South Africa to Issue Shale-Gas Permits in First Quarter of 2014

South Africa's Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu has announced plans to issue licenses permitting exploration of shale-gas reserves in the first quarter.

“Now we have a 30-day period where we are expecting to get public comments from the various parties; by early next year, it will be done,” she said in an interview, as reported by Bloomberg.

On October 15th the country published proposed new regulations for hydraulic fracturing.

Royal Dutch Shell and other explorers have applied for permits to explore the Karoo. 

The nation’s plans to exploit shale gas reserves are “indefensible” and will lead to a legal battle, Treasure Karoo Action Group Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Deal said Oct. 16.

The draft rules require drillers to meet American Petroleum Institute standards governing the type of equipment used and the disclosure of chemicals.