KIEV, Oct. 4 – Zakhidgazinvest LLC (Ivano-Frankivsk region, the shareholders of which are Italy's Eni and UK company Cadogan) will begin shale gas exploration next year, Volyn Regional State Administration reported.

During the first phase, Zakhidgazinvest intends to explore the area in Ivanychi district.

"With good organization and proper preparation, the work on the exploration of shale gas deposits could begin in the summer of 2014," said the administration.