South Africa opens door to fracking

Natural Gas   Policy
By The Associated Press on September 7, 2012

South Africa says it will allow fracking to explore for shale gas in the semi-desert Karoo region known for its vast plains and tender lamb.

Cabinet ministers on Friday agreed to lift a year-old moratorium on hydraulic fracturing, based on a report by a technical task team. Shale gas is being touted as a viable alternative to expensive electricity in a country often short of power, and a boost for the economically depressed Karoo.

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