Nevada’s oil production, though modest compared to states like Texas or North Dakota, continues at a handful of active and permitted wells, according to data released by the Nevada Division of Minerals. A map produced by Lucia M. Patterson of the Division details the locations of these operations, primarily concentrated in the northern part of the state.
The map, dated , highlights oil wells in areas including Marys River, Humboldt, Tomera Ranch, Hunter and North Willow Creek. While the precise production levels at each site aren’t detailed on the map itself, the document confirms ongoing activity within Nevada’s oil and gas sector.
The Nevada Division of Minerals plays a crucial role in overseeing the responsible exploration and production of minerals, oil, gas, and geothermal energy within the state. Their mission, as stated on their Open Data Site, is to encourage and assist in economically beneficial resource development. The Open Data Site serves as a public platform for accessing datasets related to these activities.
Data concerning these oil well locations is also spatially represented within the Nevada Division of Minerals Oil and Gas Database, as noted by resources at tmrpa.org. This data includes both drillhole/well information and production data, offering a comprehensive view of oil and gas activity in the state.
Beyond oil and gas, the Nevada Division of Minerals Open Data website hosts a variety of datasets useful for mineral exploration companies. These include information on mining claims, historic mining districts, mineral occurrences, and filings related to mining plans and notices. This broader collection of data underscores the state’s commitment to transparency and accessibility in its resource management efforts.
The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG) also contributes to the availability of geological data, including information related to oil and gas exploration. The Great Basin Science Sample and Records Library (GBSSRL) housed by NBMG maintains records, cuttings, and core samples related to oil and gas exploration, available for public viewing during office hours for a fee. Many related publications are also accessible through their Publications Sales Office and online.
the Nevada Mineral Explorer Website, a collaborative effort between the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology and the Nevada Division of Minerals, provides a tool for explorationists to identify and discover mineral resources throughout Nevada. This web application organizes data by category, utilizing different symbols to represent various types of geological information.
A related platform, C.L.A.I.M.S. (Claims Location Array Interactive Map Service), offers access to GIS data on unpatented mining claims, plans, and notices across several western states, including Nevada. Developed by Lucia Patterson and sponsored by New Frontier Drilling, this interactive map is intended to be updated monthly, providing a dynamic resource for those involved in mineral exploration.
The availability of these datasets – from well locations and production data to mining claims and geological surveys – reflects a growing trend toward open data initiatives within state government. This increased transparency allows for greater public scrutiny, informed decision-making, and potentially, increased investment in Nevada’s resource sector.
While Nevada’s oil production remains relatively small, the continued operation of existing wells and the ongoing availability of data suggest a sustained, if modest, presence of the oil and gas industry within the state. The collaborative efforts of the Nevada Division of Minerals, the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, and other organizations ensure that information regarding these resources remains accessible to the public and industry professionals alike.
