Where to drill

In addition to geological and geophysical information, Resolve Exploration, Corp. evaluates the geographical and topographical attributes of each site to determine the best location for drilling a well.  Once a location is selected, that location is then adjusted to meet the regulatory requirements of the State. Our land department then researches the title for the properties of interest and leases are acquired.  We always desire the assistance of the landowner to place the well location and access roads to provide a balance of our operational requirements with that of the land owner’s needs. 

How to drill

In the Illinois Basin a relatively small surface rotary rig uses drilling “mud” to drill the upper portion of the well. Surface casing is set and cemented to seal off and protect shallow, fresh water from the wellbore and to protect the wellbore from collapse. Once surface casing has been set and cemented, the rotary rig drills the exploration portion of the well.  During the drilling, the rock “cuttings” are circulated to the surface and studied by our geologist. As the well is drilled and a formation is observed with oil, a drill stem test may be utilized to sample the formation’s fluid and pressure.  Upon termination of drilling, geophysical logs are typically acquired.  Once the data has been reviewed the future of the well is determined.  It may be a dry hole and plugged or it may be an oil well.  If the hole is deemed a potentially productive well, production casing will be installed and cemented in place.  At this point, the drilling operations end, the drilling rig is moved off of the location and the well is ready for completion.  A typical drilling pad utilizes less than two acres for the road and well site.