May. 2011 - Chevron has received a drilling permit from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement to resume drilling operations on the Buckskin discovery. The company plans to appraise the discovery that was made in 2008. The Buckskin appraisal well is located in the Keathley Canyon in Block 785, offshore Louisiana, at a water depth of 6,540 feet (1,993 meters). The well is being drilled 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the discovery well that encountered oil in 2008. Appraisal drilling began on May 16, 2011 and the planned total depth of the well is 29,400 feet (8,961 meters). Drilling is expected to last about 136 days. Chevron operates the field with a 67.5% working interest while Repsol holds 12.5% and Maersk, 20%.

Feb. 2011 - Chevron executives reported they hope to resume drilling in the Gulf of Mexico before the first half of 2011 is over, stated RigLogix. Two wells, Moccasin and Buckskin, are expected to receive the necessary permits soon. Drilling operations at both wells were suspended when the drilling moratorium went into effect. The Moccasin prospect is located on Keathley Canyon Block 736 in 6,699 feet (2,042 meters) of water; and the Buckskin prospect is located on Keathley Canyon Block 872 in 6,920 feet (2,109 meters) of water. Chevron operates both wells.

Nov. 2009 - Repsol YPF reported in its 3rd quarter webcast presentation that it expects to drill an appraisal well at the Buckskin discovery. The Buckskin discovery was drilled on Keathley Canyon block 872 by the Stena DrillMax I earlier this year. The Lower Tertiary discovery encountered more than 300' of net pay. Chevron operates the field with a 67.5% working interest while Repsol holds 12.5% and Maersk, 20%.

Jul. 2009 - Chevron's Exploration Plan, submitted to the MMS, proposes to drill up to four wells, A through D, on the Keathley Canyon Block 872. The wells will be evaluated and abandoned. Chevron is the operator and holds a 67.5% interest in the Buckskin discovery. Other partners are Maersk Oil (20%) and Repsol E&P (12.5%).

Feb. 2009 - Chevron Corporation announced a new oil discovery at the Buckskin prospect located in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico Keathley Canyon Block 872. The Buckskin No. 1 well encountered more than 300 feet of net pay. More tests are being conducted on data gathered from the discovery well, and additional work at the prospect will be needed to determine the extent and commercial viability of the discovery.