Pemex denies fracking in Huasteca Potosina; clarifies authorization for explosive material use

Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) has issued a clarification denying any "fracking" activities in the Huasteca Potosina or any other municipality within San Luis Potosí. The state-owned oil company stated that an administrative process concerning authorization for the use of explosive materials was mistakenly associated with hydraulic fracturing, leading to public demonstrations in the region.

Pemex explained that a notice sent to the San Antonio municipality on June 30th was related to the use of explosive materials, as permitted by the Federal Law on Firearms and Explosives. This notice was intended to maintain a federal permit that allows for the use of explosives if necessary in registered fields for eventual seismic acquisition studies.

The company specified that these registrations cover two fields with a total of seven wells: San Pedro, located in the municipalities of San Antonio and Tanlajás, and Limón, in the Ébano municipality. Pemex emphasized that hydraulic fracturing does not involve the use of explosive materials at any stage and reiterated that no exploration or extraction activities for unconventional complex formations are being conducted in San Luis Potosí.

Pemex asserted that the permit update is a preventive measure to ensure readiness for potential contingencies at these wells. The company stressed that this authorization does not permit or imply any drilling, exploration, or extraction activities in the state. The clarification follows public controversy and demonstrations in the region.