Compositions free from mineral oil and used for freeing jammed drill pipes in drilling operations, and processes for using such compositions are disclosed. The compositions comprise a mixture of:(a) one or more fatty acid alkyl esters corresponding to the following general formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 is a linear C.sub.7 -C.sub.23 alkyl, alkenyl or alkadienyl radical andR.sup.2 is a linear or branched C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl or hydroxyalkylene radical,(b) one or more thickeners such as organophilic bentonites, and(c) one or more emulsifiers.Preferred emulsifiers include a mixture of an aminoamide or a polyamine and a fatty acid or calcium salt thereof. The composition may contain other conventional additives and is adapted to be formulated in the field by blending with water and/or weighting agents to achieve the proper thickness and density for use as a well spotting fluid.