Petroleum engineer George P Mitchell has been lauded by the Gas Technology Institute (GTI) for his commitment to innovation in the US oil and gas sector.

At a recent awards ceremony, the Houston-based oilman was handed a lifetime achievement award for his instrumental role in developing America's shale assets.

The engineer, who received geology training at Texas A&M University, maintained a fervent belief that gas could be extracted from shale when no-one in the industry did.

After 17 years of research and development, Mr Mitchell finally had his confidence rewarded when he developed a pioneering hydraulic fracturing and drilling technology.

"I believe that the United States should examine all forms of natural gas in order to ease our dependence on coal and foreign oil," he said in his acceptance speech.

The GTI is one of America's leading training and development institutes, with courses covering distribution and transmission, marketing, supply, field operations and many other sectors.

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