Description:
Exploration and drilling activity in northeastern
Arizona has dropped somewhat from its
peak activity during 1959 and 1960. Indications
are that the latter part of 1961 and 1962 will become
considerably more active. The coming "play"
is expected to be more selective as geological data
are assembled. Some of the past "promotional
deals" have hindered rather than helped activity
throughout the state of Arizona.
Present drilling activity for oil and gas is concentrated
in the extreme northeastern part of the
state on the Navajo Reservation. These wells produce
primarily from the Paradox facies of the
Hermosa (Pennsylvanian) formation. Discoveries
have been made in Mississippian and Devonian
formations and are becoming increasingly important.
During the past two years helium development
wells have been drilled on the Pinta Dome near
Navajo, Arizona. Wildcat drilling resulted in the
discovery of helium producing gasses on the Navajo
Springs and Salt Springs structures. These latter
structures lie to the east of Pinta Dome proper and
have extended production about 6 miles eastward.
Wildcat tests are being drilled, or are planned
on several anticlinal features to the east, north and
northwest of Pinta proper. Based upon structural,
stratigraphic and hydrologic studies, several of the
prospects are considered favorable for the accumulation
of helium gasses in commercial quantities.
Report - 106 p. with two cross-sections of NE Arizona.