The appointment of one of the Department of Mines and Petroleum’s (DMP) key executives to the World Shale Council gives Western Australia a leading role in the responsible development of shale and tight gas.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion congratulated the department’s Executive Director Petroleum Jeff Haworth on his elevation to the council.

Mr Marmion said it was a tribute to Mr Haworth’s work in this area and a reflection of the international respect for the department.

“The council will have ongoing influence on technology, regulation and community consultation to provide the shale and tight gas industry international best-practice guidance,” he said.

“Western Australia’s community consultation for shale and tight gas and uranium is well regarded and the DMP is increasingly being consulted for advice by other jurisdictions on how to engage the public on these issues.”

The council provides an opportunity for the world leaders in the industry to meet and discuss international trends in shale and tight gas developments.

The council’s objective is to bring together leaders in the field to promote and extend best practices, knowledge transfer and expertise in shale exploration and production from policy and regulation through to the latest technological breakthroughs.

“WA’s representation on the council will only serve to bolster our reputation as the world’s top resources investment destination,” the Minister said.

Mr Haworth will join World Shale Council members:

. Dr Ronald A. Sills, Founding Director XTL & DME Institute
. Dr Attila Aydemir, Advisor for Unconventional Resource Projects, TPAO
. Don Schofield, President, SAPEX
. Hu Wenrui, Former Vice president, PetroChina, President of China Petroleum Enterprise Association
. Jeffrey Meisenhelder, Vice President Unconventional Resources Group, Schlumberger
. Andrew Place, Interim Director, Center for Sustainable Shale Development
. Rick Smead, Managing Director – Advisory Services, RBN Energy LLC
. Dr John Decker, Principal Geologist, Petroleum Agency SA
. Jin Zhijun, President of E&P Research Institute, SINOPEC