New law on hydrocarbon exploration and production

On the 10th of May the new law on hydrocarbon exploration and production voted by the National Assembly in France clears the uncertainty away for European Gas projects. The French National Assembly has recently backed a bill which restricts hydraulic “fracking" in all commercial shale gas and oil exploration and production. Hydraulic fracture stimulation (known as “fracking”) is a well treatment process that involves controlled high pressure pumping of a mix of water, sand and sometimes chemicals into hydrocarbon reservoirs to release trapped natural gas or oil. The shale oil and gas licences awarded to other applicants in the past few years in France are likely to be affected by this decision.

Executive Chairman Julien Moulin said “The new bill passed by the National Assembly clarifies the current situation on hydrocarbon exploration and production in France and will allow European Gas Ltd to continue to develop its exploration program, unaffected.”

European Gas uses vertical and lateral drilling techniques without the need for “fracking”. These techniques have been determined through research work and proven at the Company’s Folschvillier-2 lateral well. Exploration and development drilling from areas previously disturbed by coal mining and/or centered in industrial areas with multi directional lateral wells up to two km within the coal seams leaves both the aquifers and the surface environment virtually undisturbed.

European Gas has made a strong commitment to its shareholders and the French Government to continue to explore and develop coal mine methane and coal bed methane resources in France in a responsible and environmental friendly manner.

According to the French regulation law from the 13t of July Exploration programs planned by the Company will not involve any hydraulic “fracking” techniques.

For further information please contact:
T: + 33 (0)3 87 04 32 11
Email: info@europeangas.fr

Health and Safety

European Gas is committed to a safe and healthy working environment. The Company maintains high health and safety standards and operates safety management plans for all of its activities including the exploration, development and production. We are committed to ensuring that our staff and contractors have the training and equipment to undertake their work safely.  

Environment

European Gas is committed to environmentally-responsible development and work practices and maintains the highest standards internally and through its contractors.

European Gas’ environmental management system includes:

compliance monitoring;
environmental audit processes;
risk assessment management, and
training programs.

The company’s current production operations at Gazonor are also greenhouse gas mitigation centres with the capture of methane that would ordinarily escape to the atmosphere.

Community

Along with government authorities and community groups, European Gas is committed to ensuring its developments have a positive economic, social and environmental impact on surrounding communities.

Frederic MARTI (Right) , EGL geologist and Marcel Rostoucher (Left), EGL Logistic coordinator were welcomed by Sylvie Dervaux Artistic Director of the event "Les Enfants du Charbon". European gas Ltd is a sponsor supporting since the origin this unique European event which involves more than 300 local volunteers and relates the coal industry history within this area.

August,2011

Local benefits

European Gas is involved in each of the communities in which it operates. The company’s philosophy involves the sourcing of local markets, local employment, local purchasing and local contracting whenever possible. The company aims to promote and to be a catalyst for sustainable development in each community.  

European Gas works with local councils and landowners jointly determining mutually beneficial results in minimizing the effect of its operations.

Generally, the local communities in which the company operates view our operations as significantly beneficial for the longer term sustainability of local economies and in particular employment opportunities. 

Historical and Cultural management

Throughout each of the company’s operational area and general surrounds, there are a range of historical and cultural influences which are to be preserved. The company aims to help local communities and government in protecting such area and to aid in the broadening of local knowledge.