SAGD (Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage)

A type of aerial work platform that raises personnel or materials straight up on a single mast column. Commonly used in confined or tight job sites where boom lifts cannot manoeuvre. Subcontractors must verify operator certifications and load ratings before mobilising.

A centralised surface facility that collects and processes production from multiple wells simultaneously. For subcontractors, it means larger, longer-duration scopes covering instrumentation, piping, and facility maintenance. Mobilisation costs are often shared across the site, improving job economics.

Subsurface saltwater containing dissolved lithium, extracted from formations during drilling or dedicated mining operations. Subcontractors may encounter it on fluid handling, well servicing, or evaporation pond construction contracts. Demand for lithium is driving new project activity across western Canada and the Prairies.

A document created in the field that records work performed, equipment used, materials consumed, and time spent. Field tickets are the basis for invoicing and must typically be approved by the customer before payment.

The planned underground route a drill bit follows during horizontal directional drilling (HDD). Subcontractors use bore path data to plan equipment placement, crew positioning, and utility clearances. Deviations from the bore path can trigger rework costs and schedule delays.

The shift from diesel-powered trucks and equipment to electric or hybrid alternatives on job sites and haul routes. For subcontractors, this affects fleet investment decisions, charging infrastructure needs, and site logistics. Some client contracts now require or incentivise electrified transport to meet emissions targets.

How Operator Mergers and Acquisitions Affect Your Subcontract Agreements

When operators merge, get acquired, or sell assets, subcontractor agreements are caught in the middle. Learn how M&A activity affects your MSA, payment terms, vendor status, and what to do before, during, and after a deal closes.

How Rig Count Trends Affect Subcontractor Demand and What to Do About It

Rig counts are the earliest signal of where field service work is heading. Learn how to read drilling activity trends, anticipate demand shifts, and position your crew before the phone stops ringing.

What Is an AFE in Oil and Gas and How Does It Affect Subcontractor Payments?

An AFE (Authorization for Expenditure) controls every dollar spent on an oilfield project. Learn how it affects your billing, change orders, and cash flow as a subcontractor.