This year, excitement around Arctic development has been fully reinvigorated!  In July 2011, the Northwest Territories saw a record land sale of 2.2 million acres in the Norman Wells region of the Central Mackenzie Valley with commitments of over $500 million from major players. 

At the Arctic Oil & Gas Symposium, delegates will get first-hand details on the N.W.T. record land sale, the emerging unconventional play in the North and what it all means for northern development. This year's comprehensive program also addresses hydraulic fracturing and water concerns and features a practical workshop on the essentials of shale development with a focus on the Central Mackenzie Valley Corridor. 

Here's a highlight of the sessions (and workshop) that are focused on giving you the critical knowledge you need to prepare a solid Arctic business strategy and capitalize on the upcoming opportunities.

Northwest Territories Record Land Lease Sale: Why Is This A Game Changer? What Does This Means for Northern Development?

John Hogg
Vice President
MGM Energy Corp.

• How does this land sale compare with that of previous years?
• Where is the excitement focused? What is the potential of the region?
• Exploring the amount of work has been committed through winning bids and what the timeframes are to act upon them
• Examining potential infrastructure requirements to facilitate the plans brought forth
• What work is already underway?

Addressing Hydraulic Fracturing and Water Concerns Around Emerging Unconventional Development in the North

Dr. John D. Harper
Market Director – Energy Development
EBA, A Tetra Tech Company

• Understanding hydraulic fracturing practices and what to expect
• Showcasing best practices in water usage and management
• Realizing how the regulatory landscape is changing to address environmental concerns

Workshop:  An Introduction to Drilling, Hydraulic Fracturing and Water Use in Shales with a Focus on the Central Mackenzie Valley Corridor

Dr. John D. Harper
Market Director – Energy Development
EBA, A Tetra Tech Company

John Hogg
Vice President
MGM Energy Corp.

Derek Brown
Principal
Strategic West Energy Ltd.

This workshop is meant as a 101 on shale. It will provide insight into: What is shale? Why all the hype? Where do the concerns around shale practices stem from? This interactive session will examine:

• Exploring the difference between an early exploration program and a development program in shales
• What is shale and how is it different from conventional oil and gas production?
• What has changed to make shale production viable?
• Understanding some of the challenges in shale development and how these are being overcome
• Outlining key shale production techniques: horizontal drilling, hydraulic fracture stimulation, pad drilling, multilateral drilling
• Water usage and recycling
• How is shale regulated on federal lands?

Click here to view the full Arctic Oil & Gas Symposium agenda