South Africa Anti-Fracking Group Threatens Legal Action

South African non-profit organization Treasure the Karoo Action Group (TKAG) has called for an extension on the moratorium on fracking in the Karoo and has threatened legal action if the government goes ahead with issuing shale gas licences, reports Moneyweb, a South African website

In a letter written to the government, the Group details the “fatal flaws” in government’s approach to shale gas – among them the lack of a proper public consultation process, the flawed environmental management plans submitted by the applicants and the lack of a proper regulatory framework and enforcement capacity, the website says.

“The premature litany of game-changer, game-changer in South Africa has gone far enough. We have taken serious note of the promises of President Zuma to South Africa in connection with fracking and are now poised to take legal steps,” says TKAG CEO Jonathan Deal.

Earlier this year, President Zuma had called shale gas exploration in Karoo a game changer.

“The development of petroleum, especially shale gas, will be a game changer for the Karoo region and the South African economy. Having evaluated the risks and opportunities, the final regulations will be released soon and will be followed by the processing and granting of licences,” said President Zuma in his sixth State of the Nation Address in February.

Last week, South Africa's Mineral Resources Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi said shale gas exploration regulations were “drafted and ready”, but declined to give a date when they would be made public.

The NGO wants a response from government within the next 30 days and would proceed with litigation of there is no response from the government, Moneyweb says.