South Africa’s Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, has reiterated his commitment to lifting the moratorium on shale gas exploration, describing it as a potential “game changer” for the country’s energy sector. Speaking during his department’s budget presentation in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Mantashe emphasized the need to tap into shale gas resources in the Karoo region to boost energy development.

Mantashe stated that the exploration process is awaiting finalised regulations from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment. “Once the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment gives us the regulations, we lift the moratorium on shale gas,” he said, highlighting the potential for rapid progress once approval is granted.

However, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact of shale gas exploration in the ecologically sensitive Karoo. Freedom Front Plus MP Wynand Boshoff expressed scepticism about the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources’ ability to manage the process responsibly. “The track record of mining in South Africa is not such that we want to leave the future of the Karoo in the hands of this department,” Boshoff said.

Opposition parties largely rejected the department’s budget, arguing it fails to address critical challenges in the mining sector, including regulatory delays and environmental concerns. Despite the criticism, Mantashe remains optimistic about the economic potential of shale gas, urging swift action to unlock its benefits.