Algeria Allows Shale Gas Exploration

Algerian cabinet has allowed exploration of country’s shale gas reserves.

In a statement published Wednesday and carried by the state Algerian Press Service, the cabinet gave its approval for the launch of the required procedures to involve foreign partners in exploration the unconventional natural gas.

The President Abdelaziz Bouteflika asked the government to ensure environment protection while exploring and exploiting shale gas.

"President Abdelaziz Bouteflika gave instructions to the government to make sure that prospection and exploitation of shale hydrocarbons be carried out with a permanent concern of preserving water resources and protecting environment," Algerian Press Service quotes the Council of Ministers' statement as saying.

Algeria’s 2013 Law on Hydrocarbons requires the approval of the Council of Ministers for the exploration and exploitation of shale hydrocarbons.

The North Africa nation ranks third worldwide in recoverable shale gas reserves, according to a report by the US Department of Energy (DoE) on non-conventional hydrocarbon reserves.

According to the DoE, the reserves are mainly in the basins of Mouydir, Ahnet, Berkine-Ghadames, Timimoun, Reggane and Tindouf.

Algerian government says 11 wells will be drilled over the next seven to 13 years.