| 【文章摘要】 A so-called shale gale has swept across the US in recent years, driving growth in domestic natural oil and gas generation and increasing the demand for oilfield minerals. The following seven factors, combined, have been widely acknowledged as being instru mental in the success of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in the US and Canada. These factors are still in play: 1.Technological developments, including horizontal drilling and, later, multiple-pad and two-stage drilling; 2. Favourable geology for shale; 3. Private individuals' ownership of minerals underneath their land; 4. Low population density in resource-rich areas; 5. A prevailing entrepreneurial ("can do") spirit; 6. The existence of specialised service companies with know-how and machinery; 7. The availability of high-quality frac sand. |