The 2006-08 Mallik gas hydrate production research program is being conducted to evaluate the natural properties of gas hydrates, and for the first time to measure and monitor their long-term production behavior.

The Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) are funding the program and leading the research and development studies. Aurora College/Aurora Research Institute is acting as the operator for the field program with support from Inuvialuit Oilfield Services who will be the project managers.

The Mallik gas hydrate production research program is a research and development initiative planned to advance the scientific understanding of natural gas hydrates. The two winter programs will occur at the Mallik L-38 site within the Mackenzie Delta on Richards Island. Specifically, the drill site is located along the near shore flood plain on the western side of Mallik Bay directly west of West Point. The site is 65 km west of Tuktoyaktuk and 128 km north of Inuvik.

Japan and Canada have collaborated to advance research on gas hydrates for the past ten years having completed previous field projects at the Mallik site in 1998 and 2002. The present program is again jointly funded by the Governments of Japan and Canada. The Japanese Government is represented by Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC); the Canadian Government is represented by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan).

The Aurora Research Institute will be the operator for the research program on behalf of the JOGMEC and NRCan. Technical expertise to engineer and coordinate the program will be provided by Inuvialuit Oilfield Services (IOFS) who have been retrained as the project manager. IOFS will be providing technical and operational expertise for the planning and supervision of activities which will take place over two winters. Kavik-AXYS is coordinating environmental consultations.

We appreciate your input. Please feel free to contact either of the listed contacts with any questions or concerns you may have.