Appea Dismisses Calls for Shale Gas Exploration Moratorium, Stresses Importance to Economy

Mining Weekly reported that The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (Appea) said calls for a moratorium on shale gas exploration and hydraulic fracturing in the Northern Territory ignored the industry’s strong safety record and had no scientific basis behind them.
As quoted in the market news:

Appea Northern Territory director Steven Gerhardy said a moratorium would prevent the exploration activity needed to develop a successful shale gas industry that had the potential to deliver up to 6 300 new jobs and boost government revenue by up to A$460-million a year by 2040.
He pointed out that an independent inquiry into fracking by Allan Hawke concluded there was no need for a moratorium because there was clear evidence the industry could be developed safely with proper regulation.
The report, released in February this year, found that the environmental risks associated with fracking could be managed effectively, subject to the creation of a robust regulatory regime.
“Industry is supporting government moves to strengthen the Territory’s regulatory framework and is committed to safe and sustainable operations. The reality is fracking is a well understood technology that has been used in Australia for decades.”

Click here to read the full Mining Weekly report.