PKN Orlen fuel group secured the Environment Ministry's approval for the purchase of two shale gas licenses from ExonnMobil, PKN Orlen said in a press statement.

"The Environment Ministry issued a positive opinion on application for the takeover of two licenses of ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Poland by Orlen Upstream," the statement reads.

The company is already starting preparations for the launch of exploration works in the new areas, the statement added.

PKN Orlen thus holds a total of 10 exploration licenses, the statement also read.

On December 7 Orlen announced it agreed to buy two shale gas exploration licenses to the total area of 2150 km2 from ExxonMobil.