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New Northern Wealth
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Government-financed drilling rig at Pine River, 1942. RBCM.
Drill rig
The Peace River region's potential as an oil and gas area was recognized early in the 1900s but in 1919 the British Columbia government placed a moratorium on exploration. However, the government decided to cash in on the demand for oil and began a drilling program in the 1940s. This exploratory drilling was unsuccessful, and the moratorium was lifted in 1946. Businesses flocked into the region seeking oil and gas. Natural gas wells were found almost immediately but it was not until 1951 that an oil well was drilled near Fort St. John.
Used drill bits, Pine River, 1942. RBCM.
Pile of drill bits
Camp at Pine River, 1942. RBCM.
Buildings
Drilling for natural gas near Fort St. John, 1985. BC Archives I-22200.
Drilling
Rotary drill bit. RBCM 2003.43.2.
Drill bit
Oil and gas exploration can have serious environmental consequences. Seismic exploration has cut huge swaths through the forest and left many drill holes. Seismic hole plug. RBCM 988.27.3.
Plastic plug
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