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The modern
oil industry in White County had its "birth" in July 1939, when
the first oil well was discovered. There were several attempts
at finding oil prior to that time, but none were successful.
During the past 60 years, White County has produced approximately
245,000,000 barrels of oil. It is currently producing between
1.5 million and 1.8 million barrels of oil per year. The number
of active leases is estimated to be a bit over 2,000.
White County has been and still remains one of the top three
producing counties in the state of Illinois. It is also still
considered to be one of the hubs of the industry for the location
of service companies.
Though there are several large and many small operators of oil
leases, White County has some of the main services still available
to the entire Illinois Basin (which covers part of Illinois,
Indiana and Kentucky). White County is the home base for four
companies which provide drilling rigs with depth capabilities
from 1,500 to 10,000 feet. The total number of rigs available
for work would be approximately 12.
Well service work (completion rigs and pulling units) also has
many companies available to serve. There are probably 12-14
completion rigs and 10-12 pulling units available for work.
Other oilfield services available in White County are supply
companies, acidizing and stimulation, cased hole logging and
perforating, drill pipe and casing inspection, coring services,
down hole completion tools, rock bit services, down hole production
chemical services, and injection pump and valve repair. White
County, with all its oilfield history, still is a vital part
of the Illinois oil industry and good contributor to the White
County economy. Though the number of employees is down from
what it once was, 400-500 people still work in or are associated
with the industry in White County. |
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