[cpdiii]

CNPC has taken delivery of an automated unconventional gas rig from Germany that has a maximum depth of 6,000 meters and requires only four personnel. This is one of many orders.

Bull Sh-t! If that were true I would order 2000 and put every drilling contractor in the United States out of business. I worked on the rigs for 17 years.

[21twelve]

Years ago I was a roughneck for a couple of summers in college, and we just had four guys “running” the rig. The driller, mud man/tower guy, and two roughnecks. And that was to about 16,000 feet.

With another crew sleeping while we worked and vice-versa. And a geologist once we were near the production zone. A cook and helper, a welder at some times, the company man some times, and a few others. Not to mention the deliveries of pipe, fuel, parts, etc. But, looking back, it was pretty amazing to have such an operation running, with not that many people really, stuck way out in the desert. (The food on the one rig was the best I ever had!)

So I guess it might depend on the definition of “running” it.

[Praxeologue]

If that were true I would order 2000 and put every drilling contractor in the United States out of business. I worked on the rigs for 17 years.

Go to the link. I was amazed as well, but it's all there. There's no derrickhand, for example. It must cost a pretty penny.