Andrea Markey
Northern News Services

Fort Norman (June 27/05) - Exploration around Tulita will have a new company at the helm this summer and area companies are looking forward to getting some of the contracts.

Sahtu Helicopters have up to seven helicopters reserved for exploration and seismic work led by Husky Energy this July and August. Pilots, engineers and mechanics like Rob Estey will be working, along with the helicopters. The working-interest owners in the Summit Creek B-44 well near Tulita are: Northrock Resources, 32.5 per cent Husky Energy, 29.48 per cent EOG Resources Canada, 26.40 per cent Pacific Rhodera Energy, 6.62 per cent International Frontier Resources Corp., 5 per cent

Husky Energy has taken over from Northrock Resources as the operator of the Summit Creek site, approximately 60 km southwest of Tulita.

"The five companies involved at the site haven't changed," said Ken Hansen, of Husky Energy's exploration in frontier and international division.

Northrock's parent company, Unocal, may soon be in a bidding war between oil giant Chevron and China's state oil company. To maintain continuity and commitment to the Tulita project, the partners decided Husky would assume the operating role, he said.

"It makes us responsible for managing and running the programs," he said. "This is our first time being the main operator in the NWT, so we are learning as we go."

Work this summer will start mid-July if it is approved by the National Energy Board and the Sahtu Land and Water Board. Proposals are in to the board for impact and access and benefits agreements.

Sahtu board representatives were unavailable for comment at press time.

If approved, the work will involve two-dimensional seismic testing from helicopters over a 250-km-long area. A 140-person camp will be located at the Little Smith staging area on the east side of the Mackenzie River, he said.

Contracts will go out this week for work including winter road construction and maintenance. Slashing crews will be needed to create a line of sight one metre wide along the route, he said.

Sahtu Helicopters, owned by the Tulita Land Corporation and Great Slave Helicopters, out of Norman Wells, has up to seven medium and intermediate helicopters reserved in case the work gets approved, said Rob Carroll, vice-president of new business development with Sahtu.

"We are looking forward to this work," he said. "Continued success shows that companies majority owned by aboriginal groups can succeed."

People around Tulita are also talking about the upcoming season, said Eddie McPherson Jr., president of Red Dog Mtn. Contractors.

"Quite a few people would be needed for slashing brush," he said. "I hope to be building winter roads for the project.