Methanex seeks gas from Chile

07 May 2007 21:39  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS news)--Methanex seeks to replace its Argentinean natural-gas supplies with those from Chile, the company's chief executive said Monday in an annual meeting.

Methanex temporarily shut down one of its four Chilean methanol units because it could not secure natural gas from Argentina.

"As a result of changing energy policies in Argentina, I'm increasingly of the view that feedstock should be sourced from Chile," said Bruce Aitken, chief executive.

Aitken listed several developments that could provide Chilean gas to Methanex's plants.

One company, ENAP, is currently drilling wells in the country, he said.

Methanex has created an alliance with GeoPark, an exploration company with experience in Patagonia.

The Chilean government will open a bidding round for oil-and-gas exploration blocks in areas close to the Methanex plants, he said.
By: Al Greenwood
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