2005 LAND SALE REVENUE FOURTH HIGHEST OF ALL TIME

The numbers are in for 2005 sale of Crown petroleum and natural gas rights, and they show another banner year – the fourth highest of all time.

December's sales brought in $20.4 million to the province bringing the 2005 total to $134.4 million. This is significantly higher than the 2004 total of $80.8 million.

"The oil and gas industry continues to make considerable investment in the province, creating economic prosperity for communities and jobs for Saskatchewan people," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "The industry sees this province as an attractive place to do business."

This month's sales included seven exploration licences that sold for over $3 million and 308 lease parcels that brought in $17.4 million.

The Weyburn-Estevan area led the way with sales of almost $13 million. The Lloydminster area was next at $3.5 million, followed by the Swift Current area at $2.2 million and the Kindersley-Kerrobert area at $1.7 million.

The highest price for a single parcel was over $1.3 million. Whitland Consulting Inc. purchased a 25¼-section exploration licence in the Fairlight area of southeastern Saskatchewan.

The highest price on a per-hectare basis was $4,416. Scott Land & Lease Ltd. purchased just under a section of a Crown petroleum and natural gas lease located in the Edam area of west central Saskatchewan for over $1 million dollars.

The next sale of Crown petroleum and natural gas dispositions will be February 14th, 2006.

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For More Information, Contact:

Ed Dancsok Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-2602