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Oil and Natural Gas
Exploration for oil and natural gas resources in the Calista Region has been focused on three primary geographic areas: the Bethel Basin, the Yukon Delta/Norton Sound, and the Holitna Basin. With the exception of Norton Sound, none of these areas received adequate sub-surface exploration efforts, however, all of the geologic information collected to date suggests a very low probability for the occurrence of conventional, economically recoverable oil resources within the region. Analysis of sedimentary rocks from the basins indicates they contain organic material which is not prone to generating oil, but some rocks do contain material associated with gas generation.
The Holitna Basin is located in a broad lowland area lying between the Kuskokwim Mountains and the Alaska Range. Villages in the area include Sleetmute, Stony River, and Lime Village. The area is roughly outlined by a 3,200-square-mile, airborne magnetic survey, completed in 1998 by the Alaska DGGS. Due to its proximity to the Donlin Creek gold project (about 45 air-miles) and some geological similarities to Cook Inlet gas fields, the Holitna Basin is the most likely target for exploration activity in the near future. While geological studies by the Alaska DGGS in 1998 indicate poor potential for conventional oil resources in the Holitna Basin, recent developments in the technology and economics of recovering shallow natural gas, including coal-related natural gas, have renewed interest in exploring the Holitna Basin.
Additional Information:
Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys
Alaska Division of Oil and Gas
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