Pok clears air on fracking

Petroleum Minister Dr Fabian Pok says fracking technology is not used by the oil and gas industry in PNG.
He gave the assurance this week and urged people to focus on relief efforts to support those affected by the recent earthquake in the Southern Highlands, Hela, Western and other provinces.
Fracking is a technique used to extract natural gas, oil, and geothermal energy generally through boring deep and blasting rocks with high-pressure liquid.
Pok said Prime Minister Peter O’Neill announced there was an independent investigation into what caused the 7.5 magnitude earthquake on Feb 26.
“I welcome the investigations and while we consult with experts, I want to make it clear that there is no fracking for oil and gas being done,” he said.
“Oil and gas in PNG is being extracted using conventional wells that are tapping into underground reservoirs which hold free-flowing gas. Fracking technology is used in other parts of the world because their gas is tightly trapped between rocks.”