The 1962 drilling activity was again highlighted by an extensive search for, and development of, Niagaran reefs in Eastern Michigan. Approximately 211 or 30.8 % of the completions for the year were in St. Clair and adjacent counties. The state-wide completions registered a noticeable drop from the previous years total with 685 in 1962 compared with 740 for 1961. Of the 1962 total, 391 were development wells and 294 were wildcat wells. The wildcat ventures resulted in 16 discoveries and 278 dry holes. Two other discoveries were recorded, but not included in the statistics as they were not actually connected with exploratory drilling for the year.

The footage drilled for oil and gas including deepenings was 1,896,246 ft., classified as 883,535 ft. for exploratory wells and 1,012,711 ft. for development wells. Furthermore, 133,375 ft. were drilled in connection with storage projects.

Oil production dropped from the previous year while gas production showed an increase. The oil production totaled 17,114,303 bbls. and gas 27,766,129 MCF.

Geophysical work remained about on par with the previous year with 2 and 3 gravity and seismic crews operating off and on in the state throughout the year. As with geophysical work leasing activity also remained about the same. A 20-company survey showed 3,528,517 undeveloped acres under lease in 1962 as compared with 3,658,679 acres in 1961.

One of the more interesting highlights of the 1962 drilling program was the increased interest in the Traverse-Devonian possibilities of Western Michigan. The development of previously discovered pools and discovery of new pools have renewed exploration in that area, particularly by independents.