Oil India Seeks Government Nod to Hunt for Shale in India's North East

Oil India has sought permission from the Indian government to explore for shale oil and gas in several of its blocks in the states of Arunachal and Assam, according to Indian newspaper The Telegraph.

According to the newspaper company’s two blocks in Arunachal and three blocks in Assam hold shale potential.

Top officials said Oil India believed Dishang Shales in the 120-sq-km Deomali tract alone could prove to be a major find for the company.

The Dishang trap extends northwards from Tirap district of Arunachal towards Kohima and possibly Manipur, The Telegraph said.

Exploratory drilling had found shale in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, but Oil India did not feel they were viable. However, the latest find could be the "big one", say company officials here.