AN application to begin exploration for gaz de houille, or coal gas, covering the Permis de Brive in south west France has been blocked.
Ecology minister, Delphine Batho, has blocked the proposals put forward by Hexagon Gas, based in Singapore, saying there were doubts about the the company's possible use of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.
Such techniques are banned in France and Delphine Batho said that decision would be respected.
Related: Shale gas plans in France
