The Bakken Formation is a large unconventional resource found throughout central Williston Basin (Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Montana and North Dakota). The shales that comprise the upper and lower members of the Bakken are world class source rocks with a total thickness generally between 30-40m.  The USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) 2008 estimate for technically recoverable reserves in the Bakken stands at 4.3 billion barrels, a figure expected to be reviewed higher. Some companies are estimating about 10 billion barrels in recoverable reserves!

Bakken oil companies are targeting light-sweet crude oil trapped within shale rock 10,000 feet below the surface. Bakken wells generally … Continue Reading