China's Sinopec signs deal to explore shale gas in Algeria

China's Sinopec Group said on Wednesday it signed a contract to explore a natural gas block in Algeria that could contain significant shale gas reserves. The deal was finalized earlier this week between Sinopec's exploration unit, SIPC, and Algeria's state energy company Sonatrach. The agreement marks Sinopec's latest push to secure energy resources abroad as China seeks to diversify its gas supply. Algeria, home to some of Africa's largest shale gas reserves, has been looking to attract foreign investment to develop its unconventional energy resources.