Gas extraction company NAM has been told it must carry out additional research into the situation in the Groningen gas and oil fields, the Nos reports.

Government mining inspectors are pressing for new research into the earthquakes that affect the province following the government’s decision to decrease the amount of gas extracted around Loppersum, the worst hit area, and to increase extraction elsewhere in the province.

Mining inspectors say it remains unclear what effect this decision will have on the areas earmarked for additional extraction.

Speed

NAM CEO Bart van de Leemput told the NRC the company will do ‘it’s utmost’ to carry out the additional research into safety as quickly as possible.

Speed is essential because the government plan to increase gas extraction in other Groningen fields is due to start in March.

Economic affairs minister Henk Kamp agreed in January to cut back total production from 53 billion cubic metres a year to 42.5 billion cubic metre this year and in 2015 and to 40 billion cubic metres in 2016. This will cost the treasury €2.3bn.