Hydraulic fracture stimulation

Guidance
A simple explanation of what hydraulic fracture stimulation is and how it is used to extract natural gas from shale and tight rocks
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Hydraulic fracture stimulation (fraccing) is an underground oil and gas extraction process used to stimulate the flow of oil and gas.

In Western Australia (WA), hydraulic fracture stimulation is typically required to extract natural gas from shale and tight sandstone rocks. These rocks are commonly found between 2 to 5 km underground.

WA’s shale and tight gas industry is currently in the early stages of exploration
and evaluation.

This information sheet provides an overview of the hydraulic fracture stimulation process.

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