Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 17, South Africa plans to lift its long-standing moratorium on shale gas exploration once new regulations are issued, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe said on Thursday. The new regulatory framework, expected to be published before the end of October, will allow the government to process new applications for reconnaissance permits, as well as exploration and production rights.

The moratorium, introduced in 2011, halted all new shale gas exploration activities in response to public concerns and legal actions by environmental groups regarding the potential ecological impact of hydraulic fracturing in the semi-arid Karoo region. Earlier on Thursday, a post-cabinet statement confirmed that the country’s environment minister had finalized the new shale gas regulations and that their publication was imminent.

Mantashe said: “Once those regulations are gazetted, I lift the moratorium. The economy needs a growth trigger and oil and gas are those triggers.” He emphasized that the country views natural gas as a key part of its transition from coal-based energy, as it works to diversify its energy mix and reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants, which currently supply most of South Africa’s electricity.

The upcoming regulations will establish a framework to address environmental and safety issues, including water management challenges linked to fracking in the Karoo Basin. The government aims to balance economic growth objectives with sustainable resource development, ensuring that exploration activities meet modern environmental standards.

South Africa, the continent’s most industrialized economy, currently relies on natural gas imported via pipelines from Mozambique to supply major industries. As those reserves are being depleted, the government is seeking new sources of domestic gas supply to ensure long-term energy security. At the same time, construction of the country’s first liquefied natural gas import terminal at Richards Bay is underway, marking a key step in diversifying supply channels.

The Petroleum Agency of South Africa estimates that the Karoo Basin contains about 209 trillion cubic feet of technically recoverable shale gas resources. However, a 2017 study by geologists at the University of Johannesburg suggested the volume could range from 13 trillion to 390 trillion cubic feet, with the actual recoverable amount likely closer to the lower end of that range.

The decision to lift the moratorium signals renewed efforts by the government to boost investment in the oil and gas sector and strengthen the national energy portfolio. Officials expect that new exploration activities could help reduce dependence on imports, stimulate local industry, and create employment opportunities.

By introducing clear regulations and environmental safeguards, South Africa seeks to advance responsible shale gas development while addressing both economic growth and ecological protection. The move marks a significant milestone in the country’s strategy to secure cleaner, more reliable, and sustainable energy sources for the future.