The three hundred and seven wells drilled in Mexico in 1952 represent an increase of 14.6 per cent over the 268 wells drilled in 1951. One hundred and eleven, or 36.2 per cent of the total number of wells, were exploratory tests. Of these, 43 (38.7 per cent) were completed as producers. Total footage drilled in Mexico was 1,220,791 feet, an average of 3,976.5 feet per well. Two stratigraphic tests were drilled in the as yet unproductive sedimentary provinces of the Veracruz Embayment and the Peninsula of Yucatan.

Discoveries made during 1952 include 5 new oil or gas fields, 23 new pools, and 16 extensions. The reflection seismograph and subsurface geology were the most successful methods of exploration. Surface geology and geophysical exploration increased from 387 party-months in 1951 to a new high total of 421 party-months in 1952.

Crude-oil and distillate production for 1952 was 77,277,901 barrels. The small decrease of 30,349 barrels from the total 1951 production is not related to development factors. Total gas production was 93,539,634,664 cubic feet.(FOOTNOTE 4)