The Explorers 2010: Doyon Ltd.

Doyon Ltd. is the Alaska Native corporation for the Interior and the largest private landowner in Alaska. In recent years, Doyon has increased exploration efforts on its lands, which are believed to be very prospective for both oil and natural gas.

In a partnership operated by Denver-based Rampart Energy, Doyon drilled the Nunivak No. 1 well near Nenana in July 2009, following up on wells drilled in the gas-prone area southwest of Fairbanks in the 1960s and the 1980s. This newest effort dates to an exploration license purchased in 2002 and a seismic package shot in 2005. A 2006 change to the tax code challenged the project, but another change in 2007 paved the way for drilling. Doyon hasn’t released detailed results from the program, but said its exploration activities in Nenana are currently on hold because of uncertainties about the Railbelt energy market — including plans to truck liquefied natural gas to Fairbanks, several in-state pipeline proposals and pending legislation to consolidate regional electric utility assets. Doyon might choose to shoot seismic over the area in 2011-12.

However, Doyon is increasingly interested in its lands in the Yukon Flats after gathering geologic and geophysical information in the area. Doyon said it wants to gather and study more data about the region before bringing partners for a broader exploration program.

Current exploration focus:

Interior Alaska: Doyon recently drilled a well in the Nenana basin, but is putting the program on hold because of market uncertainties in the Railbelt. Doyon is currently gathering geologic and geophysical data over lands it owns in the Yukon Flats area.

---

Did you find this article interesting?

Tweet it

Digg it

Print this story | Email it to an associate.

Click here to subscribe to Petroleum News for as low as $69 per year.