Mexico Selects Two Basins for Shale Development Amid Import Dependency Concerns

Mexico's shale ambitions are gaining momentum as the country seeks to reduce its dependence on natural gas imports from the US. According to a recent decision, two basins have been selected for further study: Burgos and Sabinas-Burro-Picachos.

The selection is conditional, with researchers recommending that deep saline aquifer formations be drilled to verify water availability before hydraulic fracturing can proceed. This is crucial as the process requires significant water volumes, estimated at 50,000 to 70,000 cubic meters per well.

The decision excludes Tampico-Misantla from further consideration due to environmental, social, and technical concerns, despite holding approximately 34.8 billion barrels of prospective shale crude.