Inpex Commences Shale Gas Study in British Columbia

Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) and Inpex announced Wednesday that they have commenced a joint study on shale gas development in the Horn River, Liard and Cordova areas in the province of British Columbia, Canada.

Inpex Gas British Columbia Ltd., a subsidiary of Inpex, and Nexen Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited will also be part of the study.

In March 2015, the four companies entered into a joint study agreement to evaluate geological characteristics of the areas, by analysing properties of rock samples extracted from shale reservoirs marked for development.

“Integrated interpretation of the geological characteristics to be obtained through the joint study will leverage JOGMEC’s and Inpex’s technological capabilities in rock analysis. The data obtained from the shale gas development and production operations undertaken by Nexen and IGBC within the areas will help optimize and streamline the development of shale gas reservoirs in the areas,” JOGMEC said.

The selection of rock samples to be analysed in the joint study has already been completed, and the four companies began analysing the rock samples in July of this year. The joint study is expected to continue for a period of approximately one year, during which time detailed analysis of the rock samples and evaluation of geological characteristics will be carried out.

Nexen and IGBC will meanwhile proceed with shale gas development and production operations in the areas. JOGMEC provides financial support to this project through IGBC.