the 1,907 exploratory discoveries. In Canada, 56% of the 3,404 exploratory wells drilled were successful. In the United States, total drilling activity during 1985 decreased 0.7% (to 83,609 wells), and footage drilled increased 2.2% (to 68,484 mi) compared with 1984. There were 1,009 new-field discoveries--a 14.7% increase from 1984. The ratio of new-field dry holes to producers was 5.31:1, and the success rate was 15.9%. Estimates of ultimate reserves reported as discovered in 1983-1985 in the United States are being reviewed by the Joint Task Group on Statistical Integrity of the Committee on Statistics of Drilling. Results of this study will be published in a later issue of the Bulletin.

North American Drilling Activity in 1984

This is the 49th consecutive annual report on drilling activity for the United States. Canadian drilling data have been included with these annual reports since 1948; Mexico provided data for the period 1948-1980. For 1984, Canada showed a 37.6% increase in total wells drilled (9,763 wells) and a 33.9% increase in the amount of footage drilled (35,879,635 ft). The 115 new-field wildcat discoveries represented a success of 35.7%. Of these discoveries, 59 were in Alberta, 29 were in Saskatchewan, and 10 were in British Columbia. New-field and new-pool wildcats accounted for 41.6% of the 1,752 exploratory discoveries. In Canada, 59.3% of the 2,953 exploratory wells drilled were successful. In the United States, total drilling activity during 1984 increased 7.2% (84,183 wells), and footage drilled increased 6.9% (66,980 mi) compared with 1983. There were 880 new-field discoveries--a 22.7% decrease from 1983. The ratio of new-field dry holes to producers was 5.92:1, and the success rate was 14.5%. Estimates of ultimate reserves reported as discovered in 1983 and 1984 in the United States are being reviewed by the Joint Task Group on Statistical Integrity. Results of this study will be published in a later issue of the Bulletin.

North American Drilling Activity in 1983

This is the 48th consecutive annual report on drilling activity for the United States. Canadian drilling data have been included with these annual reports since 1948; Mexico provided data for the period 1948-1980. For 1983, Canada showed an 8.1% increase in total wells drilled (7,095 wells) and a 12.9% increase in the amount of footage drilled (26,790,009 ft). The 93 new-field wildcat discoveries represented a success of 39.6%. Of these discoveries, 90 were in western Canada (27 in Alberta and 39 in Saskatchewan). New-field and new-pool wildcats accounted for 52.8% of the 1,236 exploratory discoveries. In Canada, 61% of the 2,041 exploratory wells drilled were successful. In the United States, total drilling activity during 1983 decreased 10.9% (78,542 wells) and footage drilled decreased 17.6% (62,656 mi) compared with 1982. There were 1,138 new-field discoveries--an 18.0% decrease from 1982. The ratio of new-field dry holes to producers was 4.70:1, and the success rate was 17.5%. Estimates of ultimate reserves reported as discovered in 1983 in the United States are being reviewed by the Committee on Statistics of Drilling. Results of this study will be published in a later issue of the Bulletin.

Oil and Gas Developments in Europe in 1982

The need to find new resources has caused a boom in exploration in Europe that continued to gather momentum in 1982. The exploration of new areas has culminated in rank new-field wildcat discoveries throughout Europe. The Mesozoic discoveries of offshore Norway dominate the scene; there large structures are still to be found and the success rate is very high. In northwestern Europe, the high level of delineation drilling accounts for the high success rates in producing basins. However, there have been some notable new play successes also in these areas, the result of exploration for deeper and more subtle objectives. This area is at peak (North Sea) or past peak (continental northwestern Europe) production of the large Mesozoic oil fields discovered in the 1960s and 1970s There is an upturn in the demand for gas and a resumption of exploration for gas. An increase in the level of exploration for the Tertiary and little explored Mesozoic oil plays of the Mediterranean region will ensure an increase in the momentum of development and production of these resources.

North American Drilling Activity in 1981

The format of North American Drilling Activity in is essentially the same as in former years with the exception that statistics from Mexico are no longer available and, therefore, future publications will cover only those activities occurring in the United States and Canada. In 1981, Canada showed a decrease of 21.8% in total wells drilled (7,186) and a 22.1% decrease in the amount of footage drilled (26,954,094). The 205 new-field wildcat discoveries represented a success rate of 43%. Of these discoveries, 84 were in Alberta and 79 were in Saskatchewan. The new-field and new-pool wildcats accounted for 70.3% of the 1,926 exploratory discoveries. In Canada, 61.4% of the 3,137 exploratory wells drilled were successful. In the United States, total drilling activity during 1981 increased 28.9% (80,537 wells), and footage drilled increased 26.8% (69,365 mi) compared with 1980. There were 1,423 new-field discoveries--a 6.2% increase over 1980. The ratio of new-field dry holes to producers was 4.66:1, and the success rate was 17.7%, substantially higher than the normal 9 to 11%. Estimates of ultimate reserves discovered in 1981 in the United States showed an increase in volume of liquids and gases over those discovered in 1980. The new fields in 1981 discovered an estimated 652.99 million bbl of oil and condensate and 4.3 tcf of gas. However, 1981 production remains significantly greater than the amount found.

North American Drilling Activity in 1979

Total drilling activity in North America increased in 1979 compared with 1978. The 59,085 total wells drilled in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is an increase of 5.3% compared with 1978, and the 52,101 mi of footage drilled is a 7.9% increase over 1978. Canada showed an increase of 4.4% in total wells drilled (7,489) and a 13.4% increase in the amount of footage drilled (25,687,844). The 277 new-field wildcat discoveries represented a success of 52.7%, an all-time high. Of these discoveries, 116 were in Alberta and 132 were in Saskatchewan. The new-field and new-pool wildcats accounted for 73.6% of the 1,831 exploratory discoveries. In Canada, 61.3% of the 2,986 exploratory wells drilled were successful. Mexico drilled a total of 333 exploratory and development wells. This number represents a 21.9% decrease compared with 1978. Of this number, 83 were exploratory and 250 were development. New-field wildcat drilling accounted for 25 discoveries with a success of 50.0% (the success percentage does not include wells suspended owing to mechanical failures). Overall exploratory success was 36.1%, resulting in 30 discoveries, 10 of which were in the Northeast Zone, 0 in the North Zone, 5 in the combined Poza Rica District and Vera Cruz Embayment, and 15 in the South Zone. In the United States total drilling activity increased 5.7% (51,263 wells) and footage drilled increased 5.3% (46,062 mi) compared with 1978. There were 1,162 new-field discoveries--an 18.2% increase over 1978. The ratio of dry holes to producers was 4.52:1, and the success was 18.1%, which is substantially higher than the normal 9 to 11% and exceeded last year's success rate by a full 3%. Estimates of ultimate reserves discovered in 1979 in the United States showed a decrease in volume of gas and a decrease in volume of liquids over those discovered in 1978. The new fields in 1979 discovered an estimated 454.62 million bbl of oil and condensate and 4.1 Tcf of gas. However, 1979 production remains significantly greater than the amount found.

North American Drilling Activity in 1978

Total drilling activity in North America increased in 1978 compared with 1977. The 56,088 total wells drilled in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is an increase of 5.9% compared with 1977, and the 48,287 mi of footage drilled is a 6.7% increase from 1977. Canada showed an increase of 15.7% in total wells drilled (7,170) and a 20.5% increase in the amount of footage drilled (25,297,101). The 213 new-field wildcat discoveries represented a success of 46.6%, an all-time high. Of these discoveries, 100 were in Alberta and 92 were in Saskatchewan. The new-field and new-pool wildcats accounted for 74.5% of the 1,711 exploratory discoveries. In Canada, 54.4% of the 3,144 exploratory wells drilled were successful. In 1978 Mexico drilled 406 exploratory and development wells, a 32.2% increase compared with 1977. Of this number, 83 were exploratory and 323 were development. New-field wildcat drilling accounted for 62 discoveries with a success of 32.3% (the success percentage does not include wells suspended due to mechanical failures). Overall exploratory success was 75.7%, resulting in 28 discoveries, 11 of which were in the northeast zone, 1 in the north zone, 6 in the combined Poza Rica district and Vera Cruz embayment, and 10 in the south zone. In the United States drilling activity increased 4.4% (48,512 wells) and footage drilled increased 7.5% (43,761 mi) compared with 1977. There were 983 new-field discoveries--a 2.1% decrease from 1977. The ratio of dry holes to producers was 5.62:1, and the success was 15.1%, which is substantially higher than the usual 9 to 11%. Estimates of ultimate reserves discovered in 1978 in the United States showed an increase in volume of gas and a decrease in volume of liquids from those discovered in 1977. The new fields in 1978 discovered an estimated 479.49 million bbl of oil and condensate and 4.9 Tcf gas. However, 1978 production remains significantly greater than the amount found.

North American Drilling Activity in 1977

Total drilling activity in North America increased in 1977 compared with 1976. The 52,983 total wells drilled in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is an increase of 11.6% compared with 1976, and the 45,267 mi of footage drilled is a 15.6% increase over 1976. Canada showed an increase of 9.0% in total wells drilled (6,197) and a 14.2% increase in the amount of footage drilled (20,994,767). The 468 new-field wildcat discoveries represented a success of 44.7%; an all-time high. Of these discoveries, 146 were in Alberta and 36 were in Saskatchewan. The new-field and new-pool wildcats accounted for 68.4% of the 1,498 exploratory discoveries. In Canada 53.5% of the 2,801 exploratory wells drilled were successful. In 1977 Mexico drilled a total of 307 exploratory and development wells. This number represents a 8.6% decrease compared with 1976. Of this number, 78 were exploratory and 229 were development wells. New-field wildcat drilling accounted for 26 discoveries with a success of 49% (the success percentage does not include wells suspended owing to mechanical failures). Overall exploratory success was 38.5%, resulting in 30 discoveries, 10 of which were in the Northeast Zone, and 20 in the South Zone. In the United States total drilling activity increased 12.1% (46,479 wells) and footage drilled increased 16.0% (40,722 mi) compared with 1976. There were 1,004 new-field discoveries--the highest since 1956. The ratio of dry holes to producers was 5.08:1, and the success was 16.5%; which is substantially higher than the usual 9 to 11%. Estimates of ultimate reserves discovered in 1977 in the United States showed an increase in volume over those discovered in 1976. The new fields in 1977 discovered an estimated 531.42 million bbl oil and condensate and 4.5 Tcf gas. However, 1977 production remains significantly greater than the amount found.

North American Drilling Activity in 1976

Total drilling activity in North America increased in 1976 compared with 1975. The 47,480 total wells drilled in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is an increase of 8.7% compared with 1975, and the 39,145 mi of footage drilled is a 5.9% increase over 1975. Canada showed an increase of 34.1% in total wells drilled (5,689) and a 31.9% increase in the amount of footage drilled (18,373,281). The 169 new-field wildcat discoveries represented a success of 35.6%, an all-time high. Of these discoveries, 131 were in Alberta and 24 were in Saskatchewan. The new-field wildcats, and new-pool wildcats accounted for 905 of the 1,307 exploratory discoveries. In Canada 53.2% of the 2,459 exploratory wells drilled were successful. In 1976 Mexico drilled a total of 336 exploratory and development wells. This number represents a 4.8% decrease compared with 1975. Of this number, 79 were exploratory and 257 were development. New-field wildcat drilling accounted for 18 discoveries with a success of 28%. Overall exploratory success was 30%, resulting in 24 discoveries, 10 of which were in the Northeast Zone, and 9 in the South Zone. In the United States drilling activity increased 6.03% and footage drilled increased 3.85% compared with 1975. There were 986 new-field discoveries -- the highest since 1956. The ratio of dry holes to producers was the lowest in history, 4.92:1, and inversely the success was the highest, 16.88%, which is substantially higher than the normal 9 to 11%. Estimates of ultimate reserves discovered in 1976 in the United States showed a decrease in volume over those discovered in 1975. The new fields in 1976 discovered an estimated 513.04 million BO and condensate and 4.9 TCFG; 1976 production remains significantly greater than the amount found.

North American Drilling Activity in 1975

Total drilling activity in North America increased in 1975 compared with 1974. The 43,692 total wells drilled in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is an increase of 16.5% compared with 1974, and the 36,962 mi of footage drilled is a 14.1% increase over 1974. Canada showed an increase of 1% in total wells drilled (4,242) but a 4.4% decrease in the amount of footage drilled (13,928,589). The 142 new-field wildcat discoveries accounted for a 27.3% success, an all-time high. Of these discoveries, 112 were in Alberta and 15 were in Saskatchewan. The new-field wildcats and new-pool wildcats accounted for 495 of the 667 exploratory discoveries. Exploratory success in Canada was 40.4% of the 1,649 exploratory wells drilled. Mexico in 1975 drilled 353 wells, exploratory and development. This was a 13.5% decrease compared with 1974. Of the total wells, 87 were exploratory and 266 were development. New-field wildcat drilling accounted for 6 discoveries and a success of 11%. Overall exploratory success was 17%, resulting in 13 discoveries, 8 of which were in the Salina basin. For the United States, drilling activity increased 18.8%, and footage drilled increased 16.4%, compared with 1974. The new-field discoveries, 876, were the highest since 1956. The ratio of dry holes to producers was the lowest in history, 5.96:1, and inversely the success was the highest, 14.35, which is substantially higher than the normal 9.11%. Estimates of ultimate reserves discovered in 1975 in the United States showed an increase in volume over that discovered in 1974. The new fields in 1975 discovered an estimated 579.9 million BO and condensate and 6.3 TCFG. However, 1975 production still remains significantly greater than the amount found.

North American Drilling Activity in 1974

Total drilling activity in North America increased in 1974 compared with 1973. The 37,502 total wells drilled in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is an increase of 14.9% compared with 1973, and the 32,405 mi of footage drilled is a 7.3% increase over 1973. Canada showed a decrease in drilling activity, both in the number of wells drilled and in the total footage. The 175 new-field wildcat discoveries accounted for a 25.7% success, an all-time high. Of these discoveries, 135 were in Alberta and 30 were in Saskatchewan. The new-field wildcats and new-pool wildcats accounted for 486 of the 638 exploratory discoveries. Exploratory success in Canada was 36.4% of the 1,754 exploratory wells drilled. Mexico in 1974 drilled 408 wells, exploratory and development. This number was a 3% decrease compared with 1973. Of the total wells, 98 were exploratory and 310 were development. New-field wildcat drilling accounted for 6 discoveries and a success of 11%. Overall exploratory success was 21%, resulting in 19 discoveries, 9 of which were in the Salina basin. For the United States, drilling activity increased 19.2%, and footage drilled increased 10.2%, compared with 1973. The new-field discoveries, 805, were the highest since 1956. The ratio of dry holes to producers was the lowest in history--6.02:1, and inversely the success was the highest--14.24%, which is substantially higher than the normal 9-11%. Estimates of ultimate reserves discovered in 1974 in the United States show an increase in volume over that discovered in 1973. The new fields in 1974 discovered an estimated 402 million BO and condensate and 4.3 TCFG. However, production still remains greater than 3 times the amount found. It is anticipated that the 1975 activity, as a result of the removal of the depletion allowance, will be suppressed and consequently reduce the amount of reserves found. This prediction appears valid because the number of new-field wildcat discoveries generally has been proportional to the number of new-field wildcats drilled.

North American Drilling Activity in 1973

Total drilling activity in North America decreased in 1973 compared with 1972. The year is highlighted by the fact that the percent success of new-field wildcats is nearly at a record high and the ratio of dry holes to producers is the lowest in history. During 1973 the oil industry drilled more than 30,142 mi of hole in wells. Compared with 1972 this is an increase of 1.9% in footage and a decrease of 1.1% in number of wells. Canada showed a gain in both exploratory and development drilling. The 22.4% new-field wildcat success accounted for 164 new discoveries primarily in Alberta and Saskatchewan. New-pool wildcats and deeper pool tests accounted for most of the 766 exploratory completions. Total exploratory percent success was 25.6. Mexico reports a decrease in drilling this year. However, 12 new fields were discovered with the drilling of 66 new-field wildcats for a percent success of 21.1. Twelve fields also were discovered by other exploratory drilling for a 34.3% success. Overall exploratory success was 25.3%. The United States reported a substantial increase in new-field discoveries--701, compared with 566; unfortunately, a concurrent decrease in volume of reserves occurred. Reserve estimates show a decrease of 37.7% in liquids and 18.9% in gas over those reported in the previous year. The new fields in 1973 discovered an estimated 365 million bbl of oil and condensate and 4.1 Tcf gas. Success in new-field wildcat drilling measured 14.1%, which is a higher figure than usual. This success consistently has measured 9-11%. These figures continue to emphasize the fact that the number of new-field wildcat discoveries is almost directly proportional to the number of new-field wildcats drilled.

North American Drilling Activity in 1972

Total drilling activity in North America increased in 1972 compared with 1971. The year is further highlighted by a substantial increase in new-field wildcat drilling and discoveries. During 1972 the oil industry drilled more than 29,500 mi of hole in 33,005 wells. Compared with 1971 this is an increase of 7.8% in footage and 6.2% in wells. Canada showed the greatest increase in both footage and wells, approximately 17%. The 28,755 wells in the United States represent an increase of 5.3% over 1971 drilling. Mexico, however, reports a decrease for this year, 431 wells compared with 516 for the previous year. The Canadians report an eye-opener increase of 65% in new fields discovered, 137 in 1972 compared with 83 reported in 1971. The United States also reports a substantial increase of 30.5% in new fields discovered, 566 compared with 434. These 566 new fields found estimated ultimate reserves of 585 million bbl oil and 5.0 Tcf gas. Both reserve figures represent increases compared with 1971 data, 2.8% for oil and 3.2% for gas. Success of new-field wildcat drilling continues to remain a constant of approximately 10%. For 1972 it was 11.1%. The statistical data for 1972 reemphasize the fact that the number of new-field wildcat discoveries increases proportionately to the increase in exploratory drilling.

Exploratory Drilling in 1959, United States, Canada, and Mexico: ABSTRACT

This is the 15th report, based on data gathered by the Committee on Statistics of Exploratory Drilling. It is the 24th annual summary on the subject published in the Bulletin. Frederic H. Lahee prepared this statistical analysis and wrote the article for 20 consecutive years. Graham B. Moody prepared the report for 1956. This is the 3d year in which the present author has prepared this exploratory drilling analysis and report. This report presents a comparison of 1959 data with the number of exploratory holes drilled, and footage drilled during 1958. Also by means of graphs a comparison of 1959 statistics with previous years inclusive of 1944. Ratios of profitable fields resulting from new-field wildcat discoveries are also shown. Trends are indicated by graphs of success ratios for new-field wildcats located on basis of geology, geophysics or the combination of both geology and geophysics. For the 12th time, we are presenting data on Canada and Mexico. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1246------------