Kerr-McGee

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Kerr-McGee Corporation

Company type	Public
Traded as	NYSE: KMG
Industry	Energy
Founded	1929
Defunct	2006
Fate	Acquired by Anadarko Petroleum
Headquarters	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Key people	Dean A. McGee, Robert S. Kerr
Products	Oil, Natural gas, Uranium, Titanium dioxide

Kerr-McGee Corporation was an American energy company involved in oil exploration, natural gas production, and the mining of uranium and titanium dioxide. The company was founded in 1929 and was headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It was acquired by Anadarko Petroleum in 2006.

History

Kerr-McGee was founded by Robert S. Kerr and Dean A. McGee in 1929. Initially, the company focused on oil exploration and production. Over the years, it expanded its operations to include natural gas and uranium mining. The company played a significant role in the development of the energy industry in the United States.

Oil and Gas Operations

Kerr-McGee was a pioneer in offshore oil drilling. The company drilled the first successful offshore oil well out of sight of land in the Gulf of Mexico in 1947. This achievement marked a significant milestone in the history of offshore drilling.

Uranium Mining

In addition to its oil and gas operations, Kerr-McGee was involved in the mining of uranium. The company operated several uranium mines in the United States, contributing to the country's nuclear energy program.

Titanium Dioxide Production

Kerr-McGee also produced titanium dioxide, a white pigment used in various products, including paint, plastics, and paper. The company's titanium dioxide operations were eventually spun off into a separate entity known as Tronox.

Acquisition by Anadarko Petroleum

In 2006, Kerr-McGee was acquired by Anadarko Petroleum for $16.4 billion. The acquisition marked the end of Kerr-McGee as an independent company, but its legacy continues through Anadarko's operations.

Environmental and Legal Issues

Kerr-McGee faced several environmental and legal challenges over the years. The company was involved in numerous lawsuits related to pollution and environmental contamination. One of the most notable cases was the Karen Silkwood case, which brought significant attention to the company's safety practices and environmental impact.

Legacy

Despite its controversies, Kerr-McGee made significant contributions to the energy sector and played a crucial role in the development of offshore drilling technology. The company's innovations and achievements continue to influence the industry today.

See also

• Anadarko Petroleum
• Offshore drilling
• Uranium mining
• Titanium dioxide
• Karen Silkwood