South Africa May Start Shale Exploration by April

Shale gas exploration may start in South Africa as soon as April next year, AFP quoted country’s trade minister as saying on Thursday.

Africa’s largest economy is trying to reduce its reliance on coal and is looking to promote nuclear power and shale gas as new energy sources.

"We need to advance the work on taking a decision on shale gas exploration," said trade and industry minister Rob Davies almost a year after lifting a freeze, AFP reported. "We want to move before the end of this administration."

The current government's term ends next April.

The country's semi-desert Karoo region potentially has one of the world's largest untapped shale fields.