Algeria\'s Sonatrach oil and gas company is planning to start its first shale gas exploration early next year. In a press statement, Head of state energy firm Sonatrach Nouredine Cherouati said \"The pilot exploration for shale gas will be launched at the start of 2012 in the south-west region of the country,\" adding \"different studies have reported a large potential of shale gas in the country.\" Memorandums of understanding had been signed with international companies for the purpose, Cherouati said.