The threat of ‘fracking’ (hydraulic fracturing) in Northern KwaZulu-Natal is over for now.
This follows a statement by Rhino Oil and Gas Exploration South Africa that the company was withdrawing its exploration rights application over a large swathe of NKZN, which included the Dundee district.

The statement was submitted by Matthew Hemming of SLR Consulting, who chaired the public meetings.

“Rhino has, upon evaluation of a number of geological and geophysical datasets during the course of the Technical Cooperation Permit and Exploration Right phases, produced an interpretation of the hydrocarbon potential within the areas known as ER291 and ER317 (including the Umzinyathi, Amajuba, uThukela and other districts.) In-house interpretation of the data, along with independent external review of the data and interpretation, has lead Rhino to believe the geological risk is too high for economically feasible hydrocarbon development in these areas. It is on this basis that a technical recommendation was made to relinquish these areas.”
Mr Hemming added Rhino Oil and Gas Exploration advised the ER291 application was formally withdrawn at the Petroleum Agency of South Africa.
“As a result, the file on this application is closed.”

Read more:

Exploration authorisation granted to Rhino Oil but the appeal process is still open

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