Mexico is weighing limited unconventional gas development to reduce reliance on U.S. imports, with experts urging no fracking in Tampico-Misantla and recommending saltwater use for any projects elsewhere.
A panel appointed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum recommended banning hydraulic fracturing in the Tampico-Misantla basin while continuing to evaluate the Sabinas-Burro-Picachos and Burgos basins in northern Mexico for possible unconventional gas development. The experts, whose findings were presented at Sheinbaum’s daily press conference, said any fracking projects elsewhere should use saltwater from depths of 1,000 to 1,500 meters to reduce impacts on local populations and biodiversity. Reuters previously reported that Mexico was considering pilot projects in Coahuila and Tamaulipas as part of a broader effort by the government and Pemex to boost domestic gas output and reduce dependence on U.S. imports. Pemex could begin initial pilot work as early as September if the plan is approved, according to a source cited by Reuters.