There are other elements to
exploration for hydrocarbons that concern regulations and licenses. To gain approval for
any explorations, trained and committed members of
the team have to work every angle. Obtaining a
government license for access to the land or
acquiring surface rights is the next step. Surface access
agreements must be made to conduct seismic surveys,
well sites, access roads, and pipelines. Provincial and federal governments own the
mineral rights under most of the land in the
sedimentary basin. Also required is an environmental
assessment for all offshore explorations to
determine what, if any, impact the exploration will
have. If the rights are held by a non-government
group or individual (freeholders), the agents have
to negotiate an agreement. The company submits a bid
to the holders of the land, in the hopes that they
are the highest bidder. Whether or not it is a
freeholder or government, the owner of the mineral
right has to receive royalties, which refers to a share of any
future production revenue. In many cases open forums
will be held to consult people living in the area,
environmental groups, Aboriginal communities, and
other interest groups. The National Energy Board
also has to give consent for many projects. The
board holds public forums for the company to present
to a broad public audience.
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