Marathon Oil (NYSE:MRO) Drilling 25 New Wells

Marathon Oil Drilling 25 New Oil Wells

Oil wells in the Oregon Basin have been producing oil for close to 100 years, and even though Marathon Oil (NYSE:MRO) hasn't been drilling there for a couple of years, they're poised to start again with a goal of drilling another 25 new wells in the region.

Along with the search for new oil, Marathon will also be employing new techniques to extract known oil resources for existing wells, possibly through the use of carbon dioxide or steam to push the oil to the surface; although that is more costly and will depend on market prices at the time whether it's feasible or not.

Crude in the Oregon Basin is called asphaltic crude, and is used in highway construction. Increased demand and prices make it worth the effort to start drilling for it again.

In general, this type of crude is close to 30 percent in value than light sweet crude, but that has narrowed recently, again, making it economically feasible to puruse by Marathon Oil and other energy companies.

Marathon Oil Drilling 25 New Oil Wells