NGO ’ready to oppose future mining in Karoo’

The Treasure the Karoo Action Group on Tuesday said it would be illogical for government to selectively impose a moratorium on mining in the region.
It has been reported that the temporary ban announced last week only applies to future mining licences and excludes existing ones.

Several communities across the Karoo are opposed to Shell South Africa’s plans to mine for shale gas using hydraulic fracturing, also know as “fracking”.

The group’s Jonathan Deal said he has not ruled out future legal action to prevent mining in the area.

“Ourselves and the other NGOs - some of the other stakeholders involved - are very committed to using any legal remedy available to us to enforce our rights on behalf of all South Africans,” he said.