Xtra Energy Corp. has commenced preparations for an oil shale exploration and development core hole drilling program for its unconventional oil shale property in Pasquia Hills, Saskatchewan, Canada, the company announced.

The company’s geological, engineering, and operations team have completed an engineering evaluation analysis and identified three core hole drilling locations and has initiated permitting and surface lease documentation in accordance with Saskatchewan government and regulatory regulations, according to a news release. Negotiations with drilling contractors are underway and drilling license application approvals to the Saskatchewan Petroleum Energy, Mines and Lands Branch also are in the process of being submitted.

The exploration and development drilling program is expected to commence in late November 2012. The  program, which will cost an estimated $250,000, will consist of up to three core holes, targeting an identified sweet spot to examine, optimize information and further delineate the Xtra Energy's oil shale deposit and to determine the primary mine site for the establishment of a Shale-to-Liquids production plant, the release said.