South Africa's Government Moves to Lift Karoo Fracking Moratorium Amidst Risks
In March 2026, South Africa announced plans to lift a moratorium on shale gas development in the Karoo Basin, initially established in 2011. This decision, aimed at enhancing energy security and economic growth, raises significant environmental and social concerns related to water scarcity, induced seismicity, and climate impact.
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The South African government plans to lift the fracking moratorium in the Karoo Basin, with a budget allocation of R48.1 million for the Karoo Shale Gas Project. The Petroleum Agency SA estimates the basin holds approximately 370 trillion cubic feet of shale gas.
Concerns include extreme groundwater stress, as many catchments faced issues as early as 2016, and fracking's water-intensive nature could lead to severe water depletion. Additionally, there are risks of induced seismicity and methane emissions, contradicting climate commitments.
The decision could set a precedent for further fossil fuel projects, complicating the country’s environmental and constitutional obligations. Precautionary principles should guide any future developments.
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