Energy, Mines, and Resources

Oil and Gas Resources

Exploration and Development

Rig Operations

The type of information relating to Yukon oil and gas drilling operations, and when it is made public, is set out in regulations under the Yukon Oil and Gas Act  1.5 MB. The results of all drilling operations are held confidential for a period of time. The confidentiality period for a development well is three months from Rig Release date; for an exploratory outpost well the period is six months from Rig Release date. The confidentiality period for an exploratory wildcat exploration well is one year from Rig Release date.

Information that is released from confidential status under Yukon oil and gas laws is available to the public by appointment at Oil and Gas Resources. Call (867) 393-7042 or toll free 1-800-661-0408 ext. 7042.

Requests for specific information may be made in writing to Oil and Gas Resources. Administrative fees may be applicable depending on the type and volume of information requested.

  • Well Activity Record  33 KB (updated June 2007)
    Seventy-three wells have been drilled in Yukon. Most of these are located in the Liard Plateau, Peel Plateau, and Eagle Plain basins. The remaining 5 basins - Bonnet Plume, Kandik, Old Crow, Whitehorse Trough and Coastal Plain - are virtually unexplored.
  • Kotaneelee Gas Production Report  29 KB also available in Excel format  56 KB
    Currently, Kotaneelee is the only producing gas field in the Yukon Territory.
  • Land Status Map  2 MB
    This map identifies those Yukon lands that are protected, interim protected, special management areas, First Nations settlement lands, parks, protected areas, etc..

Yukon’s Unconventional Resources

Unconventional gas has become a major component in the natural gas market in recent years. In British Columbia, for example, shale gas wells are producing over ten million cubic meters of natural gas a day.

Currently, the Yukon Geological Survey is conducting studies to determine the potential of shale gas in the territory. Shale gas has not been explored for or produced in Yukon; however, future oil and gas projects will most likely consider shale gas reservoirs as potential targets. 

Yukon Oil and Gas Resources, Department of Environment, the Water Board and the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board function under comprehensive existing legislation that will assess, licence and regulate potential unconventional hydrocarbon projects. 

More information, from other Canadian jurisdictions about unconventional hydrocarbons, such as shale gas, can be found at:

For information about shale gas and hydraulic fracturing in the Yukon context read: