Companies wishing to undertake geophysical exploration in search of oil and natural gas, bituminous shale, and underground storage resources must first obtain a geophysical licence and a geophysical permit in accordance with Geophysical Exploration Regulation 86-191 under the Oil and Natural Gas Act.
Geophysical exploration means any investigation of the subsurface of the land and includes: seismic, gravimetric, magnetic, electrical and geochemical operations, in addition to test drilling and any other operation employed to determine geological or other subsurface conditions.
Geophysical exploration involves a variety of authorizations, approvals, licences and/or permits from several agencies within government.
Geophysical Licence
A geophysical licence entitles the holder to conduct a geophysical program in the area specified in the licence. A licence is issued for a term of one year and may be renewed for terms of one year each from the date the renewals are granted.
Geophysical Permit
A geophysical permit is required to operate geophysical equipment in the area specified in the permit. A licence is issued for a term of one year and may be renewed for terms of one year each from the date the renewals are granted.