Developments in Southeastern States in 1969

Drilling operations in the southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi increased from 726 wells in 1968 to 786 wells in 1969, an increase of 7.7%. Of the total completions, 418 were exploratory tests which resulted in 38 discoveries. Development drilling during 1969 included 368 completions netting 177 oil wells and 18 gas wells. Deep drilling in the Jurassic trend of Mississippi and Alabama continued to increase, registering a 21% success in exploratory drilling and a 77% success in development drilling. The most significant developments were a Smackover gas-condensate discovery in Holmes County, Mississippi, which extended Jurassic production 36 mi northwest, and a deep H2S-rich gas-condensate discovery in Rankin County, Mississippi. The Eocene Wilcox trend of southwestern Mississippi remained the most active drilling area in the southeastern states with 59.5% of all completions. An increase in geophysical activity was registered in 1969 resulting largely from an increase in seismic work in Alabama and Florida. Exploration is expected to continue at an active pace in the southeastern states in 1970 with the Jurassic and Wilcox trends being the most active. Also, an increase in activity is expected in the Black Warrior basin in 1970 following a major lease play in 1969.