The August 2015 natural gas and petroleum rights sale resulted in $366,543.31 in bonus bids.

The Aug. 12, 2015, sale resulted in six parcels being sold, covering 2,497 hectares with an average price of $146.79 per hectare.

The highest bid per hectare was a drilling lease in the Clarke Lake area, just south of Fort Nelson. The parcel earned $68,024.72 in tender bonus at an average price of $252.88 per hectare.

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

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

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

The next sale, scheduled for Sept. 9, 2015, will offer 16 parcels covering 8,300 hectares.

Complete results of the sale are posted at: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/natural-gas-oil/petroleum-natural-gas-tenure/sales-results-statistics/2015-sale-results