The July 2013 natural gas and petroleum sale resulted in $6.39 million in bonus bids, bringing the calendar year total to over $133 million.

The July 24 sale offered 19 parcels in northeast B.C., covering 10,509 hectares. Fourteen parcels were sold with an average price of approximately $857 per hectare.

Key parcels in this month's sale included:

• Two drilling licences in the Sunset Prairie area, about 25 kilometres south of Taylor. Collectively, these two parcels earned more than $2.47 million.

• One lease in the Nig Creek area, about 110 kilometres northwest of Fort St. John. This parcel earned more than $480,000 in tender bonus at a price of $1,711.

Leases provide the exclusive right to produce natural gas and petroleum. They are acquired by the successful bidder at the Crown sale, or selected from permits and drilling licences. Primary terms are five or 10 years, depending on location.

Drilling licences provide the exclusive right to explore natural gas and petroleum by drilling wells. They are acquired by the successful bidder at the Crown sale. Primary terms are three, four or five years, depending on location.

Natural gas and petroleum activities play a vital role in B.C., generating significant wealth and employing thousands of British Columbians. Revenues from rights sales provide immediate economic benefits, funding for social programs and infrastructure development in communities throughout the province.

The next sale, scheduled for Aug. 21, 2013, will offer 10 parcels covering 7,742 hectares.

Complete results of the sale are posted at: http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Titles/OGTitles/SaleResults/Pages/default.aspx

Media Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Ministry of Natural Gas Development
250 952-0617