English.news.cn 2013-11-30 08:01:05

CAPE TOWN, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- The discovery of shale gas provides yet another opportunity to grow and develop the economy, South African President Jacob Zuma said on Friday.

"We must explore this potential," Zuma said on the occasion of the Launch of the Stanley Nkosi Sinter Mine in Northern Cape Province.

Shale gas has been discovered in the desert area of Karoo in part of Northern Cape.

"We are extremely excited about the prospect, because as Government we consider hydraulic fracturing for shale gas a 'game- change' opportunity for the Karoo region and for our economy at large," Zuma said.

Future exploitation of shale gas also raise concern about the possible damage to the environment.

Zuma said the government is fully aware of concerns that have been raised on hydraulic fracturing, including issues of water and the environment. "The Mineral Resources Minister will therefore be coming back to this area early next year to consult with communities, and to hear what the people have to say, before any further decisions are taken by Government on this matter," said Zuma, while urging companies to care for the environment.

Zuma said he has been informed of the need to preserve the environment – hence stockpiles would be stored in a covered area.

"I have also been briefed that as part of nature conservation, for every tree that is removed, ten trees are planted," he said.

The government has said it will go ahead with the controversial exploration of shale gas deposits in a bid to improve the country's energy mix.

However, environmentalists have expressed strong opposition to the government move to explore shale gas. The Treasure Karoo Action Group (TKAG) says shale gas reserves, globally, have been overstated and world leaders are misinformed in this regard.

There have been concerns about the effect the exploration activities will have on water quality and availability in areas where water is scarce. America's Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that South Africa might boast shale gas reserves of around 485 trillion cubic feet. The gas would only be accessible by hydraulic fracturing or "fracking", which is to pump water and chemicals into rock at high pressure. In April 2011, in response to opposition from environmental groups and the local community, South Africa's government slapped a moratorium on fracking.