Oil and gas exploration activities under way
Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Feb 12/01) - After a two-week delay, oil and gas exploration companies are sending workers out to base camps.
The unseasonably warm temperatures have passed and ice in the Mackenzie Delta is now thick enough to carry equipment to the exploration sites.
"We're going along (the ice) and measuring steps; and so far no wet toes," said Wayne Ross of Veritas.
A representative of Akita/Equtak Drilling said nine workers were sent out to the work site and six more Inuvialuit will be hired within the next two weeks.
Veritas, which conducts seismic work, has hired two crews - a total of 120 people - and is looking for more.
"We're going to hire everybody we can get ... depending on how many good people we can get that want to work," said Ross.
Veritas wants skilled and non-skilled employees who are willing to work hard. Wages start at $12 per hour. Successful applicants will work 12-hour shifts, seven days a week.
Akita/Equtak is looking for rig workers - young men with strong backs. Workers began drilling on Saturday and Veritas expects seismic activities to be in full swing this week.
