South Africa: Controls and consultations ahead of fracking decisions

Ahead of a government decision on whether to authorise shale gas exploration, water and environmental affairs minister Edna Molewa has invoked the National Water Act and opened a public consultation process, saying that operators will require a water use licence before being allowed to start hydraulic fracturing to explore in the Karoo region. Molewa has asked for public comment on the notice, which covers fracking and other elements of onshore exploration and production activity involving unconventional oil and gas resources. An interdepartmental task team has also been established to investigate fracking issues ahead of a government decision – which is expected before the 2014 elections.