Most of Quicksilver’s Canadian wells have been drilled in the Horseshoe Canyon coals. These coals exist at relatively shallow depths, ranging between 200 meters and 800 meters depending on the location within the trend. The wells targeting the Horseshoe Canyon coals are generally drilled vertically. The drilling methodology consists of drilling the well with fresh water and lining the hole with steel and concrete from the bottom of the well to the surface.

Where possible, Quicksilver may decide to directional drill.  Some of the benefits of directional drilling are that it minimizes surface disturbance by enabling more than one well on each surface location and can utilize existing well locations and access right-of-ways.  It can reduce environmental impact and can often be a cost-effective way to optimize gas production.  However, this method of drilling is not possible at all locations.