--> The Mississippian-Age Oil Sands of Alabama: A Resource Worth (Re)Evaluation

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The Mississippian-Age Oil Sands of Alabama: A Resource Worth (Re)Evaluation

Abstract

The hydrocarbon potential of the Mississippian-age Hartselle Sandstone in northwestern Alabama and northeastern Mississippi has long been known. The most recent publically available systematic study on the resource, Gary Wilson's Geological Survey of Alabama (GSA) Bulletin 111 (B111), was completed almost three decades ago. Wilson estimated that Alabama's surface and subsurface oil sands deposits contain up to 7.5 billion barrels of hydrocarbon, with up to 350 million barrels within 50 feet of the surface. No commercial exploitation of these resources for the purpose of extracting oil has occurred to date, owing to various economic and limiting technological factors; however, interest has recently increased, particularly in light of growing desire for North American energy independence. Alabama Governor Dr. Robert Bentley established the Alabama Oil Sands Program (AOSP) at the GSA and the State Oil and Gas Board (OGB) of Alabama in early 2014. The purpose of the AOSP is to provide a road map for an initiative that facilitates commercial development of Alabama's oil sands resources; assist in the realization of potential economic and societal benefits that accrue from prudent, orderly, and environmentally sound development of Alabama's oil sands; provide focus for oil sands activities and initiatives in the state conducting complete geological, geochemical, geophysical, and engineering analyses; and evaluate and develop appropriate legal and regulatory frameworks. Work within the AOSP has included a comprehensive review of existing data at the GSA and OGB, including data from wells, cores, and field notes. Fieldwork has commenced, building on B111. Specific plans include additional cores and analyses of the rock and bitumen, with particular attention to data that would inform decisions about feasible economic development. Reservoir models and reserve estimates will then be recalculated using up-to-date methodologies. Information is being sought about newer surface and in situ extraction technologies that could be economically employed on small- to medium-sized deposits such as this. These facts will allow for a comprehensive assessment of the potential development of Alabama's Mississippian-age Hartselle oil sands.