South Africa inches towards shale exploration in the Karoo basin

Large reserves in the Karoo basin are bringing upstream interest, but many barriers stand in the way of production

The South African government expects to issue exploration permits for shale-gas reserves in the first quarter of 2014 once regulations on exploration and hydraulic fracturing are approved. The government has been enthusiastic about the prospects of shale gas despite the obstacles to exploring and exploiting the remote and environmentally sensitive Karoo Basin. In October 2013, Susan Shabangu, the minister for mineral resources, signalled South Africa’s determination to pursue exploration of its unconventional resource. “Not only does the potential of shale-gas exploration and exploitation provide an opportunity for us to begin production of our own fuel, but it also marks the beginning of th