Imperial, Tulita sign agreement
Exploratory well in the Discovery Ridge area planned

NNSL (May 18/98) - Imperial Oil Ltd. and the Tulita District Land Corporation have signed an access agreement, the resource company said.

The agreement will allow Imperial to complete regulatory applications and detailed planning for an exploratory well in the Discovery Ridge area 15 kilometres northwest of Norman Wells.

Imperial and Tulita have also agreed on terms of a benefits plan that the resource company will submit to the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs.

The plan covers procurement of goods, training and business opportunities for Tulita Dene and Metis.

Construction of a 60 kilometre winter access road and lease preparation could begin late this year.

Drilling is expected to start early next year.

Imperial will be the well operator. The well will be drilled by Shehtah Drilling.

Imperial signed an agreement with Murphy Oil Company Ltd. to earn a working interested in the Discovery Ridge prospect by drilling the well.

"This agreement is a major step forward," Gordon Deets, area manager for Imperial Oil's Norman Wells operation.

"It allows us to pursue completion of the regulatory process and detailed planning of the project."

Deets also said the deal demonstrates that the company is building a strong relationship with Tulita Dene and Metis.

Tulita District Land Corporation President Gordon Yakeleya called the agreement an important first step that could mean significant benefits to Tulita Dene and Metis.

Corporation vice- president Larry Tourangeau said the exploration of lands near Norman Wells is an exciting opportunity for the people of the Tulita district.

"This kind of working relationship with a major oil company is the start of a new beginning."

Top of pageDiscussion boardSearch