Yukon seeks bids for area inside Arctic Circle; spur to Mackenzie gasline possible

The Yukon government has invited bids to explore for oil and gas in the Peel Plateau, next to the Yukon-Northwest Territories border just inside the Arctic Circle.

The call area covers almost 100,000 acres and is part of the Peel Plateau and Plain area where the gas potential has been estimated at 2.8 trillion cubic feet. A major discovery could eventually open the way to a spur line connecting with the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline.

Energy, Mines and Resources Minister Archie Lang said the Yukon government hopes to expanded the potential for finds by opening up relatively unexplored prospects.

Prior to the call, the government reduced the disposition area by two-thirds and designated 25 percent of the parcel as an “area of special consideration” to meet environmental concerns.

The deadline for bids is October 20.