South Korean Firms Urged to Explore Shale Gas

South Korea’s commerce minister has urged country’s energy firms to actively take part in the global development of shale gas.

"We must quickly set up a strategic plan to join the global efforts develop shale gas when considering the impact the development of shale gas in the North American region will have on our petrochemical firms," Yoon Sang-jick, the minister of trade, industry and energy, said in a special meeting with heads of energy companies here, Yonhap News Agency reported.

To help minimize any impact on the local industry from the development of shale gas, the government and local energy firms agreed to consider establishing overseas facilities that will develop and produce natural gas, including shale gas, Yonhap News Agency reported citing a ministry statement.