Algerian Energy Minister Says Shale Gas Exploration in In Salah is Safe

Algeria’s Energy Minister Youcef Yousfi has said that exploitation of shale gas in In Salah in Tamanrasset province doesn't present any danger.

The minister made the statement during a meeting Thursday with representatives of the protesters, Algeria Press Service reported citing a statement by official of Tamanrasset province. The protest against shale gas drilling broke out on Tuesday.

According to the official Yousfi said that the new shale gas extraction techniques do not involve any "danger", Algeria Press Service added.

Last month Algeria successfully completed its first pilot drilling of shale gas in the Ahnet Basin (In Salah), results of which is ''very promising”.

This first pilot well drilled by Sonatrach confirmed the existence of substantial reserves of shale gas in the Ahnet basin, located in In Salah.

According to Sonatrach the entire basin could hold total reserves of 200,000 billion m3 of gas of which 10 percent can be extracted, Algeria Press Service reported.