Government held a geothermal permit sale this month, bringing a new opportunity for the exploration and development of geothermal resources in northern British Columbia.

The Jan. 21, 2014, geothermal tenure sale offered one parcel covering 2,865 hectares near Lakelse Lake south of Terrace. The successful bid for the parcel totals $100,000.

Industry may request that geothermal rights owned by government be made available through a competitive bid process. Geothermal permits provide industry with the exclusive right to subsurface resources in that area. The proponent can apply for well authorizations to be drilled within the boundaries of a location covered by the permit.

Permits expire on the first anniversary of date of issue, but may be renewed up to seven times. If the proponent discovers a geothermal resource, they may apply to convert the permit to a lease, which provides the right to produce geothermal energy. There are annual work requirements and rent associated with a geothermal permit.

Geothermal energy is a reliable, firm, clean and renewable energy source. It draws sustainable power from the natural thermal energy contained in the rock and fluid in the Earth's crust.

Further information on this sale, geothermal resources and the tenuring process can be found at: http://www.empr.gov.bc.ca/Titles/OGTitles/geothermal/Pages/default.aspx

Media Contact:

Jake Jacobs
Media Relations
Ministry of Energy and Mines and Responsible for Core Review
250 952-0628