Nothing new with that policy.

Drilling companies often require a significant deposit or an escrow payment of the full contract amount in advance when dealing with a junior they don't have an ongoing relationship with. With ongoing clients they would ask for financial proof they can pay and monitor their receivables closely. Most drill companies get paid a mobilization fee in advance and bill weekly for drilling. Hoping that juniors will have the cash after drilling is a sure fire formula for a drilling company to go bankrupt.