EUROPEAN UNION

More information necessary about fracking

At a recent meeting of the Directors of European Geological Surveys of the North ­Atlantic Group (NAG), held in Copenhagen/Denmark on 12.09.2014, the directors published a statement about the extraction of shale gas by the “­Hydraulic Fracturing Method” (also hydrofracturing, hydrofracking, or short: fracking), a ­well-stimulation technique in which rock is fractured by a hydraulically pressurized liquid to improve its permeability. Thus, reports were given on the varying situations of the NAG European Surveys, including some scientific advice to respective governments on the development of shale gas.

The Survey Directors are concerned that frequent misleading media messages regarding exploration and exploitation of raw materials and geo-energy have the potential to obscure scientific results and conclusions, and may ultimately lead to poor decisions for society. Particular concern was expressed that the role of the national Geological Survey may be bypassed, resulting in the submission of poorly formulated geo-scientific advice to governments.

As well the survey directors emphasize that their surveys hold the majority of key sub-surface data for their nations. They are thus best placed to objectively and independently inform decision-makers, on shale and other geo-resource estimation exercises, and on some of the potential environmental risks of the operations.

Of course governments make the political decisions on the use of geo-resources and the inclusion of shale gas and oil in a nation’s energy mix. ­However, Geological Surveys can supply them with geo-­science data and knowledge so that decisions will be based on the best available scientific evidence.

//www.bgr.de" target="_blank" >www.bgr.de:www.bgr.de

x

Related articles:

Issue 9/2015 MAPTEK

CMC acquires Maptek Sentry for survey and monitoring

Consolidated Mining & Civil Pty Ltd (CMC) has acquired a Sentry monitoring system, manufactured by Maptek, Glenside/Australia primarily for use at the Havilah Resources Limited Portia gold mine in...

more
Issue 06/2013

Flowing smoothly ...

In addition to other interesting topics, such as the current technological status of white Portland cement production, energy-efficient grinding of feed materials, quantification of the rheology of...

more

Call for Nominations – Klaus Dyckerhoff Prize for Young Researchers 2023

In 2023, the Dres. Edith and Klaus Dyckerhoff Foundation will present the Klaus Dyckerhoff Prize for young scientists again. The prize will be awarded to Scientific publications on the investigation,...

more
Issue 1-2/2015 UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE VALENCIA

Multi-criteria decision-making model for establishing the optimal typology for clinker storage silos

1 Introduction The contribution of the concrete and cement industry to the economy represents a total production value of 74 billion € and a value added of 22 billion €, accounting for 366000 jobs...

more

Holcim to exit the Russian market

The Holcim Board of Directors has decided to initiate the process to exit the Russian market in line with the company’s values to operate in the most responsible manner. This decision to divest the...

more