# summary - Link: https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/oil-exploration-fracking/summary/ - Published: 2025-11-16T14:20:44+02:00 - Author: dearSA _Advert_ _Advert – scroll down_ [ Have your say on the proposed fracking regulations](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/oil-exploration-fracking/#havasay) Particpation report with all public comments ⌊Loader⌉ Loading... ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long? ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/10165244/Fracking-Regulations-2025.pdf) [Download [2.74 MB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/10165244/Fracking-Regulations-2025.pdf) **Key Points:** _Part 1 – Scoping Process ​_ [General Requirements](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/oil-exploration-fracking/summary/#1763298448075-04295494-85ba) Exploration and production require rights under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), environmental authorizations under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, water use licenses under the National Water Act (NWA), and heritage permits under the National Heritage Resources Act (NHRA). Applications for these permissions must be submitted simultaneously to relevant authorities. [Objectives of Scoping](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/oil-exploration-fracking/summary/#1738150189975-5d0623dc-47dcaa0c-0449) - Notify interested and affected parties (I&APs) about the project. - Define project scope, location, and need. - Identify environmental sensitivities, key issues, and specialist assessments. - Document public participation and site selection processes. [Content of Scoping Reports](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/oil-exploration-fracking/summary/#1738150854013-bb98f5fb-7d09aa0c-0449) - General project information, including location, scope, and contact details. - Supporting documentation, such as EAP and specialist profiles, CVs, and declarations of independence. - Plan of study for scoping, including screening reports, specialist assessments, and public participation plans. _Part 2 – Environmental Impact Assessment Process_ [Objectives](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/oil-exploration-fracking/summary/#1763299017931-186e6f5f-9d1a) - Provide a consolidated assessment report for all decision-making authorities. - Assess environmental, social, and cultural impacts, propose mitigation measures, and determine residual risks. - Facilitate public participation and ensure compliance with legislative and policy requirements. [Content of Consolidated Assessment Report](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/oil-exploration-fracking/summary/#1763298459590-f515c625-111d) - **Chapter 1:** Summary for decision-makers. - **Chapter 2:** Detailed project description. - **Chapter 3:** Project scope, including activities, technologies, and legislative context. - **Chapter 4:** Public participation report, including methods, outcomes, and stakeholder engagement. - **Chapter 5:** Specialist impact assessments (e.g., agricultural, biodiversity, climate change, air quality, seismicity, socio-economic, heritage, hydrology, hydrogeology, traffic, and radio frequency interference). - **Chapter 6:** Plans, layouts, and designs (e.g., water/wastewater management, solid waste management, emergency plans, well layout/design). - **Chapter 7:** Environmental Management Programme (EMPr) with mitigation measures. - **Chapter 8:** Financial provisioning plans and calculations. - **Chapter 9:** Supporting documentation (e.g., EAP and specialist information, public participation records, impact assessments). [Specialist Assessments](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/oil-exploration-fracking/summary/#1763298459623-3341868b-f761) - Detailed protocols for assessing impacts on agriculture, biodiversity, climate change, air quality, seismicity, socio-economic factors, heritage, hydrology, and hydrogeology. - Each assessment must include findings, mitigation measures, residual impacts, and monitoring plans. [Public Participation](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/oil-exploration-fracking/summary/#1763298741578-ee56548a-7471) - A comprehensive public participation process is required, including advertising, meetings, stakeholder registration, and consultation. - Special attention must be given to rural communities and accessible communication methods. [Monitoring and Mitigation](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/oil-exploration-fracking/summary/#1763298773265-17d5fab1-3342) - Baseline monitoring must be conducted for at least 24 months before fracturing operations. - Operational monitoring plans must ensure impacts remain within acceptable levels and include ongoing assessments of environmental, social, and cultural impacts. [Regulatory Compliance](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/oil-exploration-fracking/summary/#1763298803311-78c3c396-b56d) - The MIR aligns with various South African laws, including NEMA, NWA, MPRDA, NHRA, and the Kwa-Zulu Natal Amafa and Research Institute Act. - Applications must comply with prescribed protocols and guidelines for impact assessments and monitoring. [Key Goals of MIR](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/oil-exploration-fracking/summary/#1763298839832-c5b65972-6bc5) - Streamline the process for obtaining environmental permissions. - Ensure comprehensive assessment and mitigation of environmental, social, and cultural impacts. - Promote informed decision-making and environmental protection. ### _Questions and answers_ [What types of specialist impact assessments are required?](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/oil-exploration-fracking/summary/#1763299027328-70f2b939-de61) The document outlines the following types of specialist impact assessments required for the exploration and production of onshore petroleum using fracturing technology: 1. a. Agricultural Impact Assessment ​ b. Terrestrial Biodiversity Impact Assessment ​ c. Aquatic Biodiversity Impact Assessment and Wetland/Riparian Delineation Study​ d. Animal Species Impact Assessment ​ e. Plant Species Impact Assessment f. Noise and Artificial Lighting Impact Assessment ​ g. Climate Change Impact Assessment ​ h. Air Quality Impact Assessment ​ i. Seismicity Risk Assessment ​ j. Socio-Economic Impact Assessment ​ k. Heritage Impact Assessment ​ l. Hydrology Impact Study (Surface Water) ​ m. Hydrogeology Study (Groundwater) ​ n. Traffic Impact Assessment ​ o. Radio Frequency Interference Study ​ Each assessment must be conducted by qualified specialists and include detailed findings, mitigation measures, residual impacts, and monitoring plans. ​ The full Minimum Information Requirements document ⌊Loader⌉ Loading... ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long? ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/16154426/53637gon6808.pdf) [Download [1.05 MB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/16154426/53637gon6808.pdf) Government notice ⌊Loader⌉ Loading... ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long? ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/16154507/Notice-from-53637gon6808.pdf) [Download [268.65 KB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/16154507/Notice-from-53637gon6808.pdf) moratorium on fracking the Karoo (now lifted) ⌊Loader⌉ Loading... ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long? ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/16154624/Moratorium-on-new-Applications-in-the-Karoo.pdf) [Download [0.99 MB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/16154624/Moratorium-on-new-Applications-in-the-Karoo.pdf) Department of Mineral Resources investigation into fracking the Karoo ⌊Loader⌉ Loading... ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long? ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/16154828/investigationhydraulicfracturingkaroobasinsaexecutivesummary.pdf) [Download [144.63 KB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/16154828/investigationhydraulicfracturingkaroobasinsaexecutivesummary.pdf) Western Cape High Court judgement of 13 August 2025 ⌊Loader⌉ Loading... ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long? ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/16155039/Judgment-TEEPSA567-August-2025.pdf) [Download [630.37 KB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/16155039/Judgment-TEEPSA567-August-2025.pdf) Onshore Well Decommissioning Guidelines ⌊Loader⌉ Loading... ⌊EAD Logo⌉ Taking too long? ⌊Reload⌉ Reload document | [ ⌊Open⌉ Open in new tab ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/16155841/18a662_ce32b4e0c8c74322bcf5c3400adcf82a.pdf) [Download [741.72 KB] ](https://cdn.dearsouthafrica.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/16155841/18a662_ce32b4e0c8c74322bcf5c3400adcf82a.pdf) ### _In the News_ - News24 — [Fracking: Legal and environmental groundwork released for comment](https://www.news24.com/business/climate-future/energy/fracking-legal-and-environmental-groundwork-released-for-comment-20251108-0552) - News24 — [Mantashe moves Karoo fracking survey to next phase despite climate concerns](https://www.news24.com/business/climate-future/energy/mantashe-moves-karoo-fracking-survey-to-next-phase-despite-climate-concerns-20251012-1123) - News24 — [‘We can’t kill mining for fresh air’ says Mantashe on Karoo fracking](https://www.news24.com/business/climate-future/energy/we-cant-kill-mining-for-fresh-air-says-mantashe-on-karoo-fracking-20250626-0878) - EWN — [Fracking the Karoo cannot prevent 2027 ‘gas cliff’ – Chris Yelland, energy analyst](https://www.ewn.co.za/2025/06/30/fracking-the-karoo-cannot-prevent-2027-gas-cliff-chris-yelland-energy-analyst) - Green Building Africa — [Mantashe moves to next phase of Karoo Basin petroleum survey sparking renewed fracking pushback](https://www.greenbuildingafrica.co.za/mantashe-moves-to-next-phase-karoo-basin-petroleum-survey-sparking-renewed-fracking-pushback/) - WITS University — [Unpacking the issues around fracking in SA](https://www.wits.ac.za/gci/gci-news/unpacking-the-issues-around-fracking-in-south-africa/) - Canary Media — [In Appalachia, fracking is not the job creator the industry claims](https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/fossil-fuels/appalachia-fracking-not-job-creator) - Inside Climate News — [Scientists Find Evidence that a Pennsylvania Town’s Water Was Contaminated by Fracking](https://insideclimatenews.org/news/07102025/pennsylvania-town-water-contaminated-by-fracking/) - Nature Scientific Reports — [Contamination of private water supplies after a well communication event (frac-out) in southwest Pennsylvania](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-16976-5) - Dialogue Earth — [Fracking, earthquakes and impunity: The recipe for a sacrifice zone in Argentina](https://dialogue.earth/en/energy/fracking-earthquakes-and-impunity-the-recipe-for-a-sacrifice-zone-in-argentina/) - University of Colorado — [Children Living Near Oil And Gas Wells Face Higher Risk of Rare Leukemia, Studies Show](https://news.cuanschutz.edu/news-stories/children-living-near-oil-and-gas-wells-face-higher-risk-of-rare-leukemia-studies-show) ### _Statements and media releases_ Click on a logo to view. Want to display your organisation’s statement? [Click here. ](https://dearsouthafrica.co.za/oil-exploration-fracking/summary/ rhino@dearsouthafrica.co.za?subject=org info for Conservation info page) Close ### Freedom of Religion SA (FOR SA) TEMPLATE PROVIDED BY FOR SA ### I strongly oppose the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill [B9B – 2018], which I believe to be unconstitutional and unnecessary, for the following reasons: 1. The Bill violates our constitutional rights as religious persons to express our religious beliefs without fear of punishment or persecution (section 15, read with section 16). Increasingly, around the world but also in South Africa, various holy scriptures (particularly on contentious issues) are regarded as “politically incorrect” or “offensive”, allegedly causing emotional and/or social harm. 2. I specifically oppose the Bill’s: 3. a. wide definition of “harm” (in Clause 1); b. the failure to define “hatred” (in Clause 1); and c. definition of, and creation of, the crime of “hate speech” (in Clause 4). 4. The creation of the crime of “hate speech” for saying / distributing something which could possibly be construed as “harmful”, will have certain unintended consequences, namely the criminalisation of good / well-meaning people who will be prosecuted for saying what they sincerely believe (according to their holy texts) and sent to jail. 5. There are already sufficient existing laws dealing with “hate speech”. 6. For all of the reasons given, I ask: 7. a. For the scrapping of the “hate speech” sections from the Bill altogether; b. Alternatively, should the “hate speech” provisions remain part of the Bill, we ask: c. a. That “harm” be defined as: “gross emotional and psychological detriment that objectively and severely undermines the human dignity of the targeted group”; and b. That “hatred” be defined as: “strong and deeply-felt emotions of enmity, ill- will, detestation, malevolence and vilification against members of an identifiable group, that implies that members of that group are to be despised, scorned, denied respect and subjected to ill-treatment based on their group affiliation”. d. That Clause 4(2)(d) (the “religious exemption clause”) be strengthened as follows to protect: _“expression of any religious conviction, tenet, belief, teaching, doctrine or writings, by a religious organisation or an individual, in public or in private, to the extent that such expression does not actively support, instigate, exhort, or call for extreme detestation, vilification, enmity, ill-will and malevolence that constitutes incitement to cause gross emotional and psychological harm that severely undermines the dignity of the targeted group, based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexual orientation”._