In South Africa, following years of suspension the government on Tuesday announced that the first exploration for shale gas in the country will commence in the next fiscal year.

“One area of real opportunity for South Africa is the exploration of shale gas. Exploration activities are scheduled to commence in the next financial year. This will lead to excellent prospects for beneficiation and add value to our mineral wealth,” the government said in a statement.

According to Engineering news, postponement in the granting of exploration licenses and lower oil prices in the global market, made companies like Shell retreat on scheduled shale gas projects in the onshore Karoo Basin in 2015.

Anita Fatunji