South Africa: Karoo Basin
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.
(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 News
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Falcon Makes Progress in South Africa; Three Well Australia Project
August 27,2015 -
Falcon Optimistic on Landing Karoo Basin Exploration License
September 03,2013 -
NuEnergy Eyes Unconventionals in Malawi; Begins Survey
May 21,2013 -
Challenger Energy Sells Interest In Karoo Basin
December 13,2012 -
Falcon and Chevron To jointly Develop South African Shales
December 13,2012 | Challenger Energy Ltd -
Karoo Basin Shale Gas Target of Falcon, Chevron JV
December 12,2012 -
Challenger Energy Sells Interest In Karoo Basin
December 12,2012 | Chevron Corp -
South Africa Lifts Ban On Shale Gas Exploration
September 08,2012 -
Shell Outline Karoo Basin Next Steps
July 17,2012