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Overview
South Africa Karoo Basin

South Africa Karoo Basin Overview

The Karoo Basin reaches 600,000 sq km in central and southern South Africa and contains thick, organic rich shales such as the Permian Whitehill Formation. Until recently, the Karoo Basin was not considered prospective for productive hydrocarbons resulting in very limited modern hydrocarbon exploration onshore in South Africa.

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(Source : EIA International Shale Gas )

Moratorium 

In February 2011, a moratorium on the processing of all new applications relating to the exploration and production of shale gas in the Karoo Basin was put in place, and in April 2011 the processing of all existing applications was suspended whilst the South African Department of Mineral Resources conducted an environmental study on the effects of hydraulic stimulation and has been developping a system to regulate onshore exploration activities. In September 2012, the South African Government announced a decision to lift the moratorium on the processing of existing shale gas exploration permit applications following the publication of regulations (expected in Q2 2013), and consequently the Board expects that the exploration right over the acreage will be awarded in the second half of 2013.

 

South Africa Karoo Basin Map

South Africa Karoo Basin News

Falcon Makes Progress in South Africa; Three Well Australia Project

Falcon Makes Progress in South Africa; Three Well Australia Project

Philip O'Quigley, CEO of Falcon Oil & Gas commented: "It has been an exciting first half of 2015 for the Company with the commencement of our fully funded…

Aug 27, 2015

Falcon Optimistic on Landing Karoo Basin Exploration License

Falcon Optimistic on Landing Karoo Basin Exploration License

Falcon continues to work under the Cooperation Agreement with Chevron Corp.

Sep 3, 2013

NuEnergy Eyes Unconventionals in Malawi; Begins Survey

NuEnergy Eyes Unconventionals in Malawi; Begins Survey

Once basin characteristics have been determined and evaluated, NuEnergy will identify high potential drilling locations for shale gas and potentially CBM.

May 21, 2013

Challenger Energy Sells Interest In Karoo Basin

Challenger Energy Sells Interest In Karoo Basin

Dec 13, 2012

Premium content Falcon and Chevron To jointly Develop South African Shales

Falcon Oil & Gas today that it has entered into an Agreement with Chevron Business Development South Africa Limited (Chevron) which allows both parties to jointly co- operate…

Dec 13, 2012 Deal

Karoo Basin Shale Gas Target of Falcon, Chevron JV

Karoo Basin Shale Gas Target of Falcon, Chevron JV

South Africa's Karoo Basin has been lauded as an area with significant shale gas potential. The Basin covers almost two-thirds of the country of South Africa.

Dec 12, 2012

Premium content Challenger Energy Sells Interest In Karoo Basin

Challenger Energy Ltd is pleased to report that the Company has entered into an agreement to sell the 120 acre Maricopa property to an unrelated private buyer for…

Dec 12, 2012 Deal

South Africa Lifts Ban On Shale Gas Exploration

Falcon holds a 100% interest in a 7.5 million acre Technical Cooperation Permit in the Southwest Karoo Basin which was granted in October 2009. In January 2011, Falcon…

Sep 8, 2012

Shell Outline Karoo Basin Next Steps

Jul 17, 2012

More South Africa Karoo Basin News