As some companies ditch shale gas exploration plans, Poland looks for ways to improve the situation.

A new policy would allow companies to extract shale oil and gas from blocks already awarded by the government.

The deal valued at more than US $4 billion comes in addition to an agreement for the joint study of a major shale gas block in China, further signaling growing interest worldwide in the unconventional resource.

Geological features of the Point Pleasant Shale make it a standout and possibly put it among the top domestic producers.

The Duvernay’s qualities give it potential to become one of the continent’s most attractive liquids-rich plays, according to an analyst.