Rockies
Progress in the Rocky Mountains continues in Pioneer’s core area in the Raton Basin of southeastern Colorado and in several pilot programs in western Colorado and eastern Utah.
Pioneer is the largest operator in the Raton Basin, a long-lived coal bed methane (CBM) gas play with stable production providing a strong foundation for growth generated by new drilling. At a pace of 250-300 wells per year and with continued efforts to improve field compression capabilities, Pioneer is increasing annual Raton production by up to 10%. The Company is also expanding the Raton CBM field through bolt-on acquisitions.
By operating under an integrated field services model and owning much of the equipment required to drill and complete Raton wells, the Company is achieving industry-leading operating efficiencies and maintaining control over the equipment needed to execute its drilling program.
Elsewhere in Colorado and Utah, Pioneer is leveraging its expertise in the Raton Basin in other CBM projects in the Uinta, Piceance and Sand Wash basins. In these areas, Pioneer is monitoring the performance of wells drilled in 2006 and 2007 to determine commercial potential.
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