Southeastern B.C. Basin

Exploration in the Fernie-Flathead area in the southeast corner of B.C. has focused on conventional oil and gas and coalbed gas (CBG). Sporadic drilling activity has taken place since the turn of the century. To date, over 50 wells have been drilled. Many have encountered shows of oil as well as gas, although no commercial production have taken place. 

In 2001, the ministry completed two exploration geological studies of the Fernie and Flathead areas and both are available from Crown Publications, or phone (250) 386-4636. These studies identified major play trends and the petroleum and natural gas resource potential of the area. Currently, CBG continues to be the major focus of exploration activity in the southeast where a major drilling and production evaluation project is underway in the Elk Valley. 

Studies

• Oil and Gas Resource Potential of the Kootenay Area of British Columbia by P. Hannigan, P.J. Lee, K.G. Osadetz, and K. Olsen-Heise, Geological Survey of Canada. Geofile 2001-7, April 1993 (PDF, 2.5MB)

​Brochures

• Thrust Faulted Paleozoic Reservoirs Below The Lewis Thrust (PDF, 2.8MB)
• Kishenehn Basin (PDF, 2.5MB)