Mineral lease sales are the highest in twelve years, according to figures available from the Louisiana Mineral Board. Department of Natural Resources' Office of Mineral Resources Assistant Secretary Gus Rodemacher said these latest figures verify that Louisiana's oil and gas industry continues a strong performance after recent years of slowed activity. He said data from Mineral Board records show that fiscal year 1984/85 totals reached over 63 million dollars, the highest on record. Rodemacher said the FY 1996/97 total lease sale results are $55,254, 297.

State Mineral Board Chairman Scott Angelle announced today the results of this month’s mineral lease sale, calling it “the second highest for the state in ten years”. The October lease sale amounted to an $8.5 million payment on 75 leases awarded to oil and gas exploration companies drilling state properties both onshore and offshore, he said.

“Good afternoon. I am excited about spending my day with folks who share my passion for a strong domestic oil and gas industry. I bring greetings to you from Governor Jindal and the men and women of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources who are working each day to help find the energy to fuel this great nation while making sure we do it in an environmentally acceptable manner.