CLINE ADDRESSES INTERNATIONAL PETROLEUM CONFERENCE

New advances in oil and gas technology are front and centre at a major international petroleum conference Saskatchewan is participating in this week.

Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline is in Minot, North Dakota to help open the 12th Williston Basin Horizontal Well and Petroleum Conference, May 2nd – 4th. Participants will share information about technological advances relevant to oilfields in the Williston Basin area, which covers much of southern Saskatchewan and extends into parts of North and South Dakota, Montana and Manitoba.

"Saskatchewan posted an outstanding performance in 2003 with record-breaking oil and well drilling, and land sale revenues that approached record levels," Cline said. "Gatherings like this are critical because they encourage the exchange of expertise, knowledge and technology. It's that synergy that is growing the energy industry on both sides of the border."

Nearly 300 industry personnel including petroleum engineers, drillers and geoscientists are expected to be in attendance to examine and discuss petroleum-related technologies.

The conference is co-sponsored by Saskatchewan Industry and Resources and the North Dakota Geological Survey and alternates between the two jurisdictions each year.

Lloydminster MLA Milt Wakefield is accompanying Cline to the conference.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-8277