Is there fracking in the Karoo?

Fracking in the Karoo has generated a lot of opposition from activists who fear its damage to the environment. Mantashe said his department in September last year set out to drill a 3,500m stratigraphic hole in the Karoo to establish and test the occurrence of shale gas.

What is the impact of fracking in the Karoo?

Fracking has been shown to increase the frequency of small earth tremors. But the Karoo is exceptionally seismically stable, and the increased risk of dangerously large earthquakes was judged by the scientific assessment to be small. The risk to water resources is the biggest concern to all those involved.

When did the fracking in the Karoo start?

Shale in the Karoo Previously a lake 275 million years ago, shale gas began to form in the low-oxygen Karoo as organic mud accumulated. As pressure increased over time, the organic material within the mud gradually turned into oil and gas trapped in shale rock.

What areas in South Africa will be affected by fracking?

Fracking in the Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System that covers Botswana, Namibia and South Africa and where there are no permanent rivers, could have an impact on the groundwater of all three countries. Groundwater is extremely important to this region.

Where can shale be found in South Africa?

the Karoo Basin
South Africa’s shale gas resources are located in the Karoo Basin, which covers nearly two-thirds of South Africa….The Karoo Basin contains three main shale prospective areas, namely:

  • the Prince Albert Shale (77 Tcf);
  • the Collingham Shale (82 Tcf);7 and.
  • the Whitehill Shale (183 Tcf).

Does Karoo have oil?

The Main Karoo basin is considered an active petroleum system based on oil and gas shows documented within well reports and published literature.

How will the country benefit from the fracking that is proposed?

As a result of fracking, U.S. production of oil and natural gas has increased dramatically. This increase has abruptly lowered energy prices, strengthened energy security and even lowered air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions by displacing coal in electricity generation.

Where is shale gas found in South Africa?

South Africa’s shale gas resources are located in the Karoo Basin, which covers nearly two-thirds of South Africa. Estimates of recoverable resources in the Karoo have varied widely over the years. For example, one recent estimate found 40 times less shale gas in the Karoo than previously thought.

How do you spell hydrofracking?

fracking, also spelled fracing or fraccing, also called hydrofracking, in full hydraulic fracturing, in natural gas and petroleum production, injection of a fluid at high pressure into an underground rock formation in order to open fissures and allow trapped gas or crude oil to flow through a pipe to a wellhead at the …

Why is it called fracking?

“Fracking” is short for “hydraulic fracturing” — it’s a process by which water, sand, and chemicals are injected underground at very high pressures to crack open rock layers and release the oil or gas trapped inside.

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