South africa prepares to end 13-year fracking ban in ecologically critical karoo region

After more than a decade of prohibition, South Africa is moving to lift its moratorium on hydraulic fracturing in the vast Karoo Basin, a decision that has ignited fierce debate between economic development advocates and environmental protection groups.

The Karoo, a sprawling semi-desert ecosystem covering over 400,000 square kilometers and home to approximately one million people, has been off-limits to fracking operations since 2011. The original ban was implemented to allow time for developing proper regulatory frameworks for the controversial extraction method, which involves injecting high-pressure mixtures of water, sand, and chemicals deep underground to fracture shale rock and release trapped natural gas.

Petroleum Minister Gwede Mantashe announced in July that the government is making “concerted efforts” to end the moratorium, with environmental baseline studies currently underway. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment released draft regulations for onshore oil and gas extraction in November, opening a 30-day public consultation period. Once these regulations are finalized, Mantashe indicated the ban will be lifted, potentially clearing the way for major companies like Shell to pursue previously submitted exploration applications.

Environmental advocates strongly oppose the move, arguing it prioritizes short-term economic benefits over long-term ecological health. Scientific research has linked fracking operations to numerous environmental and health risks, including groundwater contamination, excessive water consumption, soil degradation, and compromised air quality. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between South Africa’s energy development goals and its commitment to protecting one of the country’s most ecologically sensitive regions.