Western Lakota Announces the Completion of Its 42nd Rig and Commencement of Operations in North Dakota

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(CCNMatthews - Aug. 1, 2006) - Western Lakota Energy Services Inc. (TSX:WLE) announces that it has completed the construction of a 3,600 metre ultra-heavy duty telescoping double drilling rig which has gone to work in North Dakota for a Calgary-based customer.

One of Canada's fastest growing energy services providers, Western Lakota is currently operating 42 drilling rigs, including nine CBM/oil sands coring/pre-set rigs and has committed to build an additional 17 rigs as part of its 2006 Construction Plan which is now scheduled to be completed by early 2007. The Company also operates five coil tubing service units with an additional three scheduled to be completed throughout 2006. Western Lakota continues to provide one of the newest fleets of safe and efficient drilling rigs and coil service units in Canada while delivering strong results for shareholders, customers and Aboriginal partners.

Western Lakota Energy Services Inc.
Elson McDougald
President & CEO
(403) 214-5953
Email: http://ceocfointerviews.com/openwebmail/cgi-bin/openwebmail-send.pl?action=composemessage&sort=date&keyword=&searchtype=subject&folder=INBOX&firstmessage=11&sessionid=pizzandy-session-0.00571807783945033&composetype=sendto&to=elson@westernlakota.com
Website: http://www.westernlakota.com/